How to Decide on The Right Flooring for Your Pole Building
It’s no secret that pole buildings allow for tons of customization; although that’s a major advantage, it can also be a little tricky if you aren’t well-versed in the pros and cons of some of the most common pole building accessories.
Flooring is one of the many decisions you’ll have to navigate as you design your pole building, and if you aren’t sure whether a cement floor is the right option for you, don’t worry—we’ve explained all of the most important details below so you can feel confident when you make your choice.
What Are the Benefits of Adding A Cement Floor to A Pole Building?
Cement floors are a hugely popular pole building accessory because they come with a wide range of advantages, such as:
Appearance
A cement floor gives a building a more polished look; if you want your pole building to have a more clean-cut aesthetic, then a cement floor is a great way to help achieve it.
Cleanliness
It goes without saying that a dirt floor is going to leave things inside your building dustier than a cement floor would, but a cement floor can also help keep extra moisture at bay.
Comfort
Adding a cement floor to your pole building simply makes it feel more finished; if you plan to spend a lot of quality time in your new building, then you’re bound to find that a cement floor makes your experience more comfortable.
These general advantages are multiplied when you consider use-specific benefits. For example, if you add a cement floor to a garage, it’s much easier to take care of maintenance like oil changes and keep track of any necessary tools.
Despite all of the perks that cement floors have to offer, they’re not right for everyone and every building, so you should consider the option from all angles.
Are There Downsides to Choosing A Cement Floor?
Unsurprisingly, the biggest drawback to opting for a cement floor is cost. In our How Much Does A Pole Building Cost? post, we mentioned that a standard concrete floor usually runs about $5.25-$7.40 per square foot. While this isn’t astronomical, the cost can add up, so it’s understandable if a concrete floor just isn’t in your budget.
Another main reason you might decide against a cement floor is that it’s not appropriate for your application. For example, if you’re building a horse barn or a livestock shelter, then a concrete floor isn’t a practical choice for your building.
Finally, you might choose not to include a cement floor with your pole building plans because you have someone else who can help you pour a concrete pad later on, or you plan to do it yourself.
If this last line of thinking is your reason for omitting a cement floor from your building plans, just bear in mind that you’ll need to wait until after the pole building has been framed to pour the concrete pad. A pole building’s posts must be buried underground, so it’s just not feasible to complete your cement flooring before the posts have been placed.
Making the Right Choice for Your Pole Building
When it comes time to decide whether or not you’re going to do a cement floor, these are some questions you can ask yourself to simplify the process based on the information we’ve covered:
Is a cement floor in my budget?
For a general estimate of what a concrete floor will cost you, just multiply your building’s square footage by $4.25 and $6.25; the two answers will provide a pretty dependable price range.
Does a cement floor make sense based on how I plan to use my building?
Like we mentioned before, a concrete floor probably isn’t a great idea if you’re building a pole barn for horses or livestock, but otherwise, it usually proves very useful.
How important is the overall look of my building?
If you have a clear vision for the aesthetic of your pole building, then adding a concrete floor may help you achieve it by giving the entire structure a more refined, finished look.
Ultimately, whether or not you decide to go for a cement floor comes down to your specific situation and preferences. Be sure to consider the points mentioned here as you plan your pole building so you can confidently choose the best flooring option for your needs.