Pole barn using metal posts

AllenArmory · Apr 21, 2017

All of the pole barns I've seen on the net use wood posts, typically 6x6 or laminated 2x6 lumber. It would seem that metal posts would be just as strong, lighter to work with and cheaper to buy. What am I missing? Has anyone built a pole building with metal posts?

CADplans · Apr 21, 2017

My 57X45 foot shed is DIY steel.
Other than the siding being screwed on,, the entire frame of the shed is welded.
I sprayed the steel frame with cheap oil based paint before I installed the siding.

The only nails used were some flooring nails used to install the floor in part of the shed that has elevated flooring.

After the roof was on, the concrete was poured.
The concrete was poured in 1999.
I have no termite damage.:laughing:

texasranger556 · Apr 21, 2017

In my opinion pole barns are designed with speed of assembly as a top priority. You drill your holes one day, then add some concrete or precast footings. Drop the poles in, backfill, and you can build the rest of the building in a couple days. The height doesn't have to be perfect, you just cut the top of the pole where you need it.

How much is a 6" steel post? I would be surprised if it is cheaper than wood.

AllenArmory · Apr 21, 2017

I was thinking of using steel posts, but the rest of the barn would be built of wood. Instead of 6x6" wooden posts, there would be 4" galvanized pipe. I guess it wouldn't be cheaper in price, but it seems that the steel post would be lighter (easier to work with) and less prone to rot.

EddieWalker · May 5, 2017

What does a brand new steel post cost there? Where I'm at, a brand new 4 inch galvanized pipe is a hundred dollars, which is twice what a treated 6x6 costs. Then you would have to weld on some tabs to the post to attach your wood purlins to for your walls. And some sort of bracket to attach your beams to, or weld on metal trusses to the posts.

Steel is always going to be stronger, but for ease of building, nothing is going to be faster or cheaper then wood.