Do it Yourself Pole Buildings

Plan the size of the building, and ask the local building department if you need a building permit. Design the floor plan, indicating how the distance between the support poles, and calculate the quantity of materials you'll needed to order. Select a dry area for your building, and level the ground if necessary.

Mark the four corners of the building with stakes. Stretch string around the perimeter, and mark the locations of all the posts. Dig holes approximately 2 feet wide and 4 feet deep for a garage-size building. Mix and pour concrete into the holes to a depth of about 8 inches and let it set, which takes about a day.

Place the poles into the holes, and brace them in level positions with 2-by-4 lumber at 45-degree angles. Mix and pour concrete so that it fills the holes to just slightly above ground level, and let the concrete set.

Nail 2-by-4 lumber horizontally onto the poles around the perimeter of the building. Do this every 3 feet beginning at ground level. Frame out an open area between poles where you will install doors.

Lift the first truss onto the first pair of poles using two ladders or a crane. Brace it with wood bracing set at 45-degree angles. Fasten the ends of the truss to the tops of the poles using wood fasteners such as Simpson hurricane ties.

Mount the rest of the trusses, and nail 2-by-6 runners on top of the trusses, to connect and stabilize them. The runners should be nailed every 2 feet or affixed with fasteners such as Simpson ties.

Fasten sheet metal roofing using a cordless drill and galvanized roofing screws. Begin at a bottom corner, and work your way to the top. Screw a metal ridge cap on top of the roof crown.

Install any doors and windows before the exterior siding is installed. Nail the exterior siding beginning at the bottom of the wall and work your way up. Finish the building by adding any decorative trim desired.