DIY Builds
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What is the difference between a pole barn and a regular barn?

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.

Why do they call it woodwork?
Why do they call it woodwork?

The term 'woodwork' in soccer refers to the frame of the goal that used to be made of Douglas fir. As a strong and widely available type of wood,...

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Do appraisers look at cleanliness?
Do appraisers look at cleanliness?

“Generally speaking, a messy house with scattered clothes, toys or belongings does not affect an appraisal. Appraisers are professionals that have...

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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 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:

Which is better rafters or trusses?
Which is better rafters or trusses?

Truss Pros They have superior span and strength – Both the span and strength of truss roofs are superior to rafters. While truss spans can reach up...

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What is woodworking process?
What is woodworking process?

In a normal plant, the wood stock moves from rough planer, to cutoff saw, to rip saw, to finish planer, to moulder, to lathe, to table saw, to band...

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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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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.

Can I use 2x4 for floor joists on a shed?
Can I use 2x4 for floor joists on a shed?

If building on a foundation other than a treated wood frame, you will need to acquire 6 units of 8ft long pressure-treated 2x4s to put under the...

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What size log cabin can I have without planning permission?
What size log cabin can I have without planning permission?

Keep under 2.5m at that 2m point, most log cabins from several suppliers have an eaves height less than that so you're fine and within permitted...

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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.

Learn More »

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!

How big can I build a brick shed without planning permission?
How big can I build a brick shed without planning permission?

You must apply for householder planning permission to erect a garden building, greenhouse or shed if: the total area of ground covered will be...

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What kind of wood should I use for a shed door?
What kind of wood should I use for a shed door?

A professional would suggest using plywood as the primary wood for your shed since it is sturdy and last-longing. If the shed doors inspire you,...

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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.

Learn More »
How many vents are needed in a shed?
How many vents are needed in a shed?

To install a wall vent, simply cut a hole in the siding to match the size of the vent. Next, attach the outside flange using a strong adhesive or...

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Will the smell of bleach keep mice away?
Will the smell of bleach keep mice away?

Mice do not like the smell of bleach. According to a study published online about odor and the feeding behavior of female rodents, mice and many...

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