Pole Barn Kit Materials List: What Materials Are Used in a Pole Barn Kit?
If you are researching pole barn kits or planning a shop, garage, or agricultural building, one of the most common questions property owners ask is simple:
Pole Barn Kit Material List - Columbia Structure
What materials are included in a pole barn kit?
Understanding the pole barn kit materials list is an important step when planning a post frame building project. Pole barn kits are designed to include the structural components needed to build the frame and exterior shell of a building while simplifying the process of sourcing materials.
While the exact materials can vary depending on the building design, most pole barn kits include a similar set of structural components used in post frame construction.
This guide explains the common materials found in a pole barn kit package, along with the different options available depending on building design and engineering requirements.
DIY Pole Barn Materials List
If you are building a post frame building yourself, a typical DIY pole barn materials list often includes:
pressure treated structural posts
engineered roof trusses
wall girts
roof purlins
metal roofing panels
metal siding panels
structural fasteners and hardware
engineered stamped building plans
Understanding the materials required for a pole barn helps property owners compare DIY construction versus purchasing a pole barn kit package.
What materials are included in a pole barn kit?
Understanding the pole barn kit materials list is an important step when planning a post frame building project. Pole barn kits are designed to include the structural components needed to build the frame and exterior shell of a building while simplifying the process of sourcing materials.
While the exact materials can vary depending on the building design, most pole barn kits include a similar set of structural components used in post frame construction.
This guide explains the common materials found in a pole barn kit package, along with the different options available depending on building design and engineering requirements.
Structural Posts and Columns
The backbone of any pole barn structure is the structural column system. These vertical posts support the roof and transfer the weight of the building to the ground or foundation.
Most pole barn kits include pressure treated structural posts designed for long term durability and ground contact.
Common column options include:
• 6x6 pressure treated posts – Often used for smaller buildings or projects where engineering loads allow. These provide reliable structural support for many standard pole barn shops and garages.
• 6x8 pressure treated posts – Larger columns used when additional strength is required, such as taller wall heights or buildings designed to handle heavier snow loads.
• Laminated columns – Structural columns made by laminating multiple boards together to create a stronger and more stable column. Laminated posts are commonly used in engineered pole barn designs.
Column spacing and size are determined by structural engineering based on factors like wind loads, snow loads, and building height.
Wall Girts
Pole barn kits also include horizontal framing members called wall girts, which run between the vertical posts and support the siding panels.
Two common girt systems are used in post frame construction.
• Standard girts – Installed flat against the outside face of the posts. These support the metal siding panels and are commonly used in agricultural or utility style buildings.
• Commercial girts (bookshelf girts) – Installed between the posts, creating a deeper wall cavity. This configuration makes insulating and finishing the building interior easier.
The type of girts used depends on how the building will be used and whether interior finishing is planned.
Roof Purlins
Another important part of the pole barn materials list is the roof purlin system.
• Roof purlins – Horizontal boards installed across the top of the roof trusses that provide the surface where metal roofing panels attach.
Roof purlins distribute roof loads and connect the roofing panels to the truss system. Together with the trusses, they create the structural framework that supports the roof.
Metal Roofing and Siding Options
Most pole barn kits include steel panels used for the roof and walls of the building.
There are several common metal panel styles used in post frame construction.
• Lap siding or exposed fastener panels – One of the most common and cost effective siding and roofing options. Panels overlap each other and are secured with visible fasteners.
• Standing seam metal roofing – A concealed fastener roofing system where raised seams lock together above the roof surface, providing a more architectural appearance.
• Snap lock metal roofing – Another concealed fastener roofing system where panels snap together without exposed screws.
Different panel profiles and colors allow property owners to customize the appearance of their building.
Hardware and Fasteners
Pole barn kits also include the hardware needed to assemble the building structure.
Typical hardware components include:
• Structural bolts and screws – Used to connect major framing members such as posts, girts, and trusses.
• Metal panel screws – Specialized fasteners designed to attach roofing and siding panels to girts and purlins.
• Structural brackets and connectors – Metal connectors used to strengthen framing joints and improve structural stability.
The strength of a post frame building depends heavily on the quality of these connections.
Engineered Building Plans
Our pole barn kits also include engineered building plans prepared by a structural engineer.
• Engineered stamped plans – Detailed drawings that specify building layout, framing sizes, and structural spacing required for the building to meet engineering standards.
These plans are often required when applying for building permits and ensure that the building meets regional structural requirements for wind loads and snow loads.
Understanding the Full Pole Barn Kit Materials List
Not all pole barn kits are exactly the same. While most kits include the structural materials needed to build the building shell, different suppliers may offer different material options depending on the building design.
Understanding the pole barn kit materials list helps property owners compare building packages, choose the right materials for their project, and plan a pole barn building with confidence.
For anyone researching DIY pole barn kits or post frame building materials, knowing what components make up a pole barn kit is one of the most important steps when planning a successful building project.