For centuries, traditional wooden pole barns have provided spacious storage for farmers and ranchers looking to hold livestock, equipment, and daily tools. However, many property owners are switching to metal pole barns for greater durability and efficiency.
Whether it’s your residential property, agricultural landscape, or commercial property—the contrast between a wooden pole barn and a metal building can make a huge difference on your property. Let us help you discover the best solution for your daily activities.
What are Wooden Pole Barns?
When someone refers to a pole barn, they often mean a building constructed with a wooden interior frame and exterior metal panels. The term “pole” comes from the wooden posts placed vertically in the ground to support the structure.
Pole barns are usually built on a concrete foundation or simple dirt floor, with wooden poles spaced 8 to 12 feet apart. They can be heated or unheated and are often used for agricultural purposes, such as housing livestock, hay, and farm equipment.
What are Metal Buildings?
Metal buildings are constructed entirely of steel, from the walls and frames to the roof system. The parts are designed beforehand in a controlled environment and pre-engineered according to the exact dimensions needed.
Instead of poles, metal buildings use I-beam columns anchored in the ground, usually spaced 20 to 30 feet apart. The wider placement allows for more flexibility when incorporating doors and windows.
Metal buildings are constructed on various bases, like slabs, piers, and perimeter foundations.
Pros and Cons of Pole Barns
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of building pole barns with wooden materials.
Advantages
- For buildings under 5,000 square feet, pole buildings made with wood are cheaper, usually 15% less than metal buildings.
- If you’re aiming for a traditional, rusting look on your residential or commercial property, a wooden pole barn may be the way to go.
- A wooden pole barn works great for mid-sized agricultural applications, like sheds or small storage barns.
- As your enterprise grows, wooden pole bars are easily renovated for expansion.
- Wooden pole barns are easy to construct and don’t require specialized labor.
Disadvantages
- Wood is easily damaged by the elements, resulting in rot, mold, and natural deterioration over time.
- Wood is a combustible material that easily catches fire.
- Termites and other pests can eat away at your pole barn’s wooden structure.
- Wood is susceptible to warping, sagging, splits, and shrinking from exposure to excess moisture.
Pros and Cons of Metal Buildings
Switching from a wooden structure to a metal one has many advantages. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of building a metal pole barn.
Advantages
- Metal buildings are extremely durable and resistant to harsh weather conditions like wind, snow, and seismic activity.
- You won’t have to worry about termites and other wood-eating bugs.
- Metal materials are not susceptible to rot, mold, and splitting.
- Metal buildings are highly customizable, from window and door placement to roof styles and interior layouts.
- Metal buildings can be constructed on various bases, making them flexible for both residential and commercial uses.
- Because metal is stronger and requires less support, you can build larger architectural spaces and open floor plans.
- Metal is resistant to heat up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, making them less susceptible to fires.
- Metal buildings can be well-insulated for both hot and cold climates.
- Due to their durability, metal buildings can last for several decades.
- Oftentimes, steel is made from recycled materials, minimizing carbon footprint.
Disadvantages
- Metal buildings can cost about 15% more than wooden pole barns.
- Metal buildings can take longer to construct, depending on the building’s intricacy.
- Buildings constructed with metal require more specialized labor and equipment.
- It can be difficult to expand metal buildings later unless you specify that at the beginning of the design stage.
Ready to Make the Jump from Wood to Metal?
Many people have seen the benefits of using metal materials for long-lasting buildings and have decided to construct their pole barns with metal instead of wood.
If you’ve decided to jump from wood to metal, you’ll need a team of experienced professionals who can work with metal components and construct something of quality.
From garages to metal pole barns, ETX Steel can help you design and build a structure that meets your needs and aligns with your style. Contact us today to get started on your metal building.
