Are you thinking of installing a custom barn on your lot with a lean-to? That’s a great idea as not only do you get space for your livestock, farm vehicle, or crop storage, but you also get extra space as lean-tos for sheltering farm tools, hay bales, and other items. That being said, let’s see some of the design tips and things you must consider before constructing a barn on your property.
Design Tips For Building A Custom Lean-To Barn
Need | Purpose
Why purpose does a lean-to barn will serve you? Are you looking to keep livestock and use a shed as storage for farm machinery? Or maybe you were thinking of using lean-tos as a loafing shed or parking small ATVs? Your intent of use must be clear to get the most practical steel barn.
Access
The good news is you can have lean-tos on either side of the barn. However, you must bear in mind that it should be easy to access. Suppose you are parking a vehicle. Then, you must be able to drive in and out without getting scratches. Or, if you are planning to use it as a shed to store hay bales, they should remain dry and protected from weather.
Visibility
Do you want your barn to stand out or blend in with the rest of your property? The best thing here is you can go either way. For camouflaging, you can choose an exterior color that is similar to your surroundings. You can select a color that matches your main home to give a seamless appearance. Note that you can use the modern façade option for your metal barns to personalize it.
Roof Style
You must select a vertical roofing style if you want a large metal barn (by large, we mean more than 30 ft. wide). It has excellent drainage. It will help keep your roof clean and easy to maintain.
Barn Style
Some Common Types Of Metal Barns Are:
Clear-span barns: These are column-free structures that give you the freedom to design an open floor plan. You get the maximum use of your square footage. They can be made as large as 300 ft. wide with customization. For more space, you can build a clear-span metal barn with lean-tos on either side. For example, a 52 ft. x 40 ft. x 12 ft. metal barn has lean-to on both sides with vertical ridges.
Metal barn with lean-to on one side: These are regular barns with lean-to on only one side of the main structure.
Metal barn with lean-tos: These are regular barns with lean-to on both sides of the main structure. You can use one side to shelter farm tractors and the other as a loafing shed or hay shed.
Some Common Sizes Of Metal Barns
- 30 x 40
- 40 x 50
- 40 x 80
- 50 x 50
- 50 x 100
- 60 x 40
- 60 x 120
Foundation
Even if you don’t need to install a concrete slab, anchoring your lean-to shed to a concrete pier is still recommended. You can also install a concrete base around the perimeter of your lean-to. This will give you a robust building with less money spent on it.
You will probably be asked to pour a permanent concrete slab for the main barn structures. Usually, a slab is 4 inches thick; however, for bearing heavy lead, its thickness can be increased to 6 to 8 inches depending upon the structure’s size and what it will be used for.
Ventilation
A lean-to shed attached to your metal barn can block vents. So, ensure that your main barn is taller than either side lean-to. You can choose the popular Carolina barn as an option.
Lighting
It is essential to ensure your indoor lighting is adequate, but don’t forget about lighting for lean-to. If you have a HAVC system, you may bring in some wiring and install new light fixtures to it. During daylight, it will get natural lighting as it is a fairly open structure, and you can use electricity during light.
Storage
If you need extra storage, you can select a Carolina barn. You can use the loft area for storing hay, feed, crops, or other harvests.
Things To Consider Before Installing A Lean-To Barn
Local Building Codes
It would be best to look up to local zoning rules and Homeowners Association guidelines before beginning any construction. Smaller installations, such as a garden or tool shed, may require permission.
You must note that the local building codes and zoning laws can vary with county, city, and state in the United States. The best way to determine general construction guidelines is by following your county or city’s website or visiting the office in person.
Permit
You will be required to submit your construction blueprint along with the existing structures with permit fee to your local authority office to get permission for beginning installation. Usually, for smaller sheds (less than 200 sq. ft.), you may not need a permit. For larger and permanent structures, you are going to need a permit. Usually, the permit fee for a barn is $500 to $1500, but it largely varies with the state.
Location
Your location will help determine the size and orientation of the metal barn with lean-tos. For instance, if you want to get natural lighting in throughout the day, you will need to place it in the east or northeast direction. You can choose a south or southwest direction to get minimum heating due to the sun.
Your Lot Size
How large you can construct a steel barn will depend on your lot size. On top of it, local terrain also plays a vital role in it. For example, if you decide to build on a steep terrain, it will increase your foundation cost.
Metal Barn Size
The right size that fits your basic needs is the most accurate size of your barn. If you are looking for a horse barn to shelter 8 horses, you will need a 30 x 60 barn. You can then add lean-tos on either side as a loafing shed for keeping hay, water, or feed. For a yield of 180 bushels, you may need a 30 x 40 x 12 barn as a storage unit, if not more.
In The Light Of These Facts
It has become clearer that when investing in a metal barn, one must always take longevity as prime importance. A custom barn that complies with local design laws and installation guidelines will last the longest. Having outbuilding in agriculture has always been very crucial to farmers and agribusinesses. A metal barn will serve best as it is fast to install, easy to maintain, and retains its strength with time.
