Comparing These Three Popular Building Methods
It can feel confusing trying to choose the right type of building for your needs. As you begin researching different building methods for your she shed, workshop, home, horse barn, or garage, you’re likely to encounter three different types of buildings that catch your eye: pole buildings, conventional stick frame buildings, and steel buildings.
Each of these different types has advantages, so it’s important to understand them before selecting one for your project. We’ve outlined some important differences and similarities to help you settle on the right building for you.
How Do Pole Buildings, Conventional Stick Framing Buildings, and Steel Buildings Compare?
If you’re at all familiar with what pole buildings are, then some of this information will be familiar to you. Still, it can be helpful to see how all of your options stack up in key areas.
How The Structures Are Built
Conventional stick framing buildings are very labor-intensive because they are built entirely on site. Additionally, both conventional stick framing and steel buildings require traditional excavation that includes footing and foundation. This translates a longer construction timeline.
On the other hand, pole buildings’ posts are buried 4-6 feet in the ground and then those holes are filled with concrete; this eliminates the need for a traditional foundation. This is one of the factors that expedites the amount of time spent on construction, which saves you money on labor costs.
Steel buildings are simpler to build than conventional stick buildings, but they are more involved than pole buildings.
Framing Materials
Although conventional stick framed buildings and pole buildings both utilize wooden frames, in conventional stick framed buildings, walls are built on top of concrete foundations and are usually framed out of 2x4s and 2x6s. Post frame buildings utilize 6×6 or 6×8 pressure treated posts for the structure. Steel buildings are (unsurprisingly) made entirely of metal posts.
The Overall Cost
Of these three types of buildings, conventional stick structures are the most expensive because of the foundation needs and the labor-intensive construction process.
The second-most expensive option is a steel building, due in part to the fact that it also requires more excavation.
This means that pole buildings are the least expensive type of building on this list. As we mentioned above, pole buildings do not need a traditional foundation, and they require less labor than other types of buildings, which means a lower cost passed on to you. You can learn more about the cost of pole buildings in our post on this topic.
Customization Options
One of the reasons that stick built structures are so popular is that they are extremely versatile; you can adapt a stick building to meet virtually any of your design and function preferences.
Similarly, pole buildings allow for all sorts of customization, so while conventional stick buildings are often built as homes, pole buildings can serve a wide range of functions, from horse barns and workshops to barndominiums and garages.
Steel buildings aren’t quite as adaptable as conventional stick or pole buildings, but they are more economical if you’re looking to build an extremely large structure.
Choosing the right type of building ultimately comes down to your needs and preferences; now that you have some more information on how these different types of buildings compare, we hope you feel more prepared to make the right decision for you. Contact us to get started on planning the pole building of your dreams!
3 Comments
I don’t mind how steel buildings require excavation because it means they are sturdier in the end. A ton of people might try and save as much money as possible. Go for it, but that means you will get a building made as cheap as possible too.
As the say, different strokes for different folks! We agree that some building uses are better off with a steel building and other uses (a lot of uses) will be more than sufficiently met with a pole building, which is very durable and has a long life expectancy.
While talking to a potential client, if we feel their needs won’t be met by a pole building, we will recommend a steel building. We’ve done it before, in fact.
We encourage everyone to assess their needs, wants, and budget and then choose which one is best for them. In the end, all we want is for any client to get what they need at the most economical price!
I am new to the Pole Barn Industry and I learned a lot from experts like you. The content is informative. I hope to be as knowledgeable as you, someday. Please continue succeeding. You totally deserve it.