Pole Barn Calculator
The Pole Barn Calculator contains functions to compute the construction materials for a pole barn with concrete piers, a slab, wood framing, roof trusses for a normal gabled roof and metal panels and trim for the roof and siding.
- Gable Roof Metal: This estimates the materials needed for a metal roof for a simple gabled roof based on the roof dimensions.
- Purlins for a Roof: This computes the total number and length of purlins for a simple gable roof based on the ridge length of the roof, the roof pitch and the span of the roof.
- Trusses Needed for Roof: This computes the number of trusses needed for a roof based on the ridge length and spacing.
- Metal Siding for Gable Ends: This computes the metal siding materials (vertical panels) for a wall under a gable roof end based on the dimensions.
- Metal Siding for Gable End with Door: This computes the metal siding materials for a wall under a gable roof end based on the dimensions.
- Girts for a Building: This computes the number of rows of girts and their lengths for a building.
- Wall Beams for a Building: This computes the lengths beams for the outer wall of a building.
- Posts for a Building: This computes the number of vertical posts for a building based on dimensions and spacing.
- Rebar and Concrete in a Slab: This computes the total length and weight of rebar and the volume of concrete needed for a slab.
- Piers for a Building: This computes the number of piers for a building and the amount of concrete needed.
- Pole Barn Materials: This computes the top to bottom framing and roofing materials needed for a pole barn (see picture) based on a few dimension.
- Pole Barn Metal Roof and Siding Cost: This uses an estimated the linear feet of metal panels needed for a pole barn with a door way, and provides an estimated cost for the metal panels for the roof and siding based on a the dimension and cost per linear foot of panels.
- Corrugated Metal Paint or Coating Volume: This estimates the volume of paint or other coating (e.g., spray insulation) is needed for a corrugated surface.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Confirm all calculations with authoritative sources such as architectural drawings before risking health or wealth on the results of any calculator, and ALWAYS adhere to government approved building codes.
Construction Steps
The steps to construct your building are as follows:
- Prepare the site with all needed grading. Level areas are by far the easiest to use. Consider this in your site location choices.
- Set the corners. Make sure that you have a square building by double checking that the length of the diagonals are the same, and that the corners are all level. The importance of this step can not be overstated.
- Set the location of the piers which include the corner piers and dig the holes.
- Pour the piers. Put crushed stone at the bottom of the pier holes and add a few inches of concrete (e.g., 3"). Then use a concrete forming tube to pour your piers. It is wise to use a laser level to mark the height of the tubes for concrete. This will ensure that the top of the piers are all level. This will save a tremendous amount of work later.
- Before the piers are set, place the post anchors in the concrete.
- Erect the posts. Some do this with girts holding together the posts for an entire wall, but the weight will demand the help of equipment (e.g., forklift)
- If the girts are not already on the posts, add them.
- Make sure the posts are plumb (vertical) and secured with diagonal boards.
- Place the beams at the top of the posts.
- Place trusses on beams. Make sure that trusses are secure and plumb using diagonal boards.
- Install roof rakes on gable ends.
- Fix the purlins to the top of the trusses and rakes. Some use the purlins to frame the rakes.
- Put metal trim on gable ends and truss facia.
- Put metal panels on the roof.
- Put metal trim around the door
- Put metal panels on the side walls
Site Preparation
The building site should be leveled and the location of the corners set. Then, one can calculate the location and spacing of the piers.
Trusses and Beams
Once the posts are in place, the beams and then trusses can be put in place.
Purlins and Girts
The next step is to apply the girts on the sides of the building and the purlins on the roof.
Metal Roof and Trim
The purlins provide the right material for applying your metal roof and trim with metal screws.
Metal Siding and Trim
The girts are the right understructure for metal siding.
Inside
Once the framing is completed and the metal installed on the roof and walls, the door(s) can be hung and the interior finished.
Special Thanks
The following experts were consulted in the construction of these calculators. However, they assume no liability and advise all developers to confirm all their construction estimates against professional calculations and to confirm that all of their calculations conform to local building laws, codes and regulations.