How to Dig Holes for a Pole Barn

Pole barns like these are supported by posts that are set into the ground for support.

Pole barn holes are as important as the barn itself. Failure to dig them deep enough will result in weakened pole barn structures. The construction industry has developed several methods for digging pole barn holes over the years. These methods have been simplified to include the average do-it-yourselfer. You can expect to complete this task in 8 to 12 hours, depending on the size and scope of the project.

Things You'll Need

• Hole diggers
• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Mark your post hole diggers to the depth you wish to dig the holes. Measure up from the bottom of the diggers 48 inches, placing a mark at this point on the diggers. This will be your depth reference. It will keep you from dropping a tape measure into the holes each time you need to know the hole depth.

2. Dig four corner post holes first. Dig the first corner post to a diameter that is 6 inches greater than your posts. This will allow you to place cement around the post as you set them. For example, if your posts are 8 inches around, dig the hole diameter to 14 inches. Dig about 12 inches into the ground, then check the hole width with a tape measure. If the hole needs to be larger, cut away the side of the hole with the hole diggers.

3. Place the next hole at the desired distance away from the first corner posts. For example, if your barn walls are 12 feet, then place the center of the next hole 11 feet 4 inches from the center of the first hole. This will place the outside edges of the posts at 12 feet since the posts are 8 inches.

4. Set all corner posts in the same manner, by measuring from the center of each hole 11 feet 4 inches. Measure diagonals to ensure that you have the post holes set square. The diagonal distances should be the same. For example, since your posts are set, as in the example above, to 11 feet 4 inches, your diagonals across to the center of each post should be 16 feet. If they are not, then move the hole center. Check the centers before you dig the hole to prevent unnecessary work.

References

• "Building Small Barns, Sheds & Shelters"; Monte Burch; 1983
• "Barns, Sheds and Outbuildings: Plan, Design, Build"; John D. Wagner, Clayton DeKorne; 2005
• "Renovating Barns, Sheds & Outbuildings"; Nick Engler; 2001