Steer Planet - Show Steers and Club Calves Forum

Where do you live? That definitely plays a part in the pitch of your roof.  Roof pitch comes into play for heating, cooling, shedding rain and snow, etc. You should also pay attention to the orientation of the barn.  This will help take advantage of the natural prevailing wind in your area if you want an open style barn.  Orientation is also important to take advantage of the heating effect of the rising and going down of the sun.  Do you have any trees you can use for shade?

Are you planning to go with timber framed or steel framed.  If timber framed, lay out your plan to take advantage the standard cuts of lumber to mimimize cutting and waste.

When it comes to eave height 8 or 9 feet is reasonable.  Also it always good to be able to drive your trailer through or back into your barn.  It helps a lot with loading and unloading animals amd equipment.

If you need help with overall layout I can assist if you like.

We live in North Florida / south Alabama area. Gets hot and humid. I�m starting to make a list we have hay and euquipment storage already on the farm so not as concerned with that. No tress at all however we are on a hill with a good breeze that I want to try to benifit from. Lots of slopes so I will be planing on draining. My plan is to build the shell of the barn and then add to as I go but I want a master plan to go by. I�m open to a steal building of a pole barn. I been leaning towards a pole barn using 8x8�s.

My plan is to build the shell of the barn and then add to as I go but I want a master plan to go by. I�m open to a steal building of a pole barn. I been leaning towards a pole barn using 8x8�s.

If you have the budget to consider using 8x8's, then you probably have the budget to invest in having your barn designed by a professional.  Let your design needs dictate what material you need. 

I would see if there is a builder/contractor in your area that could help. A civil engineer or architect that freelances could help also.  A builder/contractor would be helpful to make sure whatever you do is safe and to code.