Category Archives: Pole Barn Questions

A Serious Case of Roof Steel Leaks

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/26/2017
A Serious Case of Roof Steel Leaks

This is one of those “Dear Pole Barn Guru” letters which I feel bad for the client in having to answer. The client has paid good money to have his new post frame building constructed, only to have installer challenges render the end result as far less than ideal. For your reading pleasure: DEAR POLE […]

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Making Your Own Glulam Columns

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/18/2017
Making Your Own Glulam Columns

Should I Make my Own Glulam Columns? I’ve been internet chattering back and forth with a gentleman named Chris, who is probably never going to order a Hansen Pole Building, but it is okay – we have thousands of clients a year who are knocking at our doors (figuratively) ready to place their orders. Total […]

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Clear Span Width, Interior Sliders, and Roof Quote!

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/02/2017
Clear Span Width, Interior Sliders, and Roof Quote!

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What is the widest free span I can get in a pole barn? I live in zip 54474 for snow loads. Needs to have a door opening of 14′. LES in ROSHOLTDEAR LES: It would be very practical to have a clearspan of up to and including 80 feet. In some […]

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The Right Size, Connection, and Foundation!

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/19/2016
The Right Size, Connection, and Foundation!

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am considering using pole barn construction to add on to an existing metal building I have I also already have a 24×34 foundation were I want to put the add on. This will be a residential building. Would you recommend using drill in slab brackets to connect the post to […]

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Retrofit for Wind Uplift Protection

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/13/2016
Retrofit for Wind Uplift Protection

Another great question from a reader! DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, I bought my house from you a few years ago and know that you all have a very good engineering group. I was wanting to see if they could come up with a plan to retrofit an existing pole barn for wind uplift. The […]

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Two Story Pole Buildings

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/09/2016
Two Story Pole Buildings

Are Two Stories the Solution? Another great question from a reader, which requires a lengthy answer. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I was wondering if it possible two have a 2-story structure with 2 garages + some storage on the ground floor and a small office with bath and small kitchen on the 2nd floor (in […]

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Arcadian Sliding Doors

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/08/2016
Arcadian Sliding Doors

Over the past 36 plus years in the post frame building industry, I’ve personally sold, delivered and/or specified pretty easily at least 10,000 sliding doors. I am certain someone has provided more, most probably far less. Very, very few of them have ever been with glass in the doors. Sherri in Kansas recently asked, “Do […]

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Sloping Concrete Floors

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/07/2016
Sloping Concrete Floors

Another great and well thought out question, which is best answered at length. Dear Pole Barn Guru: The construction manual states that concrete slab floors should be poured so there is 3-3/4” of skirt board left exposed above the slab. What do you do if you want or need to have a typical slab slope toward […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Metal Barn Door

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/05/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Metal Barn Door

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Is it possible to build a post frame building on a crawl space. If so, where do you place the poles. Inside, outside, on top, or in the concrete. Thank you JACOB in CARROLLTON DEAR JACOB: Yes, it is both very possible and very practical to build a post frame building […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Celotex

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/28/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Celotex

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can you build a pole barn home with an 8/12 roof pitch without changing the construction method? AUDRIA in EUFAULA DEAR AUDRIA: The basic post frame (pole) building construction method does not change due to roof slope. Steeper roof slopes can result in some added costs depending upon design wind speed […]

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Sheetrocking Trusses Advice

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/23/2016
Sheetrocking Trusses Advice

How Advice Columns Get Interesting… Just last week, I shared a question from TOM (a reader who reads my blog) in regards to finishing the inside of a fairly recently constructed post frame (pole) building. The dialogue has continued. Tom: “Obviously drywall for the ceiling would be a wiser choice. The truss manufacturer said the trusses […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Sloped Site

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/21/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Sloped Site

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m starting my OSB wall sheathing for my 24’x36′ building and have been wondering about how to handle the outside of each corner post.  I have vertical 2×4 nailers installed at 4′ o.c. from the outside of each post.  This means that I have to align the osb sheets with the […]

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Finishing the Interior of an Existing Pole Barn

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/16/2016
Finishing the Interior of an Existing Pole Barn

Finishing the Inside of an Existing Pole Structure There are literally millions of pole structures (aka post frame buildings or pole barns) in existence in the United States. Most of them were constructed without a thought as to future use, beyond their immediate need. Here is a story about one which actually did have some […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Pole Barn Lake House

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/07/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Pole Barn Lake House

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am going to be setting a 20ft 6×6 post into an 18” round hole 4ft deep. I want to utilize the help I have on a Saturday but may not be able to get a concrete truck here until the next weekend comes. So my question is what would you […]

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One More Reason to Love DIYers

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/04/2016
One More Reason to Love DIYers

DIY – Do It Yourself. Frankly, 99+ % of you DIYers are absolutely the greatest people on the planet. You are fun to work with, you follow directions and take pride in your own job very well done. I have serious man-crushes on many of you (I love you for your brains, not your bodies)! […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Grade Change

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/31/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Grade Change

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I want to get a post frame building put up. I’m trying to find out what the average is per sq ft. Is their a base line price per sq ft based on an average barn they use say 30x40x10. And does the price per sq go up depending on size […]

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What Does It Mean When a Pole Building is ‘Engineer-Sealed’?

If you’ve been shopping around for a pole building kit, you may have heard the phrase ‘engineer-sealed’ and wondered what it meant—and whether it matters for your planned building. ‘Engineer-sealed’ simply means that a licensed engineer has reviewed a set of building plans and put their stamp of approval on it. Engineer-sealed plans are also […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Replacing Steel Panels

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/24/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Replacing Steel Panels

DEAR POLE BARN GURU:  I have a 30×40 pole barn with double bubble insulation over the trusses. Walls were wrapped with Tyvek. I studded the interior walls and insulated with Owens Corning faced r-19. Interior walls and ceiling are 7/16 OSB. There is a vent ridge and vented soffit. I plan on heating the building […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Leaking Roof

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/17/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Leaking Roof

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: My contractor started by installing the roofing screws in the high ridges which I stopped since it was not per the instructions. After doing the installation there were many, many, many misses or partial misses that have cracked the wood members or at angles through them. Bottom line there are many […]

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Why 10d Nails?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/13/2016
Why 10d Nails?

Readers: This is another one of those “Dear Pole Barn Guru” questions where the answer is so lengthy it deserves an article all of its own! DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Why 10d nails? Do you know how difficult it is to get 10d nails? Every hardware store in my area has big boxes of 8d, 16d, and […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Drawings

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/10/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Drawings

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am looking to get a set of drawings that I can use to build a pole barn in MT.  I will be doing the construction myself.  I know what I want and most of the design.  I need a set of plans that I can build to. Is this something […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Raised Wood Floors

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/03/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Raised Wood Floors

DEAR POLE BARN GURU:  My walls from outside to inside will be as follows, vinal siding, house wrap(Block it), OSB, 2″ of closed cell spray foam, about 5″ of open cell spray foam then OSB inside painted with Kilz Premium Sealer. That is what my insulator has recommended. What do you think of that setup. […]

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Pole Barn Design for Free

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/30/2016
Pole Barn Design for Free

Please Structurally Design My Pole Barn for Free This is one of those POLE BARN GURU questions which results with a lengthy enough answer I feel I must devote a whole column to it. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Could you please help clarify, for a 40 ft. wide x 64 ft. long x 15 ft. […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Moving a building

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/26/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Moving a building

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a 30x40x10 pole barn placed in a bad location, would like to move it to a better location on the same property. RICHARD in HOLLY DEAR RICHARD: There are far too many buildings placed in the wrong locations, so you are not the only one who owns one. Obviously, […]

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Do it Best

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/20/2016
Do it Best

Do it Best® I get a lot of people asking some great questions of the Pole Barn Guru. Some of which take some lengthy answers, in order to adequately make the point. Here is one which involves the thought of doing business through a Do it Best® store would add a level of security. For […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Underground Building

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/19/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Underground Building

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Is there anyone in this huge great country of ours who might draw and engineer stamp a plan for a 36 foot SITE BUILT TRUSS? ITS NOT LIKE I’m BUILDING THE FIRST EVER 110 FOOTER! It will be plywood laminated both sides, site build is always strong with big gussets and […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Moving a building

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/12/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Moving a building

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: If I use a 2×8 treated for the bottom collar or purlin and I am planning on 5” of concrete and 2” rigid foam under the slab should I place my rigid insulation with the bottom of the 2×8 and if so should I have the any part of the 2×8 […]

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Termites and Pole Barns

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/31/2016
Termites and Pole Barns

A Buggy Situation A client writes to Justine (the Hansen Pole Buildings’ Order Fulfillment goddess) this week: “I was hoping to get some advice.  I’m still working on the building having just completed rafter placement and was starting to pull apart the two bundles of lumber for the purlins.  When I started pulling boards out […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Clearspan Monitor Buildings

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/29/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Clearspan Monitor Buildings

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m looking into building a 32 x 72 pole structure as a residence on our property in the Colorado Springs area. We would like a raised floor instead of a concrete pad. I’ve been assuming that we could attach the flooring system to the foundation poles. Are there any structural issues […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Average Building Cost

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/22/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Average Building Cost

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: LVL beams, 24 ft bay width, telephone/power poles as verticals. Should I sit the LVL on top of the poles, or bolt them to the sides? GEORGE IN WAKE FOREST DEAR GEORGE: You asked for my advice, so here it comes. I have to tell you this is wrong in so […]

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An Engineer Didn’t Design This Building

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/19/2016
An Engineer Didn’t Design This Building

If an Engineer Didn’t Structurally Design This Building, Then Who Did? Many of you have been reading the ongoing and sad saga of Jimmy’s building…..here is the next installment: Jimmy: “You should go buy a lottery ticket, I asked the builder, he told me only on industrial buildings do they use engineering plans. There is […]

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Why Pole Barn Columns Settle

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/18/2016
Why Pole Barn Columns Settle

Don't be Like Jimmy's Parents A new post frame (pole) building or barn is an investment, a very permanent investment. Readers have been following a couple of articles involving Jimmy's new building, which is NOT a Hansen Pole Building and Jimmy is not very happy. This is how the building was purchased (in Jimmy's words): […]

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Pole Barn Gone Awry with Building Contractor

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/12/2016
Pole Barn Gone Awry with Building Contractor

When things appear to be going from bad to worse The original question was posed by the reader, Jimmy, as to the adequacy of materials supplied to construct his new pole barn (by a builder, not a Hansen Pole Building). His story first appeared in my column just a few days ago. Here is Round […]

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When Everything Doesn’t Go Perfect Part II

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/11/2016
When Everything Doesn’t Go Perfect Part II

When Everything Doesn’t Go Perfect (and the sky falls) Part II To refresh your memory a bit, we had a client recently email us a letter outlining some of his challenge in getting his building project going. Read yesterday’s blog for Part I of this client’s challenges with his building project. Nothing but problems seemingly […]

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When Everything Doesn’t Go Perfect Part I

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/10/2016
When Everything Doesn’t Go Perfect Part I

When Everything Doesn’t Go Perfect (and the sky falls) The key to any successful construction project is not necessarily how everything went perfect, but instead it is how the things which did not go perfect were resolved. When one considers the average post frame building kit package materials have been touched by in excess of […]

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Will 4×6 Columns Carry the Load?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/09/2016
Will 4×6 Columns Carry the Load?

Another excellent question from a soon to be new post frame (pole building) owner. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: The materials just arrived for my pole barn and construction is to start on Monday. The building will be 30×40 with attic trusses with an 8/12 pitch, 24 inches on center with a 1ft overhang (there is […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Pole Building Foundations

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/08/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Pole Building Foundations

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Planning on building a 24′ x 48′ structure in central southern Pennsylvania What type of foundation would be required? MIKE IN ERIE DEAR MIKE: Thank you very much for your question.  Here is some background from the Hansen Buildings Learning Center: Pole Building Foundations   The most practical and cost effective […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Bi-Parting Sliding Doors

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/01/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Bi-Parting Sliding Doors

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, I have a steel shop (30×50) that I need to have the existing roll up door (10×12) removed and a rolling steel barn door to replace it so that I can get 13.8ft of clearance to get my 5th wheel in to it. It appears you sell these doors (picture […]

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Adding Steel Ceiling Liner Panels

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/27/2016
Adding Steel Ceiling Liner Panels

I Want to Add a Steel Ceiling This must be my week for receipt of good questions which require lengthy answers in order to do justice to the subject. Here is another one: DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a 42 x 60 with insulation in walls and roof, 26 gauge metal, wood trusses, 10 […]

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Bi-parting Doors on Airplane Hangars

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/26/2016
Bi-parting Doors on Airplane Hangars

Double Bi-parting Sliding Doors for an Airplane Hangar Every once in a while I get asked a Dear Pole Barn Guru question which just demands its own space in order to do the subject topic true justice. This happens to be one of them. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I want to build a 50x40x16 for […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Replacing Skylight Panels

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/25/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Replacing Skylight Panels

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What is the minimum height of a RV garage and which size overhead door is needed to store a 5th wheel travel trailer or class A motor-home? JOHN IN COUPEVILLE DEAR JOHN: If you want to insure you do the job right and have the clear space you will need for […]

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How to Build a Sliding Door – Part III

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/19/2016
How to Build a Sliding Door – Part III

Part III of three in how to build a Sliding Door(Part I posted July 13 and Part II July 14): Door Pull From experience, for opening ease, it is best mounted vertically onto door “end” – on a Vertical Side Rail face. If one-piece sliding doors, skip next section. Bi-Parting Doors With a few exceptions […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Concrete Footing

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/18/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Concrete Footing

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: It says in my plans that my post concrete encasement depth is minimum 18 inches. Does that mean 18 inches from the bottom of the hole or 18 inches from the bottom of the post? Thank you. COREY IN SPIRIT LAKE DEAR COREY: The post hole concrete is calculated as the […]

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How to Build a Sliding Door – Part II

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/15/2016
How to Build a Sliding Door – Part II

This is part II of our three part series on how to build a sliding door. Trolley Mounting Instructions   Insert trolley mounting bolts into previously drilled door grid top lateral. See Figure 27-5. Assemble star washer, flange nut and locknut, and adjust on pendant bolts until there is approximately one inch between trolley bolt head […]

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How to Build a Sliding Door

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/14/2016
How to Build a Sliding Door

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How does one construct a sliding barn door?  SHIRLEY IN FAIR GROVE DEAR SHIRLEY: The best answer to your question is Chapter 27 of the Hansen Pole Buildings Construction Manual. Here it is in three parts, Part I:  Most Common Mistakes: Expecting the door frame to be shipped pre-assembled. Installing siding […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Altering a Building

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/11/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Altering a Building

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What is the average square foot price to build a typical pole barn with no concrete in WA State. How much is charged per opening (Door)? DON IN LONGVIEW DEAR DON: Back when I was building pole barns, we first had a very complex formula for determining labor. As square footage […]

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Your Lack of Building Planning is Not My Emergency

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/05/2016
Your Lack of Building Planning is Not My Emergency

In the 1990’s my company was the most prolific post frame building construction company in the Inland Pacific Northwest. At times we had as many as 35 crews erecting buildings in six states. We were fairly selective in the building crews we hired and felt we had developed a reputation for very good quality at […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: How Do Kits Ship?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/04/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: How Do Kits Ship?

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can vertical board and bat siding be installed on a pole barn without first installing osb? Would diagonal bracing be required beings the 12′ wide board (Siding) would not give much lateral stability (shear)? SCOTT IN ROY DEAR SCOTT: As much as I would like to tell you it must be […]

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Cross Laminated Timber

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/21/2016
Cross Laminated Timber

And long-time reader Vincent Phelps has another great question: “CBS Sunday morning had a segment on CLT, Cross Laminated timber. It brought timber frame construction to mind. Your thoughts on this technique for the Pole builder?” https://www.cbsnews.com/news/living-the-high-life/ Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a large-scale, prefabricated, solid engineered wood panel. Lightweight yet very strong, with superior acoustic, […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Adding a loft

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/20/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Adding a loft

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: The Hansen Pole Buildings Construction Manual indicates the roof insulation is installed eave to eave over the ridge. How does this affect the ridge vent, seems like it would defeat the purpose and not allow proper ventilation. Can you advise me on this, I’m ready to install my metal and don’t […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Pole Barn Installation

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/13/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Pole Barn Installation

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Was wondering if you would consider putting up posts and roof trusses? If so what would the estimated cost be for 24×36 and 27×36? Thank You JOHN IN CHAMPION DEAR JOHN: In requesting pricing on two different sizes, it tells me you may not have given adequate consideration to the current […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Payment Plans

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/06/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Payment Plans

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can I set a payment plan option? DESTINY IN GARNER DEAR DESTINY: Hansen Pole Buildings has many options available for payment plans. The great majority of our clients chose to pay in full at time of order by ACH (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2011/11/ach-what-is-it/) which gives you a five percent discount off the price of […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Steel Building Comparison

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/30/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Steel Building Comparison

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’d like to have a realistic comparison in price and benefits of both a pole barn vs. a metal barn. I am looking to build a 40×60. MELINDA IN ST. ANTHONY DEAR MELINDA: I will have to take a leap of faith here and guess ‘metal barn” is referencing an all […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Mouse Proof

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/23/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Mouse Proof

DEAR POLE BARN GURU:  Hello. Can you give me an estimate for a concrete slab only? Specs are below. Just looking for an approximate ballpark figure. 3,600 square feet 6” thick 3,000 PSI Heavy duty as plan to install a car lift at a later date. Heavy duty anchor bolts. Please advise. Thank you. SHERYL […]

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Redwood Columns in Pole Buildings

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/18/2016
Redwood Columns in Pole Buildings

Redwood for Post Frame Building Columns Just this week we had a client in the California Bay area interested in a roof only post frame structure. His caveat, he really wanted to have Redwood columns, as opposed to properly pressure preservative treated timbers. The characteristics of redwood make it a popular choice for outdoor applications. […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Vintage Barn

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/16/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Vintage Barn

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We are in the process of investigating our options re., the construction of a pole barn to serve as a retail antique mall/auction house. We have several sites in mind from 3-5 acres but have made no decision re., that yet as negotiations remain underway. Our facility needs to be vintage […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Assembly Instructions

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/09/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Assembly Instructions

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do your pole barn garage kits come with assembly instructions? CORY IN NORTH LAS VEGAS DEAR CORY: Thank you for your interest in a new Hansen Pole Building. Besides full sized 24″ x 36″ blueprints (usually seven pages or more worth) which are totally specific to exactly your building and show […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Pouring A Footing

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/01/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Pouring A Footing

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: After you dig your holes for the treated posts, do you put the post in the hole, then pour in concrete around the post or do you pour about 8” of concrete in first then let that set up and put the post on the concrete what is the best way. […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Foundation and Crawl Spaces

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/25/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Foundation and Crawl Spaces

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Was wondering about the foundation? We are wanting and looking for a plan on a pole barn for our home and he wants to know how or if you can or need to do a foundation but yet provide a crawl space? He wanted to know how you would keep the […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: I’m Considering A Hanger

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/18/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: I’m Considering A Hanger

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you sell in Louisiana? Considering building a hanger on my small farm in Louisiana. Needed to house a Bi wing Stearman. Thanks, JOE IN LOUISIANA DEAR JOE: We provide post frame building kit packages in every state, even Louisiana.  Having grown up flying (see https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/tag/hangar-barns/) I always get excited when we […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Where Is My Quote?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/11/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Where Is My Quote?

DEAR POLE BARN GURU:  Can you tell me if the base trim that I am installing for the ends of the eave soffit is to extend across the endwall corner trim top so as to prevent anything from going in the top of the building corner trim and finishing off the top of the corner […]

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Why You Should Buy a Custom Designed Pole Barn

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/05/2016
Why You Should Buy a Custom Designed Pole Barn

If you’re like most folks, the idea of having a custom designed pole building strikes you as some hoity-toity fantasy where you’re a movie star or a high-priced lawyer. After all, why do you need a custom-designed building if you’re just a regular guy or gal? And how can you possibly hope to afford it? […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Electrical Work

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/04/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Electrical Work

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: How is electricity provided to a pole building? Do I need to look for an electrician before hand or after the structure is completed? DENNIS IN EVERETT DEAR DENNIS: For my own building, it was a tossup between plugging into a currant bush, or doing it the Ben Franklin way with […]

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What Does It Take to Become a Building Designer

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/29/2016
What Does It Take to Become a Building Designer

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: All the answers to the quiz you just sent 🙂 DAVID IN ROCHESTER DEAR DAVID: Thank you for your question, this gives me the opportunity to explain to our clients what our Building Designers go through before they ever get to aid them with assisting to solve building design challenges and […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Monitor Buildings

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/28/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Monitor Buildings

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Monitor Building Designs. Monitor Garage and Workshop. Over the years, monitor style roofs have been traditionally used on barn designs, specifically horse pole barns. Today, monitor roofs are found on everything from agricultural metal buildings to houses, shops and garages which may even have an office in the upper section. A […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Pole Barn Kits

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/21/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Pole Barn Kits

DEAR POLE BARN GURU:  Hi! I have a home design and am interested in seeing if it can be constructed as a pole barn, or if I can achieve a similar look using pole barn construction methods. Thanks! JENNETTE IN HUDSON DEAR JENNETTE: Nearly any design, residential or commercial, can be converted into being constructed […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Snow and Solar Panel Loads

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/14/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Snow and Solar Panel Loads

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Are your buildings engineered to take the weight of snow and solar panels? Can I substitute tin for greenhouse plastic panels on one side? What are the base pad requirements? Frost zone 3. JOHN IN RUPPERT DEAR JOHN: We can engineer your new post frame building to support any amount of […]

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Let’s Make a Deal – A Bad Investment Story

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/08/2016
Let’s Make a Deal – A Bad Investment Story

Now 94 years old, Canadian Monty Hall was such a star as the host of television’s Let’s Make a Deal he has been enshrined with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I recently saw a deal Monty would have gotten a kick out of us a booby prize behind door number three. For […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: How Much Should My Steel Overhang

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/07/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: How Much Should My Steel Overhang

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Why in your manual is there a difference in overhang dimension of the roofing material on page 118 and page 369. One says 2 ¼-2 ½ “ and the other says 1 ½-1 ¾ “? I used the 1 ½-1 ¾” overhand since I have a 12” overhang. Thank you for […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Construction Timeframes

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/29/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Construction Timeframes

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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Canvas Buildings Let Light In?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/11/2016
Canvas Buildings Let Light In?

Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer Brenda was talking with a manager from The Home Depot® and he asked her if we have looked into offering clear canvas building roofs. He said there are people who like them on horse arenas because the interior lights bother the horse’s eyes. This canvas lets light in. Well I hope they […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Do I Need an Interior Vapor Barrier?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/01/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Do I Need an Interior Vapor Barrier?

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Another Frost Heave Problem

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/25/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Another Frost Heave Problem

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Scissor Truss Spacing

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/18/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Scissor Truss Spacing

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Is a Loft Possible in a 14′ Eave Height?

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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Dear Pole Barn Guru: Large Building Openings

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/04/2016
Dear Pole Barn Guru: Large Building Openings

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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Roof Systems and Roof Pitches

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/28/2015
Roof Systems and Roof Pitches

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays & Saturdays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with […]

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Concrete Before or After

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/26/2015
Concrete Before or After

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays & Saturdays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with […]

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Sliding Door Help

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/21/2015
Sliding Door Help

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays & Saturdays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with […]

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How To Prevent Condensation

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/19/2015
How To Prevent Condensation

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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Post Spacing

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/18/2015
Post Spacing

There are some occasions when I get asked questions which are best if shared to a wider audience than just, “Ask the Pole Barn Guru”. Here is one: DEAR POLE BARN GURU:    How important is it to have the post straight across from each other when they are on the same truss?  Is there […]

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Good Luck

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/16/2015
Good Luck

This is a two part blog so if you have not yet had a chance please read yesterdays blog titled ‘The Apprentice‘. “What does have a major affect on the plans is the entire left side elevation.  I already own steel horse stall wall sections that measure approximately 11’ 11” wide by 7’6” tall so […]

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What To Do For Rocky Ground

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/14/2015
What To Do For Rocky Ground

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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Where To Start

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/12/2015
Where To Start

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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Client Communication Is Key

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/09/2015
Client Communication Is Key

Flame On As a youngster Marvel Comics Johnny Storm (aka The Human Torch) of The Fantastic Four always captivated me with his, “Flame On”! In today’s world, the average person with internet access can literally “Flame On!” any business or individual. I believe in being straight upfront and honest, so I will share today. I […]

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Ridge Cap Closure Options

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/07/2015
Ridge Cap Closure Options

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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Rock Base

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/30/2015
Rock Base

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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Building Interior Height

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/23/2015
Building Interior Height

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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Can I Take Out Knee Braces?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/20/2015
Can I Take Out Knee Braces?

One of my loyal readers asked this question in regards to a previous blog post: “We have a pole barn/shed which is 50 X96 plus an additional 16 leant-to tied to posts which creates a total building size of 66 X96. Question is, Can I take out the knee braces on the side with the […]

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Armchair Engineers

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/17/2015
Armchair Engineers

I enjoy informed clients. The best ones  have done their homework with their Planning (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2013/01/planning-department-3/) and Building Departments (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2013/01/building-department-checklist/) before they began shopping. Then there are those who know just enough to be dangerous: “When we built 6 yrs ago, the contractor was stunned with how our snow load impacted his cost. 2ft footings with […]

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Residential Pole Building

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/05/2015
Residential Pole Building

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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Life of Pressure Treated Columns

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/28/2015
Life of Pressure Treated Columns

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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How Far to Lower the Trusses?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/21/2015
How Far to Lower the Trusses?

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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How Deep Should Pole Barn Holes Be?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/14/2015
How Deep Should Pole Barn Holes Be?

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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What is the Correct Overhang Distance?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/07/2015
What is the Correct Overhang Distance?

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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Attic Insulation Guide

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/31/2015
Attic Insulation Guide

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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Which Way to Run Roof OSB

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/24/2015
Which Way to Run Roof OSB

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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Moving Sliding Doors to Inside of Building

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/17/2015
Moving Sliding Doors to Inside of Building

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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Pole Barn Guru Bonus Questions

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/13/2015
Pole Barn Guru Bonus Questions

Mike the Pole Barn Guru would call this his “bonus round” of questions for the week.  Mike is currently sitting at his son’s bedside at a local trauma care hospital.  While waiting for Brent’s surgery following a late night crash on his motorcycle, Mike is keeping vigil over his son.  He will be ok, but […]

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What Size Post Spacing?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/10/2015
What Size Post Spacing?

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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