If you’re searching for DIY pole barn kits, you’ve probably already figured out the basics. They’re affordable, they go up fast, and you can build one yourself without hiring a contractor. However, most blogs won’t tell you is what separates a kit that holds up for decades from one that gives you problems the first hurricane season.
At Backwoods Buildings & Truss LLC, we have been manufacturing and selling pole barn kits out of Chipley, FL since 1995. As a family owned operation, we build every truss in house, work directly with a structural engineer on every design, and ship nationwide. We’ve helped everyone from backyard DIYers to large-scale developers get the right barn for their property. This guide answers the real questions we hear every day.
A DIY pole barn kit is a complete materials package that gives you everything you need to build an open pole barn structure yourself. When you order from Backwoods Buildings, your kit includes:
The one thing not included is the 80lb bagged concrete for setting your posts. We made that decision intentionally as most customers aren’t ready to install the day their kit arrives. Additionally, bagged concrete exposed to weather or hauled over long distances creates more problems than it solves. You can source that locally, and our team will walk you through exactly how much you need.
We get this question more than any other and the honest answer is that pricing depends on several variables. Although, a reasonable benchmark for a DIY open pole barn kit from Backwoods Buildings is $3.50 to $6.00 per square foot.
Here’s what moves that number up or down:
Size — Larger barns are more cost-efficient per square foot. A 24×36 will cost more per square foot than a 40×60 simply because fixed costs spread across more area.
Roof gauge — Standard 29-gauge galvalume is the budget option, popular for agricultural settings where permits aren’t required. Upgrading to 26-gauge galvalume isn’t a dramatic price jump and is required for engineered barns meeting Florida, Georgia, and Alabama wind load requirements (145+ mph). Color metal is a step up from galvalume in cost.
Engineered vs. agricultural — An engineered barn requires stamped engineer drawings for permit purposes and costs $400 for the plans on a standard open barn kit. It also requires 26-gauge roof panels, 8×8 posts for eave heights over 13′ or trusses wider than 32′, minimum 36″ post depth, and specific post hole diameters. Agricultural barns skip the permit process and give you flexibility on specs and budget.
Eave height and truss size — We build gable trusses from 10′ to 50′ wide and single slope/lean-to trusses from 8′ to 30′. Custom spans and taller eave heights affect material and engineering costs.
Upgrades — Options like 2″x3/16″ heavy-gauge steel angle (vs. standard) for truss chords, trim packages, and gable dress kits all factor into final price.
We also run regular sales and occasionally have overstock kits available at a discount. It’s worth calling or checking our shop before you buy.
This is the decision that trips up most first-time buyers. Here’s a straightforward breakdown:
Agricultural (no permit)
Engineered (permit-ready)
If you’re unsure whether your county requires a permit, call your local building department before ordering. Our team can also help you think through what your project requires.
Our most popular DIY size is the 24x36x10, a versatile footprint that works for backyard storage, a small workshop, or sheltering a few animals or a tractor. It fits on most residential lots without requiring heavy equipment to build.
For larger landowners, farmers, and commercial buyers, the 40x60x14 is our most common large-format order. At 2,400 square feet with a 14′ eave height, it accommodates large equipment, hay storage at scale, or commercial operations.
That said, we build custom — any width from 10′ to 50′ on gable trusses, and 8′ to 30′ on single slope and lean-to configurations. If you’ve got a specific footprint in mind, call us and we’ll build it.
Not sure what size you need for your project? Read our practical guide to choosing the right pole barn size before you order.
Another common question, and the most honest answer we can give: it’s not hard, it’s just hard work.
The construction logic is straightforward, you’re squaring up a building and connecting pieces together. If you’ve ever built a deck, framed a wall, or done any general construction, you have enough knowledge to build one of our kits. The process doesn’t require specialized trades or equipment beyond what most DIYers or farmers already have access to.
The most common mistake we see is failing to plan for gable roof overhangs. Builders assume the purlins are pre-cut to length. They are not. You need to calculate your overhang before you start framing your roof based on our standards (18″-24″ gable overhangs). Our DIY instruction guides walk you through exactly how to count panels, plan your overhangs, and sequence the install to avoid this problem. Read them before you start — not after you’ve made a mistake.
We also offer:
We ship nationwide. Delivery is handled through a trusted third-party carrier, and we’re actively involved in making sure the logistics work for you. We always coordinate timing around your schedule, your contractor’s availability, and your equipment situation.
Delivery pricing:
You’ll need equipment on-site to offload when the truck arrives. If you’re working with a contractor, we can coordinate delivery to coincide with when they’ll be there. Call us before you order and we’ll make sure delivery day goes smoothly.
Lead times:
Not sure which style fits your needs? Here’s a quick breakdown:
Gable Pole Barns — The classic symmetrical roofline. Best for maximum interior height and versatility. Available in widths from 10′ to 50′.
Single Slope Pole Barns — A single-pitch roof that sheds water in one direction. Great for building alongside existing structures or fitting tight spaces. Available 8′ to 30′.
Lean-To Pole Barns — Designed to attach to an existing building and extend your covered space affordably. Available 8′ to 30′.
Steel Truss Upgrades — All our trusses are manufactured in-house. Upgrade options include heavier 2″x3/16″ steel angle chord for added strength on wider spans or higher load requirements.
There are a lot of pole barn kit companies online. Here’s what makes us different:
We manufacture our own trusses. Every truss that ships from our facility was built here, in Chipley, FL, using our own designs developed in coordination with a licensed structural engineer. We’re not a reseller. We control the quality.
30 years in business. Founded in 1995, family-owned and operated. Our family started this company and we’ve grown it from the ground up. We’re still here answering the phone, still building every kit ourselves.
We’re invested in your project. Our staff doesn’t just take your order and move on. Whether you’re a first-time DIYer or a developer ordering your fifth barn, we’ll make sure you have what you need to be successful.
Financing is available. Don’t have the full amount upfront? Financing options are available through our lending partner.
If you know your size, we can get you a quote fast. If you’re still figuring out what you need, that’s fine too — our team is used to helping customers think through their project from scratch.
Click here for a free quote or call us at 850-676-4903.
See our recent projects on social media on our Facebook page or visit our photo gallery to see completed builds.
Backwoods Buildings & Truss LLC — 1240 South Blvd, Chipley, FL 32428 | Serving customers nationwide since 1995
