Pole barn renovation projects have increased in popularity since the start of COVID-19.
More property owners are investing in their existing post-frame buildings rather than building brand-new ones. Even social platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok are flooded with the latest home improvement trends.
Pole barn renovation ideas are certainly not lacking. Your post-frame building needs to be updated, but what should you do, and where should you start?
This article breaks down the most popular pole barn renovation ideas (by exterior and interior) in 2023.
Editor’s Note: Most post-frame builders specialize in the building shell only. However, we can still help you design your dream pole barn from the inside out.
3 Reasons Why You Should Renovate Your Pole Barn
Below, we list three reasons you should consider renovating your pole barn instead of new post-frame construction.
1) Pole Barn Structural Integrity
First, structural integrity refers to a pole barn’s ability to withstand anticipated loads without breaking. Any post-frame building, regardless of size and location, must be designed to resist vertical and lateral loads.
If no structural components are bowing, sagging, or uplifting, your older post-frame building may be salvageable.
To be on the safe side, we recommend contacting your post-frame builder to have them inspect your pole barn for any structural damages. For example, the experts can best identify and repair broken trusses or replace rotted columns.
In some cases, fixing the structural damages is cheaper than building a new pole barn (and vice versa). It’s up to YOU to make the most cost-effective solution for YOU.
2) Extend the Pole Barn's Useful Life
Second, you can easily extend the useful life of your pole barn if it’s structurally sound. Your post-frame building may not look like it did 40 years ago, but a pole barn reskin will make it look as good as new.
Moreover, you can give your basic post-frame building a new life by adding interior finishes and framing for living quarters. You can also add to your existing pole barn if more storage space is needed.
3) Potential Cost Savings
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, the cost of a new post-frame building has increased since the start of COVID-19. The lack of building materials amid the “Great Supply Chain Disruption” is to blame for the fluctuation in pole barn prices.
Renovating your pole barn sounds like a no-brainer if you’re satisfied with the post-frame building size and its structural integrity is intact.
Building a brand-new pole barn is a great way to ensure you can use it for decades. But simple renovations can have the same lasting effect for potentially less money.
Top Exterior Pole Barn Renovation Ideas in 2024
Next, we'll discuss the most popular renovation ideas for your pole barn exterior.
1) Select a New Pole Barn Color Combination
Buyer’s remorse – we’ve witnessed this sense of design regret in our 60+ years of business in the post-frame construction industry.
For example, some customers wish they had picked a different pole barn color combination. Meanwhile, others purchased several acres with a post-frame building. The original pea-green isn’t their style.
But all is not lost. While you can’t turn back time, you can reskin your pole barn with a paint color that fits your aesthetic better.
Editor’s Note: Sure, you can hire someone to paint over the current metal panels, but you may void your warranty in the process. Please read the fine print before moving forward with this alternative solution.
2) Install Pole Barn Wainscoting
Pole barn wainscoting, or “designer wall,” is a decorative metal panel in post-frame construction. The height of this pole barn feature varies – a 3’ or 4’ strip of material is installed along the exterior base of your post-frame building.
Typically, the designer wall is the same color as the pole barn roof. Other façade options include brick, stucco, and stone.
Pole barn wainscoting requires less maintenance. If damaged, your post-frame builder will remove the 3’ or 4’ metal panel rather than a full 16’ metal panel. However, the upgrades listed above aren’t as easy (or cheap) to replace.
3) Upgrade Your Pole Barn Doors & Windows
You’d be amazed by the impact new pole barn doors and windows can have on the exterior of your post-frame building.
Modern trends like dark color schemes can be applied to overhead doors, walk doors, and windows.
Not only will these upgrades change your pole barn exterior, but they can lower your utility bill. While energy-efficient choices may be an initial investment, they’ll save you money in the long run.
You can download our FREE Energy Efficiency in Post-Frame Construction Guidebook for more information.
4) Spruce Up the Pole Barn Curb Appeal
Sometimes, you don’t have to spend the big bucks to enhance the curb appeal of your post-frame building.
Here is a list of small additions that will transform your pole barn exterior without breaking the bank:
- Cupolas
- Landscaping
- Lighting Fixtures
- Outdoor Furniture
- Shutters
- Vented Overhangs
These final touches will reflect your personality and make your existing post-frame building stand out from the neighborhood.
Top Interior Pole Barn Renovation Ideas in 2024
Lastly, we’ll discuss the most popular renovation ideas for your pole barn interior.
1) Select a Pole Barn Interior Finish
Maybe your existing post-frame building is basic, exposing the pole barn columns and sidewall girts. You’d like to use plywood to organize tools in your workshop or put up pallet wood for a man cave.
Whatever the scenario, most post-frame builders can install or prep your pole barn for the following interior finishes:
- Drywall
- Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
- Plywood
- Steel
- Combination (Plywood & Steel)
- Unique (e.g., Grain Bin Siding, Pallet Wood & Shiplap)
Watch the short video clips below to learn more about the pros and cons of each pole barn interior finish.
2) Add Pole Barn Living Quarters
Barndominiums are the latest rave in post-frame construction! But, of course, you can always convert a corner of your existing post-frame building into living quarters or, at the very least, a small kitchenette area for entertaining guests.
3) Incorporate Pole Barn Storage Space
Do you need more storage space? Installing a deck system is the easiest and cheapest way to add more room inside your current pole barn.
You can store holiday decorations, outdoor accessories (e.g., bicycles and kayaks), or tools that take up precious real estate in your stick-built garage.
Furthermore, lofts can be converted into a hangout spot or toy room for your children.
We recommend consulting a post-frame building about the design requirements for deck systems. After all, building codes still need to be met.
4) Install a Finished Pole Barn Floor
Over the years, your building needs may change. The dirt, gravel, or stone pole barn flooring is no longer the look you want to achieve. Luckily, you can always upgrade to a solid (no pun intended) solution at a later date.
Concrete is a popular flooring option in post-frame construction. It reduces the following annoyances associated with dirt, gravel, and stone floors:
- Dust build-up
- Excessive moisture
- Inability to maintain a clean space
As a result, concrete surfaces are often poured into farm shops, commercial businesses, and garages.
Depending on the subcontractor, concrete is available in various colors, finishes, and stamps.
Consider adding laminate wood or tiled flooring on top of the concrete foundation. Some pole barn owners have installed an indoor basketball court (half or full) and turf for a batting cage. Now that’s creative!
How Will You Renovate Your Pole Barn in 2024?
Whew! This article covered a lot of pole barn renovation ideas. So, which one inspired you to remodel your post-frame building the most?
Get a head start on your renovation project and design your pole barn with our 3D Design Tool. Save, print, or email the floor plan to family and friends.
Are you ready to request a quote? Submit your building design, and a member of our sales team will contact you to start the estimating process.
Additional Resources:
Pole Barn Renovation vs New Construction: Which One is Right for You?
Ultimate Guide to Pole Barn Repairs & Renovations
Do you have more questions about pole barn renovations not covered in this article? If you need help designing and planning, please contact FBi Buildings at 800.552.2981 or click here to email us. If you’re ready to get a price, click here to request a quote, and a member of our Customer Engagement Team will help you determine the next steps of your project.