What is a Pole Barn?

A pole barn is a term used to describe post framing which is different than traditional stick framing found in houses across the US. Instead of stud walls supporting dozens of trusses, pole barns save wood and simplify building by utilizing a few poles instead of a lot of studs. Also because metal siding and roofing requires horizontal rows of bracing rather than the vertical rows found in stick framing, post framing allows quick and easy framing for those braces.

Why Pole Barn Over Iron Frame?

Traditionally in the US these buildings are either framed in wood (pole barn) or with iron (red iron) or rolled steel. Red iron and rolled steel are definitely strong structures, but they are not necessarily superior. Pole barns are engineered to be just as strong. Red iron is the more costly option vs wood which is readily available everywhere. Tools and expertise are also commonly found everywhere. Additionally, in cooler climates metal framing tends to conduct the cold through beams from the outside to where it is warm on the inside, causing condensation which becomes a major problem.

Why Pole Barn Over Stick Frame?

Our philosophy is that more insulation = less energy dependence. Pole barns have a major advantage in providing space for extreme insulation where stick framing does not. The walls of stick framing are comprised of approximately 25% lumber due to studs being 16" apart. Wood studs are poor insulators. On stick frames fiberglass insulation is usually batted in between studs at either 3.5" wide or 5.5" further limiting the space capable of insulation. The space between posts on a pole barn are often 8 feet and sometimes much deeper, allowing for a large expanse conveniently allowing for thick insulation unabated by studs. Not all buildings need the same amount of insulation however, so we look forward to having this discussion with you.

The Advantages of Pole Barns

The Foundation Advantage

One of the biggest advantages of pole barn construction over a traditional stick build is the significant savings on foundation costs and labor. A stick-built structure requires a full, continuous concrete footing and poured foundation wall—a process involving extensive excavation, framing, and long curing times. In contrast, pole barns use isolated post-holes with concrete pads below the frost line. This drastically reduces the volume of concrete required, minimizes site excavation, and eliminates weeks of specialized masonry work, making the build faster and far less expensive.

Flexibility to Build in

Pole barns are engineered to be structurally free standing on the posts, meaning that aside from the shell, the interior can be built out easily without needing to support the structure. If single story on the inside of the shell, walls are merely partitions and if you want a mezzanine or second story, walls only need to support the second floor and not the roof.

Maintenance Free Exterior

In most cases we are able to wrap all exterior components in high-end metal that is factory painted with 40 year paint. We believe in fishing on weekends and not painting or staining your house or barn!

Cons of Pole Barns

Sweating Metal

The con of a maintenance free metal exterior is that the metal is often between two gradients; heat and cold. When this happens and the conditions are right condensation will build up on the surface of the metal. Because of this, proper insulation in structures that will have ac or heat is paramount. With the right insulation condensation cannot happen. The con is that you cannot skip the insulation or get skimpy like you could on an all-wood building.

Post Rotting

Post rot is a hot topic in this space and you will find many differing opinions. Our philosophy is that wood posts will last forever if you keep them dry and avoid exposing them to the soil. We set treated posts into concrete and do not expose any part of the post until it is above the slab. Our method of keeping posts dry and away from soil is not common to typical pole barns. It is a detail that gives us the confidence to say that the building will last an extremely long time.

The Cutless Method

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