Clients usually have a good idea of what they're looking for in a pole barn by the time they're ready to have it built. They’ve likely spent time thinking about how it should look and what it needs to include.
A pole barn project might serve residential, agricultural, or commercial needs, but in any case, it’s a major investment. A well-thought-out plan matters.
But even the most detailed vision can overlook common flaws in pole barn design. These small missteps can lead to big headaches down the road.
Like any building, pole barn design issues are harder and more expensive to fix once construction is complete.
That’s where your expertise comes in. As a builder or project manager, your role is to help clients avoid costly mistakes before they’re built into the plan.
7 Easy-to-Miss Pole Barn Design Flaws
When it comes to designing a pole barn that meets your client’s needs and matches their budget, your building or project-management expertise goes a long way. As a guide to your client, you can identify design flaws that may cause expensive problems down the road.
Seven of the most common pole barn design flaws include:
- Size
- Location
- Improperly sized openings
- Missing features
- Wrong foundation type
- Missing utilities
- The wrong color
1. Size
There’s nothing more frustrating for a client than having a pole barn they’ll quickly outgrow or never use to its full extent.
With a pole barn that’s too small, a client may find themselves quickly needing to add onto the structure (resulting in more overhead costs). On the other hand, a pole barn that’s too large may not look good on a property or become a financial burden because of utility costs (heating and lighting).
One of the easiest ways to design a pole barn that’s the right size is to spend a few minutes with a client creating a list of everything they plan to put inside it. There’s a huge size difference for a pole barn that’s intended to store a push mower and garden tools vs. a tractor and farming equipment.
2. Location
Like a custom home, a pole barn’s location has an impact on its functionality, especially as it relates to the environment.
Its orientation to the sun’s path or wind currents may not allow a client to take advantage of natural lighting and cooling. Conversely, poor orientation may mean a pole barn gets too much sunlight or is drafty.
Did you know pole barns are an eco-friendly building alternative? Learn why:
3. Improperly Sized Openings
What’s more frustrating than a pole barn that’s too big or too small? One that you can’t get equipment in and out of.
A major consideration for those storing heavy equipment or large vehicles, an improperly sized opening(s) is a barrier to actually using the structure for its intended purpose.
When designing a pole barn, find out exactly what your client plans to keep inside it. You may need to get measurements of large vehicles and equipment to confirm the building’s openings are an appropriate size.
4. Extra Features Missing
Although these extra features aren’t essential for every pole barn owner, they can enhance the appearance and versatility of the building:
- Overhead doors
- Windows
- Wainscoting
- Porches
- Other
Most of these features are easier and more cost-effective to include in the original design than they are to add later.
5. The Wrong Foundation Type
Pole barns don’t require a foundation. Most feature a dirt floor. That’s a major difference compared to stick-built construction, which typically relies on a full foundation.
For some clients, a concrete slab foundation might be a better fit – it's more durable and easier to clean, but much harder to add later. They’re an expensive addition, and it’s nearly impossible to add a concrete foundation to an existing post frame building.
6. Missing Utilities
When your client designs their dream pole barn, certain utilities may not seem like a priority:
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Heating
Omitting them may be a cost-saving measure at the time.
However, including utilities in a pole barn’s original design saves the expense and headache of installing them separately later. Utility installation often requires emptying large sections of the barn to ensure accessibility, and the client may be left without a usable building for several weeks. Not to mention the ensuing cleanup.
7. The Wrong Color
Although color is not as big a deal as the functionality flaws on this list, choosing the wrong color can result in extra expenses for the client. Whether your client does the job themselves or hires professionals, repriming and repainting a pole barn costs time and money.
Pole Barn Design FAQsEven with a solid plan, clients new to this building type may have questions. These quick answers can help guide smarter pole barn design choices from the start. Q: Are there any long-term maintenance considerations?A: Maintenance might not be the first thing a client thinks about, but it should factor into early design conversations. Choices like siding, roofing, and protective features (such as wainscoting) can affect how often the building needs attention. Skipping those up-front may lead to more frequent repairs later. Drainage planning matters, too. Simple details like gutter placement or grading around the structure can prevent moisture-related damage and help extend the life of the building. A well-planned post frame barn is functional when it’s finished and is easier to take care of for years to come. Q: How do regional climates affect pole barn design choices?A: The environment plays a bigger part in pole barn design than most clients realize. In snowy regions, steeper roof pitches and stronger trusses help prevent structural strain. In high-wind areas, added bracing and upgraded fasteners may be necessary. For hotter climates, ventilation and roofing materials can affect how comfortable and efficient the building feels – especially if it’s used regularly. Factoring in local conditions from the start leads to a structure that performs better and holds up longer, no matter what it’s used for. |
Smart Pole Barn Design Starts on Day 1
Most design flaws can be fixed, or at least improved, after a pole barn is built. But it’s far more cost-effective to begin with a pole barn design that meets your client’s needs from the start.
As an expert in providing building solutions, your role is to help make sure those flaws aren’t part of the plan in the first place.
Ready to Plan Smarter?
Download our guide to learn what goes into effective pole barn design and material planning:
