Barn terms and their definitions

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Bay – This term refers to the open space between the bents of your barn kit.

Bent – This term refers to one section of framework made up of posts and beams. Bents are spaced 10 or 12 feet apart.

Board and Batten – This is the vertical siding of your barn. They are full dimension rough cut 1″x10″ boards and 1″x3″ battens.

Girts – Girts are rough cut full dimension 2″x6″ timbers and are nailed horizontally from post to post.

Knee Braces – Knee braces are the short angled pieces that support the posts and tie beams. They are rough cut full dimension 4″x4″ or 6″x6″ timbers with precut angles

Loft Decking – These are rough cut full dimension 1″ thick boards. They attach to your loft joists and make up the floor surface of your loft.

Loft Joists -These are rough cut full dimension 2″ thick boards. They attach to your tie beams and support the loft decking.

Posts – These are the upright support timbers that run from the foundation to the tie beams and rafter beams. They are full dimension 6″x6″ rough cut timbers.

Purlins – Purlins are rough cut full dimension 3″x6″ timbers that lay horizontally from rafter beam to rafter beam.

Roof Sheathing – These are rough cut full dimension 1″x8″ boards. They attach to the purlins on your barn. They run vertically from the peak to the eve and provide a surface for your roofing material.

T-Plates – T-plates are 3/16″ thick steel brackets shaped like a T. They are predrilled to match the predrilled holes in your timbers. They are used to connect your posts and beams in various places on your bent.

Tie Beams – Tie Beams are full dimension 6″x8″ or 6″x10″ timbers that run horizontally from post to post. They help support the roof, walls, and loft of your barn.

U-Bracket – U brackets are 3/16″ thick steel brackets that are formed to fit on the bottom of your posts and attach to your foundation. They are predrilled and come with wedge anchors for attaching to concrete. They also provide a barrier between your posts and the concrete so that no wood touches concrete.

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