Jay Bell
Posted to the Barngeeks DIY Facebook Group 2/27/23
My wife and I moved from New Hampshire to Texas in 2018 after retirement. In New Hampshire we owned an antique home built in 1840 that had a 40’ X 60’ bank barn attached to the house, which was my inspiration for building a barn on my property in Texas. The 1st two photos posted are of the New Hampshire barn. With the exception of laying the concrete pad, putting on the metal roof, and getting much needed help from my son and neighbor during the week I raised the bents, all other work was done solo. As you can see from the photos, I choose to build a Barn Geeks 40’ X 60’ Gambrel. My needs in Texas didn’t require a bank barn, so to keep things as simple as possible for a novice like me, I built the barn without any significant modification from the plans with the exception of adding a 12’ X 40’ porch. After raising the bents with a 42’ Telehandler and placing the purlins using a scissor lift, the rental equipment was returned, and I completed the board and batten siding installation using ladders and scaffolding. The photos of the sawmill and wood delivery (one of two truckloads), is a shout out to Hester’s Log and Lumber of Kremmling, CO who milled all of the rough-cut lumber for the build. The barn is a great addition to our property and allows us to entertain large groups of people from family gatherings, parties with friends to church functions. The bonfire photo was a winter youth group party that included line dancing, barbeque and lots of fun.
Finally, I want to thank Aaron, and those who help him, for the plans, cut list, hardware kit and instructional material provided on the Barn Geek web sites. I couldn’t have completed this without his unique ability to “make it simple” for the beginner, and for his vision to make it easily accessible to the public.
I hope you enjoy the photos!!
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn Finished Project
Completed 40×60 gambrel barn featuring natural pine siding, green steel roof, and an inviting outdoor fire pit lounge area.
Sawmill Lumber for Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn
Lumber being prepared on a sawmill for construction of a customer-built 40×60 gambrel barn.
Lumber Delivery for Timber Frame Barn Construction
Lumber arriving on site as the first step in building a traditional timber frame barn.
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn Foundation Pour
Freshly poured concrete slab marking the beginning of construction for a 40×60 gambrel barn.
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn U Bracket Foundation Installation
U brackets installed in the concrete foundation during construction of a 40×60 gambrel barn.
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn Frame Preparation
Site preparation before raising the timber bents for the 40×60 gambrel barn frame.
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn Frame Raising
Construction progress showing the 40×60 gambrel barn frame being assembled with equipment on site.
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn Roof Peak Installation
Construction progress showing the roof peak installed as the gambrel barn frame begins to take shape.
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn Completed Frame Side View
Side view of the completed timber frame showing the full gambrel barn structure before exterior finishes were added.
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn Completed Frame
Completed timber frame structure of the 40×60 gambrel barn before exterior finishes were installed.
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn Loft Framing
Loft-level interior view of a 40×60 gambrel barn during construction before siding installation.
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn Construction Progress
Construction progress of a 40×60 gambrel barn showing the front elevation before installation of the sliding doors.
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn Siding Installation
Construction progress showing siding installation on the end wall after the green steel roof was completed.
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn Build Progress
Customer-built 40×60 gambrel barn nearing completion with natural wood siding, green steel roof, and attached lean-to.
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn Interior Staircase
Finished interior view of a 40×60 gambrel barn featuring a wooden staircase with a landing leading to the loft area.
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn Bathroom
Finished bathroom featuring natural wood walls and rustic craftsmanship inside the 40×60 gambrel barn.
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn Open Loft Interior
View from the loft overlooking the open center of the completed 40×60 gambrel barn.
https://chatgpt.com/c/6a51478d-9af0-83ea-be3e-69c9793a674b#:~:text=Jay%20Bell%2040×60%20Gambrel%20Barn%20Partial%20Loft
View from the partial loft overlooking the spacious main level of the completed 40×60 gambrel barn.
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn Before Siding
Side elevation of the 40×60 gambrel barn before exterior siding was installed.
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn Loft View
Interior view across the partial loft highlighting the spacious design of the completed 40×60 gambrel barn.
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn Sliding Door
Large custom wood sliding door installed on the side of the completed 40×60 gambrel barn.
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn Interior Rafters
Finished interior view of the 40×60 gambrel barn showcasing exposed wood rafters and traditional barn craftsmanship.
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn Interior Detail
Finished interior detail of the 40×60 gambrel barn featuring an American flag and traditional barn character.
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn Lean-To Before Siding
Construction progress showing the lean-to side of the 40×60 gambrel barn before exterior siding installation.
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn with Lean-To
Completed 40×60 gambrel barn featuring wood siding, green steel roofing, and a spacious lean-to addition.
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn in Winter
Completed 40×60 gambrel barn photographed in winter with snow highlighting the classic gambrel roof and natural wood exterior.
Jay Bell 40×60 Gambrel Barn Finished Lounge Area
Completed 40×60 gambrel barn featuring an outdoor lounge area and American flag during a gathering with friends and family.
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