Exmark Z Turf Equipment Backyard Life
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Exmark's Backyard Life

Living Happens Outdoors

  • Mowing
  • Outdoor Living
  • Lawn + Garden
  • Ambassadors
  • Originals
  • About Exmark
  • Subscribe to Backyard Life
Search
Home / Rural Lifestyle /
Updated: Jan 30, 2024 | Posted: Nov 30, 2020

Pole Barn Basics: What you Need to Know

There are many things to consider when building a pole barn. In this Backyard Life video, learn about pole barn basics: pros and cons, maintenance, and cost associated with building one of your own.

Pole Barn Basics

If you’re looking for a low-cost way to increase your property’s indoor space, few things beat a pole barn.

Morgan begins with a walk-through tour of his family’s pole barn that’s already in progress. The versatile space is divided in half—each with two very different purposes. “On one side, we’re going to have a shop and space for equipment. And, on the other side, we’re building a game room with a patio and pool,” Morgan says. Because the pole barn has clear, open spans without posts in the middle, there’s a lot of room for flexibility. 

What is a Pole Barn

When people talk about pole barns, they’re basically referring to the foundation system. Instead of a poured-concrete foundation, the building is supported by pressure-treated wooden posts set approximately 40 inches in the ground and standing on concrete pedestals.

Advantages of a Pole Barn

  1. One of the advantages of this type of foundation is that it costs significantly less than a traditional foundation. But, Morgan is also quick to note that they don’t last quite as long as a conventional footer-and-block system.
  2. The biggest advantage of building a pole barn is its cost-effectiveness over other construction styles. A traditional building costs about $120/s.f., compared to $35/s.f. for a pole barn. “You get a lot of bang for your buck,” states Morgan.

Pole Barn Maintenance 

Next, Morgan talks about the best way to keep a pole barn up. “As far as maintenance, there’s not much at all involved,” says Morgan. “No painting, no staining. Maybe an occasional pressure washing.” 

Morgan wraps up by highlighting the myriad ways a pole barn can be used. They’re perfect for “workshops, garages or horse barns.”

More DIY Project Tips:

  • 5 Tips to Help You Complete Your DIY Projects
  • Landscaping Tips to Reduce Fire Risk
  • Trail Building Tips for Wooded Properties

By Mike Morgan

Outdoors with the Morgans YouTube channel creator, Mike Morgan, brings a lifetime of rural living…

Tags

buildMike Morgan

Primary Sidebar

Stay Connected

Keep living your best backyard life all year round. Get alerts on the latest Original Series updates, along with the inspiration and know-how you need to enjoy backyard life to the fullest!

Loading
More from Mike Morgan
Monetize your rural property
How to Make Money From Your Land
Mike Morgan pointing at french drain installation
French Drain Installation Tips
DIY Garden Bench Build
DIY Garden Bench Build
Staff Picks
10 DIY Projects for Backyard Living
Deer Season Prep with Michael Waddell
5 Great Fire Pit Seating Ideas
Mosquito Control in Ponds and Backyards
Greg Mrvich’s Copycat Le Barchen Mac Wagyu Burger
  • Home
  • Mowing
  • Outdoor Living
  • Lawn + Garden
  • Ambassadors
  • Originals
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • x
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest

Copyright © 2025 EXMARK - Backyard Life

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • DMCA

Trending