Pole Barn size?

[PSDStu]

I am looking to build a Pole Barn for a Kubota L3240 tractor and was wondering about what would be a good size for the barn?

I am planning on storing the tractor, and bush hog in the barn, the other attachments like rake, disc, and box blade will remain outdoors.

I was thinking of either a 32x32 or 36x36 size barn and was wondering if this size would be ok, and/or if I should go with a rectangular size barn?

Stu

 

[LD1]

It's all going to depend on your setting and how much you want to spend. Do you have enough room for a large barn, Is it going to be next to an existing structure like your house. If so, you dont want it to look like it doesnt belong. When I built mine next to the house, I made the roof lines the same, depth of the building, and pitch of the roof. One of these days I would like to enclose a breeseway between the barn and the house. Planning ahead helps.

Another deciding factor will be If you are going to build it or hire it done. If you are going to build it yourself I would definatally opt for something like a 30x40 instead of 36x36. The 30x40 will give you about the same size but a 30' truss is a lot easier to set than a 36' truss. Also, I you build it yourself, It is a good Idea to try to size everything around 8 foot dimensional lumber. Most lumber is cheaper per foot if bought in 8 foot sections.

Lastly, If you hire it done, get several quotes for different sizes. Go with what gets you the most space for less money.

 

[RobJ]

Like LD1 said how much money do you have? 32x32 or 36x36 and only 1 tractor and mower you will have a lot of extra room.

 

[PSDStu]

Thanks for the inputs. Besides the tractor and stuff, I will also be using the barn for a general purpose shop for mechincal repairs, welding etc..etc..

I'm not opposed to say a 24x24 size barn, or 30x40, but just don't want to have something to small. I want the barn to be enclosed, with 1 roll-up door, and 1 man door, and on a concrete slab. My budget is between 10-15K..... not sure what that budget will get me....but will call around for some estimates.

The barn will be built about 300ft from the house where we used to have a trailer which we have sold. My plan was to use the seperate electric, well, and maybe the septic (probably just run a sink drain outside) from where the trailer used to sit for the barn.

Stu

 

[accordionman]

HELLO TO ALL,
your question has been covered here before.
figure what you want in size, double it, and add
30% i always laugh when i think about this, but
most of us build smaller, and then wish we had
built bigger.
good luck with your projects.
accordionman
wlbrown

 

[Legdoc]

Based on my experience you can never build a barn too big! Build as big a structure you can afford and be done with it. I have a 40'x100' with a 20'x60' canopy on the front. I wish it was a 50'x120' with a 25' canopy all the way.

Legdoc

 

[EddieWalker]

How much is the budget? Do you want it done right away? Is there a building code where you will be building it? Is there a snow load? Wind? Hurricanes?

The wider the building, the more goes into the roof. A long, narrow buiding is going to have a cheaper roof to build. The shorter the span, the easier it is.

If you are going to build it yourself, pole barn type construction is the cheapest way to go. You don't need a foundation and you can always come back later and install concrete.

For some very basic figuring, I use $10 a ft as a starting number. This can go up and down depending on allot of factors, but it's a place to start.

Good luck,
Eddie

 

[Eagleview]

3 things to consider , 1 , The only difference between a large barn and a smaller one is the roof and floor as you already have the walls . 2 , Make sure you add enough room for work benches in front of machinery so you can work without having to put them outside . 3 , make sure your door is wide enough to take say , a flail mower later .

 

[putt_putt_green]

More doors please. With 1 door your going to
1) Bury things in the back of the barn and never use them.
2) Pull everything out to get something in the back.
3) Leave the center open so you can get to everything, wasting space.

My barn is 28x44, with 2 overhead 10' wide doors and a 12' wide sliding door. I picked 44 feet because I could pull truck and trailer in (I've never actually done that though). 28 wide works well with the 2 10' wide doors.

I keep the tractor, ATVS, and implements at slider, the truck in one overhead. The other overhead goes into a 14x26 wood shop. I park the mower in front of this door in the woodshop (its less than 36" high, so the saws all clear it.

 

[jdmar]

Eddie, Accordian man, and everyone else have great advice. I will add that I am just now building a barn. My last place had a 32x72 and a 24x40 with additional 6 foot porch overhang. I am building a 38 x 64 now with loft above (gambrell attic trusses). Yesterday i had the tractor in the foundation leveling and speading the dirt. It was amazing how small the barn got with a tractor inside. I have a relatively small tractor (JD4300 32 HP) but with the loader and 6' hog it took up a lot of space. I am already contemplating my side wing additions! I am planning to put a lot of the 3pt equipment on "pallets" with wheels--easier to roll into the isle and to hook up also. It will just cost a lot in heavy duty casters. Good luck and send pictures!
Peter