How to Build a Pole Barn for a Motor Home

Pole barn construction for a motor home

Finding a shelter for your motor home may be easier than you think. You can build a roof and two walls for a pass-through shelter or a full building using pole barn construction. Building a pole barn is one of the most economical and simple ways to construct any type of frame. Pole barns can be made with round metal poles, but you can also use wood to build your shelter. Remember to use pressure-treated wood for any outdoor project.

Things You'll Need

• Appropriate permits
• Posthole digger
• Treated wood posts
• Ceiling trusses
• Tin roofing sections
• Treated plywood
• Straight nails
• Roofing nails
• Storm clips
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Builder's string
• Level
• 2x4 planks for temporary braces
• Quick-drying concrete
• Gravel or concrete slab as preferred
• Metal base anchors
• Treated wood beams
• Metal brackets to attach beams to posts
• Treated wood boards for walls
• Drill
• Circular saw
• Wood sealer
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

Instructions

Building a Pole Barn for a Motor Home

1. Acquire the required permits for your construction. Plan and lay out the design of your pole barn using the builder's string and stakes. Mark the locations of your posts with spray paint. Posts should be located every 8 to 10 inches and should be in accordance with the requirements of your local building codes.

2. Dig the holes for your posts. Depending on the climate in your area, a depth of 18 inches to 2 feet is necessary to get below the frost line.

3. Place your posts and brace them temporarily with 2x4s. Make sure that the posts are level before you secure them with quick-drying concrete.

4. Frame the outside of your pole barn using treated wood beams. Attach the beams to the posts using metal brackets. Check the beams to ensure that they are level.

5. Install the roof trusses.

6. Add treated plywood to the walls and to the roof, if desired.

7. Add your tin roofing sections to the roof. Place a tin ridge cap at the peak of the roof.

8. Add siding to the sides for both protection and a finished look.

9. Add flooring, if desired. You can choose from gravel, grass or a concrete slab.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact your local permit office for building codes before you begin any pole barn project. Choose level land for the easiest pole barn construction.

• Always use the proper safety equipment during any woodworking project.

Resources

• Information on Building a Pole Barn