Post Frame vs Stud Wall

theboman · Sep 4, 2002

I'm outta space in my studio which is only an 8X10 storage shed with lots of insulation/sound absorbtion material.
I'm eyeing a 24X24 to 24X32 garage. 1/2 will be my music studio the other with be storage for my toys.

FYI, both sides will be insulated (not necessarily finished).

So, what's the advantages / disadvantages of Post Frame vs
Stud Wall?

Stonewall · Sep 4, 2002

With a building of that size the stud walls will usually sit on foundation of some sort and if that's done even marginally well it will be more sturdy and last longer than the post frame with the poles in the ground. If by post frame you mean Post & Beam then it's somewhat a different story in that P&B construction is very durable and also sits on a foundation. While P&B is pretty to look at and will be here when your grand kids are old and grey it is not the most efficient use of lumber and these days that figures into my plans. Finding someone who actually knows what their doing with it is also an issue. P&B is also more expensive than regular stud walls and, unless it's common in your area, the county guys don't always know how to inspect it - and that is YOUR problem. I'm in the same boat with you on this. The post barn that was on the property when I bought it houses the Tractor and tools but it has seen better days (c1930s) and I don't know how many more 24" snows it will take before I have a rescue on my hands. I'm looking at pulling it down next spring and putting in a 24' X 30' mono-pour foundation and sitting a barn style prefab on it. It's cheaper than a custom gives me a loft for whatever.

Mosey · Sep 4, 2002

I'm no expert, but I'm going to take a shot at this because I'm getting ready to build a 24x24 garage myself. I'm going to use post frame construction, ie it will be a pole barn type building. But, when I get done it will look like a garage rather than a pole barn. I plan to use OSB siding covered with vinyl siding. The inside will not be finished and it will not be insulated right away, but I might add insulation and interior walls later on. I'm going to use roof trusses and a shingled roof. The reason I'm doing it this way is because it's cheaper and easier than pouring a foundation.

Egon · Sep 4, 2002

Thoughts:
A normal stud wall building is adapted to fit with most hardware,sidings,doors,windows and insulation etc. It is the most common form of construction for small buildings. Walls are built on the ground so it's easy to get them square. You also get to do a lot of work at ground level.

Post buildings are usually taller, larger and have a tendency to be used for large equipment storage, shops and feed storage. They are definetly the ideal for farm/ranch/multi toy owners.

Each have their own merits for the use they will be put to. For 24x28 I'd go to garage package. Two young ambitious fellows can do this in a weekend excluding the concrete. Well maybe a little more time if you figure the insulation/wireing and proper detailed finishing.

Egon

cstocks · Sep 4, 2002

Mosey,

Why are you going w/ OSB siding and vinyl siding? Did you consider Hardiplank?

Mosey · Sep 4, 2002

cstocks - I'd never heard of Hardiplank until you mentioned it. I just looked into it a little and it looks expensive. I'm trying to keep the costs down.

BOOMHAUER · Sep 5, 2002

I work for a timber frame company. The advantages of Heavy timber construction are quick construction, aesthetics and the ability to accomodate all kinds of open floor plans. They can be more expensive than conventional framing, but if your able to erect the frame yourself, you'll save some $$. The end product is truly awesome to behold when looked at from inside!

djradz · Sep 5, 2002

I just finished insulating and finishing my pole barn and essentially had to build an inner wall in order to hold the insulation and wall board. I know there were other ways to have done it, but if you want somewhat of a clean solid interior wall, this is really the best way to go. If you plan on insulating, I'd just go ahead and build 2x4 or 2x6 walls. Also, consider insulating the floor. Non-insulated will help keep it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, but if you're planning on heating the space, a lot of heat goes out through the slab. A number of folks in our area are insulating the slab and then putting PE tubing or copper pipe in the slab and using a small residential gas water heater for heating the entire building. Beautiful, quiet, no-draft setup. If I had it to do again, I think this is how I'd go. Instead I have to rely on the wood stove, fortuneately there's lots of fuel on the property.

gmason · Sep 5, 2002

Boomhauer, I'm looking to build a pole frame barn and was looking to find someplace to get a few of the timber frame tools. Like the large chisels and a few other items. Is there a good web site to find these tools and not pay a arm&leg??
thanks
gary