The type of construction one chooses will depend on the barns style. The pole barn, also known as post-frame construction, is the least expensive. The post-frame construction is done by sinking posts into the ground, with lumber connecting them horizontally. Holes are dug for the poles that are then used for the foundation, bracing and framework. Most metal buildings, today, use this type of construction. Apart from shallow-pitched roofs and single stories, one can construct two-story barns as well.

The light-frame is the second type of construction. It is used in most residential construction. The foundation has frames of two-by lumber (2-by-4, 2-by-6) attached to it. Light-frame construction is more expensive than post-frame because of the cost of additional lumber and the concrete foundation. Size is not a constraint for constructing light-frame barns.

The post-and-beam type, also known as timber frame, is the third type of construction. It requires long, strong timbers. It is constructed by using vertical posts and horizontal tie beams assembled into sections called bents. These are then raised and attached to a sill beam on a stone foundation. This is how the phrase barn raising came into being.

One can build small buildings, barns, cottages, and homes with the pole-building construction method. Today, many people buy kits to build a pole barn out of steel arches and corrugated metal sheeting to house vehicles, animals, home businesses, and supplies.

For its efficiency and functionality, few buildings have out-performed the basic pole barns. A lot of modern fittings like skylights, windows, plumbing, wiring, insulation, porches, interior walls, and cement foundations are available today, for permanent installation. Private manufacturers get orders from civilians for straightforward huts to install on their farms, orchards or estates, or from small businesses as a storage facility, showroom, garage, temporary family housing, boathouse, or barn.