Pros and Cons of a Pole Building
If you are in the preliminary planning stages of your project, you probably are considering the three basic choices you have in construction: Pole Buildings, Wood Frame or Stick Built with Steel Frame. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages.
Below is a grid that can help you make a more informed decision:
| Pole Building | Wood Frame / Stick Built | Steel Frame | |
| Adaptable Design | Most Adaptable | More Adaptable | Least Adaptable |
| Usability | Most Useable | More Useable | Least Useable |
| Insulation | Easier to Insulate | Easiest to Insulate | Most Difficult to Insulate |
| Finished Interior | Easier to Finish | Easiest to Finish | Most Difficult to Finish |
| Clear Spans | Not as Wide | Not as Wide | Widest |
| Foundation | Wood Poles | Block Foundation | Concrete Piers |
| Life Expectancy | 40 – 60 years | 60 – 80 years | 80 – 100 years |
| Basement | No | Yes | No |
| Speed to Build | Fastest | Slowest | Faster |
| Partitions / Separate Rooms | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Complies with Building Codes | Yes | Yes | Yes |