Differences Between a Pole Barn and a Stick-Built Structure

Differences Between a Pole Barn and a Stick-Built Structure

If you want to build a house, garage, or barn, you have several options. Two of the most common are stick-built construction and a pole barn. Building a pole barn is very different than stick-built construction and offers several advantages.

How Stick Buildings and Pole Barns Are Constructed

Stick building is a method in which a structure is assembled on-site from individual pieces of lumber. This allows the builders to create a unique design for each building and to correct any problems they encounter during construction.

A pole barn is made from materials pre-cut at a factory. Engineered lumber is cut to the sizes needed and delivered to the building site in a kit. This makes it easy to build a standard type of structure based on a common plan, although it can also be customized.

Some people believe that stick-built construction is superior to a pole barn, but that is not necessarily true. When properly constructed, a pole barn can be just as good as a stick-built structure and can even be better in some respects.

A Pole Barn Can Cost Less Than a Stick-Built Structure

Building a pole barn can cost significantly less than constructing a stick-built structure. The foundation usually makes up over 15 percent of the cost of constructing a single-story building. A pole barn uses posts buried in the ground to support the weight of the walls and the roof. In many cases, a traditional concrete foundation is not needed.

The truss spacing in a pole barn is typically wider than that in a stick-built structure. When properly designed and constructed, the trusses on a pole barn can be more than 8 feet apart and can support heavy snow loads. This can significantly reduce the construction costs for a large building.

A pole barn can be constructed to look like a conventional building. The walls in a pole barn are not load-bearing because the poles support the weight of the building. This reduces the cost of framing.

A Pole Barn Can Be Easier to Build

If the building is to be constructed on land that is not flat, problems may arise. To construct a building with a conventional foundation, it will probably be necessary to move soil and level the site. A pole barn can be built on a non-level site without the need for extensive site preparation.

A Pole Barn Can Handle Severe Weather

A pole barn can stand up to severe weather that could damage or destroy a conventional building. The posts that are embedded in the ground transmit lateral wind loads on the walls to the ground. Pole barns also generally do not collapse during a fire like conventional buildings on foundations can.

A Pole Barn Can Be More Energy-Efficient

A pole barn can also be more energy-efficient than a stick-built structure. A pole barn has fewer thermal breaks than a conventional building. Posts that are 8 feet or more on center can be insulated better than studs 16 or 24 inches on center in a stickframe building.

Get a Quote for a Pole Barn from CHA Pole Barns

A pole barn offers several benefits compared to a traditional stick frame building. CHA Pole Barns can design and build a pole barn that you can use as a shelter for livestock, a place to store vehicles or equipment, or even as a home. Contact us today to get a quote for a new pole barn.

When you are ready contact CHA Pole Barns to talk about your pole barn project.

 

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I want to send you and your crew of young gentlemen a special thank you. I know it was a challenge, but you did a great job. I love the roof – it looks so unique. I am so glad I choose it and so very glad to have you all to it it on.

Thank you for dealing and being so good to my son Brian. He has stopped several times by people driving by and also customers wanting to know where it came from and to know who did the work. As you know we will highly recommend you and your crew. Again thank you.

Becky Dunn