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People use barns for a range of commercial, industrial, and personal purposes. Whether you need storage for vehicles, supplies, livestock, or anything else, a barn can give you the space and functionality you need.

But choosing the right type of structure is crucial. You want to get the most out of your investment and have the kind of barn that best meets your needs for years to come.

This guide can help you make the right choice by giving you the pros and cons of a pole barn vs. a metal building. For a customized quote on a metal building or more information about our products, reach out to the knowledgeable Titan Steel Structures team today.

What is a Pole Barn?

A pole barn is a simple structure made up of wooden beams or poles that support the exterior walls and roof. Pole barns have gained popularity because they are functional and relatively simple to construct.

Many people choose to construct a pole barn because these structures have low upfront costs. But pole barns are built from wood, making them susceptible to water damage, mold, rot, and pests.

Pole Barn Installation and Maintenance

Pole barns are inexpensive to build compared to other construction methods and materials. Pole barn construction requires only wood–there is no need for a concrete foundation or other building materials. Because the pole barn is such a simple structure, people may save labor costs because it takes less time to put one up.

Constructing a pole barn is reasonably simple: bury beams or poles in the ground, attach girts for horizontal support, attach walls,  and build a roof.

But the simplicity of a pole barn is also one of its downfalls. Pole barns often require a lot of repair and maintenance, and you are limited in where and how big you can build. Some other common pole barn problems include:

• Risk of mold and rot
• Potential for rust and water leaks
• Fire hazard
• Warped rafters
• Problems with heat retention
• Not ideal for housing livestock

Pole barns often require regular, costly maintenance to prevent and address problems. These unavoidable problems often prompt people to look for other options when building a barn or other structure.

Metal Buildings: The Basics

Metal buildings are an ideal choice for many commercial and personal building projects. A metal frame barn is an excellent alternative to a pole barn for many reasons. So, why are metal buildings such a good investment?

Metal buildings are constructed entirely of steel. Steel is a durable material created from iron, carbon, and other metals. Carbon steels are the most common type of steel used in building construction. Steel is an ideal material for many reasons, including:

• Weldable
• Withstands extreme heat and cold
• Doesn’t show wear and tear
• Resists corrosion
• Adaptable

Steel barns and other types of buildings last for decades with little to no maintenance. And while the cost of a metal building may be greater upfront, you won’t have to perform regular, costly maintenance and repairs. Your metal building will stand up to whatever your business and Mother Nature can dish out for years to come.

Pole Barn vs. Metal Building: Making the Best Choice

Choosing the right type of building is essential to you and your business. You want to make a smart investment that will last for years to come and help you get the most out of your money.

So, pole barn vs. metal building: which is the right choice for you?

Pole Barns

Pole barns are a good choice for people who want to get something up quickly and cheaply. Constructing a pole barn takes less time and has fewer upfront costs. You don’t need to plan or build a foundation, and wood is generally cheaper than many other construction materials.

However, pole barns need to be constructed in a specific way to be sturdy. You are limited in how and where you can build a pole barn and may have fewer customization options. Pole barns are susceptible to many common, expensive problems, including:

• Rot
• Mold
• Rust
• Pests
• Fire
• Wear and tear from weather and general use

Choosing a pole barn means settling for a cheap, quick structure that is likely to give you many problems down the road. Prefab metal buildings tend to be a more reliable, practical option.

Metal buildings

People looking to get the most out of their buildings for decades should choose a metal building. Metal buildings are a larger financial investment upfront but provide worry-free, maintenance-free usage for many years. Some of the numerous benefits of a steel building include the following:

• Anchored columns that offer greater stability
• Sturdy frames
• Leak-proof construction
• Warp-free construction
• No risk of fires
• Termite-proof
• Safe for livestock
• Rust-free
• Maintenance-free

Because of their strength, resistance to fire and pests, and general durability, metal buildings are often much less expensive to insure–up to 40% less in many cases. Metal buildings provide unbeatable performance and can save you many of the costs and headaches associated with other building types.

Get a Customized Quote for a Metal Building Today

Ready to start planning the metal building that can meet your needs? Reach out to the experts at Titan Steel Structures today.

We’re leading the industry by offering a range of metal building kits and customization options to ensure your building will perform perfectly for years to come. Contact us online to get a customized quote now.