How to Lay Out a Pole Barn

Co-authored by Sara Bendrick

Last Updated: March 11, 2025

If you need to provide shelter for animals or space to store outdoor equipment, you may consider building a pole barn. Pole barns cost less than other structures and don't take long to build. Laying out a pole barn is an important step in the construction process, and if done properly, will ensure a sturdy building.

Steps

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Decide on the size of your building.
- Consider what you plan to use the building for and how much room you require. Select the height, width and length of the project before laying out a pole barn.
- Make blueprints of the barn or purchase a pre-measured pole barn kit. Every 12 feet (3.66 m) of length needs to have a 4 inch (10.16 cm) by 4 inch (10.16 cm) post as a brace when setting up a pole barn.^{[1]
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You need to find a dry, level spot to set up a pole building. If the area is not level, you will need to smooth it out.^{[2]
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Sara Bendrick
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Use string to mark out the basic diagram of the building.
To set up a pole building, you want your foundation posts measured correctly.
^{[4]
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^{[5]
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Sara Bendrick
Landscape Contractor

Expert Interview} If you plan to set up a pole building bigger than 24 feet (73.15 m) by 24 feet (73.15 m), you may want to hire a cement truck and have them pour the concrete.
When laying out a pole barn, you want the posts to stand perpendicular, or at a 90 degree angle from the ground.^{[6]
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After you set up your first pole, use it as a key post in the rest of the framing. When you are laying out a pole barn, you need to adjust the posts before the concrete dries. Let the concrete set for 24 hours.
This will keep the barn floor warm and dry.
When setting up a pole building, you want the material close to where it will be installed, so lay out the walls on the ground before you hang them.
After you have finished setting up a pole barn, you can begin construction.

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Tips

Some areas require that you get a building permit before you construct a barn. Check with your local building agency before you set up a pole building.

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