Pole barns can be constructed on any terrain. They do not need a level surface for them to stand correctly. Other styles, such as stick framing, will only be stable if the ground is level. This means that to build them you need to do lots of grading work and the land will need to be level before construction can begin. With pole barns, since this is not necessary, there is less work required to frame out the barn and then build it. You can put them on a surface that is not ideal for traditional or stick framed structures, and you can still expect that the structure will remain standing for a long time without issues.

Pole barns do not need the same amount of structural support or intensive framing that a stick-framed building would require. This means that they use fewer materials in their construction. A stick-framed beam could need 24in or 16in on-center framing, but a pole barn does not need that, it could span 8 feet and still be strong. With fewer materials, it will even have the appropriate level of handling strength for the expected snow load. The framing span that is required will vary depending on how much weight a barn might have to take from snowfall, and there are regional differences regarding what is considered to be a reasonably expected level of snowfall, so this may be a non-issue in areas that do not see snow. With that said, the fact remains that pole barns can use less lumber to handle more weight than a stick barn. You may still want to over-construct for added durability, but quality lumber is expensive, so it is well worth trying to make sure that you are getting the most strength out of the lumber that you have, and that you are not wasting wood.

Stick-framed structures require deep foundations, and you can find yourself spending a significant amount of money on laying the foundations for your barn. That's not the case with pole barns. Some concrete at each footer to set the poles is mostly all you need. Just set the poles, make sure that everything is level, and then pour the concrete slab. Voila, you have your barn sorted. You'll find that you need far less concrete, and as mentioned in point one you will need to do a lot less grading and move a lot less earth. The foundations are more straightforward to sort out, and they are still reliable. You can expect that your pole barn will remain standing for a very long time. The span between the posts offers the opportunity for proper ventilation, and the walls are not load-bearing, which means that it can be framed any way you want while still having good insulation, etc. In general pole barns are just easier to work with. The potential cost saving can be huge considering that for a standard building the cost of laying the foundation works out to about 15% of the project.

You have much more freedom over how a pole barn looks since the walls are not required to support a heavy load. It's possible to frame a pole barn to look like a traditional barn. Alternatively, you can make it look like an open-air barn. The poles support the building's weight; the walls are just there for barriers and insulation. Since the walls are not load-bearing, they carry with them lower framing costs. It's generally less expensive to erect them. The structure, overall, though will be highly energy efficient. Since there are fewer thermal breaks, it is easier to insulate them than it would be to insulate a stick frame building that has many studs. You might think that the differences would be minor, but for a large building, they are noticeable.

The pole construction method is something that is being used more and more, not just for barns but also for garages, cabins, gymnasia, hangers, homes and even office buildings. It's a great way to erect a large structure at a low cost and to ensure that it is energy efficient, stable and reliable. Because it has become so popular, it is something that many companies now have experience in working with, and this means that it's something that you will not struggle to find contractors to complete the work. Don't underestimate the value of having something that people have expertise with. If you're getting work done on a barn you want to know that the contractors have experience working on what is still a relative niche property.

A well-engineered pole barn will have wider truss spacing than a standard stick built structure. The trusses can be as much as eight feet apart, or more, while still being able to support heavy snow loads and handle 3-second wind gusts. Mainly you're getting a very resilient building, for not all that much money. If you want a structure that is very long and very wide, then you will save additional money by opting for pole buildings instead of a more conventional design, and in the long term, you will save on maintenance costs as well. The design of a pole barn is so much easier to work with that you will save time on the project as well. It can take several days to sort out the foundations for a more conventional barn structure, but a pole barn can be erected within a day if it's a small or medium-sized building. Faster construction times mean lower labor bills, which involve even more financial savings.

Because of the way the trusses sit, an adequately constructed pole building should be able to handle weather that may potentially destroy conventional structures. The reason for this increased resilience comes from the fact that a post embedded in the earth will transmit the lateral forces that are hitting the walls, directly towards the ground. This means that winds that can put more stress on the average structure will be absorbed more efficiently. The composition can also handle heavy snows even though there are fewer supports - again because of the way that the force is evenly distributed. If some of the supports are damaged, the others can take on a lot of the stress. This means that a pole supported structure is less likely to collapse during a fire, unlike more conventional framing techniques that rely more on foundations. There are limits to this resilience, of course, but the point remains that more of the structure needs to be damaged for there to be problems, and this gives the fire department more time to act to stop the structure from collapsing.

If you want a barn as a low-cost, versatile area for storage, then you may find that at a later date you need to change or modify the structure. With conventional barn designs, it's hard to adapt the existing structure to new needs. A well-designed pole barn, however, can be modified. This means that you're getting the structure you need now, with the option to expand it or alter it later.

The idea of the pole barn dates back to the 1930s. There was an abundant supply of telephone poles available back then, and farmers in the mid-west opted to take advantage of that material since it was so cheap compared to other alternatives. The Great Depression meant that saving money was priority number one, and traditional barn construction techniques were too expensive compared to the idea of using a readily available, convenient and rugged option for building. Over the coming years, the concept was refined. The poles were chemically treated to make them last longer, and carefully designed trusses made the structure even more sturdy, and at the same time cheaper than traditional storage buildings. Many of the pole barns that were built in the 1930s are still standing today, which is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of those original designers. The concept remains popular and is used now to make a lot of different buildings, not just barns. Some companies specialize in making pole barns, and that will build individual structures for horses, livestock, hay storage, and vehicle storage. Different structures will need different numbers of doors, and varied ceiling heights so that they can handle different types of storage. Having the option to have a high peak ceiling will allow you to store a wider variety of equipment in there, for example. With fewer materials needed, and often more rapid construction times too, it's easy to understand why pole barns are such a popular option. You can have a pole barn built in a day in some cases, while it can take weeks to erect a traditional structure. The barn itself, from the outside, will look the same regardless of how it is built on the inside. If you like the classic look, then the walls can have that appearance. It all is up to you.

Some people are choosing to live in pole barns these days, because they are cheap, robust, and look great too. Many house plans are designed around the size and shape of a traditional pole barn. The low construction cost of such a structure makes it a good starting point, and the financial savings can continue in the form of lower property tax too. If you're converting an old barn, then you get the look and charm that came with it. If you're building a new one, then you have a considerable amount of flexibility regarding what you can do with it. Pole barns do not tend to have basements, because of the way that the foundations work, but they do have a lot of available floor space, and you have a degree of flexibility as to whether to use rafters or trusses. It is possible to use beams to create some space for a second-floor living area, and you can have skylights, dormers and other favorite features if you like. Trusses are a good option for people who want a ranch-style home. You may not be able to have a large, cathedral-style ceiling because of the way that the structure needs to be laid out for optimal strength, but you do still have many options for your layout.

As you can see, there are many benefits to pole barns. They are versatile, they look stunning, the buildings are stable, and they are inexpensive. Also, pole barns can be constructed quickly, and in a broader range of locations to other conventional structures. There are limits to what you can do with the design, but it's an excellent choice for people who are looking for a versatile and affordable structure. Whether you own a farm and want something for your livestock or to store harvested crops, or you are looking for a warehouse, a workshop, or a residence, there is a high chance that you could achieve what you are aiming for if you opt for this kind of beautiful structure.

Glen Arbor, Michigan is a charming, bustling town that is located between Sleeping Bear Bay and the Glen Lakes. It is located just ten miles to the north of Sleeping Bear Dunes and offers great fishing and hiking opportunities. There are also lots of shops to visit the Cherry Republic, and there are some lovely hiking trails nearby too.

Things to Do

Glen Arbor achieves the balance between being small and peaceful, but still having plenty of things to see and do, and good amenities too. It's flown under the radar as a holiday destination, but it has an amazing cultural scene, with Equestrian festivals, fishing tournaments, and even the Manitou Music Festival in the summer.

You can hire fishing charters, go for a walk in Arbor Woods, visit the Forest Gallery, or enjoy water sports on the Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District. The Cottage Book Shop is a quaint specialty gift shop that has a lot of quality local gifts, and it's easy to spend a lot of time exploring the local wares. You'll want to leave with some things for yourself!

The Maritime Museum is a worthwhile trip for the whole family. It's small enough that you can see it all in the afternoon, but there's enough to take in that you'll be able to spend a while exploring it. It's educational, but engaging as well, and offers an insight into the history of the region. Great Dining and Friendly Bars The Art's Tavern in Glen Arbor is a friendly tavern that offers good food and nice service. The tavern has a casual atmosphere and is known for offering good burgers, sandwiches and other comfort food. Prices are reasonable, too.

The Cherry Republic is always a nice place to visit, with great food and some lovely shops too. There are tasting days, and there's a good selection of souvenirs. The atmosphere is always fun, and the staff is friendly. It's somewhere that you'll enjoy returning to time and again, whether you visit with your kids, or whether you go without them for one of the The real charm of Glen Arbor is the beauty of the water and the opportunities for fishing and watersports. If you're looking for a chance to spend some time out on the water, then go hiking and exploring the dunes, you'll find that this is a great base. The amenities mean that you'll enjoy a longer stay here as well.