Pole Barn vs Steel Building Construction
For many legacy farmers, the pole barn on their property is a symbol of their family history. But as the farmers of earlier eras opted for more innovative farming equipment, the industrial leaders of today are choosing more innovative building structures, including steel buildings.
Pole Barn Construction
- Primary framing anchored in soil
- Perimeter wood poles set up to 96" apart
- Can be up to 120' wide without posts
Steel Building Construction
- Primary framing anchored with bolts in concrete
- Columns can be up to 30' apart
- Can be up to 300' wide column free
Steel Building vs Pole Barn Price
Steel Building Price
30x50
$30,000-$46,500
40x60
$48,000-$74,400
50x100
$100,000-$155,000
Pole Barn Price
30x50
$30,000-$55,000
40x60
$48,000-$60,000
50x100
$100,000-$125,000
Higher Insurance and More Risk
Pole barns are susceptible to fire damage, which can be dangerous for building users as well as animals housed in the building. More than 200 horses every year are reported dead due to barn fires, according to the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. The dangers that come with the wooden structures also contribute to higher insurance costs.
Wood Rot
Pole barn construction often lacks the precision of steel construction, leaving gaps and holes in the structure over time. These holes can lead to leaks, which kickstart the process of rot and decay. Wood is extremely vulnerable and offers the right combination of moisture, temperature and oxygen to produce destructive fungi that can leave your building exposed and defenseless to extreme weather.
Especially in the Southeast and Northwest
Raccoons, possums, mice, rats and termites pose a serious threat to the quality of your building, and more importantly, the animals that are housed there. These pests are capable of gnawing through wood pole barns, which not only causes structural deficiencies, but also gives them access to your livestock’s feed supply.
