When most people think of pole barns, they bring to mind a building found on a farm. While these structures have been used for agricultural purposes for countless years now, they can be constructed for many other purposes. These structures are built using post-frame construction techniques rather than stick-frame methods. How do the two differ?
What is a Pole Building?
Before a person can compare a post-frame building with a stick-frame building, they must first answer the question, “what is a pole building?” Pole buildings are structures with no basements. They feature high ceilings and open floor plans, allowing them to be used for multiple purposes. They are referred to as pole buildings because contractors use laminated wooden posts in their construction.
The wood posts and roof trusses used in these buildings are constructed off-site. This does not mean they are structurally weak. The posts and trusses are highly engineered, so a person can choose this type of building and have confidence that it will hold up well over time.
Pole Building Framing
A person might look at a pole barn and think its appearance is what makes this type of structure unique. What many people do not realize is this type of framing can support virtually any exterior. The traditional look of these buildings is only one option. What actually makes the two construction methods so different is the framing systems used to support the interior and exterior components.
Builders construct a post-frame building using laminated posts or columns. In many buildings, the columns are set eight feet on center. The contractor buries the posts four to six feet in the ground so they can provide support for other architectural components. These posts serve as the main vertical framing components in the building. Once they are in place, the contractor connects the posts using wood sidewall girts.
The building is framed this way to transfer wind and snow loads to the building’s foundation. There is no need for the contractor to construct a continuous foundation, which saves both time and money. The framing for the building is constructed in a factory, which also saves time and money. Pole buildings go up in a fraction of the time it takes to construct a stick-frame structure.
Stick-Built Framing
Stick-built structures, in contrast, are built completely on-site. The structure goes up stick by stick, which is where the name for the framing method originates. Very few components, if any, of a stick-built structure are prefabricated.
Stick-built structures feature wall studs, and these studs are the primary vertical framing components in the building. Most studs are 16 to 24 inches on center. This type of frame requires a continuous concrete foundation for support. The framing system is built over and secured to the foundation, which may be either a basement or a crawlspace.
Pole buildings offer many benefits not seen in stick-frame structures. They allow for wide-open spaces, cost less to build, and take less time. This option is one every person should consider when they wish to have a building constructed. The framing method is ideal for anything from homes to airplane hangars, so learn more about this option today.
