AI-generated picture of a pole barn

Post Frame Structure with Gambrel Roof Design

A post frame building with a gambrel roof provides extra headroom and classic barn aesthetics. The gambrel shape allows for better use of attic or loft space, often without needing interior support posts.

Structural Elements

Posts (Columns)

• Material: 2x6 or 2x8, 3-ply and 4-ply pressure-treated wood columns

• Spacing: 8' on center sidewalls 10' on center gables

• Foundation:

• Buried 42” placed on pre-formed concrete cookie with uplift protection

• Mounted on concrete with thickened outer edge with brackets

Girts (Wall Framing)

• 2x6 Attached horizontally between posts

• Spaced per structural load (typically 24" on center)

Trusses (Gambrel Style)

• Double-pitch (two angles on each side of the roof)

• Example:

• Lower slope: 20–30°

• Upper slope: 60–70°

• Spacing: Usually 4' on center, 2’ is available

Purlins (Roof Framing)

• Run perpendicular across the trusses

• Support the roof panels

• 2x4 spacing based on roofing material and snow loads(typically 24”)

Exterior Materials

Roofing

• Material: 29ga. Corrugated metal

• Underlayment: Synthetic or felt

• Ventilation: Ridge vent with soffit vents

Walls

• Siding: Metal panels, wood board & batten, or engineered wood

• Optional: Wainscoting or decorative trim

Doors & Windows

• Sliding barn doors or overhead roll-ups

• Standard entry doors, Entry doors with

• Loft door (if applicable) for hay storage

• Dutch Doors for horse stalls

• Slider and single-hung windows in various sizes

Example Dimensions

• Building Width: 30'

• Building Length: 40'

• Eave Height: 12'

• Ridge Height~18'-20' (depends on pitch)

Loft Space - Full width, 12' deep

Optional Additions

• Hay loft with pull-down ladder or stairs

• Cupola with weathervane

• Overhangs for equipment storage

• Porch lean-to along one side

Notes

• Structural engineering is recommended for snow/wind load compliance.

• A concrete slab can be added post-frame or poured between posts.

• Great for storage, workshops, or even conversion into barndominiums.

Traditional Barn or Shop

• Dimensions (estimated): 30' x 40' (width x length)

• Eave Height: Approximately 12 feet

• Roof Style: Gable roof, 4/12 pitch

• Roof Material: Corrugated metal panels (color-matched steel)

• Roof Color: Charcoal gray / graphite

Exterior Details

• Siding Material: Vertical ribbed steel panels

• Siding Color: Blue-gray (a neutral cool tone, close to “Charcoal” or “Slate”)

• Trim Color: Dark gray (nearly black, accenting doors and roof edges)

• Wainscoting: Not visible on this specific build

• Screw Colors: Matching gray

Doors

• Main Doors: Double sliding barn doors (approx. 10' x 10')

  • Material: Woodgrain steel or stained wood overlay

  • Hardware: Exposed black steel track and rollers

• Man Door: Standard steel entry door with upper glass panel grid (approx. 3' x 7')

  • Color: Color-matched to siding (gray)

Windows

• Quantity: 3 standard rectangular windows on visible side wall

• Frame Material: Aluminum or vinyl

• Frame Color: White

• Glass: Double-pane insulated

Framing and Structure

• Frame Type: Post-frame (pressure-treated posts set in concrete or on pier brackets)

• Purlins and Girts: Standard 2x6 or 2x8 spacing

• Foundation: Concrete slab floor (optional gravel base)

Approximate Use Case

Ideal as a shop, garage, or hobby barn, this layout would easily accommodate one vehicle bay or workshop area with storage and workspace flexibility.

Modern Shop with Small Living Space

• Style: Modern pole barn with front porch / living quarters style shop

• Approximate Size: 36' x 48'

• Eave Height: 12 feet

• Roof Pitch: 4/12 gable roof

• Roof Material: 29-gauge ribbed steel panels

• Roof Color: Black (matte or charcoal finish)

Exterior Colors & Materials

• Siding Type: Vertical steel panels (29-gauge, standard rib pattern)

• Upper Siding Color: Sandstone / Light Tan

• Wainscoting (Lower Panels): Charcoal Gray

• Trim Color: Matching charcoal trim around doors, windows, and fascia

• Screw Colors: Color-matched to siding and trim for a clean, uniform appearance

Structural Details

• Frame Type: Post-frame construction

  • Posts: 6x6 pressure-treated posts set in concrete or on Perma-Column bases

  • Girts/Purlins: 2x6 or 2x8 framing members

• Foundation: Concrete slab floor (4"–6" typical thickness)

• Porch Support Posts: 6x6 natural wood with decorative cross bracing

• Porch Dimensions: Approx. 8' deep running the length of the right side of the barn

Doors & Windows

• Overhead Door:

  • One large steel-back insulated overhead door, approx. 10' x 10'

  • Color: White, with raised panel design

• Man Door (Side Entry):

  • Standard 3' x 7' steel door painted to match trim (charcoal)

• Main Entry (Porch Side):

  • 3' x 7' full-light door (black frame)

• Windows:

  • (3) vinyl-framed rectangular windows

  • Frame Color: White

  • Glazing: Double-pane insulated

Interior Options (typical setup)

• Wall Liner Option: Interior steel liner or OSB sheeting

• Insulation: Blown or batt insulation in walls and ceiling

• Ceiling: Open truss design, suitable for LED lighting or ceiling fans

• Electrical: Can accommodate full shop wiring, outlets, and lighting circuits

Design Highlights

• Modern two-tone metal siding for a clean, professional look

• Covered porch adds functionality — perfect for shade, entryway, or outdoor workspace

• Matches well with residential-style shop homes or farm properties

• Low-maintenance materials for long-term durability