Barns have to be some of the most durable agricultural structures. Exposed to the elements, they have to provide a secure home for livestock, valuable equipment, and harvests.
When it comes to building a lasting barn, the choice of material is key. Here are the five best materials for constructing a barn that will stand the test of time.
Table of Contents
Wood
To start with, wood is probably the first construction materials that people associate with barns. It has been used in agricultural construction for thousands of years.
Thanks to its durability, adaptability, thermal and acoustic insulation, and ease of manufacturing, it still remains one of the best barn building materials.
Both hardwood and softwood can be used in barn construction. You can use hardwood such as oak, walnut, ash, beech, and cherry for foundations, ceilings, floors, and walls. 4×2 timber, for instance, offers a good level of strength and is typically used for framing interior walls.
Softwood like pinewood, cedar, fir, and spruce finds use in elements such as partitions and doors.
Bricks and Blocks
Next, bricks and blocks are another lasting material to construct durable barns.
Traditionally, they are made from clay. Modern bricks, though, consist of a variety of materials, including concrete and calcium-silicate, and are either unfired or fired.
Especially for walls, fireplaces, and pavements, bricks are an excellent choice thanks to their strength and resistance to heat.
Stone
Like brick, stones are durable, fire-resistant, and widely available.
When it comes to constructing barns, there are different types of stones that are commonly used, including slate, marble, and limestone.
How each of these kinds of stone is used depends on their properties. Some are typically used for roofs or flooring, while others find use in the construction of window frames or work surfaces.
A considerable downside of stones, though, is that they are relatively expensive as a building material. Factoring in the sheer durability of stones, though, the additional cost is often worth it.
Cement
Another solid choice of construction material for barns is cement. This fine-powdered material is used as a binder, usually in combination with sand, aggregates, and water.
Cement can be used for elements such as ceilings, walls, and flooring. Many barns also have cement joints for their pipes and drains.
Steel
Finally, steel is another durable material widely-used in barn construction.
At its most basic, steel is an alloy of iron and carbon. However, other materials are usually added to improve its properties, such as chromium and nickel to produce stainless steel.
Stainless steel in particular is a fantastic construction material for barns, as it is resistant against corrosion. It is commonly used for reinforcement bars as well as screws, wires, pipes, bolts, and nuts.
Conclusion
Choosing the right materials for your barn is an essential part of the construction planning process.
That said, each barn will feature particular designs and unique elements, depending on its individual use – whether it’s housing livestock or storing harvests. A professional can help you choose the materials best suited for each case.
