Post-Frame & Metal Buildings

Pole barns have existed for close to a century. First created around the time of the Great Depression and Dust Bowl, pole barns have a rich history. They have evolved into dependable and long-lasting post-frame buildings. Technological developments over the years have increased the size and durability of these structures to make them last for decades.

Post-frame buildings often get called metal buildings. Metal buildings can refer to a post-frame building or steel building.

Steel buildings have existed even longer than pole barns. However, because they were quite expensive, they were primarily used for commercial purposes. Pole barns were developed as a more cost-effective building solution than traditional barns and have evolved over the years to become a common competitor to steel buildings!

What is a steel building?

Steel buildings use a steel frame to support the building while post-frame, or pole barn, buildings use a wood frame and wood trusses. Both types of buildings use steel as the exterior and roof material so they are both often referred to as metal buildings. Metal buildings that use a steel frame also require a concrete foundation while post-frame buildings do not. Steel buildings are often used for buildings with extremely wide interiors, such as those wider than 120-feet. Post-frame buildings provide a cost-effective solution for interior widths of 120-ft and smaller.

While both types of buildings have their benefits, post-frame buildings work especially well for personal, agricultural, residential, and commercial use. Steel buildings are often used for huge commercial and industrial warehouse spaces, although they can be used for storage and agriculture as well.

Why are post-frame buildings called metal buildings?

Both post-frame buildings and steel buildings are referred to as metal buildings because they both utilize steel siding and a steel roof. Steel buildings just take it one step further and use a steel frame instead of a wood frame.

To this day, post-frame buildings often cost less to build than steel buildings and they provide a lot of advantages over other types of building. Post-frame buildings do not require a foundation and they are easy to renovate or remodel if you ever want to add onto or change something about your building. In comparison, steel building renovation requires welding and a lot of significant machinery in order to make changes.

Lastly, post-frame buildings are built with 8-ft wide wall cavities. This means that there are less objects to disrupt the insulation and transfer heat into or out of the building. With less interruptions, your building remains better insulated.

Cleary Building Corp. employs a team of in-house engineers to design your building. From storage buildings and workshops to horse arenas, commercial buildings, ag buildings, and more, Cleary Building Corp. can build the post-frame building of your dreams. Interested in starting your next project? Contact us to start on your next building today!