Building A PORTABLE POLE BARN..

jere7782 · Apr 28, 2014

Hello, I am an avid woodworker and enjoy building stuff.
My brother wishes to build a 12x15x8 Portable Building. My father stated that we could cut cost and make a Pole Barn style Portable building.
I seen tons of diagrams etc of other portable buildings but none in a Pole Barn style frame.
My question, if I were to build the shed. WOULD it be able to be moved?
I would not want the weight shifting etc and fold over on itself.
Any advice would be great.

I make cabinets, toys etc, So this will be a huge project for me. I appreciate any feedback.
Thank you

bcp · Apr 28, 2014

My first thought-build it on skids with a strong floor.

Second thought-build a scale model first, then post photos of the design details here.

Bruce

jere7782 · Apr 28, 2014

I was thinking 2x8 in the floor at 16inch center, and then use 4x4 post every 3 to 4 ft. Attach them to the 2x8 in the floor. and build the floor around each post.
I personally want to build it on 2x8 at 16n center.. but just like I see many other sheds built, 2x4 studs in the walls etc. all at 16in centers..
He wants to save money but be efficient and long lasting.
Thanks BCP..

jere7782 · Apr 28, 2014

I was going to put skids or runners on the bottom.. Probably 2 of them..

dave1949 · Apr 28, 2014

How portable does it need to be? Move a little bit now and then, or move long distances regularly? The use dictates how you build it really.

If you really plan on moving it very often, a trailing set of wheels at the rear and a tongue on the front would help. Think of an oversized bush hog with dual trailing wheels.

jere7782 · Apr 28, 2014

I was going to put skids or runners on the bottom.. Probably 2 of them..

jere7782 · Apr 28, 2014

he does not plan to move it.. but wants it portable just in case he ever needs to move it.

forgeblast · Apr 29, 2014

The first thought that came to me was something that was timberframed.

Oliver1655 · Apr 29, 2014

It would be just a cheap to frame it on 16" centers as to use 4x4 posts. You can run the steel sheeting sideways. This will actually be sturdier than posts with furring strips to fasten the siding to. This will also make it easy to insulate & add shelving to.

s219 · Apr 29, 2014

For portable, I would build a traditional framed floor sitting on heavy skids (4x4 or 4x6), plywood deck, and then traditional framed walls and roof. No reason or benefit to pole construction if the poles aren't set in the ground and you need to build a separate floor. Traditional framing will be stiffer and lighter for what you want.

A long time ago I worked for a company that built pre-fab sheds from 8x8 up to 12x24. They were built in a factory and then delivered on site and moved into place. The construction technique I mentioned above was used. They were strong buildings and very amenable to being moved. Once on site, we'd put them up on cement blocks.

Beltman60 · Apr 29, 2014

I bought a used 28x10 barn and had them deliver it for $2500 3 years ago

It was built by the Amish and had a full floor in it with 4x6 runners under it
it has 2 10x10 stalls with step in dutch doors and in the center there is a 10x8 tach room that we use for hay and feed that has double doors from the other side