Metal frame building vs. Pole barn.

[JKC03]

I have always figured when I finally do build a metal shop That it would be a metal frame building on a concrete slab. I live in south texas, 50 miles from Houston, and around here it seems the majority build metal frame shops where the slab is poured before anything else. Last week some land close to mine started building a big pole barn. They started framing the exterior walls the other day.

My question is , what are the advantages to both of them. Also how is the cost comparison?? Last year I spoke to the owner of a builder that specializes in metal shop, metal barns with living quarters, ext. he said a pretty good figure to go by for a metal building is $18 a sq. Ft. That's including concrete and all. From your experience is that a good number to go by? He is also my brother in laws best friend and said he could get me a better deal.

Thanks in advance.

 

[bczygan]

Pole barn equals cheaper. I much prefer metal frame, and not cheap metal frame, but red structural iron, so you can use the structure to hang things on. But that all costs money.

 

[joe_padavano]

The pole barn will be less expensive. I've put up several pole barns and one metal building on my farm. The big difference is that the pole barn doesn't need footings and a foundation. The metal building does. This was a significant cost difference. Also, the wood is just easier to handle and erect than the heavier metal parts.

 

[Fueler]

I have had both as working shops. Current is pole barn. The pole barn was a heck of a lot easier to outfit. Insulation, paneling, electrical, etc was just far easier to deal with . The metal building doesn't give you anything to attach to so you have to frame up the walls first. The pole barn horizontal cross boards (forgot the official name) are on 4 ft centers making it simple to hang 4x8 sheets of whatever you like. Rafters give you a place to easily run conduit, air lines etc and the option of an quasi attic. If I do another building and will be doing a lot of the finish work myself it will be a pole barn.

 

[joe_padavano]

...The pole barn horizontal cross boards (forgot the official name)...

"Girts" is the word you're looking for.

 

[Voi]

Last year I spoke to the owner of a builder that specializes in metal shop, metal barns with living quarters, ext. he said a pretty good figure to go by for a metal building is $18 a sq. ft. From your experience is that a good number to go by?

I'd like to hear more about this as well. Knowing what pole barns cost around here (western South Dakota) I'd be very surprised if some of the metal buildings I've been inside of had their insulated shells built for $18 per sq ft.

But then again I have family south of Houston and steel buildings seem to be the popular choice so that may very well allow competition to dictate that price.