Pole Barn vs Metal Building – Your Ultimate Guide

If you have been thinking about building a barndominium, it is important to know all your options. The type of building you use for your barndominium should fit with your expectations and your needs. You have a few different choices, but a metal building or a pole barn are the two main types that are used. Knowing how to choose between a pole barn vs metal building is an essential part of the barndo building process. 

If your barndominium project is going to get up off the ground, it needs to be well thought out. With so many things to consider, it is crucial that you have a good base to start from. By choosing between a pole barn vs metal building, you can have this aspect of the build decided. To help get you started, we have put together a complete guide to the two building types so you can build your dream home. 

What is a Pole Barn?

A pole barn is a structure built using posts that are driven into the ground instead of traditional framing. Traditional framing attaches the frame of the home to the foundation. With a pole barn, you install a concrete slab and drive the posts around it. This way, you have a solid frame on which you can build your dream home. 

The biggest difference between a pole barn vs metal building is that while a pole barn has a different type of construction, it is still made out of wood. This puts it between a metal building and a traditional type of home. If you are looking for a good middle ground between the two, this could be a good choice. Pole barns are very easy to construct and can be a lot cheaper to build. 

What is a Metal Building? 

A metal building uses a similar construction style as a pole barn but with one major difference: It uses steel. With a metal building, all the posts and sheeting around them are made of high-quality steel. This means you don’t have to worry about the idiosyncrasies of wood, which can be a major challenge with any building project. This also makes them quite a bit more durable in the long run. 

When you use a metal building for your barndominium, you can also count on the whole process being much easier. Because they are mostly manufactured, a metal building can be put up in a very short period of time. If you are looking to get your barndominium built quickly, this is a great way to make it happen. Plus, you get the added benefit of cheaper construction costs since you will have to pay less for labor. 

Benefits of a Pole Barn 

When deciding between a pole barn vs metal building, you have to understand all the pros and cons. Should you decide to go with a pole barn, you will be able to get a more organic and homestyle look. If this is something you are going for with your home, a pole barn is going to be your best possible option. The wood gives a natural look that you won’t be able to get with a metal building. 

A pole barn also gives you many more options when it comes to customization. Because you will not be working with a manufactured kit, you can make your barndo into whatever you want. This opens up all kinds of possibilities and designs that you would not be able to do with a metal building. If you are interested in creating something new, this is a great way to do it. 

Downsides of a Pole Barn 

While there are many benefits of a pole barn vs metal building, there are also downsides. For example, they are simply not as durable as a metal building. This is especially true if you live in an area that has a lot of moisture, snow, rain, or humidity. Things like mold, rot, and mildew can wreak havoc on your home and create some very serious, very expensive issues. 

With a pole barn, you also have to worry about pests such as termites. A home that has termites can turn into a money pit very quickly and most of the time can not even be sold. With a metal building, you won’t have to worry about these kinds of issues. Being able to rest easy knowing your home is protected could be well worth it in the end. 

Benefits of a Metal Building 

Building your barndominium with a metal building is one of the best ways to get durability and save some time. With a metal building, you can count on it lasting anywhere between 50 and 100 years with proper maintenance. This kind of longevity is crucial in a home and should be your main concern. In areas with a lot of heavy weather, this could end up being a major benefit. 

When deciding between a pole barn vs metal building, you have to think about the time it takes to build. Since you can buy a manufactured metal home, you can count on it being much faster to construct. This can save you money on labor costs as well as make the whole process a lot easier. If you are anxious to get your home built, a metal building could be your best option. 

Downsides of a Metal Building 

As with any kind of project format, there are also some downsides to building a barndo with a metal building. One of the biggest downsides is the fact that they are fairly susceptible to rust and corrosion. Even with proper maintenance, they are still exposed to the elements. Humid climates can be an issue and they are something that should be considered when choosing between a pole barn vs metal building. 

A metal building will also not have the organic, natural feel of a wooden post frame building. While you can add some natural elements to the interior, the fact remains that it is a metal structure. Plus, adding the organic elements inside will be extra money out of the budget. If a homey, comfortable feel is something you need, you might want to go with a pole barn vs metal building. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right structure for your barndominium is incredibly important. When choosing between a pole barn vs metal building, you have to know what to look for and what your needs are. This way, you can be certain that you have made the right choice and that your home will last for many, many years to come. 

If you would like more guides like this one, check out the rest of BarndominiumLife.com. There, you will find more helpful tips and tricks from the pros. You will also find featured barndominiums, barndominium floor plans, and information on financing and insurance. Knowing as much as you can will help you get the best results for your dream home.