Sorry if this has been discused before. I've searched and lurked for some time. But I have to ask. I'm ready to begin, but where to start? Pole building style, steel roof, metal siding. Or slab and stick built. One more energy efficient than the other? Steel structure. Or stud walls? I don't get the oppertunity to build something for myself. Is one more cost invalved? Forget about long hall savings, I need it in the wallet now. Thanks for your input.
Pro's -n Con's
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Kevin54
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I don't like a slab build and have some reservations about a pole building all due to the fact that either has concrete going against wood and any water that would run to the edge starts to wick. I've always liked a foundation style of build where the bottom sill is up on blocks away from the floor. But that is just a personal preference. If a pole build has the floor poured right then it is not a concern. I have seen many, many pole buildings that I would give the proverbial left cahonie for.
You'll get a 50/50 response on your question. I've never built a pole building so I would not feel comfortable doing it. I have framed many other buildings and room additions that are on a foundation wall and that is what I feel most comfortable with. So a lot depends on what you feel comfortable with if you are doing it yourself or a portion of it. With a stick frame build, you can have the floor done, then build and stand the wall up. With a pole build, you have to make sure you have good straight poles, proper holes, straight alignment, then a lot of vertical work after the poles are set. Stick build, you have more horizontal work, then stand it up.
All in all......both equal out to about the same price when done. But with a pole build, after it is up, you need to add extra lumber in to finish off the inside. With a stick build, the lumber is already there. 6 of one, half a dozen of the other.
It now all "clear as mud" isn't it.
You'll get a 50/50 response on your question. I've never built a pole building so I would not feel comfortable doing it. I have framed many other buildings and room additions that are on a foundation wall and that is what I feel most comfortable with. So a lot depends on what you feel comfortable with if you are doing it yourself or a portion of it. With a stick frame build, you can have the floor done, then build and stand the wall up. With a pole build, you have to make sure you have good straight poles, proper holes, straight alignment, then a lot of vertical work after the poles are set. Stick build, you have more horizontal work, then stand it up.
All in all......both equal out to about the same price when done. But with a pole build, after it is up, you need to add extra lumber in to finish off the inside. With a stick build, the lumber is already there. 6 of one, half a dozen of the other.
It now all "clear as mud" isn't it.
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mtwaterguy
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We've gone over this many times. Having built both, the pole barn structure is more cost effective and when built correctly will give you just as good a building. After setting the poles the most important decision needs to be made. If you use what I describe as commercial girt construction, not only do you have a very strong building, but you are framing both the inside and outside walls at the same time, saving both time and materials.
Thanks, I value your experiance. I live in the south at this time and they don't build as they do in the north. They set things right down in the sand here. Seams strange. I'm leaning toward block foundation, stick built and not sure about the roof. It gets hot as hell here. Any thoughts on roofing
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
I think it somewhat depends on how big a building you're thinking about - as it gets larger a pole building probably becomes more and more cost effective. You also have to consider any local code issues, if you're in town they may or may not allow a pole building. Also, a pole building pretty much looks like what it is, a stick build can be made to match your house or however you want it to look.
As far as slab vs. foundation, either one can work if it's done right. My 24x40 garage was built on a slab nearly 20 years ago and it's still in fine shape (there is a row of block around the perimeter to keep the walls up away from the ground and moisture.) This probably depends on what local building practices are in your area.
As far as slab vs. foundation, either one can work if it's done right. My 24x40 garage was built on a slab nearly 20 years ago and it's still in fine shape (there is a row of block around the perimeter to keep the walls up away from the ground and moisture.) This probably depends on what local building practices are in your area.