Decorative options for your pole barn

By Jack | Apr 24, 2018

Are you designing a new pole barn or does your current barn need an exterior update? What can you add to give it a custom or vintage look? Do you want a traditional but modern barn? Our Milmar design expert can go over your ideas and help you customize your pole barn with some decorative features.

Here are just a few ways to give the exterior a unique look:

· Wainscot

Wainscot is the side panel that covers the lower part of the exterior wall. It will give your barn a two-tone look. Try a pop of color or choose a darker tone. You have many options to choose from with Milmar. We use Alpha metal siding with a 40 year color fade warranty, so you can trust in the longevity of your choice of color. You could also add stone or brick to elevate the look of your wainscot. Typically wainscot is placed at 3 feet to 4 feet high and is matched to the color of the roof and/or trim.

· Cupolas

A cupola is the small square structure on top of a barn. Some are vented or windowed. Although they are mostly used for decorations, cupolas can provide ventilation. When putting up a cupola, follow these specifics:

Typically, you’d choose the cupola size based on 1.5 inches for every foot of roof line. i.e a 24 inch cupola would fit a 16 foot roof line.

Otherwise, just place them on the roof based on what looks best to you. You can also add a weather vane for a traditional look. We are always here to help with the details of your pole barn!

· Widow’s Peak

This is another style feature to add to your build. It is a pointed overhang that hails back to the days of barns with hayloft doors and pulley systems for bringing in hay bales. It will add a vintage look to your pole barn. Other names used are hay hood or crow’s beak. Also, we can customize your barn with a “turkey-tail” roof feature that is similar to the widow’s peak, but is rectangular in shape.

· Gables or Dormers

These provide additional lighting and charm to your barn. Although not always the most cost effective solution, they do provide a break in a roof and are a nice addition to a second story that need some extra light.

*A feature barn with cupolas, dormers, decorative doors, and stone wainscot*

· Barn Doors and Windows

Rather than having an ordinary door, choose a decorative barn door to give your barn an authentic look. We can go over options with you to make sure your ideas fit with your budget for getting you the proper options.

There are specific windows for a barn, known as barn sash windows. Sash windows have an equal sized stiles and top rail but a wider bottom rail. You can also give a similar feel with modern windows by incorporating grills into your sliding windows.

Whether you choose regular doors and windows or want a more traditional barn Milmar will help you through the process.

· Side Porch

Some other names for a side porch could be side shed or lean-to. A side-porch is a covered entrance that can provide additional storage space. It can be open or covered to give you easy access to machinery, equipment, or a vehicle. You can also go with open rafters for a more open feel or a metal ceiling panel to finish it off and hide the framing members from view.

Like what you see? Or do you have a great design idea? Your pole barn is a big investment! Trust Milmar to build you a high quality, beautiful barn.