Looking for a cozy yet spacious home that marries classic barn aesthetics with contemporary comforts? The 24×36 Barn Home Plan offers just that. With its soaring roofline and sturdy timber frame construction, this design exudes a warm, rustic appeal—perfect for those who crave the timeless look of exposed beams and solid wood.
Open & Adaptable Layout
Spanning 24×36 (outside to outside of the posts), this barn home plan provides plenty of space for an open living area, kitchen, and lofted sleeping quarters. The high ceilings and generous interior volume invite ample natural light, while the timber frame bones allow for flexible floor plan options. Customize your layout with extra rooms, a home office, or just keep it airy and uncluttered—the choice is yours.
Why Choose This Barn Home?
- Authentic Timber Frame: Enjoy the warmth and durability of true mortise-and-tenon joinery.
- Efficient Use of Space: The 24×36 footprint balances roomy living areas with easy maintenance.
- Classic Aesthetic: A timeless barn exterior that can be styled to match your personal taste.
- Straightforward Construction: Clear plans and labeled components make it accessible to both DIYers and professional crews.
- Versatile Function: Adapt it into a full-time residence, guest house, or creative studio.
If you’re ready to embrace a lifestyle that blends rustic beauty with modern amenities, the 24×36 Barn Home Plan is your perfect starting point. Build the home you’ve always envisioned—steeped in heritage and crafted to last for generations.
Buy This Plan
This plan provides detailed, easy-to-follow blueprints, perfect for anyone building their own timber frame.
Customize or Kit
Do you like this plan but need to change it a little, or do you want a complete Ready-To-Raise Kit?
Get An Instant Quote
Use our online calculator to get a quote for a complete Ready-To-Raise Kit. Just need your zip code.
We understand that every project is unique, so we offer extensive customization options for our plans and kits. Choose from various sizes, roof styles, and finishes to match your style and landscape. Our design team is dedicated to helping you create the perfect plan that reflects your vision.
Here's How You Can Get Started:
- Phone: Call us at 888-552-9379 (9–5, M–F) to speak with one of our experts.
- Email: Send your questions to projects@timberframehq.com, and we will respond within two business days
- Online Form: Please complete the form below, and we will respond promptly.
Is this plan based on 10×10 timbers?
The posts are 8×8, the girts, purlins and plates are 8×10, then joists and rafters are 6×8 and the knee braces are 4×6
it says “Purchaser agrees that the use of the plan is for the construction of one house”
Yes, when you purchase the plan you can only use it for one building, if you build it again you need to return and purchase the plan again.
Does this plan include a cut list for first floor joists so it can be built for a crawl space foundation?
No, it does not have the first-floor framing plan. If you purchase this plan we can send you another one that has a floor system, it is not this large but you will have the basic dimensions and joinery details for it.
Do the plans provide guidance on securing posts to foundations, slabs, piers, etc.?
We have found that there are so many possible solutions to include in the plans if you head to https://timberframehq.com/construction-details/masonryconcrete-to-timber/ you will find some options. If you don’t see anything that works for you let send us an email at support@timberframehq.com.
Can the floor joists be left out of one of the bays to create a full height ceiling?
Yes!
What is the height from the ground floor to the top of the second floor joist? What is the overall length of a corner post?
Eric, the dimension from ground floor to top of second floor joist is 9′-3″. The corner posts are 16′-0″. Hope that helps!
Thank you Katrina. This plan almost looked too good to be true, but with those dimensions you gave, this place must be a real gem when it is done! Have any customers sent back finished photos?
What is the pitch of this roof?
Stephen, the roof pitch is 10 in 12
Do your plans include information on exterior walls or guidelines on what to do with them?
Is this true mortise and tendon construction? With joint details and required sizes ? Thanks Chuck
Yes, this frame has true mortise and tenon joinery. The plans have a complete timber list along with detailed drawings including individual piece drawings.
Hi folks, would like to increase gable and eave overhang to 48″. Would this require a re-design, or just an increase in rafter size?
Also, do you have a ball-park total board footage so I can quote with sawyer?
A slight increase in rafter size may be needed depending on the snow loads in your area. This frame has 6,875 bf in it.
How many feet is the knee wall on the 2nd floor? Thanks
Kristin, the framing for that is 5′-8 1/2″
What is the best way to include lean-tos on both sides? Is there a way to tie it into the original structure, or would you just recommend adding your Timber Frame Shed Roof Plan (SKU: 4923)? Does the Timber Frame She’d Roof Plan include such a detail? Thanks!
The Timber Frame Shed Plan will great with this plan and is one of the reasons we have it on the site. You can tie it into the 24×36, let us know if you have any questions along the way.
Hiya,
I’ve just downloaded your sample pergola plans, although I’m looking to build your barn plans.
Am I correct in thinking your plans are drawn for mill rule?
I’m using home sawn timber from my rather basic woodmizer. I have built the cabin frame described in Will Beemers “learn to timber frame” book, and found that the leeway in square rule was necessary for my less than perfect timber.
Is it possible to convert plans from mill rule to square rule by increasing the beam size by half an inch, and cutting a half inch check for joints on non-reference faces?
Best regards
Clive
Clive, it depends on the plan and a couple of other factors. Most of the plan used actual size wood vs nominal, meaning they are designed for 7.5″ instead of 8″. So if you cut the timbers to the actual size on the plans things will be much easier for you. If you need to add housing to use square rule, yes you would need to adjust the top of post or beam to make up for the beam sizing. I would recommend getting a set of plans for studying them and let’s figure out the best way to move forward.
Would like to build the 24×36 barn on a sloping hill with first floor as a concrete walk out cellar. Would these plans be suitable for this ?
Yes, this plan would be great for it. You will need to support a couple of posts from above in the walkout portion of the basement but that will not be difficult to sort out.
The questions are amazing! Does anyone actually read the detailed information and instructions provided by this site before asking? If you want engineer drafted documents you pay for engineer drafted documents.
Your truly, future plan purchaser.
JM
What size are the rafters and what snow load are the rated for?
The rafters are 6×8’s. The snow load would depend on the species of wood that you use.
Is the spacing between posts in side walls and/or end enough to accommodate a standard size single garage door?
There is 10’11 1/4″ between the posts. Do you can get a 10′ door in there. If you need a little wider space you can easily increase the length to dial in the size you want.
would this design work for 100 pound snowload using eastern white pine?
thank you
You may want to beef up the plates, decrease the rafter spacing and or increase the depth of the rafter. When you get up in the 100 sqft range having an engineer look at the plans is a good idea. In some locations the snow load and then the wind loads make it tricky. Let us know if you need help find an engineer.
What is the overhead clearance on the first floor. Wondering if there is enough space to lift vehicles for maintenance.
thanks
As drawn it is 8’3 1/2 but you can always add some length to the posts and/or move the floor timbers up to get the additional height you will need.
If I am using green wood when milling, will this wood shrink during my build process or should I not have to worry?
Yes, it will shrink as it dries. Check out our article at https://timberframehq.com/green-vs-dried-timbers/ for more information.
I am using western red cedar for the timber frame and from what I have read the timbers need to be size a little larger due to the softness of the cedar. Can the drawing be supplied taking into account western red cedar, i.e. sized a little larger instead of the current sizing?
You may be ok depending on where you are located. Reach out to us at design@timberframehq.com for more information on modifying the plans.
Does the 24×36 Barn Home Plan come as a kit ready to put together?
Can you flip the loft to the opposite side with the kit if available?
Do you have a team to erect the structure?
hi,
how come i can’t see a beam where all rafters meet at the top (ridge), like i always see on almost all timber frame houses.
regards
This frame does not utilize a structural ridge in its construction. It instead has the two purlin plates.
Hi would like to construct this as a bank barn with full 8’ elevation on the second floor . The entry to second would be on the 36 ‘ wall. The lower level would be masonry on the bank elevation then stepping down to grade on the sides . I have approximately 11% grade . Can you help with this ? Thanks
Mark, please check out our Custom Design page here– we can certainly help with that.
Thanks just completed it
Mathew, I am looking at your 24×36 plan. It looks like the end wall beam is 24 feet continues long my sawyer can only cut 20/8 can a scarf joint be used for span. Ron.
Yes you can use a scarf joint. When in doubt, it is always a good idea to consult an engineer.
Do you know of anyone who used yellow poplar for the 24 x 36 plan – and wondered if the beam sizes would need to be adjusted?
Yes people have used yellow popular before. Beam sizing would depend greatly on your location.
I’ve purchased the BUNDLE and man, there are a lot of plans in there. I’ve settled on this 24×36 barn plan for our main home. I need more light in the second level but I cant figure out how to work around the top plate at 5 foot something. I’ve been trying to design 6′ gable dormers, but keep convincing myself that the top plate needs to be continuous. Has anyone asked for this same layout with second floor gable dormers and can that be done?
Thanks in advance, great site.
That modification can be done. Tops plates do not have to be continuous. We may need to modify somethings but it is possible.
I want a barn maybe 24 x36 with living quarters on top and 2 stalls with storage/ laundry room on bottom. Can I build with 6×6 timbers?
Diane, you would need design/engineering services to determine the size timbers necessary. We do offer those services here.
Can I purchase this plan and then hire a timberframe company to build the structure for me? Or does the limited copyright license only allow the purchaser to build the structure him/herself?
You may hire the structure to be built.
Is the roof pitch a 12/12?
The roof pitch is 10:12
What is the height of the frame at the peak?
The height to the apex of the rafters is 25′- 1 1/4″
What is the size of column and trusses? And what type of wood used?
You can see all of the timber sizes here, look on the Specifications tab. We don’t really assume or design our frames to one species of wood.
I absolutely love the design of the 24×36 Timber Frame Barn Home! The layout is both functional and charming, perfect for cozy living. I’m particularly drawn to the open concept and the natural light that floods the space. Can’t wait to see more tips on customizing these plans!
Thank you for your comments!