However, some people believe that wood is expensive, can splinter and be chewed, and is subject to rot and termites. Andy Prokosch, president of Shelter-Kit Inc., disagrees. Wood is not especially expensive and doesn t need much maintenance. In post and beam construction, vertical posts are anchored to concrete piers or footings. Interior support posts typically are spaced from eight to 12 feet apart, depending on the manufacturer.
Horizontal beams connect the posts and provide support for the loft floor and roof.
Diagonal braces stiffen the frame and provide wind bracing. There are no supporting walls, so the interior layout is somewhat flexible in the planning stages. It s also possible to build the posts within the walls of the stall. Once the barn has been completed, stall sizes will be restricted to interior post spacing. Generally, the post and beam kit contains pre-cut lumber that is marked, packaged in bundles, and ready to put together, says Prokosch.