As we approach Independence day, I find myself reflecting on the things that made this country great. One of those things is the fact that our ancestors carved their piece of heaven out of the rugged wilderness with their own two hands.
Building a barn using lumber harvested from your own land or land nearby is the ultimate act of independence and rugged individualism—qualities that America was founded on. Imagine crafting a beautiful, functional barn with your own hands, just like our ancestors did.
Happy Independence Day!
Here are some stories of Building Independance through Barn Building from people like you!
Greg from the Youtube Channel Our Dream in the Woods has recently started to build his piece of the American dream out of lumber he sawed on his small band-saw sawmill. He became a member of the barn plans library, and then had us create a special plan based on his needs. Then he got to work sawing Gorgeous Douglas Fir timbers over many months, and laying the foundation for his families Dream Barndominium.
A Storm Destroyed Grandpa’s Barn, But the Family Came Together
In 2015, a snowstorm tragically brought down the old 40×60 barn that Dean’s grandfather built in the forties. To honor this legacy, they carefully selected the 40×60 Gambrel plan, aiming to recreate the classic style of the original barn.
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40×60 Gambrel Barn Concrete Foundation Preparation
40×60 Gambrel Barn Concrete Foundation Preparation
40×60 Gambrel Bank Barn Concrete Sidewalls
Concrete sidewalls completed for the partially buried lower level of Dean Defrees’ 40×60 gambrel bank barn.
40×60 Gambrel Bank Barn Concrete Wall Form Removal
Removing the wooden forms from the concrete sidewalls of Dean Defrees’ 40×60 gambrel bank barn.
40×60 Gambrel Barn Center Post Footings
Fresh concrete around the center post locations of the 40×60 gambrel bank barn.
40×60 Gambrel Barn Timber Frame Posts and Tie Beams
Timber frame posts and tie beams taking shape on the hillside before the loft and roof were added.
40×60 Gambrel Barn Interior Site Preparation
A tractor levels the dirt inside the 40×60 gambrel barn while the timber frame begins to take shape.
40×60 Gambrel Barn Timber Frame in Winter
Snow covers the tie beams of the 40×60 gambrel timber frame during winter construction, before the loft and roof were added.
40×60 Gambrel Barn Framing with Girts
Exterior view of the 40×60 gambrel timber frame with girts installed, viewed from the hillside during construction.
40×60 Gambrel Barn Timber Frame Raising
A timber frame post is raised into position during construction of the 40×60 gambrel bank barn.
40×60 Gambrel Bank Barn Loft Timber Posts
The Defrees family stands beside the newly installed timber posts for the second story of their 40×60 gambrel barn.
40×60 Gambrel Barn Girts and Timber Framing
Close-up side view showing the girts and timber framing of the 40×60 gambrel bank barn during construction.
40×60 Gambrel Barn Lower Posts and Tie Beams
Looking up at the weathered timber posts and tie beams of the 40×60 gambrel bank barn.
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40×60 Gambrel Barn Upper Level with Mountain View
Timber posts on the upper level of the 40×60 gambrel bank barn overlooking the surrounding mountain range.
40×60 Gambrel Barn Construction Scaffolding
Scaffolding set up during construction of the 40×60 gambrel timber frame barn.
40×60 Gambrel Barn Assembled Timber Frame Bents
Assembled timber frame bents laid out on temporary flooring and ready to be raised into position.
40×60 Gambrel Barn Bents Being Installed
Gambrel timber frame bents being raised and installed with scaffolding during construction of the 40×60 bank barn.
40×60 Gambrel Barn Bents Installed at Sunset
Two gambrel timber frame bents installed with scaffolding as construction continues at sunset.
40×60 Gambrel Barn Two Installed Bents
Close-up view of two gambrel timber frame bents installed during construction of the 40×60 bank barn.
40×60 Gambrel Barn Purlin Installation
Purlins being installed as the gambrel roof framing takes shape on the 40×60 bank barn.
40×60 Gambrel Barn Purlin Installation
A couple stands in the upper level of the 40×60 gambrel barn while purlins are being installed.
40×60 Gambrel Barn Completed Timber Framing
Completed timber framing with girts and purlins installed on the 40×60 gambrel bank barn.
40×60 Gambrel Barn Completed Timber Frame
Another perspective of the completed timber frame, with the girts and purlins installed on the 40×60 gambrel bank barn.
40×60 Gambrel Barn Completed Frame from Hill View
Completed timber framing of the 40×60 gambrel bank barn viewed from the uphill side.
40×60 Gambrel Barn Roof Sheathing Installation
Plywood roof sheathing being installed over the purlins to prepare the 40×60 gambrel barn for roofing.
40×60 Gambrel Barn Roof Sheathing Side View
Side view of the 40×60 gambrel bank barn during plywood roof sheathing installation.
40×60 Gambrel Barn Roof Underlayment Installation
Roof underlayment being installed over the plywood sheathing of the 40×60 gambrel bank barn.
40×60 Gambrel Barn Rough-Cut Lumber Stairs
Rough-cut lumber stairs with a center landing inside the 40×60 gambrel barn.
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They made modifications to transform it into a bank barn, just like the original, and added an extra bent to handle snow load, ensuring its durability for future generations.
Set against the majestic backdrop of the blue mountains, this barn is a perfect match to the stunning scenery. The project became a family affair, with everyone pitching in during their spare time. By the fall of 2022, they proudly hung the last door, marking the completion of a truly rewarding adventure.
With Plans and support from BarnGeek.com this family turned a dream into reality, blending tradition with modern craftsmanship. We’re proud to have been a part of their journey and hope their story inspires others to bring their own barn dreams to life.
Read more about this family’s Amazing Barn Story here. Including pictures of the whole project from start to finish.
Yesterday I delivered a hardware kit to one of our Members who is building a 20×30 king post pavilion. As we pulled in the driveway he was standing there with his kids. With huge grins on their faces!
They looked excited!
Excited to start their journey together building this project as a family. He had his bents already laid out and ready to go, with the other materials he needed stacked neatly next to them. I imagine this coming weekend is going to be filled with the thrill of raising timbers, and satisfying exhaustion, as they relax in the shadow of the big timbers after a long day.
They will laugh and pat each other on the back as they reflect on the days accomplishment. And every time they gather together as a family under the shadow of those timbers, they will remember that one weekend when…
“we built this with our Dad”
They will tell their kids about that time when they…
“built that with your Grandpa”
What an amazing journey they are about to embark upon. They are not just building something together, they are building memories, they are building a legacy that will last for generations to come.
Is it time to start your journey? Is it time to build that legacy with your family?
What could be more in the Spirit of Independence Day than to follow in the footsteps of the Pilgrims, Pioneers, Immigrants, and Natives that built this nation with their Communities, Tribes, and Families?
Than to embark on a journey like that yourself?
Maybe, it’s your turn to Build a Legacy with your family.
Now, it’s your turn to create something truly special. Click the DIYer option Below and use the code FREEDOM to get $100 off our standard “DIYer” Barn Plans Package (normally $297).
But don’t wait! This offer ends Sunday, July 7th!
Don’t forget! Chose D-I-Yer and Enter the discount code FREEDOM at checkout.
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