Designing a pole barn—whether it’s a simple storage building, a hobby garage, or a full two-story barndominium—requires more than picking a floor plan and choosing colors. With endless pole barn design tools, online pole barn kits, and DIY resources available, it’s easy to overlook important structural and functional details. But will your pole barn design actually meet engineering standards and perform the way you need it to?
In this blog, we’ll walk through the top five most common pole barn design mistakes and how to avoid them so you can create a design that works right from the start.
Choosing the right pole barn design goes far beyond picking a width and length. Did you know that not planning your building with standard truss and column spacing—like 8’ on center—can lead to extra costs, design headaches, and even placing doors or windows where a column sits?
Below, we’ll break down why column and truss spacing is important, how to properly plan for future additions like lean-tos or interior mezzanines, why understanding local building codes matters, and what to consider before signing a contract. We’ll help you navigate the post-frame building process so your pole building is efficient, functional, and built to last.
When determining the size of your pole barn, it is key to remember that a standard truss and column is 8’ on center. This allows for strength and durability. Be sure to check with your post-frame builder, as each has different standards.
Columns, or posts, are the backbone of your walls and transfer both vertical and lateral loads safely to the foundation. Standard column spacing is also 8 feet on center, but depending on your builder and the size of your pole barn, it may range from 6 to 10 feet. Wider spacing, such as 12 feet, is rarely used and can create weak points in the load path, putting your building at risk during high winds, seismic activity, or heavy snow.
To simplify construction and ensure strength, it’s best to plan your pole barn dimensions around these standard increments. For example, pole barn garages are often designed in depths of 24’, 32’, 40’, or 48’, which align perfectly with 8-foot truss and column spacing.
With thousands of pole barn and barndominium floor plans available online, it’s easy to pick a design based purely on looks. A centered front door may look perfect in a rendering, but did the designer consider that your columns are spaced 8’ on center? Ignoring this can lead to windows or doors being installed where a column should be, requiring costly adjustments.
If you anticipate future additions, such as lean-tos, interior mezzanines, or even extra bays, tell your post-frame builder from the start. By accounting for these possibilities, your foundation and structural system can be designed to support them, saving time, money, and headaches down the road. Thinking long-term ensures your pole barn grows with your needs, rather than limiting you later.
Even if you’re building in a rural area, local rules and permitting requirements can vary widely. Some pole barn homeowners have run into unexpected issues with county regulations or HOA restrictions that limit design options. For example, one county may require a driveway permit, while a neighboring county does not.
Proper planning and research before breaking ground are essential. Understanding the rules for pole barn construction in your area helps you avoid costly delays, redesigns, or fines. While some uncertainty is inevitable during construction, knowing your county’s requirements ensures a smoother process and keeps your pole barn project on track.
Building a pole barn is a significant investment, and it’s natural to be excited to get started. However, skipping proper planning can lead to delays and added costs. Before signing your contract, make sure you’ve considered all your options, secured financing, purchased land, and lined up any necessary subcontractors.
Once a contract is signed, changes—like adding windows, adjusting the building color, or switching to overhead doors—require a change order, which not only increases your project quote but can also delay construction. After the contract is submitted, materials are ordered, so each adjustment pushes your timeline back and becomes more expensive.
Take the time to explore our blogs and YouTube videos to learn the ins and outs of post-frame construction. Proper preparation ensures you can move forward with confidence, avoid costly change orders, and enjoy a smoother, more predictable building experience.
Avoiding common pole barn design mistakes saves time, money, and stress. From proper truss and column spacing to future expansions and permits, smart planning ensures your post-frame building is built right the first time.
Get started today—request a quote and let our team help you design a pole barn that fits your needs now and in the years to come.