How to Build a Pole Barn With Logs

How to build a pole barn with logs is a detailed look over many aspects you will need to consider when building a pole barn with logs. The reason for this guide is so you will be better prepared for the construction of your pole barn and have all the information you need on hand in one place.

Pole barns made out of logs? Doesn’t sound right, does it? But it is. Pole buildings using logs can be a marvelous addition to your property, and are becoming more and more popular. They offer you more space than a traditional barn, and can look a lot better. There are many steps involved in building one of these log pole buildings for your property. Follow along as we take you through the process of how to build a pole barn with logs correctly.

Instructions for constructing a pole barn using logs

🧱 How It Works
You set round wood poles—either fallen logs or downed trees—vertically into the ground or on simple footings. Then you connect them with beams and rafters, add bracing, and attach roof framing and siding.

📋 Materials & Tools Needed

Hardwood logs (oak, maple, cedar, locust)

Chainsaw, peeler (optional), drill, sledgehammer

Concrete, gravel, or pavers for footings

Bolts, metal post bases, rebar pins or straps

Lumber for girts, rafters, trusses, roofing

Post preservatives (creosote, copper sulfate, or pressure-treated wrap)

⚙️ Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1️⃣ Choose & Prep Poles
Use straight logs at least 6–8″ diameter.

Debark logs to reduce pests and let them dry to avoid warping.

Treat the bottoms with creosote, copper sulfate, or pressure treatment.

2️⃣ Install Footings & Poles
Drill holes about 3–4′ deep or use crushed stone footings.

Add gravel for drainage, set poles in holes or on pavers, and secure with brackets or rebar pins.

Alternatively, set poles in concrete but keep the base above ground to prevent rot.

3️⃣ Level & Square the Frame
Lay out corners and use diagonal measurements to square the layout.

Use a level to ensure posts are vertical and at the same height.

4️⃣ Add Girts, Braces, and Rafters
Install horizontal girts between posts, spaced around every 2 ft, to tie the walls together.

Add diagonal braces at the corners for stability.

Set rafters or trusses across the tops of poles to form the roof.

5️⃣ Deck & Roof
You can sheathe the rafters with boards before applying roofing material, or install metal roofing directly onto the rafters.

Finish the walls, or leave open for a simple equipment shelter.

✅ Pros & Cons

✅ Pros ⚠️ Cons
Uses free or low-cost logs Logs will rot if not properly treated or kept dry
Simple build with basic tools Irregular logs can make assembly trickier
Rustic, natural look Heavy lifting and drilling are required
Flexibility in size and design You may need concrete or metal footings for longevity

💡 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Always include drainage like gravel or pavers under poles to prevent rot.

Remove bark before installation to minimize insect and decay issues.

Double-check each corner with diagonal measurements to keep your structure square.

Avoid burying untreated poles; treat them or use protective barriers.

🧰 Expert Tips

Cedar and locust poles can last for decades when properly treated and isolated from moisture.

Metal brackets or concrete piers can add longevity and easier replacement options.

If logs aren’t perfectly straight, create a temporary frame at the top to set them plumb before securing permanently.

📌 Quick Facts

Pole barn construction dates back to 1930s farms as a fast, low-cost shelter solution.

Typical spacing between poles ranges from 8–13 ft, but depends on your design needs.

The horizontal wall boards—called girts—tie everything together and provide attachment surfaces for siding.

🧠 Community Insight
Many folks building rustic barns say that cedar posts stay strong for years, especially when kept above ground and sealed at the base.

👷 Who This Is For

Homesteaders with access to suitable timber

DIYers comfortable with rough carpentry and a bit of heavy lifting

Anyone wanting a rustic, low-cost barn, shed, or shelter

Here’s how to build a pole barn:

1) Set up your foundation. This step is important because if you don’t do it right, you could end up with problems later on when you start putting up your actual structure. You’ll need to dig down at least 8 inches deep and fill it with gravel or concrete blocks so that they’re flush with the ground level. Then lay down 2-by-4 boards across the top of this foundation so that they’re flush with the ground and secure them in place with stakes or nails driven through them into the ground below them.

2) Build your A-frames by nailing together 4″x4″ posts together at their ends and then attaching them

The log cabin has been around for thousands of years, and it’s still one of the most durable, attractive and comfortable homes you can build. Log cabins are especially popular in northern climates because they keep out the cold better than a conventional house.

The logs can be hand-hewn from trees on your property or purchased from a lumber yard. You can use any type of wood for this project, but cedar has some advantages: It’s easy to work with and resists insects and rot.

Pole barns are generally built in sections, so if you have access to only one tree, use it for the front or back section of your barn. If you have access to several trees, split them into lengths that will fit on a truck or trailer (usually about 20 feet long) so that they can be transported easily from their source to your site.

When cutting down a tree, be careful not to damage its roots — they will regrow if left alone! When cutting off branches, leave enough behind so that they’ll provide shade when grown back into shape again after being removed from their parent trunk.

The pole barn is a common name for any building that is situated behind another building. These buildings are typically used as storage sheds, garages, or even barns. The pole barn has been popularized by many DIY shows over the years and has grown in popularity due to its ease of construction. However, there are some who believe that these types of buildings do not provide adequate protection against the elements and should be avoided at all costs.

Pole Barn Construction Costs

The cost of building a pole barn varies depending on your location and what type of materials you use to construct it. If you live in an area where labor is cheap, then you may be able to build a pole barn for under $10,000; however, if you live in an area where labor is expensive, then it could cost you upwards of $30,000 just for labor alone! Regardless of what type of material you choose for your new structure (wood or vinyl), there are several things that will affect its price:

Size – The larger your structure is going to be, the more materials it will take to build it. This means that if you want to make sure that your structure can withstand harsh weather conditions such as hurricanes or tornadoes then