Colorado pole buildings or postframing, as it is also known, have been around for a very long time. It is now making a comeback due to its affordability and popular construction mode for different types of buildings.
History of Pole Building
Historically, pole building has been around forever. Once man realized that he could live better with a roof over his head and walls to protect him, after stones, one of the first materials he sought were sticks. Pole building was also the construction type of choice in areas where flooding occurred. The problem with this was that eventually the poles would rot and the building would collapse.
D. Howard Doane, is the individual considered as the Father of pole building as he patented this style of construction in 1953. Doane stated, “…that agricultural buildings should be adaptable, flexible and economically viable.” (shermanpolebuildings.com)
Though his words shocked just about everybody, for in those days buildings which were used for agricultural endeavors were limited to just that – agricultural purposes. But due to the fact that he was a very well-known and respected individual with regard to agricultural matters, people listened to him. Hence, that is when the Colorado pole building industry commenced construction for purposes other than agricultural storage (shermanpolebuildings.com).
Due to the accessibility of telephone poles and corrugated steel sheeting available in rural areas, and remnants of the Great Depression still being felt in the United States, Colorado pole buildings became an inexpensive and welcomed manner in which to erect a home.
In the late 1940’s, poles were replaced by solid sawn posts which were chemically treated to reduce decay, extending the life of the building. In the 50’s and, especially the 60’s, Colorado roof building exploded. Buildings were erected with increased roof spans up to 100 feet, with the use of wood trusses connected by metal plates. The 70’s and 80’s saw the usage of laminated posts. These posts permitted Colorado pole buildings to be built taller than ever before.
Eighty years later a Colorado pole building is not limited to just barns. Due to man’s ingenuity plus new materials and tools, today these structures include garages, retail stores, homes and professional offices. (wikipedia.org)
Questions to Answer
Prior to drawing any plans for your new Colorado pole building there are 4 questions for which you need to have answers:
WHERE: The location of where you are planning on erecting your Colorado pole building will decide what types of materials you will need.
WHAT: What are you going to use your Colorado pole building for? Pole buildings can be used for several purposes, for pole barns, garages, horse barn, to riding arenas, to hay barns, they are even good to be used as homes!
SECURITY: Depends on where you construct your Colorado pole building. Keep in mind that metal is easier to cut through that chopping wood down.
AESTHETICS: What do you want your building to look like? (easypolebarnplans.com)
Pole Building (Video courtesy of wb4pdo, youtube.com)
Pole Building 101
Decide on a plan. Either buy the plans or make the Colorado pole building plans yourself.
- Depending on the material you choose, you will place your poles anywhere from 2 – 10 feet apart. If using metal, the poles need to be closer together. If using wood, the space between the poles will depend on the length of the boards.
- Keep in mind that height must be kept to what is necessary, while length may be unlimited.
- Dig holes 18 inches deep. If constructing your Colorado pole building on wetter ground, the holes need to be deeper. After ensuring that the poles are straight pour concrete in the holes to seal them and provide a sturdy base for the poles.
- If your Colorado pole building is going to have a foundation, this is the time to pour either concrete or gravel.
- Start layering the material of your choice for the walls. Keep in mind that these will support the building horizontally. Follow your plans with regard to door and window openings.
NOTE: If using metal to build your Colorado pole building, make sure that you truss each and every piece and that each piece is attached firmly.
Once your walls are up the only thing left to do is add a roof. Lastly, depending on what you are going to use your Colorado pole building for, add insulation if necessary. (easypolebarnplans.com)
Insulation
Not all Colorado pole buildings require insulation. This will depend on the use you plan on giving your new building. The best type of insulation to use in your pole building is foam – the kind that becomes solid when it dries. (easypolebarnplans.com)
(Drawing courtesy of easy pictures.com)
(Drawing courtesy of easy pictures.com)
Colorado barn – Colorado pole barn – Colorado pole barns – horse barns Colorado