Pole barns are all about creating new space for you to use. One of the best parts of constructing one is the flexibility to modify it in ways that suit your needs. While they’re spacious on their own, some homesteaders want to maximize their space with a pole barn second floor. These post-construction additions can add extra storage for agricultural barns, pole barn garages and more!
Why Build a Second Floor in Your Pole Barn?
Because pole barns are so versatile in their uses, the benefits of a pole barn second floor are just as varied! Depending on the type of pole barn you plan to build, you could make use of a second floor in your pole barn for a variety of functions.
Agriculture Barn – Keeping bales of hay nearby is a popular use for mezzanine-style structures in a barn. You can also use it as a place to store seasonal tools and other rarely used equipment
Pole Barn Garage – There’s no shortage of tools and automotive parts you need on-hand when working on your hobby vehicle. A second floor in your pole barn can give you the extra storage you need to keep it close when you need it.
Pole Barn Home – A small loft is a great addition to any home. If you’re using your pole barn as a residential building, a little extra room could be just what you need to have a quiet getaway inside your house.
Commercial Pole Barns – You can never have too much space when running a business from your pole barn. A mezzanine or loft gives you some extra room without cluttering your main floor.
How you use your pole barn second floor is up to you! There’s no such thing as too much space in your pole barn, so you’re bound to find a use for it.
Risks of Adding a Second Floor to Your Pole Barn
New construction always entails some level of risk. That’s why DIY Pole Barns recommends a selection of preferred builders for our barns! However, adding a second floor to your pole barn is a more involved type of addition for your pole barn.
Creating any raised platform requires sturdy support. A second floor in your pole barn will put additional stress on the wall columns. Even if you have the tools and materials, you can’t just put together a second floor without preparing additional support. You’ll need to look for ways to
While the integrity of the second floor is a risk, remember that additional construction all puts additional weight on the pole barn footers too. This additional weight won’t necessarily be within the parameters of your original build. That extra stress can cause potential problems, even sinking!
Lastly, remember that any building is subject to local building codes. If you have a second floor, it needs a point of egress and could pose a new fire hazard. Never build without consulting your local area codes – the last thing you want to do is spend time and money on an upgrade that puts you in legal hot water!
Planning Ahead? Choose Scissor Trusses!
If you want to maximize the space in your barn with a pole barn second floor, and haven’t built your barn yet, go with scissor trusses. These acute-angled trusses leave more room than standard trusses, which gives you plenty of space for a loft or mezzanine throughout some of the upper levels.
When using DIY Pole Barn’s instant quote tool, you can choose your trusses in the “Structural Options” section.
Never Build a Second Floor Without a Professional Opinion
If you want to make such a major change to your pole barn, you should consult with an engineer. Not only can they help you find out if what you want to do is possible, they can make sure it’s safe. A second floor, loft or mezzanine in your pole barn is a huge hazard if installed incorrectly. Don’t risk your safety or your families to save time or money!
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If you’re ready to build your pole barn, lock in a quote with DIY Pole Barns using our Instant Quote tool! Have questions? Call our knowledgeable staff at (937) 547-9100.
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