DIY Builds
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Is it cheaper to build a garage or pole barn?

The main advantage of opting for pole barn construction is cost savings. Without having to worry about creating a formal foundation, you will save money. Buyers on a tight budget often look into using a pole barn out of necessity when they find that no other options are in their price range.

Should I paint my shed the same color as my house?
Should I paint my shed the same color as my house?

You may not put much thought into choosing the color of your new shed, but it's an important decision! Your shed will be a permanent part of your...

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Does soaking wood make it easier to carve?
Does soaking wood make it easier to carve?

Soaking wood does make it easier to carve. However, as the wood dries, it can potentially crack and even become more brittle overall. To soften...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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As you get ready to add a new structure to your property, you may be trying to decide between two popular types of buildings—pole barns and metal garages. Each of these options has advantages, but only one will be right for your needs. In this post, we’d like to look closer at this debate to help you make the best decision. American Carports, Inc. has a variety of metal structures that are affordable, durable, fully customizable. Use our Build & Price Tool to explore the many possibilities for your new structure, and receive an instant quote!

What is a Pole Barn?

You probably don’t need much of an introduction to a metal garage, as the name pretty much speaks for itself. It’s a garage that’s detached from your main home and made of metal. Metal garages are great for many purposes, and we’ll get into those more in detail later. But what are pole barns? Even if you’ve heard the term, you may not know what differentiates a pole barn from other types of buildings. The fundamental difference is that pole barns aren’t constructed with a traditional foundation. Instead, a series of poles are placed into the ground at specific locations to create an informal foundation. Then, as the building is constructed, those poles carry the load and hold up the structure.

Pros & Cons of Pole Barns

The main advantage of opting for pole barn construction is cost savings. Without having to worry about creating a formal foundation, you will save money. Buyers on a tight budget often look into using a pole barn out of necessity when they find that no other options are in their price range. While the cost savings might be appealing, the lack of stability that comes with a pole barn is a major drawback that needs to be noted. There is a reason that most buildings are constructed on a normal foundation—that foundation gives the buildings the support they need to hold steady as the years go by. Pole barns are more susceptible to shifting, and a variety of problems can pop up as a result. By building a detached metal garage on a standard foundation, you’ll find that there are many benefits to be enjoyed. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest selling points for metal garages:

How much does it cost to build a shed yourself?
How much does it cost to build a shed yourself?

LawnStarter estimates that a 6x4 shed (providing a 24-square-foot floorplan) will range between $480 and $4,200, whereas a 10x12 (measuring out at...

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Should I put sand under concrete?
Should I put sand under concrete?

As a general rule, stay away from using sand as a subbase. You're better off using gravel; your concrete will last longer and have less of a chance...

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Durability . You can count on your metal garage to last for many years when you get it from a trusted supplier like American Carports, Inc. If you don’t want to be dealing with this project again just a couple of years down the road, go with a metal carport for impressive durability. . You can count on your metal garage to last for many years when you get it from a trusted supplier like American Carports, Inc. If you don’t want to be dealing with this project again just a couple of years down the road, go with a metal carport for impressive durability. Cost savings . Yes, even if you have to create a proper foundation for your metal garage, you can still complete this project for a modest price. The notable factor contributing to those savings is the speed with which a metal garage can be constructed. Thanks to a simple building process, a metal garage will go up faster than a wood building, so you can save significantly on labor as a result. . Yes, even if you have to create a proper foundation for your metal garage, you can still complete this project for a modest price. The notable factor contributing to those savings is the speed with which a metal garage can be constructed. Thanks to a simple building process, a metal garage will go up faster than a wood building, so you can save significantly on labor as a result. Versatility . One of the best parts about ordering a metal garage from American Carports, Inc. is the ability to customize the garage to meet your specific needs. Think about how you would like this building to perform, and our team of experts will help make it happen. Build Your Garage. . One of the best parts about ordering a metal garage from American Carports, Inc. is the ability to customize the garage to meet your specific needs. Think about how you would like this building to perform, and our team of experts will help make it happen. Build Your Garage. Minimal maintenance requirements. Not only will you save money upfront by going with a metal garage, but you can continue to save as the years go by, as well. Metal buildings made by quality suppliers require very little maintenance on an annual basis. Simply wash down your structure from time to time and it should be good to go.

How do you power an outbuilding?
How do you power an outbuilding?

Power supplied to your outbuilding comes directly from your mains power supply, a trench is dug to the outbuilding and a power cable (generally a...

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What is the most cost effective way to build a shop?
What is the most cost effective way to build a shop?

The cheapest way to build a workshop is to use steel as the building material and keep the size down to the barest minimum. You can keep roofing...

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Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

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As you can see, metal garages are a great choice for many applications. Whether you need a small garage for parking and a little bit of storage or a bigger space to store equipment and work on projects, a metal garage can serve you well for years.

Design a Metal Garage With American Carports, Inc.

When you understand the differences between pole barns and metal garages, it should be easy to determine which is right for you! There is so much to like about metal garages that it’s hard to imagine going with a pole barn for this project. Sure, pole barns can work in certain situations, but a metal garage will bring many more benefits and almost no notable drawbacks. Explore our Build & Price tool to customize and view all of the possibilities for your new garage!

Can I use 2x4 for shed roof?
Can I use 2x4 for shed roof?

You can use either 2×6 or 2×4 rafters for roofs with a 3/12 pitch or greater, but it depends on the overall size of your shed. For roofs that won't...

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What size shed do I need for a zero turn mower?
What size shed do I need for a zero turn mower?

It's not uncommon for zero-turn mowers and riding tractors to be 7 feet long and 5 feet wide — you'll need a decent size storage space to handle...

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Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

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Can I build a shed next to my fence?
Can I build a shed next to my fence?

In order to avoid potential buildup of mold, mildew, and rot growth, it is advised that you should leave space between a fence and a shed. This...

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Why are barns black in Kentucky?
Why are barns black in Kentucky?

Black barns raise the heat inside, aiding the curing of tobacco Many got their color from creosote, which repelled termites. Soon many Kentucky...

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