12×16 Pole Barn Roof Plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about free 12×16 pole barn roof plans. This is PART 2 of the  compact pole barn project. In this article I show you my take on building the trusses and how to complete the walls and roofing. Read the local building codes and consider buying engineered trusses. Make sure you take a look over the rest of plans to see alternatives and more projects for your garden.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

12×16 Pole Barn Roof Plans

Building-a-8×12-pole-barn-shed

Cut & Shopping Lists

• E – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 90″ long, 1 piece – 144″ long, 1 piece – 28 3/4″ long 5xTRUSS
• F – 12 pieces of 1/2″ OSB – 48″x96″ long, 4 pieces – 18″x96″ long, 2 pieces – 48″x48″ long, 2 pieces – 43 3/4″x48″ long, 2 pieces – 9 1/2″x29 1/4″ long, 4 pieces – 24″x48″ long, 1 piece – 5 1/2″x96″ long WALL SHEETS
• G – 20 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 108″ long PURLINS
• H – 4 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 2 pieces – 24″x48″ long, 4 pieces – 42″x96″ long, 2 pieces – 24″x42″ long ROOF SHEETS*
• I – 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 91 3/4″ long, 4 pieces – 108″ long TRIMS
• J – 270 sq ft of metal sheets ROOFING
• K – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 96″ long, 4 pieces – 54 3/4″ long BRACES

• 21 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12 ft
• 20 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 10 ft
• 4 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 10 ft
• 4 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 8 ft
• 17 pieces of 1/2″ OSB – 4’x8′
• 9 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 4×8′ *
• house wrap
• 275 sq ft of metal sheets / asphalt shingles
• 2 1/2″ screws
• 1 5/8″ screws
• Truss plans, Truss plate
• Truss ties
• strong tie plate screws

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Post hole digger, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One week

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How to build a 12×16 pole barn roof

Truss-components

I recommend you buy engineered trusses, as they give you a good balance between costs and benefits. They will give you instructions on the span you need to leave between them and on the thickness of the truss carriers.

However, I will show you my take on building the trusses by yourself. Remember to read the local codes so you can make adjustments if needed. The first step is to build the rafters for the trusses. Use 2×4 lumber and make a 25 degree cut to one end.

Assembling the trusses

Lay the rafters on a level surface and leave no gaps between the components. Align everything with attention and lock everything together tightly with strong tie plates.

Fitting-the-trusses

Fit the trusses to the top of the pole barn, every 4″ on center. Plumb the trusses with a spirit level and lock the to the carrier beams with rafter ties.

Truss supports

Fit the 2×4 supports to lock the bottom rafters together and thus enhance the rigidity of the roof structure. Use 2 1/2″ screws to attach the supports into place.

Diagonal roof braces

Use 2×4 lumber for the diagonal trusses that will go to the roof. Use a miter saw to make the 30 degree cuts to both ends of the braces.

Fitting the diagonal braces to the roof

Fit the braces to the trusses, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes and secure them tightly with screws.

Side wall panels

Fit the 1/2″ OSB sheets to the sides of the pole barn. Align the edges flush and leave no gaps between the sheets. Use 6d nails to secure the sheets to the girts, every 8″.

Front wall panels

Fit the sheets to the front of the pole barn. Make the cuts so you can attach the sheets around the door opening.

Back wall panels

Fit the sheets to the back of the pole barn.

Roof purlins – 12×16 pole barn

Fit the 2×4 purlins to the top of the roof, every 2′ on center. You can adjust the overhangs to suit your needs.

Roof sheets – 12×16 pole barn

This step is optional. If you go for metal sheets you install them directly to the purlins. However, you could fit 1/2″ plywood sheets and go for asphalt shingles. Align the edges with attention and secure the sheets to the purlins with 1 5/8″ screws, every 8″ on center.

Side roof trims – 12×16 pole barnFit the 1×6 trims to the sides of the roof. Use 6d nails to secure the trims to the trusses.

Front and back roof trims

Use 1×6 lumber for the front and back roof trusses. Make the angle cut to one end of the trims and lock them into place with 2″ nails.

Fitting the roofing – 12×16 shed

Install the metal sheets / asphalt shingles to the top of the pole barn.

12×16 Pole Barn Plans – front view

Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Remember to take a look over PART 1 of the free plans, to get access to the cut / shopping lists and to the instructions regarding the frame of the barn.

Cover the exterior of the pole barn with house wrap and then staple it into place. You can attach 5/8″ T1-11 siding sheets or PVC siding.

8×12-post-frame-barn-plans

Top Tip: Check out the rest of the shed projects for more inspiration for your backyard. Take a look over my other pole barn project, if you need to build a 16×24 shelter.

This woodworking project was about 12×16 pole barn roof plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.

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