Pole Barn Kit or Steel?

DaveNay · Apr 29, 2004

I need to build a building for our horses. I have the time and desire and I believe the skill to build it myself. There are lots of threads about pole barns here on TBN, plus there are lots of threads about steel buildings. There are threads about using a contractor, and doing it yourself. I guess what I want to ask is, is it really that hard? Steel is sky high theses days, so would a kit from Menards be the best route to go? Like I said, I am confident I can do it, but I am just looking for someone to push me off the of the high dive and into the water. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Oh yeah....the price for a 30' x 120' weather tight kit from Menards is only a little under $10K.

Dave

riptides · Apr 30, 2004

Well, if you go the metal route it needs to be really insulated.

For horses, IMHO, the building is better off being dry. So I'd lean towards wood. Repairs to wood, may be easier too. Depends on the horse.... so... for horses, gosh, I'd lean towards wood.

There are some really super informative posts on this board about buliding your own pole barn. Did you go read them?

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

BB_TX · Apr 30, 2004

I put up a 30'x40' prefab steel building. Not hard at all. All the primary frame members just bolted together. Then the sheet steel went on with self tapping screws (a LOT of self tapping screws). Mine is fully insulated with 2' overhangs all the way around. I had help with the frame and the roof panels and hanging the 10'x10' doors. Otherwise, I did it all by myself.

DaveNay · Apr 30, 2004

I think due to the current prices of steel, and the moisture issues, and just for a more "traditional" feel we are going to go with the wood. Went to Menards again last night to price out the kit, and a 36' x 120' building with sliding doors on each end is $15K with tax & delivery. We will probably take the plunge in the next week and get it ordered.

Dave

DannyD · Apr 30, 2004

Be sure that the package they quote includes EVERYTHING you are going to need. My barn package had all the frame etc., but did not have the bracing, and while may not be needed per engineers drawings, is definetly money well spent. About 10 extra 2 x 4's and it was complete.

I checked one "great price" package before buying only to find out it did not include most of the over hang, carnish etc. I told them they did not have a complete package as advertised and went somewhere else.

Ask to see a material list, and drawings if they are doing them........before placing the order, just to be sure.
Oh yeah, mine is metal with wood framing. Weather tight except for the spacing that is inherant with side to roof metal, but no leaks.

texbaylea · Apr 30, 2004

My building uses metal frames and wood 2" x 6" girts and purlings with metal sheeting. My son and I erected this except for hired help with the sheeting. It is very easy to build out inside and the placement of windows was very easy also. I have not finished the insulation, just doing it in small batches. I recommend this method of construction.