Our wonderful works of wood and warmth doesn’t just happen from no where. As lovers of the past and its beauty, we look to the old world charm of hard work and beautiful wooden barns of early America and beyond. We see the presence of a magnificent and varied culture in building, a simple and strong philosophy of both beauty and practicality. We look back at these early works with no small wonder, and examine how we can recreate them with our strong post and beam construction.
Barns with Poles
You’ve probably read it a thousand times, about how farmers in the early 1900s would take treated telephone poles to use as the posts and poles in barns and sheds. By using these poles sent deep underground, they were able to keep things stable without having to pour a foundation. The use of these poles that had been treated also let the wood stay protected for long periods underground. Between these poles, framing would be built, allowing for all sorts of structures and shapes.
Post-Modern
In the modern day, these poles have been largely replaced with posts of a more square shape, often used by some as laminated boards stuck into the shape required. This offers about as good of a resistance, but doesn’t quite look as nice. These new “poles” would be more commonly called “posts”, and served as the foundation of the more modern term “post frame construction”, where the posts are buried and framed around. While fundamentally post frame barns and pole barns are the same in a historical sense, there is an issue that has risen up recently, with the advent of metal’s popularity.
“Cheap, Simple, Metal.”
Most days, the term pole barn has been boiled down into shorthand for overly simple and often ugly metal buildings that simply cover a handful of metal poles with corrugated steel. While there is a time and place for anything, having something like that on your property for storage or long term is a painful thing indeed. There is a rumor that metal last longer or is cheaper, and maybe in some cases that might be true. However, for here in Texas, the durability and strength of our barns made of wood can be comparable or better! Pricing for metal fluctuates quite a bit, and is quite close to that of wood, so why bother with the ugly?
The Post and Beaming smiles.
Where we step in, is in using proper full dimension lumber for our posts and beams. What we mean by that, is that our posts are not just made of planks laminated together, but full sized beams of timber and wood, that provide consistent strength and beauty. We love working with local mills that provide us with strong kiln-dried beams and post that provides both visual and structural advantages. A Barn made with a strong post and beam construction uses trusses and crossbeams that provide not only upright strength, but lateral strength as well. Structurally, we guarantee a hundred years. Will your company of choice say the same? We stand by our products, and have gone above and beyond to make sure of it.
In recent years, the allure of affordable rural living has increasingly captured the imagination of Texans. Among the architectural innovations that have facilitated this trend, pole barns and custom barn kits stand out as both practical and stylish solutions. At Barns Across Texas, we specialize in leveraging this architectural style to help our clients embrace a simpler, country lifestyle through our range of custom pole barn homes.
What Is a Pole Barn & What Is It Used For?
A pole barn, also known as a post-frame building, is a structure built with large poles or posts buried in the ground or secured to a concrete foundation. This construction method provides exceptional durability and flexibility in design. Unlike traditional stick-framed buildings, pole barns do not require interior supporting walls. This architectural freedom allows for large, open spaces, which are ideal for a variety of uses, from residential homes to horse barns and workshops.
Originally used for agricultural purposes, pole barns have evolved into versatile structures suitable for residential, recreational, and commercial uses. This architectural technique not only provides expansive open spaces but also offers a cost-effective construction method. The adaptability and affordability of pole barns make them an excellent choice for anyone looking to create a custom pole barn home in rural Texas.
Why Choose Pole Barns for Affordable Rural Living in Texas?
Opting for pre-designed pole barn kits for your new home in Texas means choosing a path of less resistance with numerous benefits:
Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to traditional construction methods, pole barns require fewer materials and less labor, translating into significant cost savings.
Speed of Construction: Pole barn kits come pre-measured and cut, ready for assembly. This streamlined process drastically reduces construction time.
Flexibility: With no interior walls, the layout of a pole barn can be customized to fit a variety of needs, from open-plan homes to workshops and horse barns.
Durability: Designed to withstand harsh weather, including the varied Texas climate, our pole barns offer a long-lasting solution for rural living.
Types of Pole Barn Kits Perfect for Texas Living
At Barns Across Texas, we pride ourselves on crafting pole barn homes that embody the spirit of Texas ranch life. Our designs reflect the rustic charm associated with Texas cowboy culture, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetics. Here’s an overview of the types of pole barn kits we offer:
Classic Pole Barn Homes
Perfect for families looking to enjoy the tranquility of the countryside, these homes can be customized to any size and layout, featuring open floor plans and high ceilings.
Horse Barns
Tailored for equestrian needs, our horse barns provide spacious and comfortable accommodations for your horses, integrating features like tack rooms, wash bays, and ample storage.
Workshop Barns
Ideal for artisans and craftspeople, our workshop barns offer robust and spacious environments suitable for various types of work, from woodworking to car repairs.
Constructing Your Custom Pole Barn Kit
Building your custom pole barn is an exciting step towards creating your ideal rural retreat. As experienced barndominium builders in Texas, our team is well-equipped to guide you through every stage of constructing your pole barn kit. From the initial design to the final touches, we ensure a seamless process that reflects your specific needs and preferences. With our expertise, building your custom pole barn becomes a straightforward and enjoyable experience, allowing you to quickly enjoy the benefits of your new rural living space.
Choosing the Right Pole Barn Kit for Your Home
Selecting the appropriate pole barn kit involves considering several factors:
Purpose: Determine what the primary use of the pole barn will be. Each type of barn is tailored to different needs and activities.
Size and Layout: Consider the amount of space needed. Our team can help customize the dimensions to fit your specific requirements.
Location: The site where the barn will be built affects certain design elements, such as orientation and foundation type.
Budget: While pole barns are cost-effective, defining your budget helps in selecting the right materials and features without compromising on quality.
Specializing in Custom Pole Barn Homes Throughout Texas
At Barns Across Texas, we specialize in providing custom pole barn kits that cater to the diverse needs of residents across the state. Whether our clients are looking to create a cozy home, a functional workshop, or a state-of-the-art horse barn, our tailored solutions ensure that each kit perfectly aligns with their vision and requirements. Our extensive experience and deep understanding of Texas’s rural and urban landscapes allow us to design structures that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, making us a trusted partner in rural living.
Austin
Dallas
Houston
San Antonio
Fort Worth
El Paso
Arlington
Corpus Christi
Lubbock
Amarillo
Contact Barns Across Texas to Start Building Your Dream Pole Barn Home in Texas
The rising popularity of pole barns and pole barn kits in Texas reflects a broader desire among residents to return to simpler, more sustainable living arrangements. At Barns Across Texas, we are excited to be at the forefront of this movement, offering custom pole barn homes that perfectly blend functionality with the rustic charm of Texas rural life.
If you’re considering making the switch to a quieter, country lifestyle, contact us today to learn more about how our pole barn kits can help build your dream home. Join the growing number of Texans who are choosing pole barns for their durability, affordability, and undeniable style.
Yes, pole barns are highly suitable for the Texas climate. Their robust construction can withstand severe weather, including strong winds and heavy rain, making them an ideal choice for various regions across the state.
The construction time for a pole barn home can vary depending on the complexity and size of the project. Generally, pole barns can be erected much quicker than traditional buildings due to their simplified construction methods.
Building a pole barn in Texas is often more cost-effective than traditional construction methods. Costs can vary based on materials, size, and customizations, but the overall efficiency of construction helps keep expenses lower.
We offer a variety of pole barn kits, including classic pole barn homes, horse barns, and workshop barns. Each kit is designed to cater to different uses and preferences, emphasizing Texas’s rich cowboy culture and agricultural heritage.
Pole barn homes are designed to be highly energy efficient. With proper insulation and construction techniques, these homes maintain a stable internal temperature, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling.
Pole barn homes require minimal maintenance. Regular checks should be made for pest infestations, water damage, and structural integrity, but overall, the durability of the materials used minimizes upkeep.
Yes, you can legally live in a pole barn in Texas as long as it meets all local building codes and regulations. It’s important to ensure that the structure is designed for habitation, with proper living facilities and safety measures in place.
Creating a rustic post and beam barn home combines traditional building techniques with modern design, resulting in a living space that’s both charming and durable. This type of home offers a unique blend of simplicity, strength, and beauty that captures the essence of rural living. As the premier post and beam barn home builders in Texas, Barns Across Texas is dedicated to transforming your vision into a reality. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what post and beam barns are, how to utilize post and beam barn plans, and why choosing Barns Across Texas ensures a rustic living environment that’s unmatched in quality and aesthetic.
What Is a Post and Beam Barn?
A post and beam barn home combines the rustic charm of traditional barn architecture with modern living spaces, creating a unique and cozy home. Rooted in ancient traditions, this construction technique uses large wooden posts and beams to form the structural framework, allowing for open, spacious interiors and the ability to incorporate large windows and high ceilings. The design seamlessly blends the timeless aesthetic of a barn with contemporary features, offering a distinctive living experience. Unlike conventional framing, post and beam barns expose the beauty of the wood, adding character and warmth to the space.
The Benefits of Post and Beam Barns
Aesthetic Appeal: The exposed timber framework not only provides structural integrity but also serves as a stunning visual element, creating a timeless rustic ambiance.
Durability and Strength: Using large, solid pieces of wood makes these homes exceptionally sturdy and able to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Flexibility in Design: The open floor plan facilitated by post and beam construction allows for easy customization to meet homeowners’ specific needs and preferences.
Energy Efficiency: When combined with modern insulation techniques, these homes can be highly energy-efficient, maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures year-round.
From Barn to Home: Converting a Post and Beam Barn into a Unique Living Space
To create a rustic barn home that meets your expectations, it’s essential to start with a well-thought-out plan. Post and beam barn plans lay the groundwork for your project, outlining the design, materials, and construction techniques that will be used.
Post and Beam Barn Plans: Choosing the Right Plan for Your Needs
Selecting the right post and beam barn plan is crucial. Consider the following factors:
Size and Layout: Determine how much space you need and how you want it organized. Think about the number of rooms, bathrooms, and any special areas like a loft or a large open kitchen.
Aesthetic Preferences: Decide on the style of your barn home. Do you prefer a traditional look, or are you leaning towards something more modern with rustic elements?
Budget: Be realistic about your budget. Post and beam construction can vary in cost depending on the materials used and the complexity of the design.
Customization for Personal Touch
While pre-designed plans are a great starting point, customization allows you to tailor your home to your specific desires. Here at Barns Across Texas, we work closely with you to choose the perfect space to break ground, modify any plan, and ensure it perfectly fits your vision of a dream barn home.
The Construction Process
The construction of a post and beam barn home is an intricate process that requires precision and expertise. It begins with preparing the site and laying a solid foundation. The posts, which support the roof and floors, are then erected and connected with beams. This framework forms the skeleton of the home, onto which walls, floors, and the roof are added.
Throughout the construction, quality materials and craftsmanship are paramount to ensure the structure’s longevity and performance. Our team at Barns Across Texas excels in this area, bringing unmatched skill, attention to detail, and quality parts to every project.
Barns Across Texas: The Premier Post and Beam Barn Builders in Texas
Barns Across Texas stands at the forefront of post and beam barn home construction in the state. Our company’s foundation is built on a deep appreciation for the beauty of old-world agriculture, the resilience of the cowboy spirit, and a commitment to creating structures that add value and beauty to Texas’s rural landscapes.
We are recognized as the most skilled and beautiful barn builders in Texas. Our designs are striking, our quality is unmatched, and our pricing is very fair. We make the construction process easy and enjoyable, from initial design consultation to the final touches.
For city folks looking to transition to the rural charm of Texas, we promise a building experience that’s as rewarding as the final product. Our barn homes are designed to last for generations, providing a sturdy, beautiful backdrop to your family’s rural adventures.
Explore Post and Beam Barn Plans from Barns Across Texas
Creating a rustic post and beam barn home is an exciting journey that offers the opportunity to live in a space that’s both historically rich and uniquely yours. At Barns Across Texas, we are passionate about bringing these dreams to life, crafting homes that are not just buildings but a reflection of our clients’ aspirations and the enduring spirit of Texas itself.
If you’re in Texas and dreaming of a rustic post and beam barn home built with professionalism and care, look no further than Barns Across Texas. Our expertise, combined with your vision, will create a living space that stands the test of time. Contact us to get started or to learn more about our post and beam barn designs. Together, let’s build something beautiful.
Yes, post and beam barn homes can be extremely energy efficient, depending on the materials used and the design. Proper insulation, high-quality windows, and thoughtful orientation of the home can contribute to reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills.
Like any home, a post and beam barn home requires regular maintenance to keep it in top condition, including treating the wood to prevent rot and insect damage, checking the integrity of the structure, and ensuring that the exterior is properly sealed and insulated. However, with high-quality materials and construction, these homes are built to last and require relatively low maintenance over time.
A post and beam barn home can be built on various types of land, but it’s important to consider the terrain, soil stability, and access to utilities during the planning phase. Our team can help assess your land to ensure it’s suitable for construction.
Yes, post and beam barn homes often hold their value very well, thanks to their timeless design, quality construction, and the unique appeal they offer. These homes can be a great investment, often becoming more desirable over time.
Horses are sensitive animals and can be affected by extreme temperatures. Metal barns, in particular, can become very hot during the summer months, which can cause heat damage to horses. Below I would like to discuss the causes of heat damage to horses in metal barns and how to prevent it. As well, I want to explore the advantages of wood barns in these cases.
Causes of Heat Damage
Metal barns can become very hot during the summer months due to the sun’s rays being absorbed by the metal. This can cause the temperature inside the barn to rise significantly, which can lead to heat damage in horses. Heat damage can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even death in severe cases.
Prevention of Heat Damage
There are several ways to prevent heat damage to horses in metal barns. One way is to ensure that there is proper ventilation in the barn. This can be achieved by installing fans or vents that allow air to circulate freely. Another way is to provide shade for the horses by installing awnings or other types of coverings that block out the sun’s rays.
It is also important to ensure that there is plenty of water available for the horses. Horses need to drink a lot of water during hot weather to stay hydrated and prevent heat exhaustion. Make sure that there are enough water troughs available and that they are kept clean and filled with fresh water.
Finally, it is important to monitor the temperature inside the barn regularly. If the temperature rises above a certain level, it may be necessary to move the horses to a cooler location until the temperature drops.
Why Wooden Barns are a Better Alternative
Wooden barns are a better alternative to metal barns for several reasons. Firstly, wood is a natural insulator and does not absorb heat as much as metal does. This means that wooden barns are cooler during the summer months and provide better protection against heat damage for horses.
Secondly, wooden barns are more aesthetically pleasing than metal barns and blend in better with their surroundings. They also provide a more traditional look and feel that many horse owners prefer.
Finally, wooden barns are more durable than metal barns in the long run. While metal barns may be cheaper to build initially, they require more maintenance over time and may need to be replaced sooner than wooden barns. The internal structures of wooden barns can last for a hundred years when built right, and the ease of replacement for the singular panels and pieces for wood can save time and money.
Conclusion
Heat damage can be a serious problem for horses in metal barns during hot weather. For the sake of your horses, then, we highly recommend Wooden barns. Wooden barns are a better alternative to metal barns as they provide better insulation against heat damage, are more aesthetically pleasing, and are more durable in the long run.
If you would like to build a wooden barn for your animals, look no further than us! See our Barns!
Life could be a dream come true when you leave the cities…
The hustle and bustle of the big city is a wonderful thing, and for many people it can be the only way they see life. If you’re here, though, I can be sure that you’re growing less enchanted with the constant motion and chaos that can come from the glass and steel boxes of the urban landscape. It’s true that a break to the countryside can be a welcome escape, but what if it didn’t have to end? It’s growing to be more expensive to live near the cities every month it feels, and the excitement fades as the reality of urban expansion comes to your doorstep.
Here at Texas Country Charmers, we see a better option, and would like to paint a new picture for you to imagine: Grassy green hills, and old trees to climb. You’ve no doubt read books, or seen old movies that proport to be the answer to modern living. It’s the way things are going, more than ever before.
Why does our Barndominium wood look different from a house?
All your life, you have probably seen wood planks like 2x4s and 3x4s and wondered to yourself if those are really all measured that way. You would be right to wonder, because the truth of it is: It’s a lie! Wood that has numbers like 2x4s are really only 1.74×3.75, which isn’t nearly as catchy, is it?
Well, not a lie, exactly, so much as an interesting practice dating back hundreds of years! It all comes down to the difference between standard “Nominal Dimensional Lumber” and “Rough Sawn Full-Dimensional Lumber“.
Dimensional Lumber:
Before we go further, it’s important to know that “Dimensional Lumber” just means wood or lumber, that is cut and milled to specific dimensions. Like how wheels on a car have a set size, so every new Toyota Camry will use the same tires. It is a practice of standardization, though as we will see, this can be a little confusing!
Nominal Dimensional Lumber:
Nominal Dimensional Lumber, or simply Dimensional Lumber, is a highly processed and smooth kind of wood that has been dried in a factory. The wood’s “actual” size is based on the size that wood used to dry to from it’s original cut. Because wood is full of water, it shrinks when dried, meaning the cut wet wood and the dried wood we usually get can be different and size. The number we use on a day to day basis, like a 2×4, is used to categorize the wood and we call that “Nominal Dimensions”. It’s not a lie to say that they are a 2×4, because the term “2×4” is more of a name, than the dimensions. Nearly all the 2x4s at Lowe’s or Home Depot have roughly the same size, because they all follow the same practice.
Rough Sawn Full-Dimensional Lumber
Rough Sawn lumber is not smooth and pressed like the boards you see at a hardware store, they are much closer to the initial cut from a tree. This process involves a much simpler air drying method that preserves the size of the lumber. As a result? Big, rough planks that look like they came straight from the forest, and offer that wood cabin feel to any home or barn they are a part of. Because these plans are often locally sourced, and minimally processed, they can look beautiful, while helping to maintain the environment as well!
What We Use
Having covered what these sorts of woods are, you may wonder what we use, and where! The fact is, we use both types of lumber, and in all sorts of ways! Full Dimension Lumber is best used when you can see it, so we are careful to use it when a wall will just cover it up. Meanwhile, standard Nominal Lumber is smooth and simple to use, allowing our builders to form frames and studs quickly and easily. Here is a short list to help you understand where you can expect our woods:
Houses
Full Dimension: Accents when requested.
Nominal Dimension: Framing and Studs. Most wood will be these.
Barndominiums
Full Dimension: Major Horizontals, Verticals and other Visible posts
Nominal Dimension: Interior Wall Frames and studs.
Barns
Full Dimension: Most Woods used.
Nominal Dimension: Small Internal Walls for human rooms.
Keep in mind, each plan will be unique, and you can work with our designers and architects to find the best way to make your building pop!
Shell Homes might feel like a recent phenomenon with a strange practice that doesn’t make sense, but you’d be quite surprised! After all, every house has to build the shell, but not every company can specialize in that process! Not unlike writing the outline of a paper, the Shell of a Home sets the structure and shape of the project, allowing you to see what your dream home looks like as soon as possible. With a shell home builder, we work hard to get you to that first step, and work with your electricians and plumbers to prepare for the next steps.
The advantages of a shell home builder is the control you have over the process. If you like to manage all your projects in steps, and want to have exactly the floors, walls, toilets and more that you want, splitting the internals and shell can save you a lot of headaches. With our focus on making sure you have a sealed space, you can take your time and work on getting the best deals inside. A breakdown of our services can be seen below, but feel free to ask us what else we can help you with, as we might have some recommendations for your location!
Foundation
Leveling where necessary
Concrete poured where the house and porches will be
Framing
Wood Verticals and Horizontals
The “Skeleton” of a house
Stud Walls
The Innermost wall frames
Not including dry wall
Subfloors
Plywood and OSB type panels that give support to your floors
Exterior Windows
Windows of your choice
Exterior Doors
Doors of your choice
Siding
The exterior wrap and panels that seal the walls
Roofing
The interior roofing that seals the house
The exterior tiles that protect the house
These are just a rough example of what you can expect, of course. Your house will be designed in partnership with our designers and architects to deliver the best house for you! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!
It’s not every day that you get to see what a company is cooking, but today is that day! If you happen to be one of the lucky people that see this post, give us a call.
