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The History of Pole Buildings and How the Design Industry Now Bows

Pole buildings per se are not new. Peoples over the millennia embedded logs or posts into the ground to create shelters. The farmers and ranchers of Colonial America rolled out ever new styles of barns and buildings. Barn raisings happened quickly using fewer materials and were cheaper and easier.

Best Bang for the Buck

During the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression (1930s), farmers often turned to cost savings. Construction of many agricultural buildings during that era used minimal supplies. The government had imposed a $1,500 cap on construction projects. Without traditional foundations and crossbeams, these early structures were made from inferior telephone poles and old sheet metal.

“Pole barns” for short, these early pole buildings served good purpose. Some of the poles rotted. Many lasted awhile, but the structures easily fell prey to heavy winds and inclement weather. To say nothing of snowload problems.

Changes After World War II

Then along came peace and prosperity. Innovation and technology boosted the quality of materials. Chemists and engineers teamed up to find a way to strengthen the poles and trusses using chemical treatments. This not only increased the lifespan of the buildings but made it possible to build larger buildings. These upgraded pole barns became more sturdy and reliable, drawing greater interest.

Lester Buildings on the Scene

During the 1940s, early versions of pole barns by Lester Buildings made their debut. Lester began manufacturing prototypes with improved materials. Old poles were transformed by new pressure-treated wood rectangular versions. Although rot resistant, poles no longer go directly into the soil but rather into a post protector or concrete membrane which is then embedded into the soil or foundation.

Greater strength and durability gained made this type of construction workable for large corporate farms, horse barns, workshops, and other outbuildings. Lester Buildings kept improving the materials. The company developed fool-proof steel siding, Uni-Rib roofing, overhead doors, and other state of the art components.

Every Building Kit Components Works Seamlessly

Put it all together and you get today’s pole building: strong, durable, good-looking, energy efficient, and warrantied. These modern buildings may be completely open or compartmentalized. They may have second floors, mezzanines, or lofts.  The exterior may be designed to accommodate a store, church, fire station as well as homes and farm buildings.

Castle Rock Colorado Construction Companies

For more information about Colorado pole buildings, pole barns, and metal buildings used for Storage, Hobbies, Farm & Ranch, Livestock, Equestrian, and Commercial uses, contact Sapphire Construction, Inc. at (303) 619-7213.