STEEL BUILDING VS. POLE BARN IN ARKANSAS: WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOUR PROPERTY?

When you need a new building for your Arkansas property—whether for equipment storage, a workshop, livestock, or any other use—you'll likely consider both steel buildings and pole barns.

Both have their place. Here's how to decide which is right for your situation.

What's the Difference?

Pole Barns (Post-Frame Construction)

Pole barns use large wooden posts (poles) set into the ground as the primary structure. The roof and walls attach to these posts.

Key characteristics:

• Wood posts as main supports
• Posts embedded in ground or on concrete piers
• Open spans between posts
• Metal or wood siding
• Typically faster initial construction

Steel Buildings

Steel buildings use a rigid steel frame with steel columns, beams, and purlins. Everything connects with bolts—nothing is embedded in the ground.

Key characteristics:

• Steel frame throughout
• Columns bolted to concrete foundation
• Clear span design possible
• Metal panel exterior
• Engineered for specific loads

Cost Comparison

Initial Construction Cost

Pole barn costs in Arkansas:

| Size | Basic Pole Barn | |------|-----------------| | 30x40 (1,200 sq ft) | $12,000-20,000 | | 40x60 (2,400 sq ft) | $22,000-35,000 | | 50x80 (4,000 sq ft) | $40,000-60,000 | | 60x100 (6,000 sq ft) | $60,000-90,000 |

Steel building costs in Arkansas:

| Size | Basic Steel Building | |------|---------------------| | 30x40 (1,200 sq ft) | $15,000-25,000 | | 40x60 (2,400 sq ft) | $28,000-45,000 | | 50x80 (4,000 sq ft) | $50,000-80,000 | | 60x100 (6,000 sq ft) | $80,000-120,000 |

Steel buildings typically cost 15-30% more initially.

Long-Term Cost

Pole barn ongoing costs:

• Wood treatment/replacement
• Post rot repair
• More frequent painting
• Pest treatment
• Higher insurance in some cases

Steel building ongoing costs:

• Occasional repainting (less frequent)
• Minor rust prevention
• Lower insurance often

Over 20-30 years, total cost of ownership often favors steel buildings.

Durability Comparison

Weather Resistance

Arkansas weather challenges:

• High humidity
• Heavy storms
• Occasional tornadoes
• Ice storms
• Hot summers

How pole barns handle it:

• Wood absorbs moisture
• Posts can rot at ground level
• Wind can stress connections
• Generally holds up with maintenance

How steel buildings handle it:

• Metal doesn't absorb moisture
• No ground contact rot
• Engineered for wind loads
• Often better in severe weather

Lifespan

Pole barn lifespan:

• Posts: 15-25 years (treated wood)
• Structure: 25-40 years with maintenance
• Replacement posts add cost and time

Steel building lifespan:

• Frame: 50+ years
• Panels: 30-50 years
• With proper maintenance, can last generations

Pest and Fire

Pole barns:

• Wood attracts termites, carpenter ants, beetles
• Fire risk from wood structure
• Treatment chemicals needed

Steel buildings:

• No pest attraction
• Non-combustible structure
• No chemical treatments needed

Functional Differences

Clear Span Capability

Pole barns:

• Typically require interior posts for spans over 40-50 feet
• Interior posts limit use and maneuverability
• Less flexibility for equipment movement

Steel buildings:

• Clear spans up to 100+ feet possible
• No interior posts needed
• Maximum flexibility for use

For shops, equipment storage, or any use where you need open floor space, clear span is a major advantage.

Foundation Requirements

Pole barns:

• Posts can go directly in ground
• Or set on concrete piers
• Full slab optional
• Lower foundation cost

Steel buildings:

• Require proper concrete foundation
• Typically need engineered slab
• Higher initial foundation cost
• Better long-term stability

Insulation and Climate Control

Pole barns:

• Can be insulated
• More challenging to seal properly
• Wood framing creates thermal bridging
• Often used uninsulated

Steel buildings:

• Easy to insulate effectively
• Tighter building envelope
• Better for climate control
• More energy efficient when finished

Customization

Pole barns:

• Limited customization
• Fewer door size options
• Basic layouts
• Simpler aesthetics

Steel buildings:

• Highly customizable
• Any door configuration
• Complex layouts possible
• Various exterior options

Best Uses for Each

When a Pole Barn Makes Sense

Good applications:

• Hay storage
• Basic livestock shelter
• Temporary or budget structures
• Agricultural use with no climate control
• Situations where lower initial cost is critical

Common Arkansas pole barn uses:

• Hay barns
• Cattle shelters
• Basic equipment storage
• Low-budget shops

When a Steel Building Makes Sense

Good applications:

• Workshops requiring climate control
• Equipment storage (valuable equipment)
• Commercial buildings
• Living spaces (barndominiums)
• Any long-term structure
• Clear span requirements

Common Arkansas steel building uses:

• Shops and workshops
• Equipment storage
• Barndominiums
• Agricultural buildings with value inside
• Commercial/industrial use

Arkansas-Specific Considerations

Building Codes

Many Arkansas counties have minimal building requirements for agricultural structures. However:

• Steel buildings often meet code more easily
• Commercial use typically requires engineered plans
• Insurance may require certain specifications
• Financing typically requires engineered buildings

Insurance

Pole barn insurance:

• Some insurers charge more
• May limit coverage options
• Fire risk affects rates

Steel building insurance:

• Generally easier to insure
• Often lower rates
• More coverage options

Resale Value

Pole barns:

• Add modest value to property
• Limited appeal beyond agricultural use
• May need repairs at sale time

Steel buildings:

• Add significant value
• Appeal to broader buyers
• Multi-use potential increases value

Climate Control Costs

In Arkansas summers, climate control matters for shops and storage:

Pole barn with AC:

• Harder to seal effectively
• Higher ongoing energy costs
• May struggle to maintain temperature

Steel building with AC:

• Tighter building envelope
• Lower energy costs long-term
• Better temperature control

Making the Decision

Choose a Pole Barn If:

• Budget is the primary concern
• Use is basic agricultural storage
• Climate control isn't needed
• Structure is temporary or short-term
• No valuable equipment or contents
• Simple, basic construction is acceptable

Choose a Steel Building If:

• Long-term value matters
• Climate control will be used
• Clear span is needed
• Structure will house valuable contents
• Commercial or residential use planned
• Lower maintenance is important
• Insurance and financing matter

Questions to Ask Yourself

1. What will I use this building for? 2. Will I need climate control? 3. How long do I plan to own the property? 4. What's stored inside worth? 5. Do I need clear span interior? 6. What are my financing/insurance needs?

FAQ

Which is faster to build?

Pole barns can be erected slightly faster, but the difference is minimal with experienced crews. Steel building shell typically goes up in 1-2 weeks.

Can I convert a pole barn to living space?

It's possible but challenging. The post structure limits floor plans, insulation is harder, and many don't meet residential code. Starting with steel for a barndominium is much easier.

Do steel buildings rust?

Modern steel buildings use galvanized and painted steel that resists rust for decades. Proper maintenance (keeping panels painted, addressing scratches) prevents rust issues.

Which handles tornadoes better?

Engineered steel buildings with proper foundation anchoring generally perform better in high winds. Both can be damaged in direct tornado hits, but steel buildings often have better structural connections.

Can I add onto either building later?

Both can be expanded, but steel buildings are typically easier to extend. The engineered connections make additions more straightforward.

Get Expert Advice

Still not sure which is right for your Arkansas property? D&P Steel Erection has built both, though we specialize in steel construction because we believe in long-term value.

Call (479) 462-6244 to discuss your project.

We'll give you honest advice about what makes sense for your specific situation—even if that means recommending something we don't build. What matters is you getting the right building for your needs.