Pole barn vs. 2x4/ construction with slab.

[JKC03]

I originally was gonna build a smaller shed, 12x16 or so just for lawn equipment, and later down the road build maybe a bigger shop (40x30 or so), but since thinking that I have bought a tractor and other things that I would rather keep in a garage/shop.

First off I will do most of the construction myself, except concrete if I decide on it, and maybe a couple other little things.

As far as pole barn I figured I could have it with a dirt/gravel floor to save on concrete. But if I do all 2x4 construction I will need to have the slab first.

What are yalls opinions on which is easier to build and what would be the differences in price. And if there is an advantage one over the other.

Thanks for your time.


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[BeachBoy]

Concrete you can insulate and change later to an insulated / heated place.

Also standard 2x4 construction is easy to learn and do. I am just finishing my 12x20 shed and it was a great learning experience.

2x4 construction is quite forgiving on errors too.

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[NUTTSGT]

If you do 2x4 construction, you don't have to do a slab first. You can do a footer with a couple of courses of block, build on top of that and do the concrete later as funds permit.

 

[rburke65]

I did both! I had a pole barn foundation and did the standard 2x6" stud construction. The poles clear the graded elevation by 12 to 16". The poles are sandwiched in and out by 2"x12"s and then a 2"x12" cap or top plate. Then you start the standard studded construction. You are already finding out that you are out of room and ya haven't even started yet! Good luck.

 

[8man]

Where in Texas?

I've built in the Houston and BCS areas and am doing a 36x40 right now. I prefer a slab, designed for the soil you are putting it on. Less movement over time. We have some high plasticity soils as well as some inert, so you slab will depend on which soils you are building on.

In central TX, my Dad built his 40x60 as a pole barn. Then came back and had them use the perimeter of the barn to pour his concrete. He has very little to NO shrink/swell from the soil.

I like 2x4 construction as it makes it easy to put up sheetrock, plywood, practically anything you want to hang on the wall. I venture to say once you get over 12' tall though you would be better served with a pole barn.

Hope this helps.

 

[Cyberbear]

I'm no expert at pole barn construction, I was trained in conventional stick construction methods and was led to believe pole barn style was used more for rudimentary farm use when storing agricultural equipment, often needing only a simple dirt floor.
For more refined use a structure built on a reinforced concrete monolithic slab was the choice for garage and shop spaces where stationary tools would be used. Often the budget dictates which method is chosen, hopefully it will serve your particular needs.