Pole Barn vs. Steel Buildings: 7 Reasons to Choose Steel Over Pole Barn Buildings
Traditional metal and/or wood pole barn buildings (those raised with no concrete foundation) are suitable for some people who want a quick and easy agricultural building, but many who choose them wind up playing the coulda-shoulda-woulda game when they realize what they could have gotten by choosing a Worldwide Steel Building instead.
If you’re weighing your options, think beyond the basic wood pole barn kits. Consider how much more you get — immediately and into the future — with a metal barn instead.
Check out these seven things you can get with a Worldwide Steel metal building that you can’t get with standard pole barn building construction:
1. Vertical Space (A.K.A. Clear Span)
Based on traditional pole barn construction, a pole barn can only rise so high for the sake of security in certain weather conditions. Even at limited height, it will tend to be more susceptible to the wear and tear of extreme weather.
With a steel building, the sky’s the limit for vertical space. The durability and strength of our steel trusses, girders, and framework offer incredible weather resistance. We like to say Worldwide Steel buildings can withstand anything Mother Nature has to offer.
2. More Roofing Options
With a pole barn, roof options are limited to designs that coordinate with the layout of pole supports. In other words, things can get complicated and expensive if you want to get more creative than a typical pitched shed.
Choosing a steel building with a custom steel frame can give you the roof style you want whether it’s shed, hip, gable or gambrel. Want to throw in some skylights for natural lighting? A steel building can do that, too.
3. Open Floor Plan
The point of adding an auxiliary building is often to meet some sort of storage needs. If this is your main focus for your building, you’ll end up losing a lot of space with interior structural poles in the way. These also make it difficult to navigate large equipment. Prefab steel buildings help to get the most out of your potential storage space because they’re supported by trusses and framework that can create a completely open floor plan — no pesky steel columns impeding your open floor plan.
4. Mezzanine Ceilings
Because of the interference of support poles, it is practically impossible to integrate a mezzanine into a pole barn design.
If you need an elevated area in your structure to oversee work down below, or to create office or lounge space above, a steel building is your best option. Our prefab building kits can support lofted second stories for almost any purpose.
5. Customizable Extras & Add-Ons
Nearly endless extras and add-ons make steel buildings a more attractive option than standard pole barns. For instance, a steel building’s frame can handle the load for free-hanging eve extensions and multiple types of large mechanical garage doors, while a pole barn’s can’t.
These custom features can be used to increase the functionality of your building, while also giving you more options to personalize the overall style of your structure.
6. Longer Lifespan
Here’s where building material really comes into play: longevity. Why spend loads of money on a wooden pole barn building that will rot in the ground or be compromised by termites over the years? A dirt floor and wood post frames have nothing on the concrete floor and high-quality trusses and girts that make up a steel frame building. Choose the stronger option that’s built to last. Concrete piers and sound anchoring increase our steel building’s structural integrity, which means it’ll be stronger and last much longer than a pole barn … and with way lower maintenance costs.
7. Options For Growth
Think expansion may be necessary in the future? You’ll have to tear down that pole barn in order to expand. However, our steel buildings are easy to expand, thanks to the live trusses. This means that instead of starting from scratch in a few years, you can simply build upon what you already have!
So, what are you waiting for? The professionals at Worldwide Steel Buildings are waiting to answer your questions! Give us a call at (800) 825-0316 for more information on our industry-leading 50-year structural warranty and a free quote on your steel building price (here’s a hint — you might be pleasantly surprised by our metal pole barn prices).
Want to try it before you buy it? Take advantage of our FREE 3D Building Designer! Click here to get started.
8 Awesome Upgrades for the Ultimate Man Cave
Have you always wanted your own man cave, but haven’t quite been able to turn it from idea to reality? Good news: there are more ways than ever to design and build your ultimate man cave — for less time and less money than you probably have in mind.
First things first: what — and where — exactly is a man cave? It might just be your home’s basement, outfitted with a pool table or foosball table, a dart board, and some jerseys and other sports memorabilia hung on the walls. But we think that’s a little boring. Think bigger!
We’re huge proponents of a man cave that isn’t inside your home. It should feel like a mini getaway every time you’re inside. Even a detached garage or small building across the yard can give you much-needed physical and mental space from your everyday life.
Men around the country have purchased Worldwide Steel Buildings metal garage kits and turned them into some truly awesome spaces that make their friends and neighbors jealous. You can choose the size, building elements (including windows and door styles, which could make or break some of these man cave ideas) and finishes to fit what you’re looking for. Our steel frame building kits are so easy to put together, even a first-timer can do it DIY-style. From there, it all comes down to interior design. We don’t just mean which paint color you choose and where you put the recliner. We mean those inspirational elements that a man cave is built around.
We’ve got some inspiration to get you back on track! Check out these ten must-have features for the upgraded ultimate man cave.
1. The Boys Need a Bar
You’re better than a lone mini-fridge. Every man cave should come equipped with a home bar — a wet bar, more specifically. Slide in a counter, add a few comfy stools, and stock it with all the best craft beers and cocktail fixings. If you’re going to do it big, this is definitely one feature you’ll need to include!
2. High-Tech Keg
Gone are the college frat days of the aluminum keg in a trash can full of ice. Grownups have a sleek kegerator on wheels with a professional tap on top. Click here to explore all the high-tech options!
3. Upcycled Welding Bench
Maybe your man cave is less about relaxing horizontally and more about pursuing your passions. That’s awesome. Create a workshop outfitted with the tools, whether that’s woodworking or welding equipment.
Your personal workshop should be more than functional. It should make a personal statement about the kind of craftsman you are. Check this out: an airplane hobbyist channels his inner pilot with an upcycled airplane lift outfitted as a welding bench!
4. Submerged Lift
Keeping with the hobbyist theme here: You may love to restore a classic automobile from time to time, that’s not always what’s on the menu in your man cave. Install a submerged hydraulic lift and keep your floor space open in between projects. So much room for activities!
Psst – if you’re occasionally using your man cave for something as large as a vehicle, you’ll need to incorporate doors large enough to accommodate it when you’re still in the design stages.
5. The Real Deal Home Theater
Sure, you may have a huge flat screen television with the latest gaming system hooked up and streaming services, but do you have a projector that re-creates the theater experience? How about state-of-the-art surround sound? One master remote control to rule them all? The go-big-or-go-home mentality definitely applies in this situation!
6. An Elevated Game Room
Of course your home theater supports your video game hobby, in almost life-sized fashion. But for the true gamer, that’s just the beginning. Want this space to turn into the go-to hangout zone for your friends and neighbors? Hunt down some vintage arcade games and watch everyone get re-addicted to the classics you grew up with.
In the mood for something a little more physical? Make some room to move while you’re wearing a VR headset, or invest in a golf simulator and perfect your swing from your own man cave.
7. Personal Climbing Wall
Why stop at a weight bench and a treadmill? When you’re designing your own building to spec for everything your man cave needs, the sky’s the limit. If you’ve got a larger-than-life space that needs filling, get your own indoor climbing wall! Skip the bench press and go vertical.
8. Secure the Goods
Upgrade entry security to “Fort Knox” level with an entry door facade that imitates a bank vault. If that’s too over the top for your taste, at least lock up your space with a remote locking system. That way you can play gatekeeper from anywhere! And make sure to add a wifi-enabled security camera for the high-tech gadgets and equipment that will doubtless fill your man cave.
Ready to learn more about what goes into crafting your perfect man cave, or get started on designing and building your man cave? Contact the experts at Worldwide Steel at (800) 825-0316 for more information on how we can make your man cave a reality with our steel building kits!
Insider Tips on How to Budget for Your Worldwide Steel Building
Let’s face it. No matter what form your building takes–whether it’s a simple backyard shed or a spacious machine shop–paying for it will require some planning. If you’re attracted to the value of a high-quality steel building, but worry that you’ll have to pay a hefty premium for it, we have some good news!
Customers frequently discover that working with a Worldwide Steel Building Kit is substantially more budget-friendly than they thought. Here are a few reasons why:
Lower Installation Costs
This is perhaps the biggest advantage of our do-it-yourself building solutions. Most quality steel buildings are specialty projects constructed on-site, using hired labor and heavy equipment that can rapidly grow your total cost by several thousand dollars. Many do-it-yourselfers are intimidated by the prospect of erecting a steel building, but our easy-to-assemble steel building kits make the process so simple that any property owner with access to these tools can do it.
Because our parts are prefabricated in easy-to-handle units that are simply bolted together on-site, no welding is necessary, and the only heavy equipment you might need is a power lift–which, thanks to the ease of assembly, you’ll only have to rent for a day or two instead of weeks at a time. So the money you save on labor and equipment can go toward what really matters: higher quality building materials and getting the building you’ve always dreamed of.
Built to Last with No Hidden Maintenance
Many property owners fail to consider the maintenance costs that will sneak up on them over the life of your average building, and that’s a big mistake. What many forget is that wood buildings require continual monitoring and periodic treatment for wood-destroying insects, moisture penetration, and basic rot and decay.
Composite roofing requires replacement every ten years, and paint jobs fade even sooner. Worse, an inadvertent lapse in maintenance or an undetected infestation of termites can lead to structural problems, requiring costly major repairs.
By contrast, our steel buildings are impervious to water, require no treatment for insects, and come with pre-painted sheet metal boasting a 40-year warranty–and that’s on top of our industry-leading 50-year structural warranty on all prefabricated trusses. Your return on investment (ROI) is substantially higher with steel because you’ll enjoy a much longer use of your building, and the premium you pay for superior materials will likely be more than offset by the amount you save in long-term maintenance.
Related Read: Why Tornado Alley Chooses Worldwide Steel Buildings
Special Financing Options
Our customers are shrewd bargain-hunters, and we respect that. That’s why we keep our prices competitive and regularly offer special pricing deals and discounts that can help you kick-start a project at an even better value. We’re also proud to offer affordable in-house financing with low fixed rates for well-qualified customers. Our partnership with Lightstream means you may be eligible to borrow as little as $5,000 or as much as $100,000 through a paperless application process, with no fees, no down payment, and no collateral requirements.
If you’re ready to invest in a high-quality, made-for-a-lifetime steel building, then now is the time to act. Give us a call at (800) 825-0316 for help selecting a package that is just right for your budget. Our guys will gladly lead you toward making your dream a reality–for less than you might think.
Top 10 Dream Garage Ideas
Imagine transforming your garage space from a basic storage area into a stunning showpiece of your home. For many homeowners, the garage is simply a spot to park cars and store items, but it holds the potential to be so much more. Our Top 10 Dream Garage Ideas guide is here to spark your imagination and guide you through this exciting transformation.
What if your garage could reflect your unique style and interests? Think beyond a standard garage remodel. With Worldwide Steel Buildings, creating a luxury garage that goes beyond the ordinary is within reach. Whether you’re an enthusiast with a prized car collection or someone who appreciates the practicality of a car lift, our design ideas are tailored to meet your specific desires.
These dream garage ideas aren’t just about organizing space; they’re about reinventing it. Each concept is a step towards turning your garage into a multifunctional area. From aesthetic improvements to functional upgrades, every element contributes to realizing your dream garage.
As you explore these top 10 features, envision how they can elevate your garage remodel. This is your opportunity to transform a conventional garage into an extension of your home, perfectly suited to both homeowners and their passions.
1. Add Windows
Is your current garage dark, dreary, and depressing? Let the light in with a few windows. Adding windows, garage doors or skylights will make your home garage look custom and will offer awesome natural lighting.
2. Fix Up Your Flooring
A concrete floor may seem like the easy choice, but why not amp it up a bit with an epoxy floor? Adding an epoxy coating to your garage floor is an easy way to turn boring concrete into a work of art. These days, a floor coating is also durable, so you don’t need to worry about messing it up if you drop something heavy.
3. Wash Off with a Sink
What happens in the garage should stay in the garage! If you’re constantly tracking grease and grime into your living space, adding a sink with some garage cabinets underneath (to store soap and paper towels) can help contain the mess. The ability to wash up where you work will not only keep your garage interior a cleaner space, but your home as well.
4. Stock Up On Storage
The garage is the top place for clutter to accumulate, but the right garage storage can help. Take a look at an unused garage wall and measure it for built-in cabinetry, overhead storage, shelves, and hooks. See if you can add to this storage system with a freestanding storage unit for bulkier items. You’ll be impressed by how much better your storage space gets and how easily you can reach the things you use often, all while getting rid of the messy, piled-up junk.
5. Power Up with Electricity
If you’re not wired for electricity, you’re wasting tons of potential in your space. Most of the tools used for woodworking, fixing up classic cars, and generally facilitating a garage workshop need electricity. Add outlets in convenient spaces to expand the opportunity for future electrical needs. Not to mention, without electricity, you can’t have these awesome features below…
6. Turn It Up with Audio/Sound
Who says the garage can’t double as a man cave? Install a sound system and flat-screen television. Enjoy the big game with the boys, fix up your dream car, and make DIY jobs a breeze by streaming instructional videos, right in your workshop.
7. Lock It Down with Security
You’ve invested in some really cool stuff. Make sure you protect it! Don’t forget to incorporate a security system and install security sensors on your new garage doors and windows. If you want to further control who has the keys to your castle, consider adding a keypad lock to your door with your own personalized security code.
8. Workbench
A functional workbench is essential for any DIY enthusiast’s garage. It’s not just a workspace; it’s where your creative projects come to life. Strategically placing this workbench near your storage solution ensures tools are always within reach, enhancing both efficiency and organization. This setup transforms your garage into an inspiring workspace, perfect for any DIY project.
9. Lighting
Windows may improve natural lighting conditions, but some special projects (or those that keep your attention long after the sun has gone down) require special lighting. Add high-quality LED lighting overhead, and dimmers for more lighting options.
10. Keep Your Cool
Working on a project, or having your buddies over to enjoy your new digs, means you will need refreshments. Forget about trips back and forth to the kitchen! Install a refrigerator and keep your cold drinks right where they belong.
From Plans to Perfection: Finalizing Your Dream Garage Design
The journey to your dream garage makeover begins with a vision and a plan. Whether you’re starting with a basic one-car garage or expanding to accommodate a larger vision, your garage plans are the blueprint for transformation. Each feature we’ve discussed is a stepping stone toward creating a space that’s not only functional but also a reflection of your personal style and needs.
Remember, a garage makeover is more than just a renovation project; it’s an opportunity to enhance your lifestyle. From sleek design elements to practical upgrades, every change contributes to the overall feel and functionality of your garage.
Take these ideas, refine them to fit your unique requirements, and embark on the exciting journey of turning your ordinary garage into the space you’ve always imagined. Your dream garage is not just a concept—it’s a possibility waiting to be realized.
When you work with Worldwide Steel Buildings, the custom garage of your dreams is closer than it seems. Call us today for more information (800) 825-0316 or contact us online. We’ll help you find the best steel building kit to meet all of your dream garage needs.
Want to try it before you buy it? Click here and try out our free 3D Building Designer!
