How to Build Storage in Pole Barn Rafters

Pole barn construction consists of four stable poles. Build walls in between and place a roof on top. In a pole barn used for animals, as a workshop or for storage, space is a valuable commodity. Move clutter upward by building storage in the barn's roof rafters. Store seasonal decorations and infrequently used tools away from your work space where they remain easily accessible. Create a loft in the rafters for keeping storage out of sight, but not out of reach.

Ladder
Measuring tape
Plywood
Circular saw
Nails
Hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Assess the items that need to be stored to determine the amount of storage space needed. A larger storage loft is more costly and takes longer to build than a smaller one.
- 2
  Climb up the ladder for a clear view of the rafters and joists. Pole barn rafters are the diagonal boards that run up the ceiling and form a peak at the top. Joists are the horizontal boards that run from rafter to rafter, across the open space under the peak.
- 3
  Measure a space from joist to joist, or across multiple joists, that is long enough and wide enough for your storage needs.
- 4
  Cut pieces of plywood to lay over the joists in the area that you measured. Use the largest pieces of plywood possible to cover the space. Each piece of plywood must begin and end on a joist so that it can be nailed to the joist for stability.
- 5
  Lay the first piece of plywood. Slide the plywood into place so that both of its ends rest on joists.
- 6
  Nail the plywood to the joists using four nails, one at each corner.
- 7
  Lay the other pieces of plywood until the storage space is covered.

Slab Foundation House Vs. Crawl Space Foundation

How to Build a Port-a-Potty Enclosure

Building Designs