Pole Barn vs. Post Frame: Today we are excited to tackle a regular source of confusion and discussion in our industry: what’s the difference between a pole barn and a post-frame building?
Explaining the Difference Between Pole Barn and Post-Frame
We would love to say that the answer is a complex debate that has raged on for decades, but the reality is actually fairly mundane, though no less important to understand. “Post-frame” is a type of construction method. According to the National Frame Building Association, “Post-frame construction is an engineered wood-frame building system that meets UBC and IBC standards.”
What separates it from other types of construction is their speed of installation and the materials needed. “Because the larger posts and interlocking frame can handle greater loads than stud-wall construction, fewer structural materials are needed, which saves time and other costs.”
So if that’s post-frame, what is a pole barn? Well, a pole barn is simply a common type of building resulting from the post-frame construction method. Most of us have a picture in our minds of what a pole barn looks like, but that’s actually why we wanted to take the time to make this distinction. All pole barns are post-frame buildings but not all post-frame buildings are pole barns. The number of applications for a post-frame building are vast, and not simply limited to a rectangular barn-style building.
Agricultural buildings, commercial buildings, municipal buildings, churches, schools, fire stations, and even homes are all possible post-frame building options. Post-frame buildings can provide huge open spans, easily insulated swaths of wall and roof, durability, customizability and more.
If you are in need of a new building, whether you are looking for a pole barn or something entirely different, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.