Gambrel Barns for Small and Large Spaces

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Hay Barn
Credit: pexels.com, Hay Barn

Gambrel barns are versatile structures that can be adapted to fit various space requirements. They're perfect for small yards with limited space or large properties with ample room to spare.

A gambrel barn's unique roof design allows for maximum storage space, making it an ideal choice for homeowners who need to store equipment, tools, or even cars. This design also provides excellent ventilation and natural light.

Gambrel barns can be built in a range of sizes, from compact 12x20 foot structures to larger 24x40 foot barns. Their compact footprint makes them suitable for small spaces, while their height allows for more storage capacity.

Their sloping rooflines also make them a great choice for areas with heavy snowfall, as the snow can easily slide off the roof, reducing the risk of structural damage.

Design Options

When designing a gambrel barn, you have plenty of options to choose from. This style of barn is known for its classic charm and versatility.

Credit: youtube.com, How To Design And Calculate Gambrel Roof Measurements Using The Old Fashioned Half Circle Method

You can opt for a large main area, like the 48’ x 60’ example, which provides ample space for various uses. The main area can be divided into smaller sections for offices, storage, and even a hot tub and exercise area.

Customization is key with gambrel barn kits. The longer lean-to shed can be used for a boat, a pickup truck, and even a sauna, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. A small kitchenette and full bathroom can also be added to create a cozy man cave.

The upstairs living space is another exciting feature of gambrel barns. A wall of custom-designed windows lets in plenty of natural light, and a massive master bedroom with a large fireplace is the perfect retreat. A third-story loft, family room, and huge open kitchen complete the upstairs living area.

Kit Designs

Gambrel barn kits can be customized to suit everyone's needs, as seen in the example of a 48’ x 60’ building with a main area, two 18’-wide sheds, and a longer lean-to shed.

Barns in the Countryside by the Road
Credit: pexels.com, Barns in the Countryside by the Road

This type of design allows for a variety of uses, such as a small entry area and courtyard, two roomy offices, and a storage unit.

The upstairs living space in this design is particularly impressive, featuring a massive master bedroom with a large fireplace, a third-story loft, a family room, and a huge open kitchen.

Custom-designed windows are used throughout the upstairs area, providing ample natural light and beautiful views.

The building also has ample room for storage, with full closets running the 60’ length above the two wing sections.

The upper and lower areas are clearspan, allowing you to customize your rooms' square footage and positioning.

Two Lean-Tos

Adding lean-tos to your barn design can provide extra space for storage, equipment, or even a workspace. A 30' x 40' gambrel barn can accommodate two 15' x 40' lean-tos, offering a total of 600 square feet of additional space.

Lean-tos can be attached to the sides of a barn, providing protection from the elements for the space beneath. This design is often used to create a covered area for parking or storing equipment.

Credit: youtube.com, How To Frame A Lean To Roof

The size of the lean-tos can vary depending on the barn's design and intended use. In some cases, lean-tos can be as small as 10' x 10', while in others they can be much larger, such as the 15' x 40' lean-tos mentioned earlier.

Barns with lean-tos can be a great option for farmers, horse owners, or anyone who needs extra storage space. The lean-tos provide a covered area that can be used for a variety of purposes.

Financing Options

After you've settled on a design for your pole building, it's time to think about how you'll pay for it. At Pioneer Pole Buildings, they provide in-house financing options that can make your gambrel pole building affordable.

You can get financing information through them after contacting them for a free quote on your pole building.

Post and Beam Kits

If you have access to local trees like eastern red cedars and Tulip Poplars, cutting your own lumber can be a cost-effective option.

Working with a local sawmill can help you save money on post and beam kits, as you won't have to pay for transportation costs.

You can expect a significant savings overall, especially if you have a large quantity of trees to harvest.

Building Information

Credit: youtube.com, How to build Gambrel Trusses | Barn Style Rafters | Shed Build Part 3

You might be unfamiliar with gambrel barns, but they're actually quite common in rural areas. They're a type of building with a unique structure and design.

Gambrel barns have two slopes on their roof, with the lower slope being steeper than the upper slope. This design allows for more storage space.

Their structure and design make them ideal for storing hay, equipment, and other large items. You can even use them as a garage or workshop.

Gambrel pole buildings are a type of gambrel barn that uses poles as the main support structure. They're often used for agricultural purposes.

You don't see a lot of gambrel buildings, let alone gambrel pole barns, so you might have questions about them.

Building Sizes

Our Gambrel barns come in various sizes to suit different needs.

Small Gambrel barns are ideal for residential use, providing ample space for storing tools, garden equipment, or even serving as a cozy animal shelter.

Credit: youtube.com, Framing a 44x54 Gambrel Pole Barn with 44’ foot gambrel trusses.

These compact barns offer durable construction and customizable options, making them a great choice for those with limited space.

Large Gambrel barns offer expansive space for storing vehicles, agricultural equipment, and livestock, with a high roof that allows for loft storage to maximize available space without increasing the barn's footprint.

473 - 30x40 Residence

The 473 - 30x40 Residence is a great example of a compact living space. It's perfect for a small family or a single person.

This residence has a total area of 1,920 square feet, which is relatively small compared to other homes. However, it's designed to be efficient and functional.

The 30x40 dimensions allow for a cozy living room, a compact kitchen, and two or three bedrooms. Depending on the layout, you can also fit in a small office or study area.

The 473 - 30x40 Residence is often built on a slab foundation, which is a cost-effective and easy-to-maintain option. This type of foundation is perfect for areas with high water tables or unstable soil.

Charming rustic barn wedding setup with floral altar and warm lighting.
Credit: pexels.com, Charming rustic barn wedding setup with floral altar and warm lighting.

A typical 473 - 30x40 Residence has a simple roof design, with a gable or hip roof that provides ample space for living and storage. The roof is usually covered with asphalt shingles or metal roofing.

This residence often features a single-car garage, which is ideal for a small family or a person who doesn't need a lot of storage space. The garage can also be used as a workshop or a hobby room.

Custom 40x80x14

Custom 40x80x14 buildings are often used for storage sheds, garages, and workshops. The 40-foot width is a common choice for buildings that need to accommodate large equipment or vehicles.

These buildings typically have a square footage of 3,200 square feet. This size is ideal for storing multiple cars, ATVs, or other large items.

The 14-foot height allows for a decent ceiling clearance, but it's not as tall as some other building options. However, it's still sufficient for most storage needs.

Some builders prefer this size for its balance of space and affordability. It's a popular choice for homeowners who need a practical storage solution.

Small

Credit: youtube.com, How to Build a Tiny Pole Barn in -5 MINUTES- | Chicken House Plans

Small buildings can be just as functional as their larger counterparts. Our small Gambrel barns are ideal for residential use.

These barns provide ample space for storing tools, garden equipment, or even serving as a cozy animal shelter. They're perfect for small backyards or properties with limited space.

Despite their compact size, these barns offer the same durable construction as our larger models. This ensures they can withstand various weather conditions and last for years to come.

Their customizable options also make them a great choice for homeowners who want a unique look for their property.

Large

If you're looking for a large building, you'll want to consider a gambrel pole barn. These structures have a beautiful classic look, thanks to their modified trusses.

A gambrel pole barn offers additional space on the second floor, perfect for storage or even a loft area. You can customize your building with a door or window on the second floor, giving it a unique touch.

Scenic view of misty Swiss hills with barns and dense forests. Serene and picturesque.
Credit: pexels.com, Scenic view of misty Swiss hills with barns and dense forests. Serene and picturesque.

Gambrel pole barns come in various sizes, but they're especially great for large spaces. For example, a gambrel pole barn can be used to store vehicles, agricultural equipment, and livestock.

Here are some benefits of large gambrel barns:

  • Expansive space for storing vehicles, agricultural equipment, and livestock
  • High roof allows for loft storage
  • No need to increase the barn's footprint

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a gambrel barn?

A gambrel barn is a style of barn with a unique roofline that allows for more loft space without increasing the building's footprint, inspired by European designs. Its self-supporting roof makes it a popular choice for farmers and builders alike.

How much does it cost to build a gambrel barn?

The cost to build a gambrel barn is $25 to $50 per square foot, depending on the method and materials used. Building a gambrel barn can be a cost-effective option with modular construction methods.

What are the cons of gambrel roofs?

Gambrel roofs require regular, annual maintenance due to their unique design. They also have uneven exposure to weather elements, making some areas more prone to damage.

What is the difference between gable and gambrel sheds?

Gable sheds have a single pitch roof, while gambrel sheds have two different pitches on each side, offering more storage space and a classic "barn look"

Tom Tate

Lead Writer

Tom Tate is a seasoned writer and editor, with years of experience creating compelling content for online audiences. He has a talent for distilling complex topics into clear and concise language that engages readers on a deep level. In addition to his writing skills, Tom is also an expert in digital marketing and web design.

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