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This step by step diy woodworking project is about free 16×32 pole barn roof plans. This is PART 2 of the 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
Free Pole Barn Roof Plans
Cut & Shopping Lists
- D – 16 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 48″ long POST BRACES
- F – 24 pieces of 1/2″ OSB – 48″x96″ long, 6 pieces – 18 1/4″x96″ long, 2 pieces – 21 1/4″x91 1/2″ long, 4 pieces – 48″x48″ long, 1 piece – 5 1/2″x96″ long WALL SHEETS
- G – 1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 192″ long, 2 pieces – 119 1/4″ long, 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 50 5/8″ long, 2 pieces – 23 7/8″ long 5xTRUSS
- H – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 105 3/4″ long, 8 pieces – 96″ long BRACES
- I – 24 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′ long, 24 pieces – 106 1/2″ long PURLINS
- J – 16 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 4 pieces – 24″x48″ long, 8 pieces – 24″x96″ long, 2 pieces – 24″x24″ long ROOF SHEETS*
- K – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 105 3/4″ long, 4 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 96″ long, 4 pieces – 108″ long TRIMS
- L – 650 sq ft of metal sheets ROOFING
- 8 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
- 5 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 16′
- 18 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 10′
- 42 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
- 4 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 8′
- 4 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 10′
- 31 pieces of 1/2″ OSB – 4’x8′
- 20 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 4×8′ *
- house wrap
- 650 sq ft of metal sheets
- 2 1/2″ screws
- 1 5/8″ screws
- Truss plans, Truss plate
- Truss ties
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Post hole digger, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Time
One week
How to build a 16×24 pole barn roof
Use 2×6 lumber for the braces. Make 45 bevel cuts to both ends of the braces. Fit the braces to the posts and lock them to the truss carriers, as well.
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 2×6 lumber and make a 25 degree cut to one end.
Use a miter saw to cut both ends of the bottom chords at 25 degrees. Lay the components on a level surface and align everything with attention. Leave no gaps between the rafters. Set the miter saw at 65 degree before making the cuts to both ends of the bottom rafter.
In order to enhance the strength of the trusses, I recommend you to fit the W shaped supports. Use a saw to make the cuts to the supports.
Attach the supports to the trusses and leave no gaps between the components. Fit the metal plates to the joints of the components, as shown in the diagram. Align the edges with attention and insert 1 5/8″ screws into the rafters.
Place the end trusses to the front and back of the pole barn. Align the edges flush, plumb the trusses and then lock them into place with screws. Use 2×4 lumber for the middle support. This piece will help you have a back support when attaching the OSB sheeting.
Fit the rest of the trusses, every 8′ on center. Plumb the trusses and then lock them to the carrier beams, using ties.
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″.
Fit the sheets to the front of the pole barn. Make the cuts so you can attach the sheets around the door opening.
Fit the sheets to the back of the pole barn.
Cover the pole barn with house wrap and then attach the siding.
Fit the 2×4 supports to the bottom chords. These supports will enhance the rigidity of the roof structure. Use 3 1/2″ screws to secure the supports to the bottom chords. Drill pilot holes at both ends of the supports, to prevent the wood from splitting.
Use 2×4 lumber for the diagonal braces. Use a miter saw to make the angle cuts at both ends of the braces.
Fit the braces to the roof structure of the pole barn. Fit the diagonal braces and toenail them into place tightly. These braces will make the roof structure very stiff and remove the wobbles.
Fit the 2×4 purlins to the top of the roof, every 2′ on center. You can adjust the overhangs to suit your needs.
Use 2×6 lumber for the front and back roof trims. Secure them to the purlins with 3 1/2″ screws.
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.
Fit the 1×8 trims to the sides of the roof. Use 6d nails to secure the trims to the trusses.
Install the metal sheets / asphalt shingles to the top of the pole barn.
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.
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 16×32 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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