How to Build Animal Barns

Plan your barn. Some barns are larger than others, and size has advantages on both sides. The smaller the barn, the warmer and more stable it will be. The larger the barn, the more animals it can house. Decide on how big you need your barn to be, then look at the terrain you have to determine how big it can be. Check the zoning laws in your area before you construct such a big structure.

Cement the columns into the ground. Nowhere is the adage :measure twice, cut once" more important than here. Once it's cemented in, it's in. First you want to dig a hole in the ground about 2 feet deep. Then put the pole in, and pour in concrete, constantly checking to make sure the pole is completely vertical. Hold it in place until the concrete sets a little bit, then just wait for it to dry. This will most likely be an overnight process, depending on the kind of concrete you use.

Cut the two-by-fours to size. You'll want to start on the front of your barn, since it's the most difficult part. Mark them if needed. You'll want to organize them smartly, so that you're not looking for one particular board in a field of a hundred or more.

Nail the boards into place on the columns. This is pretty straightforward, just make sure that you put the right boards in the right places. Taking a board out isn't altogether difficult, but it's one more frustration that you don't need when you're trying to build something so taxing.

Attach boards lengthwise for the roof. You'll need to set up a framework for your roof, and how you do that depends on the shape of the barn you're building. Just make sure that the boards are close enough to follow through with the next step.

Add plywood and shingles to the roof. The plywood should be "shingled" on the roof. That is, the bottom ones should be slightly covered by the ones that go on top. This prevents any holes in the roof that could leak and get your animals wet, which is particularly dangerous in cold months. Next, add the shingles, from bottom to top, and layer those in the same way you did your plywood.

Paint the barn. This gives the barn not only aesthetic appeal, but helps it to brave the elements. Wood will warp and decay if it's exposed to the elements for very long, but adding a layer of paint can work wonders to help your barn survive many years.