1. Define Your Barn’s Purpose

Your primary barn activities should shape its design and size. For example:

• Livestock Shelter: If you’ll be housing animals, opt for a barn with ample ventilation, secure stables, and proper drainage. A monitor or run-in style may work well for easy access and comfort.
• Storage Needs: Those needing extra space for equipment, feed, or supplies should consider a larger structure with lofts, like a gambrel roof barn, which allows for additional overhead storage.
• Multipurpose Use: For those wanting a barn that serves various functions, a pole barn with customizable interior spaces is often ideal, offering flexibility and durability at an affordable price.

2. Assess Your Property’s Layout and Space

Evaluate the area where your barn will be located to ensure the size and style fit comfortably within your landscape.

• Available Land: If space is tight, a two-story barn can provide extra room without taking up excessive square footage. If you have ample land, a larger, spread-out design like a shed row barn could be a good choice.
• Terrain and Accessibility: Uneven terrain may call for a bank barn that takes advantage of slopes, while a flat surface may work well for pole or gable roof barns. Also, consider road access for equipment loading and unloading, as well as proximity to utilities like electricity and water.

3. Choose a Style That Balances Functionality and Aesthetics

Each barn style has distinct benefits suited to various purposes and aesthetics:

• Gable Roof Barns: Known for simplicity, gable roofs are classic and allow for good headroom. They’re often easier and more cost-effective to build and provide practical, straightforward storage solutions.
• Gambrel Roof Barns: These barns offer steeply sloped sides, creating space for a hayloft or additional storage. They bring a traditional farm look that’s highly functional for multi-level storage.
• Monitor Barns: With a raised center and side extensions, monitor barns allow natural light and ventilation. These are excellent for workshops or livestock barns where airflow is important.
• Lean-to Barns: If budget is a constraint, a lean-to barn offers basic shelter while adding storage space on one side, making it suitable for smaller properties or supplementary needs.

4. Plan for Future Needs

Think about how your requirements might change over time. Will you need more storage or space for additional animals? Building a larger barn from the start or choosing a style that supports future expansions, like a modular or pole barn, can save you time and money down the road.

5. Budget Considerations

Your budget will play a major role in deciding your barn’s size, material, and style. Pole barns are generally the most budget-friendly and adaptable option, while stick-built barns, though more expensive, offer increased stability and design versatility.

6. Customization and Personal Touches

Adding customized features can make your barn uniquely suited to your needs. Consider options like built-in lofts, separate rooms for feed and tack storage, and doors that accommodate large equipment. Ventilation, windows, and insulation are other options that can improve usability and comfort inside the barn.