Post-frame building construction is a popular, inexpensive and durable way to build. You might know these structures as “pole buildings,” which can be found in use as residential garages all the way up to large commercial buildings.
If you’re not familiar with post-frame buildings, you may be wondering what makes them different. You may also not know how versatile and sustainable these structures can be.
Read on to learn how post-frame construction differs from stick frame building, as well as the big advantages that can make post-frame construction very attractive for your next building project.
Even though post-frame is a fairly simple way to build, more and more local building codes are requiring an engineer’s stamp during the permitting process. If you are in need of a professional engineer, Michigan Building Design can assess your project and provide you with the stamp needed to get your pole building approved.
RELATED: Why Hire a Professional Engineer to Stamp My Pole Building in Michigan?
The Basics of Post-Frame Building Construction
With traditional stick frame building, complex wall framing structures are placed on top of a slab, basement or crawlspace foundation. The interior walls often support the structure, which makes the walls a critical and unalterable part of the building. When you think of building a home, you are most likely thinking of stick frame construction.
By comparison, post-frame construction uses a combination of posts, trusses, and sheathing to give the structure strength. Because the posts are embedded deep enough to resist applied forces, there is no need for a traditional foundation. The posts are generally buried 4-6 feet underground, and spaced out 8 to 12 feet apart. A post and frame structure can be designed without exterior or interior walls, making it ideal for agricultural uses such as storage for farm implements, an open-air picnic shelter, or racks of boats as a commercial boat storage unit. For residential uses, a post-frame home can be a way to achieve a high energy efficiency house with an open concept floor plan. It doesn’t the need the interior stud wall structural support like you would see with a stick-frame design.
In addition to the versatility that hallmarks a post-frame building, the cost-efficiency and rapid build time also make it a very attractive option. It requires fewer materials, and many of the components arrive pre-fabricated. Less labor and reduced materials are the perfect combo for a fast, inexpensive build.
Pole building framing started becoming popular in the 1930s, when builders used utility poles or tree trunks to construct quick and durable farm buildings. As building technology progressed, builders have nearly phased out poles in favor of square, pressure-treated posts. This is where the difference between pole buildings and post-frame buildings originated, although it is still common to refer to these storage buildings as “pole barns.”
The Four Biggest Benefits of Post-Frame Construction
There’s a lot to love about post-frame buildings, and for good reason. They have many applications and may be your most cost-effective option for completing your next building project. When in doubt, talk to an experienced builder or engineer about what you need. A skilled structural engineer can tell you what options may fit your project.
Truly, there aren’t many downsides to post-frame construction. If it fits your building project goals, you can take advantage of these four benefits:
1. Affordability
Post and frame construction requires minimal site preparation. The foundation requires minimal footings and the walls require less material. Many of the components are pre-fabricated from the manufacturer. An experienced contractor can build out the frame in just a few days.
With minimal prep, minimal materials, and minimal labor hours, a pole building is often extremely inexpensive in comparison to other building techniques.
For oversize structures, steel reinforcement or interior wall support may be required. An experienced structural engineer can easily design larger sizes, but it is possible for the costs to outweigh the benefits for some applications.
2. Versatility
We may talk about minimalism for affordability purposes, but a post-frame building can serve almost any purpose you want. Small residential projects or large commercial projects can both benefit from a post-frame structural design. While the most cost-effective buildings are up to 60-80 feet wide and up to two stories tall, larger buildings are also possible with an engineered design.
Commonly, pole barn construction uses metal siding and roofing, which is favored for its quick installation and affordable pricing. However, post-frame buildings can feature almost any kind of architectural aesthetic or finish. These structures can use vinyl siding, wood, brick, stone, and stucco for exterior finishes. The roof can also be any style you want. Your pole building doesn’t have to look like a pole building at all.
3. Durability
Post-frame buildings are also very durable. Sturdy posts buried in the ground, with heavy-duty trusses, can withstand most extreme weather events. They are extremely resilient against high winds, heavy snow loads, and other external stresses. The pole building roof framing – the trusses – efficiently transfer the stresses to the foundation of the building.
Ever since this building method first became popular, technological advances like improved design methods and engineered materials have made this type of building even stronger.
4. Sustainability
From a sustainability standpoint, a post-frame building offers some surprising benefits. With fewer materials needed, the building is already more efficient when it comes to utilizing sustainable resources.
Post-frame construction can also offer better insulation than stud wall construction, since the larger wall cavity creates space for thick insulation. With the posts located every 8’ or so, which means insulation can be continuous, with minimal interruptions or potential pockets of thermal transfer. While this means an increased up-front insulation cost, you can realize long-term savings with reduced heating and cooling expenses.
Common Uses for Post-Frame Building Construction
Considering the versatility of the design, including the customization potential, the applications are extensive. From public works, to residential, to commercial projects, post-frame structures are all around you.
There are many types of buildings that are a great application of the post-frame design, including:
- Agricultural buildings
- Pole barns
- Horse barns
- Airplane hangars
- Open air structures, like picnic shelters
- Workshops
- Detached garages
- Storage outbuildings
- Event spaces, like wedding halls or churches
- Office spaces
- RV/Boat storage
- Homes
- Barndominiums or Shouses (shop / houses)
Barndominiums and shouses are becoming more and more popular for people who work and play in the same building. It’s a great way of having an easy at-home business, or a way to offer private guest quarters in an existing building space. It’s a perfect combo of design and function.
Would a Post-Frame Structure Work For You? Call Us to Find Out
At Michigan Building Design, we specialize in engineering post-frame structures to meet your needs. We offer practical, economically-priced engineering plans for both contractors and private builders.
When you want to put a pole building on your property, and you need an engineering stamp to move forward in the permitting process, give us a call. We’ll help you keep your project on schedule, while balancing your affordability with our liability.
For more information, give us a call at (231) 577-9523 or send us an email.