1. Cost
The cost of materials when compared to a stick frame building will be typically 50% to 70% cheaper. It is also much quicker to build, saving further costs. Use a good set of pole barn plans to assist you to work out material and build costs.
2. Walls
Pole Barn walls can be build to most heights. Stick framed walls over 12’ need special engineering. Remember, all of the load on the pole barn structure is taken into the ground via the pole structure.
3. Easy Fit Out
You can build a flush frame pole barn which accepts standard insulation.
4. Foundations
The pole barn is build by securing wooden posts into the ground with concrete. A stick built structure requires solid foundations and groundwork which adds hugely to the cost of the build. The key thing to take into account the depth the frost goes into the ground during the winter. In temperate climates footings of 36” should be OK, whereas in colder areas 42” footings are required.
5. Vertical Post give lateral support
This gives the building lateral support – the bottom of the post is the hinge point under high winds and provides a much more stable structure under these conditions that a wooden frame with anchor bolts into concrete.
6. Post Rot
This is not usually an issue – many pole barns have been around for 100 years and more. If you purchase pressure treated posts they willlast a lifetime.
7. Two Storey Building
Because of the strength of the pole barn design two storey buildings are perfectly achievable – even for a self build.
8. Bronze Age Technology
The original pole barn design has been around since the bronze age – I cannot think of many other technologies that have been around so for so long and are still in use.
