All-steel barns

[spacytracy]

We are designing a 30x40 barn and trying to figure out the best type to build.
At our old property, we had a custom barn built - stick-framed. We will probably not go this route for the new barn.

Many people around here do a metal pole building, which we are not opposed to, but are concerned about longevity. A friends pole building is only about 15 years old and the posts are rotting. Nowadays there is something called “perma columns” to prevent rot, however it adds to the price obviously.

The other type we are looking into is an all steel building. We know that its probably more $$ than a metal pole building, but would rather pay more to get more longevity.

Problem is, I can’t find any local people! Seems like these are mainly “kits” that you order and they deliver, which is fine, but really hard to figure out prices/recommendations.

So, any recommendations? I know Morton is a big brand, but looking for other ideas.

[2DogsFarm]

A local company - FBI - built my metal pole barn 15yrs ago & wood posts & other components are as sound today as when first put up. I know they work in IN & IL, not sure if there are other locations.

I do have some very minimal rust at the base of walls, but only where piled-up manure/dirt has been in contact & that only on the outside. I sprayed those areas with Rustoleum some years ago & need to check to see if that needs to be redone.
My advice is to skip the added “birdnetting” in the ridge vent. IME rather than keep them out, it has only served to attract starlings who have made it into their own version of a Del Webb Sun City.

[4horses]

My barn was built by Morton. They make very nice barns and are quite popular in this area. My only complaint is that they added soffits which trap dust and reduce ventilation. If i had known better at the time i would have requested no soffits. It doesn’t stop birds from entering either.

My only complaint is that they added sliding doors - i wanted swing out doors. But the sliding doors have not been an issue yet.

[DinkyDonk]

I have a Morton; many issues with it from the get go…barns are only as good as the crew building them, and I had a lousy crew. I put overhead garage doors on mine and am so glad I did–I can pull up the doors to set on an old truck tires (one on either end of the barn) and between that and the cupola, ventilation is great. In winter, when it’s cold, I swap out the truck tires and use junk pieces of 2 x 4 under the doors and never have any condensation buildup on the side walls. One thing I would have done differently would have been to go with a clear span model over posts in the ground–then I could have gone with stall kits instead of hand built stalls, making the stalls true 12 x 12 instead of 11’3" x 11. Live and learn, I had my choice.

[Bluey]

We tried to talk to Morton to build the barn we wanted and soon realized that Morton wants to build you the barn they want to build for you.
“They know better, they build so many barns”.
As long as they find enough clients that are ok with that, let them build you a barn, why not, right?
Clients get to pick colors and this and that option, as long as it is an option they offer.

We wanted an all metal barn, framing also, no wood post.
They would not even consider that, they guarantee their fabricated wooden columns for so long and that is all they wanted to use.
That we already have old all metal barns still like new, older than their guarantee, didn’t count.
Same with other details, stalls, etc.
Good that such works for them and their clients.
Are their barns good or bad barns?
We never found out, never saw one close up and they may just be that fabulous.

We don’t build barns, but work out of them and that is why we want our barn to be the way we want it to be.
In the end, we ordered a basic metal barn kit and put it up ourselves.
Then made the rest according to our specific needs.

[wsmoak]

I’m not a fan of permanent infrastructure, so a clear span pole barn + stall components is the way I would go. That way if you sell the property, or if you just change your mind later, you can take it apart and reconfigure.

My pole barn has wood posts and no problems so far. (And if the posts ever do become a problem… they can be replaced.)

The builder dug the holes, poured concrete and let it set, then set the post on top of that and concreted around it. That means there’s a bit of space at the bottom of the post, and any water that gets in from the top can get out.

I would not be opposed to an all metal building, like you we just couldn’t find an installer!

[va2txrider]

Carman_liz, I’ve been thinking of putting up a carport just like yours. How did you designate the openings as opposed to garage doors? What wall height did you use? Did you use mobile home anchors? Thanks!

[trubandloki]

@Bluey

We tried to talk to Morton to build the barn we wanted and soon realized that Morton wants to build you the barn they want to build for you.
“They know better, they build so many barns”.

This was our experience with them too.
We had a plan drawn with all the details written out that showed exactly what we wanted a price for. The document they sent back read like they did not so much as look at our sketch past noticing the outside dimension of the building.
When asked about it they told us their design was better…

They were also almost twice the price of any of the other builders.

[va2txrider]

Many thanks Liz!

[carman_liz]

Welcome!

[EJF]

Pole barns built with “marine grade” treated poles have better longevity.

[clanter]

@EJF

Pole barns built with “marine grade” treated poles have better longevity.

we do not live near the ocean but have easy access to oil well drill stem … out main barn is built using drill stem that was coated with red oxide paint… you can not even wield on the steel without first removing the coating .

This barn has been on place for thirty years, nothing has moved or rusted… we did ground the frame just in case there was ever an electrical short or lightening strike The posts are encased in concrete without earth contact, that is why I grounded the frame.