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Metal Buildings vs. Pole Barns: Which Is Right for You?
30
Dec 2022

Metal Buildings vs. Pole Barns: Which Is Right for You?

Stephan Michaels
Metal Buildings

If you’re searching for a way to protect your livestock, horses, farming equipment, or tools, you will need a heavy-duty building to get the job done. But what’s the best building style for your needs?
In most cases, you’ll have the choice between a pole barn and a metal barn. In decades past, most barns were built from wooden poles and planks. Lumber was easily sourced and was the most affordable option for rural farmers. However, in modern times, steel structures have risen to become one of the most popular building materials due to their strength, versatility, and cost-effective design.

If you’re just beginning your shopping experience, you’re likely asking yourself what the best option for your project is. Below, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to make the right choice for your next building project.

What Is a Pole Barn?

As we’ve mentioned, most barns were initially constructed from wood due to their availability, functionality, and low cost. And they are still an incredibly popular option for many customers! But what exactly is a pole barn?

Pole barns are wooden structures with numerous vertical support beams or ‘poles.’ These poles are connected to wooden braces and horizontal beams that together make up the structure’s frame. These frames are then covered with wood siding to complete the structure.

They’re a great option if a prefabricated one-size-fits-all structure fits your needs. However, wooden construction might not be your best choice if you’re looking for a custom option.

What Is a Steel Frame Barn

Unlike the wooden pole barn, a metal barn is built using only steel components. They’re built using vertical steel framing, horizontal trusses, and thick steel paneling for the exterior walls. Combine these with metal roofing, and these buildings are some of the strongest options on the market. They’re naturally resistant to moisture, rust, high winds, and even fires up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.
They’re a fantastic choice for most projects and can work for many residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural purposes. So if you’re looking for a flexible structure that can be catered to your specific requirements, a metal building is your solution.

Metal Buildings Vs. Pole Barns: The Final Word

When you compare metal buildings and pole barns, there are many areas where steel buildings excel. Let’s break down why:

1. Durability

When it comes to longevity, steel beats wood almost every time. Wooden buildings are susceptible to rot, pests, and fire, making repair and maintenance a common factor in keeping your structure in good condition. Steel, however, is galvanized, making it naturally resistant to these same issues. As a result, metal barns will outlast pole barns at almost every turn.

2. Construction Difficulty

Since metal barns are built using pre-engineered components, they arrive at the installation site ready to go. This dramatically cuts down on construction time and allows steel buildings to be built in mere days or weeks compared to wooden structures like pole barns.

3. Design Limitations

In most cases, pole barns feature simple pre-made designs. Additions or customizations will likely need the approval of an engineer or architect. But steel buildings are designed for customizability, allowing them to be fabricated in various configurations and styles.

4. Sustainability

Steel is far more easily sourced than wooden components that are responsible for massive deforestation around the world. Steel is also 100% recyclable, allowing it to be used again and again without degradation.

5. Cost-Efficiency

In recent years, lumber prices have significantly increased, making traditional construction methods costly. Due to these increased prices, steel has become one of the most cost-effective building materials on the market.

We at Garage Buildings provide high-quality metal buildings built with galvanized steel. These structures are pre-engineered and designed with A-grade 12-gauge and 14-gauge steel panels, which enhances the strength of our building to protect your valuables. All our metal structures are highly durable to withstand harsh weather conditions. If you need a structure unaffected by weather conditions, then we have got you covered. Our metal building specialist at Garage Buildings will help you customize the structure according to your needs.

Metal Garage

Which Option Is Best for You?

When deciding which construction option is best for your project, it really depends on your particular needs and desires. In terms of sheer strength, stability, longevity, and cost, a metal building will always triumph over stick-built alternatives.

But if you’re interested in a structure for its aesthetic and traditional value, a wooden structure might be your best option. The choice is up to you and your particular desires, and the only limits are your budget and your imagination!

Start Your Barn Journey Today with a Metal Building from Garage Buildings!

Whether you’re interested in DIY metal building kits or large metal buildings, Garage Buildings is your number one choice for quality steel buildings. Our structures are designed for strength and durability and to provide you with years of dedicated service.

We’re also proud to offer some of the most affordable metal buildings for sale and back them up with industry-standard warranties and guarantees.

So, give Garage Buildings a call at +1 (866) 355-4442 if you’re ready to start your metal building journey and find the right structure for your next home, business, or agricultural project. Our dedicated building experts are waiting to help you design, customize, and realize the building of your dreams!

Garage Buildings