Building a barn involves taking a long range view, thinking about the longevity of the construction, and considering all the various purposes that it may be used for. Therefore, the planning stages of barn construction are crucial if you want to build a structure that will stand the tests of time and endure the tough treatment that any farm building has to go through. Just as a barn can be used for various purposes, there are various materials that can be used in its construction. The choice that you make in terms of building material will play a part in determining the durability and strength of the structure as well as the qualities of the barn itself. In the information to follow we will take a look at a few of the key materials you can use and the benefits of them in barn construction.
Wood
Wood is the stereotypical choice for barn construction and has been used by engineers and architects in this way for centuries. Due to is resistance to fit, its natural thermal insulation, its durability, and its adaptability, it has become a common choice in the field of construction. The acoustic insulation it provides is also of benefit when it comes to providing housing for animals. The two forms of wood used in barn construction are:
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- Hard Wood. Hard wood, such as oak, maple or walnut, is most often used for foundations and solid structures like ceilings, floors, and walls. As an example, pressure treated wood like a 6×2 treated timber beam makes for a great supporting joist. Due to its strong nature and robustness, it makes it a great option for building long lasting structures while also giving a look of luxury and sophistication.
- Soft Wood. Alternatively, soft wood is lighter in form and is more commonly used for inner features such as doors and frames, as well as partitions within the structure. These woods, like pinewood, fir or spruce, is cheaper and still durable, just not as long lasting as hardwood.
Blocks and Bricks
These rectangular units usually made of clay, soil, sand or concrete, are more durable than wood and work to build extremely long lasting buildings. Whether the bricks are fire or unfired, they make excellent materials for use in the construction of barn walls, pavements and fireplaces because of their enormous strength and resistance to heat. The one big disadvantage of bricks is their brittle nature, so when used in areas prone to earthquakes they can break easily.
Stone
Stones are renowned for the strong, durable, and fire-resistant nature. The most common stones used in construction are ones such as slate, marble, and granite. The qualities the different materials provide determine for which purpose they will be used in barn construction. Some can be great for flooring and roofs, while others work well as window frame materials. While barns built from stone are longer lasting, they are also more expensive.
Cement
Cement is a binder than has been used for centuries and is known as one of the oldest and most extensively used construction materials. Not only can it be used on its own, but it can also be added to other materials to form strong compounds. It is most often used for the purpose of constructing floors, walls and ceilings, but it can also be used to join drains and pipes.
Steel
Steel is an alloy of both iron and carbon which is then also combined with other materials for their good qualities. This makes steel both strong and versatile. With the addition of nickel and chromium, stainless steel is formed which is resistant to corrosion and extremely robust.