Category Archives: Columns

Price Per Square Foot, Proper Post Treatment, and XPS

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/10/2020
Price Per Square Foot, Proper Post Treatment, and XPS

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about the price per square foot for a hangar, the proper post treatment for in ground use, and use of XPS insulation between steel and wall posts. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What is the approximate price per square foot for a 62 x 130 t hangar? KENNETH […]

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Barndominium Warrantees

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/22/2020
Barndominium Warrantees

Barndominium Warrantees Regular readers of my articles are aware I have joined and regularly read and contribute to every Facebook and Linkedin group about barndominiums and post frame buildings I possibly can find. My goal always is for people to get their best possible value for their investment, even should they somehow decide Hansen Pole […]

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Builder or DIY? In ground or Brackets? and Remodel or Rebuild?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/20/2020
Builder or DIY? In ground or Brackets? and Remodel or Rebuild?

Today’s Pole Barn Guru discusses finding a builder or DIY, posts in the ground or use wet set brackets, and whether or not to remodel or to rebuild a new structure. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Thank you for this great website. I have learned so much reviewing the blog articles. I will definitely buy one […]

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What Is Keeping Posts Above Ground Worth?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/10/2020
What Is Keeping Posts Above Ground Worth?

What is Something Worth? I can be overly anal. Sometimes I have to really work hard to get around it – I purposefully have conundrums on my desk and for some perverse reason I feel comfortable in them.  I inherited my maternal grandmother’s counting gene. Even into her nineties, if I called her up and […]

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Remodel or Not?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/01/2020
Remodel or Not?

Remodel or Build New? I am as guilty as most – my initial reaction is always to remodel, rather than build new. Even when it makes no practical or economic sense. Reader JIM in LAWTON is working through one of these situations. He writes:  “I have a 30 x 40 pole barn 32 years old. […]

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Column Types, SW Missouri, and Site Preparation

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/30/2019
Column Types, SW Missouri, and Site Preparation

Today’s Pole Barn Guru discusses reader questions about types of columns used in Hansen Pole Buildings, what type of car for a small 2 story barn, and the best site preparation. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good morning. I was just running through your website looking at the different materials you guys use for your buildings […]

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Overhead Door Jambs

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/06/2019
Overhead Door Jambs

Overhead Door Jambs With Bracket Mounted Columns Of course there are many methods of post frame construction-ours just happens to be best (at least we like to think so)! Reader TOM in BOSCOBEL writes: “I set laminated 2×6 beams into wet set anchors. I am ready to attach the 2×6 jambs to the rough opening, […]

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Post Frame Standards or Extras?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/05/2019
Post Frame Standards or Extras?

On Facebook I am a member of a discussion group for Pole and Post frame building professionals only. Recently one of our group members posed a question, “What are the extras you do to set yourself apart”? It was only then I realized there are some significant differences between a Hansen Pole Building and other […]

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Why Not Use 6×6 or 8×8 Posts Up North?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/22/2019
Why Not Use 6×6 or 8×8 Posts Up North?

Reader DARRELL in LUCEVILLE asked this question and included photo below. While this photo is not of a Hansen Pole Building, I can comment upon it. Featured in this building photo are glulaminated columns – they are a great product, high strength to weight ratio, straight, highly resistant to warp and twist. They are strong […]

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Checks and Splits in Post Frame Timbers

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/30/2019
Checks and Splits in Post Frame Timbers

Checks and Splits in Post Frame Timbers Checks and splits in post frame timbers (wall columns) are often misunderstood when assessing a structure’s condition. There are two means where checks and splits can form in wood elements: during seasoning, or drying, and during manufacture. Development of checks and splits after installation occurs after wall columns […]

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Tipping Up Post Frame Walls

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/04/2019
Tipping Up Post Frame Walls

Reader JIMMY in ROCK HILL writes: “I want to get your opinion on the pole barn building method seen in the linked video. (RR buildings) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVwUl4cm8fQ I am impressed at the built in efficiency of his process. Is there a benefit to his post ground connection, (i am aware that his method will use lots […]

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Pre-construction Termite Treatment

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/26/2019
Pre-construction Termite Treatment

Why would anyone building a pole barn, barndominium, shouse or post frame home need to be concerned about treating for termites? Isn’t pressure preservative treated wood going to solve any potential long range problems from pesky termites? Regardless of whether you build a post frame (pole) building, stick frame, steel frame or even concrete building […]

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Sliding Door Size, Floor Heat & Post Rot, and Trimming an Addition

Today’s Pole Barn Guru discusses Sliding Door Size, Floor Heat & Post Rot, and Trimming an Addition. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a shed in Holman Wisconsin with 12 ft high by 12 ft wide doors on it. The header is 13-6 can 13 ft high by 12 wide sliding door b installed? JEFF […]

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More Thoughts on Polyurethane Foam

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/25/2019
More Thoughts on Polyurethane Foam

More Thoughts on High Density Polyurethane Foam for Column Backfill Reader STEPHEN contributes a question regarding high density polyurethane foam for column backfill: “Hello, I have this question I would like to pass along to the “pole barn Guru” to be answered, I doubt I will get the answer I need in the time frame, […]

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Floor Plans, Pressure Treated Posts, and Temperature Control

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/22/2019
Floor Plans, Pressure Treated Posts, and Temperature Control

Today’s Pole Barn Guru discusses floor plans, pressure treated posts, and temperature control in an insulated pole barn. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am retiring from the Navy and moving to Knoxville TN. We are looking at land to purchase and home floor plans for our “dream” house. I have read some about pole barns […]

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Post Frame Construction On Clay Soils

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/05/2019
Post Frame Construction On Clay Soils

Many years ago, when I first went to work at Lucas Plywood and Lumber in Salem, Oregon I was given a quick tour of some areas where new construction was prevalent. Having moved from sandy/gravel soils of Eastern Washington, I was totally unprepared for bright red clay soils in this Willamette Valley region. When wet […]

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Stilt Post Frame on Permafrost

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/24/2019
Stilt Post Frame on Permafrost

I have written previously about post frame design involving concrete slabs on grade in areas of permafrost: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2018/04/post-frame-permafrost/. Today we will venture into a land where “stilts” are a design solution. Permafrost is loosely defined as soil and/or rock remaining frozen for more than two years. Big trees do not guarantee an absence of permafrost; […]

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Self-Designed Pole Buildings

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/17/2019
Self-Designed Pole Buildings

Spring, When a Young Man’s Heart Turns to Self-Designing Pole Buildings For some obscure reason a plethora of otherwise intelligent people have an idea. This idea being they can structurally design a building to be adequate to resist applied climactic loads, without any actually engineering background. Given an under designed building can lead to failure, […]

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Sturdi-Wall Plus Concrete Brackets

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/08/2019
Sturdi-Wall Plus Concrete Brackets

Sturdi-Wall Plus Concrete Brackets Long time readers will recall a previous article regarding Sturdi-Wall Plus concrete brackets: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2012/09/concrete-brackets-2/ Sturdi-Wall Plus brackets are a heavy-duty engineered anchoring system for attaching wood columns to concrete foundations and are generally used in post-frame buildings but have other applications as well. These brackets are made with ¼ “steel plate […]

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When Size (or Lack Thereof) Matters- 4×6 Columns

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/16/2019
When Size (or Lack Thereof) Matters- 4×6 Columns

Prior to Hansen Pole Buildings’ client’s plans being sealed by our third-party engineers, their preliminary plans are uploaded for client review through a login. While review goal is to make certain everyone is working from a same left and ensure doors and windows are properly located, it does trigger some interesting discussions at times. Here […]

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Living Quarters, Plasti-Sleeves, and Poly-carbonate Roof Panels

The Pole Barn Guru answers questions about living quarters, Plasti-Sleeve sizes, and poly-carbonate roof panels. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello there,  I have a quick question that I’m hoping someone can answer for me.  For your metal buildings that feature “living quarters” such as (PROJECT# 04-0509), have any of these ever been built on a […]

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The Case of the Frost Heave and a Pole Barn Porch

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/02/2019
The Case of the Frost Heave and a Pole Barn Porch

Allow me to preface this post about a frost heaved porch with a reference to Sherlock Holmes. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Holmes and Watson solved fictional criminal dilemmas with deductive reasoning. In my cases, nearly 40 years of experience (plus knowing and relying upon input from many brilliant engineers) allows me to recommend solutions with […]

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How Lumber is Pressure Preservative Treated

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/28/2019
How Lumber is Pressure Preservative Treated

How Lumber is Pressure Preservative Treated Most people never have an opportunity to tour a pressure preservative treatment plant in operation. I have had this privilege several times and have always found it to be fascinating. Rather than reinventing things, our friend Bob Vila (https://www.bobvila.com/) and Georgia-Pacific (https://www.buildgp.com/wood/lumber/) have produced this wonderful video for your […]

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The “Best Price,” Increase Height? and the Hansen Buildings Way

Today’s Pole barn Guru answers questions about price and value, increasing ceiling height of a building, and if Hansen “builds” these structures. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: What is the best price I can get for a riding arena 60 by 130 ft? MICHELLE in FREDERICK DEAR MICHELLE: Free. Just place four immovable items at each […]

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Free Post Frame Foundation Building Calculator

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/22/2019
Free Post Frame Foundation Building Calculator

Free Post-Frame Building Foundation Engineering Calculator No, such a thing as a free post-frame building foundation engineering calculator does not exist. However there always seems to be someone out there who is in search of “engineering for free”. Reader KELLY writes: “Guru, Do you have a link to a pole foundation engineering calculator? Looking for […]

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Roof Loads for Solar Panels, A “Square” Building, and Post Rot

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about installing solar panels on the roof, the “squaring” of a building, and rotting of posts. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Will a Pole Barn roof be able to hold solar panels? CARMEN in ORANGEVALE DEAR CARMEN: We can have your new post frame building engineered to support […]

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Elevated Floors, Snow Loads, and Species of Wood in Posts

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/14/2019
Elevated Floors, Snow Loads, and Species of Wood in Posts

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about elevated floors, heavy snow loads, and what species of lumber posts are cut from. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We own a site that was fully treed so the soil is not so great. We are interested in doing a pole barn design however a few engineers […]

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Some Pole Barns Deserve a Proper Burial

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/11/2019
Some Pole Barns Deserve a Proper Burial

Some Pole Barns Deserve a Proper Burial Reader STEPHAN in OGDENSBURG writes: “Dear Pole Barn Guru, I have a 30ish year old 32 by 54 feet horse pole barn where half the poles heaved some for more than 1 foot over the years. I need to fix it this year because I am afraid that […]

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Pole Building Columns Without Ups or Downs

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/14/2018
Pole Building Columns Without Ups or Downs

Post Frame Columns Without Ups or Downs Once post frame building columns are placed into those holes in ground, there needs to be (or sure should be) a solid plan to keep them from being sucked out of ground, or sinking down into it. FEATURE: Pre-mix concrete bottom collars attached to columns with pounded in […]

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What About Poles Themselves?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/07/2018
What About Poles Themselves?

What About Poles Themselves? Well poles of “pole barn” fame have transformed into today’s post of “post frame” buildings. Round posts just do not lend themselves to ease of construction unlike square or rectangular columns. FEATURE: Glu-laminated or solid-sawn grade stamped columns, depending upon marketplace availability. BENEFIT: Glu-laminated columns have a superior strength to weight […]

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Starting from the Ground Up- UC-4B Treated Columns

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/06/2018
Starting from the Ground Up- UC-4B Treated Columns

Starting From the Ground Up- UC-4B Treated Columns Decades ago, when I began training a sales staff for Momb Steel Buildings (my 1990’s post frame construction company) I developed an outline we called, “From the Ground Up”. Just as implied by its name, this training went through features and benefits of a typical post frame […]

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Stilt Construction, Ductwork, and House Design Options

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/26/2018
Stilt Construction, Ductwork, and House Design Options

In todays blog, the Pole Barn Guru discusses stilt homes, ductwork in attic, and post frame house design options. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Pole Barns for Stilt Construction – Just read your Kitty Hawk story – And FEMA backs you up. From FEMA-DRs-4085-NY Foundation Requirements and Recommendations for Elevated Home – Piles can be used […]

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Foundations

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/09/2018
Foundations

Foundations – Post Frame Keeps It Simple Post frame (pole building) construction affords a plethora of savings for a new building owner, chief amongst these are foundation simplicity. I’ve previously expounded upon foundation savings in post frame construction as compared to stick frame buildings: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2011/10/buildings-why-not-stick-frame-construction/. Today I will add some graphics to reinforce (pun intended) […]

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Correct Pole Size, The Better Building Size, and Drip Edge Placement

The Pole Barn Guru assists with questions about pole size, the “right” sized building, and a picture is worth a thousand words. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I have a question on a pole barn.  I’m thinking of 50 by 60 and about 14ft high or so.  On the 4/4 poles, how far apart should they […]

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Elevating to Avoid Flood Level

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/06/2018
Elevating to Avoid Flood Level

Elevating to Avoid Flood Level Building in flood zones can be problematic, with one solution being to elevate to get usable spaces above high water mark. Typically jurisdictions and insurance companies want to get structures above 100 year occurrence flood level, however to error towards caution’s side can prove advantageous. Today’s article has been sparked […]

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Post Treatments, Screws vs Nails, and “What is This Called?”

Today the Pole Barn Guru discusses post treatment, the use of screws instead of nails, and what type of structure we are looking at. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can you please tell me is there a blog post/article on some type of coating or treatment to put on 6×6 posts for wet holes, high water […]

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Properly Treated Posts, Hillside Locations, and a Post Frame Option

This week the Pole Barn Guru answers questions about properly treated posts, building on hillside locations, and an option to build with post frame. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: According to most of the answers on the Internet, if I bury the posts for my deck they will rot away and the whole thing will come […]

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What Size Posts Should I Use?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/13/2018
What Size Posts Should I Use?

What Size Posts Does My Building Need and How Deep Should They Be? Reader ANONYMOUS in BENTON writes: “1. If my building has 16 posts and posts are 12 feet apart do I need 4×6’s or 6×6’s? 2. If the plan shows 16 feet above grade how much do I need underground? 3. If the […]

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Splashwood

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/10/2018
Splashwood

Splashwood™ Reader MIKE in ORLANDO writes: “Dear Pole Barn Guru, I bought a 38×42 Pole Barn kit from a reputable supplier. The posts are 8″ x 8″ – but do not have the AWPA markings that you describe in your Blog. These posts have a tag stapled to the end that says “SPLASHWOOD, Saltwater Splash […]

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Isolating Pole Barn Poles from Concrete Slabs

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/05/2018
Isolating Pole Barn Poles from Concrete Slabs

Isolating Pole Barn Poles From Concrete Slabs The fear factor – comes up again and again in construction. Today’s fear is a concrete slab being poured against the poles (columns) of an existing pole barn will cause the columns to decay. “We have a 25 year old pole barn with 12 main 8×8 poles sunk […]

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Fear of Concrete Slab Cracking at Post Corners

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/04/2018
Fear of Concrete Slab Cracking at Post Corners

Fear of Concrete Slab Cracking at Post Corners Nothing appears to add to the self-importance of a contractor more than instilling fear into the hearts and minds of their clients. If I had a dollar for every fear mongering story I have heard over the years, I would be a wealthy man! Hansen Pole Buildings’ […]

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Conditioned Post Frame Crawl Space

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/27/2018
Conditioned Post Frame Crawl Space

Conditioned Post Frame Crawl Space Recently I had a reader ask about Conditioned Post-Frame Crawl Spaces, a subject I quickly did an internet search on, and found nothing. Dear gentle readers: In the event you should Google any post frame related information and cannot find the answer you are searching for, please drop me an […]

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Concerns of a Post Frame Building Kit Shopper

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/29/2018
Concerns of a Post Frame Building Kit Shopper

Hopefully most, if not all, of my loyal readers are those who have concerns when it comes to investing in a new post frame building (I do know some of you just enjoy my slightly skewed sense of humor, or find my writings otherwise entertaining). For those of you who are avid kit shoppers, I […]

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It’s All About the Posts!

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/30/2018
It’s All About the Posts!

Trimming Posts, A Taller Building, and Post Treatment: DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Trimming posts or adding Shims? My pole barn kit uses steel trusses that sit on top of the posts and bolt to their sides. If I set two or three posts lower than the rest, can I just add a shim the top […]

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Overhead Door Replacement, Building Instructions, and Strong Columns

Replacing and overhead garage door, instructions for a pole barn, and the use of “Strong Columns” in today’s Pole Barn Guru! DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Looking to perhaps replace my 10 wide by 8 tall overhead pole barn door with a 10′-10′. Along with chain pull down. What options do you have or suggest. It’s […]

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The Perma-Column Price Advantage?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/06/2018
The Perma-Column Price Advantage?

My good friend John owns (among other things) Heartland Permacolumn. I’ve borrowed this from his website (https://www.heartlandpermacolumn.com/products/the-perma-column-price-advantage/): “Perma-Column products give you the ultimate price advantage. You simply cannot put up a building on a concrete foundation for less money. Yet some may say, “They’re too expensive…” HOWEVER, the only people who ever say this install buildings using […]

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Basements, Foundations, and OHD Back-Hangs!

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/05/2018
Basements, Foundations, and OHD Back-Hangs!

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Is it possible to have a full basement with a residential build? What would a basement do to overall cost percentage wise? NATHAN in OAK LAWN DEAR NATHAN: It is very possible to have a full basement beneath a post frame home. According to www.HomeAdvisor.com installing an unfinished basement will cost […]

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Formula for Calculating Wall Girts

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/15/2018
Formula for Calculating Wall Girts

An Excel Formula for Calculating Wall Girts, Post Size and Hole Depth John Minor and I have been friends for nearly 30 years – since his then father-in-law (and my business partner at the time) convinced me John could sell post frame buildings. Well Rod was correct, John could sell buildings – not only for […]

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PVC Pipe for Post Sleeves

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/31/2018
PVC Pipe for Post Sleeves

Reader TOM in PURVIS shares a concept I had neither seen before nor had I even contemplated – using PVC pipe to protect post frame (pole building) columns from decay. TOM writes: “ I know your posts are treated, but I live in the damp state of MS. In recent years 3 of my friends […]

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How to Keep Post Frame Buildings ‘Pest-Free’

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/27/2017
How to Keep Post Frame Buildings ‘Pest-Free’

Post frame buildings have several benefits which make them the perfect choice for virtually any permanent structure like durability, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, quick assembly and versatility. They also serve multiple purposes. They are storage and machine sheds, horse-barns as well as pre-engineered for a plethora of uses. Woodwork can last for several centuries, but if pests […]

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Will My Poles Rot Off? Not If They Are Properly Pressure Treated Wood!

Do the poles start to rot out after so many years? That depends on whether or not they are pressure treated. This question was recently posed to me by reader MARK in WOLCOTT. Typically my answer would include some snarky comment such as: “Most certainly, however it might not be during your grandchildren’s grandchildren’s lives!” […]

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My Poles Are Further Apart than the Trusses Span

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 11/01/2017
My Poles Are Further Apart than the Trusses Span

My Poles are Placed Farther Apart Than the Trusses Span Reader ALURA in NORTH CAROLINA writes: “We recently purchased a 60 x40 pole barn kit from Florida and we are in North Carolina.  We talked to them on the phone several times about the size the inner dimensions. They reassured us that yes the 40×60 was […]

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Turf Sweating, A Post Frame Addition, and A Grow House

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/30/2017
Turf Sweating, A Post Frame Addition, and A Grow House

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, I am from Webster SD and I built a pole barn and insulated it.  I then put turf above gravel floor and use it for a indoor baseball practice facility.  It can be heated as we have heaters in there.  We have a huge problem and was wondering if you […]

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Properly Pressure Treated Lumber

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/27/2017
Properly Pressure Treated Lumber

Trying to Buy Properly Pressure Preservative Treated Lumber Reader ZACH in BLACK CREEK has been challenged trying to buy properly pressure preservative treated lumber. He writes: “Hello, I would like to get your opinion on 2×6 grade board. I read the article you wrote about lumber pressure treatment. I have been looking around for .20pcf […]

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Properly Treated Poles, Ceiling Loads, and Uplift Plates

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/21/2017
Properly Treated Poles, Ceiling Loads, and Uplift Plates

Properly Treated Poles, Ceiling Loads, and Uplift Plates DEAR POLE BARN GURU: My pole barn is approximately 25 years old. My question is, does the foundation need to be treated for maintenance to prevent rotting? The wood that is underground was originally treated wood but how long does that last? The floor inside is concrete […]

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Building a Pole Building Style Home

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/18/2017
Building a Pole Building Style Home

Building a Pole Barn Style Home Reader DAVID from NINE MILE FALLS writes: “I am building a pole barn style home. I am having a difficult time in finding what the requirements would be for post setting and post distance spacing in regards to a pole barn used for living spaces. I plan on using […]

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Post Protector Surprise

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/04/2017
Post Protector Surprise

Post Protector Surprise Reader CONNOR from INDIANAPOLIS and I recently had an exchange in regards to the holes of his new post frame building. Connor is proposing to use Post Protectors on the columns of his building. What he has yet to realize is there is going to be a hidden surprise with the use […]

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I want the Bottom of my Poles at the Same Depth

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/28/2017
I want the Bottom of my Poles at the Same Depth

I Want The Bottom of My Poles At The Same Depth Reader CONNOR in CINCINNATI writes: “Dear Pole Barn Guru, I am putting up a 24’x32’x10′ pole barn to serve as a garage. Last weekend I augered my 24″ holes to accommodate 48″ post embedment plus a 10″ concrete footer. A ready-mix company is coming […]

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Are My Columns Too Short?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/26/2017
Are My Columns Too Short?

Are My Columns Too Small or Too Short? We receive and answer lots of questions. Even with a Construction Guide which extends over 500 pages, covering a plethora of topics and how to’s, there is always an unanswered question (sometimes two). One of our good clients recently sent a query to the Hansen Pole Buildings’ […]

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Post Size? Convert to OHD? & Cleaning Dirty Vinyl

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/25/2017
Post Size? Convert to OHD? & Cleaning Dirty Vinyl

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Do you have to use the same size posts on the end walls even if it is non load bearing? so if I use 6×6 posts that hold the trusses can I use smaller lumber on the non load bearing ends? Thank you. CAMERON in BOISE DEAR CAMERON: This is why […]

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Help! My Pole Barn Has Frost Heave

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/14/2017
Help! My Pole Barn Has Frost Heave

Help! My Pole Barn Has Frost Heave Reader DAVID in MINNESOTA writes: “I looked through many pages of your blog and found nothing yet that deals with my frost heave problem. Bought lake property 8 years ago that had a 24 X 24 pole shed that was 5 years old. It has concrete floor with […]

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Headroom Headaches, Post Hole Problems, and Insulation Options

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/11/2017
Headroom Headaches, Post Hole Problems, and Insulation Options

Tackling Headroom Headaches, Post Hole Problems, and Insulation Options DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I am curious about the room I needed for my overhead door. I had my building designed for a 12’x12′ overhead door in the middle of the end wall. My wall height is 14′ but with a truss depth of 18″ the […]

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Pole Building Holes in Caliche Soil

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/08/2017
Pole Building Holes in Caliche Soil

One of our clients is preparing his site in order to dig the holes for his new post frame building kit. He happens to live in an area of Washington State, east of the crest of the Cascade Mountains, which would be best classified as being high desert. He has encountered the bane of excavators […]

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Treated Lumber for In Ground Use

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/25/2017
Treated Lumber for In Ground Use

Treated Lumber – Justine Schools a Major Lumberyard Chain When it comes to pressure preservative treated lumber, ignorance from the supply side seems to be bliss and there are way too many folks out there happily selling under treated product. For your entertainment pleasure I bring you a discourse between Hansen Pole Buildings Lumber Wizard […]

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Don’t Sink the Pole Barn Floor

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/22/2017
Don’t Sink the Pole Barn Floor

Don’t Sink the Pole Barn Floor Reader Clay has contributed the beginnings of this article, with a concern his pole barn floor might sink. Thank you Clay. “I am about to construct a 24’x32′ building to be used as a woodworking shop. I am strongly considering a pole barn.  Now I do not want a […]

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Win Three Post-Rack Brackets

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/18/2017
Win Three Post-Rack Brackets

Free Bonus – Opportunity to Win Three Post-Rack Brackets Long time readers will recall my article on post-rack brackets: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2016/12/post-racks/. Well, Hansen Pole Buildings has teamed up with our good friends at Scott Systems to give our valued clients an opportunity for a freebie! You heard it right – this is a chance to win […]

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Build a Pole Barn Home, Hole Diameters, and Shipping to Ireland?

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi, my husband and I are looking I to purchasing a small piece of land and want to build a pole barn home on it. I’m envisioning 4 bed upstairs with 2 bath and a loft area and on the main floor a master bed with bath , kitchen/dining, great room […]

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When Columns Get Put in the Wrong Place

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/11/2017
When Columns Get Put in the Wrong Place

This is construction, things happen. The true mark of how any particular project goes is not everything going perfectly without a hitch, it is the ability to solve challenges when they arise. The scenario below is one which I have never had a DIY person do (shout out to all of you who are putting […]

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To Remove, To Replace, and To Design!

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/10/2017
To Remove, To Replace, and To Design!

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hey Guru! I’m getting ready to build a pole barn and I will have to remove a tree. The tree is basically right in the middle of what the floor will be. I will be putting a concrete floor in and was wondering do I have to completely remove the stump […]

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Pole Sizes, Adding On a Shed Roof, and Ridge Vents

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/01/2017
Pole Sizes, Adding On a Shed Roof, and Ridge Vents

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: We live in Pacific county in Washington state and wondering what size of truss pole we would be looking at needing for a 60 ft truss. We are in a wind exposure “C” and trusses will be on 12′ centers. The building we are planning will be 60’w x 48’d with […]

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Optimum Aspect Ratio of Length and Width

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/13/2017
Optimum Aspect Ratio of Length and Width

I suppose I inherently knew the answer to the optimum aspect ratio of length and width for post frame construction, but never really sat down to write about it. Well, reader JEREMY in EFFING has an inquiring mind and wants to know: “In general terms is there an “optimum” aspect ratio to gain the best […]

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Shipped International, Post Protection, and EmSeal!

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/29/2017
Shipped International, Post Protection, and EmSeal!

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can the kit be shipped international, like Philippines? ERIC in SUSANVILLE DEAR ERIC: Post frame building kit packages can be shipped anywhere on the planet. In most cases, the components are delivered to the docks – in your case most likely the Port of Tacoma or Seattle, where it is reloaded […]

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Sturdi-Wall Brackets

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/19/2017
Sturdi-Wall Brackets

Placement of Sturdi-Wall Plus Brackets I am enjoying our client Dan who is in the process of getting started with his new Hansen Pole Buildings’ kit package. My educated guess is he is going to construct one truly beautiful building. Dan has a great question, which I will share: “So I went ahead and purchased […]

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Real Estate Value, Post Brackets, and Interior Finishing

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/01/2017
Real Estate Value, Post Brackets, and Interior Finishing

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: As a licensed Real Estate agent and looking to move, I realize how crazy the market is (at least in Michigan and the Grand Rapids Area). Considering building a pole barn home for my wife and I when we sell our house, however what about resale value? My concern is regarding […]

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Open Endwalls in a Hay Barn

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/20/2017
Open Endwalls in a Hay Barn

There are plenty of bad structural things which can be done to post frame buildings. While roof only buildings can have their own set of challenges, these can be exponentially made worse by putting walls on the eave sides and leaving the building endwalls entirely open. Here is a good explanation of why this occurs, […]

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The Lowdown on Column Uplift

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/11/2017
The Lowdown on Column Uplift

Let’s Not Uplift I learn new things every single day, much in part to loyal readers, the Hansen Pole Buildings’ Building Designers and our clients. Column uplift seems to be a repeating point of contention for me, as it is (in my humble opinion) poorly addressed, if not totally ignored. Reader Dan has some uplift […]

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The Mark on Pressure Preservative Treated Lumber

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/04/2017
The Mark on Pressure Preservative Treated Lumber

Interpreting the Mark on Pressure Preservative Treated Lumber Pressure preservative treated lumber is a mystery to most consumers, builders and even building officials. Certainly all of the above parties understand the need for pressure preservative treated lumber when it is embedded in or in contact with the ground or concrete, or in locations where there […]

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Materials Mastery with the PBG!

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/13/2017
Materials Mastery with the PBG!

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hi: I have a design and will build myself. Do you sell components such as poles and trusses? Or is it possible to purchase one of your kits and leave off certain materials? For example, I want to use corrugated metal siding. If you don’t supply that could it be left […]

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Fall Up, Go Boom

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 03/07/2017
Fall Up, Go Boom

Fall Up, Go Boom What? Sir Isaac Newton pretty much confirmed things do not fall up. Well, this building did not actually “fall” up – it was sucked out of the ground. How would I know this? Look at the ends of the columns which are lying on the ground. There is no concrete attached […]

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What Type of Barns Do You Sell?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/22/2017
What Type of Barns Do You Sell?

And my response to the question would be, “What type of barn would you like to invest in”? Here is the full question asked by JOEL in THOMASVILLE: “What type of pole barns do you sell? (Truss on post or truss on band) Also what’s the spacing on the trusses? 2 foot, 4 foot”   […]

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Blog Entries Lead to Post Depth Question!

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/20/2017
Blog Entries Lead to Post Depth Question!

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good morning. I have been reading the various blog entries for several days, regarding pole barn construction.  I have been in contact with your design professional, but I a question that I thought might be a question that could possibly benefit others with a similar situation. I am in the process […]

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Building Site Preparation

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 02/08/2017
Building Site Preparation

I’m a Bit Confused… No, not me – one of our clients who is about ready to invest in his new Hansen Pole Buildings’ Post Frame Building kit. Just like me, when I have something new on the way, Phil is chomping at the bit to be doing something! Anything! DEAR POLE BARN GURU:  I’m trying […]

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Concrete Considerations from the PBG!

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/23/2017
Concrete Considerations from the PBG!

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Is concrete included in price? TRACEY in SUMTER DEAR TRACEY: No, we do not include concrete in the price and here is why: Most familiar, as well as most available is the Sakrete® general purpose High Strength Concrete Mix. When mixed per the manufacturer’s instructions, this mix affords a compressive strength of […]

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Making Your Own Glulam Columns

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/18/2017
Making Your Own Glulam Columns

Should I Make my Own Glulam Columns? I’ve been internet chattering back and forth with a gentleman named Chris, who is probably never going to order a Hansen Pole Building, but it is okay – we have thousands of clients a year who are knocking at our doors (figuratively) ready to place their orders. Total […]

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Consider Post Frame for New Home!

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/16/2017
Consider Post Frame for New Home!

DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Good morning. My name is Thomas and I am with xxxxxx; we manufacture metal roofing and siding and based out of Tennessee. I wanted to ask you a few questions to gain some information. First, my wife and I are starting to look at metal building for our new home, is […]

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Attacking Pole Barn Rocks in Holes

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 12/14/2016
Attacking Pole Barn Rocks in Holes

Breaking Through Rock in Holes Post frame (pole) buildings are maybe the easiest to construct and most affordable permanent structures known to human kind. Once the holes are dug and the columns are set, it is pretty well nothing but go-go-go. The intangible is what is happening below the surface of the ground. When I […]

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Rebar Hairpins

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 10/04/2016
Rebar Hairpins

When I began writing these articles a few short years ago, I assumed I would run out of subject matter after about 100 or so. Silly me – as I’ve now produced in excess of 1100 of them and I keep realizing I have totally skipped over some obvious subject matter. One of those which […]

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Do it Best

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/20/2016
Do it Best

Do it Best® I get a lot of people asking some great questions of the Pole Barn Guru. Some of which take some lengthy answers, in order to adequately make the point. Here is one which involves the thought of doing business through a Do it Best® store would add a level of security. For […]

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All Columns Are Not Created Equal

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/01/2016
All Columns Are Not Created Equal

Back in 2000, I had the pleasure of working with Dale Schiferl when we were both with Gruenwald Engineered Laminates, Inc.™ (https://gruen-wald.com/) , manufacturers of (among other things) glu-laminated columns for post frame (pole) buildings. Dale and I both moved on, Dale to open Timber Technologies, LLC, the manufacturer of Titan Timbers™. Dale and his […]

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When Everything Doesn’t Go Perfect Part II

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/11/2016
When Everything Doesn’t Go Perfect Part II

When Everything Doesn’t Go Perfect (and the sky falls) Part II To refresh your memory a bit, we had a client recently email us a letter outlining some of his challenge in getting his building project going. Read yesterday’s blog for Part I of this client’s challenges with his building project. Nothing but problems seemingly […]

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Will 4×6 Columns Carry the Load?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/09/2016
Will 4×6 Columns Carry the Load?

Another excellent question from a soon to be new post frame (pole building) owner. DEAR POLE BARN GURU: The materials just arrived for my pole barn and construction is to start on Monday. The building will be 30×40 with attic trusses with an 8/12 pitch, 24 inches on center with a 1ft overhang (there is […]

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Dancing With the Posts

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 06/28/2016
Dancing With the Posts

Reality television watchers have suffered through 384 episodes of the ABC networks, Dancing with the Stars hosted by Tom Bergeron since 2005. On occasion, it seems some of our clients (or much more often their builders) have done some posts (as opposed to pole) dancing when placing columns for their new building. A certain amount […]

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Redwood Columns in Pole Buildings

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 05/18/2016
Redwood Columns in Pole Buildings

Redwood for Post Frame Building Columns Just this week we had a client in the California Bay area interested in a roof only post frame structure. His caveat, he really wanted to have Redwood columns, as opposed to properly pressure preservative treated timbers. The characteristics of redwood make it a popular choice for outdoor applications. […]

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Tootsie Roll Pop

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 04/22/2016
Tootsie Roll Pop

How Many Licks Does It Take to Get to the Tootsie Roll Center of a Tootsie Pop? Well, according to Mr. Owl, the answer is three. At an office meeting of the Sweets Company of America in 1931, employees were asked to share any ideas for new candies. Employee Luke Weisgram had been thinking about […]

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Pressure Treatment Beyond CCA

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 01/26/2016
Pressure Treatment Beyond CCA

Pressure Treating Beyond CCA My friend Sharon Thatcher is the editor of Rural Builder magazine. This article, written by her, was published in the December edition of Rural Builder and is so well done, I felt it was well worth sharing. It’s been nearly 12 years since new measures were put in place to help […]

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How Deep Should Pole Barn Holes Be?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 09/14/2015
How Deep Should Pole Barn Holes Be?

Welcome to Ask the Pole Barn Guru – where you can ask questions about building topics, with answers posted on Mondays.  With many questions to answer, please be patient to watch for yours to come up on a future Monday segment.  If you want a quick answer, please be sure to answer with a “reply-able” […]

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Glu-lams: Which End is UP?

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/21/2015
Glu-lams: Which End is UP?

Which End is Up? Recently one of my articles (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2015/06/nail-laminated-columns/) triggered quite a response from the President of Ohio Timberland Products, Inc. (https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2015/07/mike-burkholder/). Luckily, the two of us settled matters like most human males – we duked it out (at least electronically), got past it and then figuratively went and had a beer together. I’ve […]

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Pole Barn Guru Bonus Questions

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/13/2015
Pole Barn Guru Bonus Questions

Mike the Pole Barn Guru would call this his “bonus round” of questions for the week.  Mike is currently sitting at his son’s bedside at a local trauma care hospital.  While waiting for Brent’s surgery following a late night crash on his motorcycle, Mike is keeping vigil over his son.  He will be ok, but […]

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Pole Barn Holes

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 08/06/2015
Pole Barn Holes

The Hole Enchilada Yesterday I began hacking away at my neighbor’s new pole building under construction. Today, I will dig even deeper (pun intended)! Leroy and his building crew arrived on Thursday to begin building. My bride and I had to take a detour most of the day to go to Fargo to visit grandchildren […]

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Perma Column vs. Pressure Treated

Posted by The Pole Barn Guru on 07/24/2015
Perma Column vs. Pressure Treated

Hansen Pole Buildings’ Designer Rick has been working with a client who has a nose for knowledge – and I thank both of them for sharing information with me, so I can pay it forward. This particular client is weighing the use of Perma Columns against the more traditional design solution for post frame (pole […]

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