Pole Barn or Metal building?

[City Farmer]

There’s no way I’ll ever bury a pole again. I have a few rotten poles that need replacing and know to many people that had to replace all their direct burial poles after 15years. I use Sonotubes or some version of cardboard tube for everything now. About 15 years ago we used them at my brothers house because of the high water table during the spring & fall.

We cut the 4ft tube in to (4) 12in pieces, drilled the hole 4ft. deep, pushed the tube 6 inches below grade, leveled and poured the cement into the holes. We pulled the string and set the steel brackets with anchors into the wet cement. It worked great, his building hasn’t moved and he never has to worry about the poles rotting away.

 

[ovrszd]

There’s no way I’ll ever bury a pole again. I have a few rotten poles that need replacing and know to many people that had to replace all their direct burial poles after 15years. I use Sonotubes or some version of cardboard tube for everything now. About 15 years ago we used them at my brothers house because of the high water table during the spring & fall.

We cut the 4ft tube in to (4) 12in pieces, drilled the hole 4ft. deep, pushed the tube 6 inches below grade, leveled and poured the cement into the holes. We pulled the string and set the steel brackets with anchors into the wet cement. It worked great, his building hasn’t moved and he never has to worry about the poles rotting away.

Where are the poles rotting?

 

[goeduck]

I think there could be variations based on location, soil type, climate, etc

Rot and decay doesn't happen underground. It happens at the surface where air and moisture are introduced.

More important than material choice is controlling moisture against your post.

One of my properties has a high water table, only a few feet down. The property is on the salt water with a creek mouth, duck ponds, wetlands, estuary, etc. Great pastureland on most of it (non wetland) as the grass stays green year round. But, I hit water when setting my concrete fence posts about 2 to 3 feet down. Putting a pole in the ground even that far puts the wood into the water and it wicks up the post. We would get maybe 10 years out of a cedar post, maybe 15 to 20 out of a railroad tie. So some time back I stopped putting wood in the ground, it just does not work for me.

 

[vikingbarns]

Both have their pros and cons. Pole barns are generally more cost-effective and quicker to build, plus they adapt well to uneven terrain. Metal buildings, on the other hand, offer superior durability and low maintenance, making them a great long-term investment. It really depends on your specific needs and budget. Has anyone here made the switch from one to the other? What was your experience like?

 

[Paystar]

I have one of the metal buildings similar but smaller than yours. I put it on a gravel floor base and did the land prep myself. I like it and it is very utilitarian and looks good. We致e had some storms come through with 60 mph+ Winds with no issue whatsoever. Needless to say I知 a fan. Do not put any fill in if you have to level a spot. Dig down to the low point.

Here is mine for reference.

That looks nice! What brand and model is that?

My problem up here in Ontario Canada is, I have looked at the metal buildings. We get mailings all the time from all these companies like Future Steel buildings and others, and every one of them I called seems too "scammy" for my liking.

They advertise all these great deals, then you call and "that one is gone, BUT WE HAVE THIS ONE for you" and by the time they are done their sales pitch you realize you can build a 2x6 stud wall building for the same price and have better insulation value.

 

[ArlyA]

Old thread?

 

[geteh]

Boy these discussions are tough. Soooo many variables and exceptions.

Are you building it? Do you have the equipment to do all the prep work? How bout utilities? Gonna insulate and heat it? Indoor plumbing? Lights? Finished interior walls?

Reason I ask these questions is if you simply want a metal skinned "pop can" to park under it doesn't matter which you choose. Do the one that easily serves your need.

If you intend to build a "modern" building with immenities then the choice becomes more complicated.

So for me, I'd need more information before offering an opinion.

I had a "pole barn" finished. Have an all steel now that's finished. Building a studded building on concrete pad that's finished now check Xinguangzheng. I can offer my opinions in regards to these three varieties if it helps you.

Metal barns are a great option for durability and cost-effectiveness. The 36x71 enclosed building with lean-tos provides ample space for your trailer, truck, tractor, and horses while keeping costs manageable. Many people find them sturdy and long-lasting, but be sure to check the steel gauge, insulation, and wind/snow ratings for your area. If the build quality meets your needs, it could be a solid investment.

 

[BlueKnife]

Metal barns are a great option for durability and cost-effectiveness. The 36x71 enclosed building with lean-tos provides ample space for your trailer, truck, tractor, and horses while keeping costs manageable. Many people find them sturdy and long-lasting, but be sure to check the steel gauge, insulation, and wind/snow ratings for your area. If the build quality meets your needs, it could be a solid investment.

You're either a robot or have a robot answering for you. Why?

 

[RayIN]

Perhaps my experience will be of value.
Last month 2 trees fell on my old pole barn my dad built himself in 1961. Now that pole barn was built with used telephone poles and corrugated galvanized siding.
My insurance co. totaled the barn and told me replacement cost is $55,000 for a 48'x36'x10' size today.
Which meant, I had that barn severely under-insured. They sent me a check for $18,900.

So to me, that steel pole barn would be my choice today.

 

[ArlyA]

We are looking at property's out of town to purchase and most don't have a garage so I looked at and priced 2+ car port like structures. They did price it with increased snow load capacity and it wasn't all that bad of an increase in $$. Seems I asked for 120psf.