How to Trim Pole Barns

Construct a pole barn. Individual poles are set in the ground on concrete foundations. 2-by-4 purlins are wrapped around the building to straighten and strengthen the poles. Install dual 2-by-12s to serve as load-bearing beams and support the roof trusses at the top of the poles. The 2-by-12s are fastened to the foundation poles with carriage bolts, nuts and washers, and must be level around the perimeter of the building.

Cut off, or trim the foundation polls with the chainsaw or the electric saws-all level with the top of the 2-by-12s. Use a Type 1A rated commercial, free standing trestle ladder rather than a short extension ladder to reach the top of the walls. The trestle ladder will provide a more stable footing while trimming the poles. The poles should not be cut before the 2-by-12s are connected. The process is simplified when the 2-by-12s are connected to the poles before the polls are topped.

Cut the height of the foundation poles around the entire perimeter of the pole barn. The roof trusses will rest on top of the double 2-by-12's beam, and across the end of the buildings. A new gable is constructed for each end of the building, connecting the roof trusses to the walls.