Gambrel barn house plans are a popular choice for homeowners who want a unique and rustic look. This style of house plan combines the classic gambrel roof with a traditional barn design.
The gambrel roof is a key feature of these plans, with two slopes on each side that create a distinctive look. The lower slope is typically steeper than the upper slope, allowing for more living space.
A gambrel barn house plan can be adapted to fit a variety of building sites and budgets. Whether you're building on a small lot or a large rural property, there's a gambrel barn house plan to suit your needs.
The design process for a gambrel barn house plan typically begins with selecting a floor plan that meets your needs.
Gambrel Barn House Plans
Gambrel Barn House Plans offer a unique space above, often referred to as a split loft, which can be used to store hay or as a cozy retreat.
This type of loft is a major advantage over regular pole barn designs, providing a spacious area above the main living space.
You can use the split loft to store hay, making it a convenient place to keep your farm equipment or supplies dry and out of the way.
The sweet smell of hay and the sound of horses can create a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day of chores.
Gambrel Barn House Plans can be built in a variety of sizes, including a 40×60 design that offers ample space for living and storage.
These plans are full construction plans, meaning you can build the barn from scratch, and also include an ebook titled "How to Build Your Post and Beam Barn", which guides you through the construction process step by step.
The ebook covers essential topics, such as securing local timbers, finding the right contractors, and preparing your site, making it a valuable resource for anyone building a gambrel barn.
Design and Features
The design and features of a gambrel barn house plan are truly impressive.
This type of barn plan has a 16′ wide clear span, offering plenty of space for various uses.
The interior features a classic Gambrel pitch and a massive central cathedral for a dramatic effect.
One of the standout features is the massive clearance on the lower level, ranging from 10′ to 25′.
The loft area also provides ample clearance, measuring from 5′ 2″ to 14′.
Heavy Timber Construction and extra wide posts and beams ensure extra strength and durability.
Steel plate joinery is used for added stability and security.
You can use the barn as a guest house or a workshop, and even consider turning it into a wedding venue or a storage space later on.
Construction and Building
The framing involved in constructing a gambrel roof is really basic, making it a DIY-friendly option. This means you can take on the project yourself, or hire a contractor with general skills, rather than one with specialized expertise.
Gambrel barn house plans are relatively easy to build, requiring minimal specialized skills. This makes them a great choice for homeowners who want to save money on labor costs.
A regular, experienced contractor should be able to handle the construction of a gambrel roof, without needing any special training or equipment.
40x60 Split Loft Plans
40x60 Split Loft Plans are a great option for those who want to add extra space above the main living area. These plans offer a ton of space that regular pole barn designs just don’t provide.
The split loft can be used to store hay or as an out-of-the-weather place to relax. You can shut off your cell phone and lay back in the hay, enjoying the sweet smell and the sound of horses and chickens.
With 40x60 Gambrel Barn Plans, you'll get full construction plans that you can build from. You'll also receive the ebook "How to Build Your Post and Beam Barn", which guides you through the construction process step by step.
The ebook covers securing local timbers, finding the right contractors, and preparing your site. It's a valuable resource for anyone building a post and beam barn.
Tools
When working on a construction project, having the right tools is crucial. A hammer is a fundamental tool that should always be within reach.
A tape measure is essential for taking precise measurements, ensuring that your project stays on track. I've seen many projects delayed due to incorrect measurements.
A framing square is used to ensure that corners are square and frames are properly aligned. This tool is a must-have for any serious builder.
A level is used to ensure that surfaces are perfectly horizontal or vertical. It's amazing how often a level is used to check for even the slightest deviations.
A miter saw is a specialized saw used for making precise angled cuts. It's a game-changer for any project that requires intricate cutting.
Drill machinery is used for drilling holes and driving screws. It's a versatile tool that's used in almost every aspect of construction.
A screwdriver is used to drive screws into place. It's surprising how often a screwdriver is used to adjust or repair something.
A sander is used to smooth out surfaces, removing imperfections and rough edges. It's a must-have for any project that involves woodwork.
Safety gloves protect your hands from cuts, abrasions, and other injuries. I've seen many builders neglect to wear gloves, only to regret it later.
Safety glasses protect your eyes from debris and other hazards. They're a small investment that can save you from serious eye injuries.
Building a 16x24 Shed Floor
Building a 16x24 shed floor requires careful planning and execution.
The first step is to build the floor frame, which involves cutting joists from 2×6 lumber at the right dimensions.
You'll want to align the edges flush and drill pilot holes through the rim joists, then insert 3 1/2″ screws into the perpendicular components.
Place the joists every 16″ on center for a sturdy floor.
Fitting 2×6 blockings between the joists will give you a professional result.
Once you've built the floor frame, select the right location for your shed and level it carefully.
Compact a layer of gravel and lay the 4×4 skids, making sure to fit the floor frame to the skids and align the edges flush.
Use rafter ties to secure the frame to the skids, leaving no gaps between the components for a professional finish.
The final step is to fit the 3/4″ plywood sheets to the floor frame, aligning the edges flush and leaving no gaps.
Drill pilot holes through the sheets and insert 1 5/8″ screws, every 8″, to lock them into place tightly.
Building Shed Wall Frames
Building Shed Wall Frames is a crucial step in constructing a shed, and it's essential to get it right. You'll need to start with the front wall, which has a large opening for the double doors and an opening for the single door.
To begin, drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs, making sure the corners are square. This will provide a solid foundation for the rest of the wall.
The double header is a critical component of the front wall, and it's built from 2×6 lumber. You'll need to fit a piece of 1/2″ plywood between the beams and insert 2 1/2″ screws, adding glue to secure it in place.
When assembling the back wall, use 2×4 lumber and 3 1/2″ screws, placing the studs every 24″ for a professional result. Center the double top plate and lock it into place with 3 1/2″ screws.
The plain side wall is built from two sections of 2×4 lumber, making it easier to lift and install into place. This is a great example of how to simplify the construction process.
To build the side door with windows, use 2×4 lumber for the wall sections and 2×6 lumber for the double headers. You can adjust the size of the windows to suit your needs, ensuring you get enough light inside the shed.
Easy Construction
Constructing a gambrel roof is relatively simple, requiring basic framing skills that most experienced contractors possess.
You don't need to hire a specialized contractor to build a gambrel roof, as its framing is straightforward.
The simplicity of the framing process means that you can save money on labor costs.
With just a pair of roof beams and some gusset joints, you can construct a gambrel roof, making it a cost-effective option.
Compared to other types of roofs, a gambrel roof requires significantly fewer materials, making it a more efficient choice.
Good Drainage
A gambrel roof's slanted shape makes it less prone to water pooling, which means you're less likely to deal with leaks, wood rot, or mold.
The unique design of a gambrel roof allows water to run off easily, reducing the risk of damage to the roof and the building itself.
In fact, the slanted shape of a gambrel roof is so effective at draining water that you're less likely to need to worry about leaks, a common problem with other types of roofs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a gambrel barn?
Building a gambrel barn can cost between $25 to $50 per square foot, depending on the materials and design. Learn more about the costs and benefits of modular gambrel barn construction.
What is the most common pitch for a gambrel roof?
The most common pitch for a gambrel roof is 28 31/32 over 12 for the lower rafters and 4 31/32 over 12 for the upper rafters. This unique pitch creates a distinctive, symmetrical appearance.
Are gambrel roofs expensive?
Gambrel roofs can be moderately to very expensive, with costs ranging from $8 to $15 per square foot, depending on various factors. The actual cost may vary significantly based on your location, roof size, and material choices.
Sources
- https://www.houseplans.com/blog/gambrel-roof-houses-get-the-ultimate-barn-look
- https://myoutdoorplans.com/shed/16x24-gambrel-shed-plans/
- https://barngeek.com/40x60-gambrel-barn-plans/
- https://www.worldwidesteelbuildings.com/steel-buildings/gambrel-style-barn/
- https://barndominium.org/styles/gambrel-roof-barns/
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