Expert: Dan Griffin - 4/26/2009

Question
This is a bit of an unusual question, I think.  But, here goes...  I have 2,600 sq. ft. all wood, pole barn.  It's a very nice, high end horse barn.  I am a professional dog trainer and have decided to start using the space for dog training classes.  The interior poles are a major issue.  I want to remove the interior poles (the perimeter poles are fine, of course).  I do realize that the interior poles provide structural support.  Do you think there is a potential solution for somehow providing that support in another way and removing those poles?
Thanks for your time, Maureen in Texas

Answer
Maureen, you are correct that the internal columns are structural and cannot just be taken out.  It should be possible to rework and replace things to reduce or eliminate the columns.  The only person who can really help you on tis will be a structural engineer who can see the issues first hand.

I think they may be able to design a truss that could be assembled that would allow removal of the columns.  The cost or the depth of materials  or the disruption to the present use may make the project undesirable.