One of the most basic types of utility structure is the simple pole barn. Originating in the 1930′s, pole barns came into being due to the availability of poles designed to carry the wires for the newly developed electric and telephone systems. As a quick and inexpensive form of constructing agricultural utility sheds, the poles were set into the ground usually at 8′ intervals along the outer wall of the structure. The roof trusses were placed directly on the poles although some design variation also incorporated truss bearing beams between the poles. The pole barn was then roofed with corrugated steel sheeting.
While not necessary for the integrity of the structure, the specific use the pole barn was to be put to determined if and what type of wall might be attached to the support poles. For sheltering livestock, a half wall was often built around the structure. Cross beams could be attached to the load bearing poles to provide a framework to hold drying crops such as tobacco. Enclosed stalls or equipment storage areas could be built into the barn’s simple but durable construction. The modifications were as varied as the uses farmers could think of for them.
By the 1950′s the simple and economical pole barn began to have refinements made in the materials used in construction. Rather than the round telephone poles, square-sawn beams, chemically treated with preservatives began to be used as the structural support beams. Metal plates began to be used for extra strength along roof trusses so that greater spans could be crossed, leaving more open area in the interior of the barn.
By the 1980′s the practicality and inexpensive designs of the pole barn began to be adapted for a multitude of chores. As metal buildings became more popular, the metal sheeting was incorporated to make commercial buildings, garages, retail stores, and even office buildings. Prefabricated parts led to the development of pole barm kits that could be assembled by the individual as a do-it-yourself project that was much cheaper and easier than traditional building methods and could be completed in less time for a more durable finished structure.