There are many types of pole buildings. Beyond the basic pole structure, you can add a number of dimensional and style options to fit almost any need. Take a look at the list below to get an idea of some of the common pole building types.

Agricultural

Agricultural pole barns can encompass a number of different meanings. From equestrian uses, to storage buildings, people sometimes refer to them as the same thing. For purposes of this page, we will consider an agricultural building one that is used on a farm to store chemicals, supplies or machinery.

The buildings generally consist of tall, wide doors that will allow an opening large enough to accomodate most farm machinery. The same considerations must also be made when designing ceiling height or any interior wall locations.

If you plan on storing chemicals, such as fertilizers, plan on including interior walls on your building in a couple of areas to separate the chemicals from the steel and/or insulation.

Equestrian Arenas

Common arenas start between 40' and 60' wide and 100' deep with a ceiling height of at least 14'. If you only have enough room for one building on your property, consider adding stables to the side or end of your arena. This will afford you the most benefit from your design and space, as well as save you the expense of an additional structure.

Some arenas include a tack room or an area for sitting and watching the riders.

Equestrian Stables

One of the most common sizes of Equestrian Stable barn is a 36' x 48' design. This size affords ample space for a center aisle, tack room, wash station and anywhere from 1 to 4 12' x 12' stables.

Center aisle design allows for additional space to clean or saddle a horse without taking them outdoors. It also provides enough space to separate the cleaning station, tack room and hay storage from the boarding stables.

Storage or Shop Space

Storage barns and shops vary greatly in size based on actual need. If you are planning on storing a lot of items and allowing yourself work space in the same building, you may consider setting aside over 60% of the building for storage.

If your primary goal is to have a lot of shop space, what type of shop will you be operating? Is it for personal crafts, motor vehicle repair or other machinery maintenance? Take all of these options into consideration as you lay out your new shop.

Open Air Pavilions

Whether you are planning to use your pavilion as an open air or recreational shelter, or you are planning to use it for storage for hay or other items that you need to shelter from the harsher elements take size into consideration. Just because the size you originally have in mind may seem large enough now. Is it big enough to compensate for future needs or growth?