Barndominiums and Pole Barns

Barndominiums and pole barns have exploded in popularity across the South due to their speed of construction, cost efficiency, and design flexibility. Often times, they’re often marketed as “cheap” or “simple,” however, building them correctly requires solid planning, proper engineering, and experienced construction practices.

There are 3 typical ways to construct these building. In this article, we walk through how barndominiums and pole barns are constructed and best practices that separate long-lasting buildings from future problems.

In addition, we also discuss the primary Barndominium architectural styles.

Getting to know the Building Systems

Before planning construction of a Barndominium, it’s important to understand barndominium and pole barn building system terminology.

• Stick Framing

  • Typical residential 2x4 and 2x6 wall framing that is built after the slab is poured

  • Exterior walls are sheathed with plywood and then a veneer is installed with Hardie Board and Batten Siding, metal panels, or brick

  • Wood stick framed or wood truss roof

  • Used for custom homes
    

• Pole Barn

  • A structural system where treated posts are embedded into the ground or anchored to piers, supporting the roof and walls

  • Girts are used for shear strength (wind and uplift strength). Metal panels are fastened directly into the girts

  • Used for camps and storage sheds

• Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings and Kits

  • A pre-engineered building kit is delivered to the site to be installed after the slab is poured.

  • The building is erected and metal panels are fastened directly into the studs and girts (horizontal framing members).

  • Building is typically spray foamed to seal and insulate the building

  • Used for homeowners that want large shops attached to the home

Firewalls

Some Barndominiums have a shared garage and workspace that takes up a 1/4 to 1/2 of the building. If this garage is under the same roof as your structure, a 20 minute fire rated separation will need to be built. Depending on the use, the fire wall may need be rated as a 1 hour or even a 2 hour fire wall.

Barndominium Design Styles

Alright, so now we understand how the structure is built, but what about the building’s design? Here we break down the different architectural styles.

• Modern Farmhouse
  Clean, simple forms rooted in traditional farm architecture, updated with modern materials and contrast—typically white or light metal siding, black windows, wood porch posts, and simple gable rooflines.

• Industrial Modern
  A bold, utilitarian aesthetic that celebrates exposed structure and raw materials, often using dark metal panels, steel framing, polished concrete floors, large glass openings, and minimal trim.

• Rustic / Lodge
  Warm, natural materials and heavy timber elements inspired by rural lodges and countryside retreats, featuring stained wood siding, stone or brick accents, exposed beams, and deep covered porches.

• Clean Contemporary
  Minimalist architecture defined by crisp lines and restrained material palettes, commonly using smooth metal panels, neutral colors, large windows, flat or low-profile roof elements, and uncluttered detailing.

• Southern Traditional
  Classic Southern residential architecture emphasizing symmetry and timeless detailing, incorporating brick or masonry exteriors, wide porches, columns or tapered posts, traditional roof pitches, and refined trim.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are thinking about building a Barndominium, go ahead and schedule a consultation with us!

First, we will go over which building system and architectural style fits your needs based on your preferences, land, desired sqft, and budget. A conceptual estimate is then procured. The conceptual estimate is brought to the bank for construction loan approval.

After financing is secured, we will enter the design phase. A design contract will be signed by both parties. We will then begin to design your plans. If you already have plans, we will go straight to picking your selections.

Once the selections are nailed down, final estimate is approved, and the building contract is signed, your Distinctly Beautiful Home will be under construction in no time!