Pole barn versus Floating slab

[BuilderML]

I paid $19,86 sq ft for my PB, including the loft and stairs...no taxes and cheaper labor in Oregon.

Posts set on a poured pad, 48" down.

Thank you Baja thats what i was looking for. Granted a building your size i would not do with a floating slab. Thats a great price for a building of that size.

 

[BuilderML]

By the way, if you don't need concrete floor slab for loads, going with a framed floor on blocks or piers is even cheaper. I used to build sheds like that many years ago as a summer job. Don't overlook that option if you can get by with framed floor and plywood deck. It is even more amenable to stick building than slab.

We priced out P.T. floor system 4x4 sleepers with 3/4" pt plywood. It was just about the same cost as concrete. Which is why we will be going to concrete route.

 

[SPIKER]

Both methods are fine, and as most have said it is all about where you are and what you are doing. Up in Tolland CT I would think codes would preclude NOT using a frost proof foundation on any wall on concrete structure... Though I only know the code happy north east by reputation and not specifically.

With pole barn you can build and use it for years without concrete in it, mine was built in 2002, and I worked on it as I could afford. It got concrete in 2011 and so far been great. In your method you COULD pour a slab and wait or use the slab for parking etc but have no covered storage.

It is true that costs when concrete is poured the pole barn costs more and is harder to make interior walls insulated or sealed/dry-walled/painted etc however in most cases pole barns are just BARNS and not heated insulated other than maybe small offices. Barns can be put up with poles in a day or two for your size even without pad prep considered. For your application prep work can take that amount of time, then pour and dry time add a week or two longer for construction.

It all comes down to sort of the FORD vs CHEVY debate that not one product fits all.
Mark

 

[newbury]

Also, down in the south I see a LOT more "pole" barns that are basically equipment run-in sheds, only really designed to protect from rain and sun. Many are simply canopies on poles. Google "pole barn" images.

Except for a few days of the year I can work in my unairconditioned workshops in Mississippi with all doors open and a breeze blowing thru. No heat, no A/C, a little sweat but no problem.

Sure it get's up to the high 80's in the summer (when it's 100 outside) and down to the high 40's (when it's 20 outside) in the winter when I'm working. But it's not like my land in Northern Vermont where it will stay below 0 for a few weeks and I have to deal with blowing snow from late September thru May..

And I like being able to keep my equipment out of the sun and rain.

Pole barns are an outgrowth of post and beam construction designed to quickly get a roof overhead for a fair sized space and then get it enclosed later. And like others have written a 16x24 pole barn would be kind of small.

 

[JBourquin]

Post frame construction can be insulated pretty easily. The garage I'm designing now is pretty much following what this guy did..

My 24 x 32 2 car "garage" build - The Garage Journal Board

 

[BuilderML]

Just wanted to update now that some time has gone by. Was at the inlaws the other day and went down to the shed. No issues with cracking of slab also no issues with the double doors not closing properly. Only thing he says now is he wishes we made it bigger. Figured some might like the update. Take care.

 

[Jay4200]

After reading so many treads about people building a pole barn followed by pouring a slab after the pole barn is completed. It leaves me to ask WHY? Why not pour a floating slab and do regular stick framing?

I have a 60x60 pole barn w/ metal walls and roof. Wood-eating insects have turned the many of the poles underground into so much dust, and the whole structure needs to come down. I plan on pouring a floating slab and using conventional construction to build the walls, and possibly re-use the roof trusses. I certainly wish the previous owners did the job right in the first place instead of putting up a french canadian hack structure like a pole barn. YMMV.

 

[CADplans]

I have a 60x60 pole barn w/ metal walls and roof. Wood-eating insects have turned the many of the poles underground into so much dust, and the whole structure needs to come down. I plan on pouring a floating slab and using conventional construction to build the walls, and possibly re-use the roof trusses. I certainly wish the previous owners did the job right in the first place instead of putting up a french canadian hack structure like a pole barn. YMMV.

When I built my 57x45 shed,, I decided on post construction,,
but, the posts are 8" wide flange beams.

Under each beam, (9, IIRC) I dug a 3X3X3 foot hole, and poured a yard of concrete,,
with 20" bolts imbedded.
The beams were bolted to the blocks,
After completion,, a slab was poured over the floor, and blocks,,,

The entire construction, except for attaching the sheetmetal, was welded.
I poured the floor in 1999,,, no insect damage,, so far. :laughing:

 

[FredH]

To the Original OP of this thread : Why did You use t-111 smartside versus using Hardipanel cement siding panels ?

At lowes currently , the Hardi product is only $4 more per panel and although the smartside is resistant to somethings , one thing it is not resistant to around here is Acorn Woodpeckers . Neighbors found that out the hard way on their pole / horse barn and another outbuilding they have . Everything I build now is covered with hardi panel . No insect damage and No flippin woodpecker holes either :thumbsup:

Just curious the choice .

Fred H.

This is the little A-hole :

 

[topbuilder]

"Why not pour a floating slab and do regular stick framing?"
I've done several of these over the years. Both ways. In our area (no frost) it comes down to the cost of the slab. Pole barn = flatwork rate. The other is nearly a full slab so, slab rate. Let's say the difference is $2... on a 40 x 60 that's $4,800.

When I did mine, a 57 x 60 salt box, I chose "neither". I wanted all steel. Fortunately that was 20+ years ago. Don't think I would be willing to go that big at todays prices.
The other issue is the trades here. You have people who do pole buildings and you have people who frame on slabs. Not too many who frame and do metal buildings. I know you are not doing metal so that would not be an issue for you.