Pole Barn Construction

PJ Buildings' general construction methods are detailed below. Some changes may need to be made to comply with local building restrictions, if applicable

Poles & Skirt Board (Bottom Plate)

  • Posts are usually spaced 10' on center. (8' or 12' on center are optional)
  • Treated Posts are set at least 3' into the ground (based on level ground)
  • Postholes can be deeper to meet some code restrictions - this will be more expensive
  • Posts can be attached to a pre-poured concrete slab with Engineered steel brackets
  • Posts are solid sawn 4 x 6 or 6 x 6 treated depending on the height of the building.
  • #2 Southern Yellow Pine lumber is standard.
  • Skirt Board (Bottom Plate) is a treated 2 x 6. This board can be used as a form for the concrete slab if the slab is poured after construction

Truss Carrier (Top Plate)

  • Truss Carrier (Top Plate) supports the trusses and is anchored to every post by 1/2" lag bolts.
  • Generally double 2 x 10s will be used as truss carriers. Double 2 x 8s or 2 x 12s are also used, based on the width of the building.
  • #2 Southern Yellow Pine lumber is standard.

Wall Girts

  • 2 x 4s spaced 36 inches apart to attach wall cladding to.
  • 2 x 6s are used in some instances.
  • #2 Southern Yellow Pine lumber is standard.

Factory Engineered Trusses

  • Trusses are typically constructed of 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 rafter and ceiling joist with 2 x 4 braces, and are engineered for the location and the purpose that they are being used.
  • Engineered Trusses will typically use #2 SYP lumber in their construction for the top and bottom chord, and bracing.
  • Standard Truss spacings are 5' on centers.
  • Alternative truss spacings are 2' or 4' on centers. This is based on the spacing of the posts and the use of the truss and building.
  • Standard roof pitch is 4/12.
  • Roof pitches can vary from 2/12 to 8/12 (steeper pitches are more expensive).

Roof Purlins

  • Roof Purlins are used to tie the trusses together and to attach the roof layers to.
  • 2 x 4s spaced 24 inches apart.
  • #2 Southern Yellow Pine lumber is standard.

Exterior Metal

  • #1 American Made Metal, 36 inch wide panel (ribs every 9 inches).
  • 29 Gauge Painted or Galvalume as standard.
  • 26 Gauge Painted or Galvalume available as an option.
  • wide color choice.
  • Manufacturer limited warranty will range from 20-40 years.
  • refer to our Metal Roofing section

Fasteners

  • Screws are used to anchor the metal to the framing.
  • Screw heads are painted to match the metal, and have Neoprene Sealing washers.
  • Lumber is joined by galvanized nails and plates.
  • Truss carriers are attached to poles by galvanized lag bolts.