A monitor barn, sometimes called a raised center aisle barn, is one of the most versatile and timeless structures you can build on your land. While its roots stretch back to classic American agriculture, today’s monitor barns are being reimagined by ranchers, small business owners, horse trainers, and even homeowners looking for a smart hybrid structure that blends tradition with modern utility.
If you’ve seen one before but weren’t sure what made it different from a standard barn, here’s the answer: A monitor barn features a taller central section flanked by two shorter side sections, creating what looks like a raised second story or a clerestory (a row of windows) down the middle. This design doesn’t just look good—it serves a powerful functional purpose.
And for Oklahoma landowners looking to build one, there’s no better partner than Bradford Buildings. We’ve helped hundreds of clients across the state turn their monitor barn dreams into real-world assets.
The Original Purpose of Monitor Barns
The monitor barn design emerged in the 19th century as farmers needed better ventilation and natural light for their livestock and hay storage. That raised center aisle? It’s not just for looks. It allows hot air to escape while drawing cooler air in, which was crucial in pre-electricity days.
Today, those same design principles still serve Oklahoma’s hot summers well. But now, with modern building materials, insulation, and custom doors/windows, the monitor barn has evolved into something much more.
Common Uses for Monitor Barns in Oklahoma
1. Horse Barns with Lofted Tack Rooms
Monitor barns are a favorite among equestrians. The center aisle gives you plenty of headroom for moving horses in and out, grooming, or storing hay. And that raised section? It’s the perfect place for a lofted tack room or hayloft.
2. Event Spaces and Wedding Venues
A growing number of rural Oklahoma property owners are turning monitor barns into event venues. The symmetrical design, soaring ceilings, and iconic silhouette create the perfect rustic-modern vibe brides and families are looking for.
When you build with Bradford Buildings, you’re not just getting a pretty shell. We make sure the structure meets code, holds up under Oklahoma storms, and stays beautiful for decades.
3. Homes and Barndominiums
One of the newer trends we’re seeing is using the monitor barn format as a base for a family home. With the center raised section acting like a vaulted great room, and side wings turned into bedrooms or utility space, the design offers charm, flexibility, and efficient use of space.
Bradford Buildings works closely with clients and architects to ensure these hybrid homes are energy-efficient, cost-effective, and fully customized.
4. Workshops and Hybrid Garages
Need storage space, a work area, and maybe even an office or loft upstairs? Monitor barns are ideal for mixed-use spaces. Many Bradford clients start with a “dream shop” vision—then turn it into a fully functional part of their home or ranch operation.
The Advantages of the Monitor Barn Design
More Natural Light
Thanks to that center clerestory row of windows, monitor barns offer beautiful daylighting. This reduces the need for artificial light and makes the space more inviting.
Enhanced Air Circulation
The original goal still applies. Even in today’s insulated and climate-controlled buildings, airflow matters—especially for livestock or machinery storage.
Aesthetic Curb Appeal
From a distance, monitor barns stand out. The layered roofline, symmetry, and versatility make them one of the most admired building styles for rural Oklahoma properties.
Loft & Storage Opportunities
With a second level or partial loft built into the raised center, monitor barns offer more usable space without drastically increasing your building’s footprint.
Materials Matter: Wood vs Steel for Monitor Barns
Some builders try to cut corners on frame quality or recommend materials based on their margins instead of your long-term needs. At Bradford Buildings, we walk every client through material choices—from pressure-treated posts to premium steel siding.
Oklahoma’s weather demands durability. Hail, high winds, and freeze-thaw cycles can destroy subpar buildings. That’s why we never compromise on quality.
Popular Custom Features in Bradford-Built Monitor Barns
- Cupolas & Weathervanes
- Custom sliding or overhead doors
- Covered lean-tos for shade & rain protection
- Stained wood beams for rustic appeal
- LED lighting & solar-ready panels
- Interior walls for stalls, storage bays, or office space
Every feature is tailored to your goals—not a cookie-cutter approach. That’s what sets Bradford apart.
What to Expect When Building a Monitor Barn with Bradford
We don’t just show up and start framing. Our process is built on decades of experience and attention to detail.
Site Planning
We’ll walk your property, assess soil conditions, access points, drainage, and sun exposure—so your monitor barn fits the land, not the other way around.
Permit Handling
Navigating local codes can be a pain. Our team has experience working with municipalities across Oklahoma and NW Arkansas, and we’ll handle the red tape.
CAD Renderings and Approval
You’ll see your monitor barn design before we build it. And we’ll work with you to get every detail just right.
Construction That’s On Time and On Budget
We’re not the cheapest—but we are the most dependable. When we give you a quote, we stick to it. And we don’t leave you hanging midway through a project.
That’s why more ranchers, landowners, and rural entrepreneurs turn to Bradford Buildings.
Real-Life Examples from Oklahoma Clients
One client in McAlester needed a combination horse barn and hay storage space. We designed a 40×60 monitor barn with a center loft, custom stall layout, and a side lean-to for trailer parking.
Another in Claremore wanted a rustic venue space for small weddings and family gatherings. We created a finished monitor barn with stained wood trusses, sealed concrete floors, and large custom doors that open out to a scenic pasture view.
In both cases, the monitor barn design allowed us to meet multiple needs in one efficient structure.
Pricing: What You Can Expect to Invest
Like any custom building, monitor barn pricing varies based on size, materials, location, and interior finishes. But as a rough rule of thumb:
- Basic shell (no interior finish): Starts around $40-60/sq ft
- Finished for residential or event use: $80-120+/sq ft
We’re always transparent with our pricing. If you’re ready for a custom quote, we’ll walk you through everything—no surprises.
Why Choose Bradford Buildings?
It’s simple: We build every monitor barn like it’s going to sit on our own land. We’ve earned our reputation one structure at a time.
We don’t sell dreams. We build them.
So if you’re ready to explore a monitor barn for your ranch, event space, or homestead, don’t waste time with out-of-state builders or fly-by-night contractors. Call Bradford Buildings—the local experts who care as much about your land as you do.
