While commonly known as a pole barn, many people think “a square box” and associate the term with farm and ranch buildings, storage and shops. Post-frame structures are so much more than that! Here are a few little-known facts about pole barns.
- Pole barn is just a common term for any post-frame structure.
A post-frame structure is any building using a specific foundation, framing, and structural design that maximizes efficiency in many ways. Post-frame is more cost-effective and low maintenance all while being stronger, with more structural integrity, and can be completed with more efficient build times. Although many post-frame buildings do resemble a “square box”, they do not need to be. Just think of post-frame buildings as an alternative framing option to any building you can dream up. - Post-frame buildings are extremely versatile.
Need a man cave? A she-shed? A horse-riding arena? In-law suite? Mountain cabin? Full-time home? Hay storage? A livestock barn? Extra garage/shop? A retail space? An event venue? Post-frame construction is your most cost-efficient option in making all your dreams a reality! At Shamrock Buildings, we offer several options for siding and roofing, making your building truly unique and custom-built to meet all your expectations. We are also a fully licensed general contractor and can oversee your project details from start to finish so you can rest easy and have a stress-free experience. - Post-frame construction is more cost-efficient.
Everyone loves to save money while getting the best product! Post-frame is a great solution since it saves the owner costs in site prep, foundation, materials, and labor.
Post-frame construction does not require a continuous concrete foundation to be poured. When using the traditional stick-frame construction method (think most home framing), there is a lot of time and money spent on grading and preparing a site in order to pour the foundation. It is commonly estimated that 15% of a stick-frame building budget is spent on site prep and foundation.
By utilizing and capitalizing on the integrated foundation, post-frame construction essentially eliminates the need for OSB/plywood and uses less 2×4 framing while having superior strength to traditional framing. This equates to money saved for the customer, especially with the rising inflation of building supplies, yet it is providing a stronger building in the process.
Now, money is saved in the site prep, foundation, materials, what other expenses need to be accounted for? Labor. With less time spent in the site prep/foundation, and fewer materials being used, the entire building process is simplified and a smaller crew is able to build the structure in significantly faster times than traditional stick-frame construction. - Post-frame structures are more energy efficient.
In the construction of post-frame structures, the framing spacing is significantly greater than a traditional stick-frame structure. This design contributes to a more energy-efficient building by having fewer energy transfer points in the insulation process. There are several options to choose from for level and type of insulation. - Post-frame has superior strength when compared to stick-frame buildings.
Who doesn’t want the strongest building, especially with the Colorado and Wyoming winds? In post-frame construction, posts are set directly into the deep ground and therefore support the vertical beams. A stick-frame building has load-bearing walls supporting the structure and providing its strength. As wind, snow, hail, and other forces of nature bearing down on the building, those load-bearing walls take on the force and provide the defense. In a post-frame building, that force is transferred directly to the ground by the posts providing the defense. This allows for a more structurally sound and stronger building, also allowing for taller walls and heavier snow and wind loads.