One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is “how are pole barns, pole building, metal buildings, and pre-engineered buildings different?” These are common terms that area all used to refer to the same thing. Here at Keystone, we refer to all of these buildings as post-frame buildings or structures.
Post-frame construction refers to an engineered wood-frame building system. This type of construction relies on large poles or posts buried in the ground or on a foundation. These posts, along with girts, are what support the building and replace the wood studs, steel framing or concrete masonry that support traditional building structures.
Post-frame construction offers unique advantages in terms of design, construction, flexibility, and structural efficiency. It is well suited for many commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential applications.
Flexibility is a key benefit. When you choose to build a post-frame construction structure, nearly every aspect of your building can be customized to your liking. You choose dimensions. You choose colors. You choose all the fine details. These are just a few of the custom options available to our clients: doors, windows, siding, wainscot, heated floors, radiant heat, widow’s peaks, and cupolas.
The cost is dependent upon the size, features and options chosen. Do-it-yourself types can even do most if not all of the construction themselves.
Wood posts function as support columns in an engineered system of strategically integrated wood-framing components, a system that permits construction costs – both time and materials – to be cut in numerous ways.
Posts are often glue-laminated and solid-sawn columns are pressure-treated with preservatives approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.
With posts in place, remaining framing components, including those for doors and windows of virtually any dimension, are installed in record time. Before you know it, framing is complete and ready for roof trusses.
The significant savings in construction time and materials means you can have the building you want at significantly less cost while meeting major building codes and construction requirements.
