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Differences between a Pole Barn and a Metal Building

Pole barns and metal buildings share construction methods but they differ in a few ways. If you plan to construct a house, or commercial or ranch building, learn about the methods of construction and materials.

First, post frame buildings or pole barns utilize wood frame building systems. Usually the walls of the building surround wooden posts. These posts or poles are sunken into the ground or anchored onto a concrete foundation. They support the outer walls as well as the roof trusses. The wood construction allows for easier flexibility over time.

Metal buildings are solid citizens and much more difficult to amend. Instead of wood posts, steel poles will be anchored into cement foundations of metal buildings. The use of non-combustible materials offers the necessary strength. These hardier materials work well for exceptionally wide interior spaces. That’s when the metal building will be preferred.

Big vs. Smaller Poles

However, this large-span metal building may not be best for every use. The large columns connect to the side wall, using space and interfering with aesthetics. A wood frame structure on the other hand has a cleaner appearance. Regular sized columns most often get incorporated into the vertical walls.

Flexibility

The Vice President of Engineering Services at Lester Buildings explains that a wood frame structure is easily adaptable to other applications. The wood is easier to mend or change over time. For example, you may want to heat the building, add insulation, or finish one end for an office. See “Benefits of a Pole Barn vs. Metal Building at Lester Buildings” in the blog at our affiliate Lester Buildings.

Engineered Pole Barns and Metal Buildings

If you choose to go with one of our Lester Buildings Systems, the engineers will determine the best way forward. Because every single facet is completely engineered to be compatible with the next component, the system will be strong and durable. The rigorous engineering standards set for each building system eliminates any weak links.

High Quality Materials

Not only will the entire system be delivered to your building site, but the system contains only high-quality materials. This reinforces the excellent warranties we an offer for pole barns and metal buildings. For example, materials are extremely critical for durability.

Lumber: The lumber used for trusses and columns is rated (machine stress rated). It’s mechanically evaluated (MEL). In fact, the glue-laminated and laminated veneer lumber (LDL) used for headers and rafters are stronger than raw wood. Fully tested and engineered, they supply high strength and fabulous durability.

Steel: Our steel buildings include ultramodern steel panels that we manufacture in our facility at Lester Buildings. A patented rib design used for roofs and sidewalls adds strength. However, because our methods keep improving, now you can order wood pole buildings with the same strength but lower cost than steel. Hat’s off to rigorous engineering and testing of our team.

Custom Design

Choose what you like to fit the personality of your neighborhood or your business. When you order one of our pole barns or metal buildings, you’ll have many choices. You can choose a standard design or you can imagine a complicated or creative modification. You can incorporate a host of options or keep it simple. For example, change the roof pitch, create your own color scheme, put the doors or windows wherever you like. Add porches or overhangs or cupolas. Our design team will guide you the whole way through. They do know the differences that will make your new building right for your goals.

Colorado Builders Specializing in Outbuildings

Contact Sapphire Construction, Inc. at (303) 619-7213 and let’s talk about the best options for your new building. We’ll come up with the best custom design for your budget and needs. Importantly, you will see the renderings using our wonderful software. You’ll love it!