Budget Menards Pole Barn Lessons Learned

Even with today's lumber prices, this pole barn was the most economical solution for my storage needs.

[PlanetMojo]

We built our 36' x 48' building (will be a woodshop/garage) from a Menards design, but bought the trusses and metal from the Amish. Saved about a third on the tin, and about a fifth on the lumber. Got the windows, man doors, posts, and post brackets from Menards. Started this time last year, paused for the summer, and will be back at it soon. We are insulating the interion and putting in walls and a ceiling this time around. Closer to 50k here, but it will be heated space.

[krazy]

I did one about 15 years ago when I lived in Illinois. I used the clear ridge cap they have and during the day it was just like having the lights on. They are great kits!

[barnandhome]

As a professional barn builder - here's the real story on these.... Firstly, if all you need is a "storage box" to keep stuff dry, this will work. I applaud anyone ambitious enough to put up their own building! We actually help people build these kits all the time so we are familiar with how they come together and the materials used. (see videos on my site for reference)
However:
1. Menards uses lower grade lumber than most lumber yards
2. Solid block posts, 4x4, 4x6, 6x6, etc used for posts may twist over time due to wood grain (laminated 3-ply column is better)
3. Menards metal is lower grade and the painting process is different than most metal professionals would install.
4. The engineering is lighter and they use less lumber for these kits. (They are still engineered to pass building codes, but it's not the same)

5. Sometimes the actual cost is not much cheaper than calling a professional and getting a "thicker" or more hardy-built building
6. The 11% rebate from Menards is a sales gimmick. You're paying full cost.
7. You're worth the extra few hundred dollars to upgrade the windows - most of these kits include really cheap single-pane windows
8. There are local lumberyards and pole barn suppliers that will ship you a better quality kit to build and include a full set of prints to use
9. A professional crew will build this in about 2 to 3 days - it will likely take you many weekends.
10. "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten" - Benjamin Franklin

[dougbarr]

Built a 30 x 40 from menards a couple years ago. Would agree with much you said, i did add a couple windows and some clear panels on roof. Wish I had gone with the taller door like you did but love ours.

[thomask]

You did a beautiful job! I need one of these and you're an inspiration! Minocqua WI here.

[fundsfordad]

Nice job 👍, I don’t mind the galvanized, it looks grey and the red adds a little color so looks good ! I see no headers so the truss sat directly on the 8’oc posts with perlins on edge that’s less trusses for sure, nice video

[ronaldlee]

Looks great, wish they had poly carbonate 40 years ago when my pole barn was built.

[DeereLA]

Great job, and the trim detail looks excellent. I’m just starting with a Menards 36x54 on a pre-pored slab. You’re right they’re not instructions, one area Menards could do a much better job on but all in all I think, so far I’ve got a pretty good building for the price I paid. Southern WI.

[drewklemens]

👍 Nice job. I've been looking for diy kits through a few different places and my dad keeps saying Menards is the best option. It's nice to see and hear how it all went together. Thanks!

[seangrey]

Turn the tablesaw blade backwards to cut poly plastics and vynil sidings like butter without chips and cracks

[scottrayhons]

When I bought 20 ft 2x4's from Menards, it took 2 people to lay them down straight and try to hold them from bending while the other guy screwed them down. I ended up buying straight 2x4's from Klemme Lumber for a dollar more. Thanx Kenny W.

[jakeschisler]

We had bought a Menards building that was 30x54 and hired a contractor to erect it. Also had concrete poured. Now this was back in 95 somewhere about. They delivered everything in the dark so that we couldn't see the items but our contractor was there. As it turned out they shorted us. One of the trusses was broke and they were told to switch them out. The contractor did a really nice job and before it was started he wanted the old roof off the old building that was there. We don't live there anymore we moved south from Illinois and now are in Missouri and this property has two buildings. One is 40x65 which is my man cave.

[Logicbroker]

Nice. I’m from U.P. And thinking of doing similar and I don’t want to have to worry about shoveling snow off it.

[johnhoyle]

Helpful video on Menard's Pole Barn "Kit" build 24' x 32' single door 9' high interior ceiling. Custom 8' door install due to limitations in Menard's online design app.

[jerryw]

Those type of springs on the garage door are dangerous enough, but the way you have yours installed is like playing Russian Roulette every time you raise and close the door. You can already see those eye bolts pulling out. You need to get that corrected ASAP.

[daveweir]

I live in northern NY (snow country). Here you need a membrane under the roof sheeting. If you don't it will rain inside from condensation. Guess it depends on what you want to use the building for. I had to install one for a woodworking shop. At some time you may want to glue foam insulation sheets to the underside of the roof. It gets very hot when the sun shines. Otherwise, nice building.

[PartTimeYooper]

Looks like you did a commendable job for your 1st pole barn build. That garage door won't fit with an opener, which is why they say it doesn't fit. That header over door also isn't code, but it's a pole barn and the end trusses should be capable of supporting that small amount of weight. If not, replace with LVL in 30 years.

[garenpletzer]

I was quoted 135k from another company for materials and menards was 70k for materials. Same design.

[fyrrszn]

When cutting polycarbonate on a table saw, reverse the blade.

[rnvrnv]

Would like to have seen more of those massive snow roof trusses!