While it may be tempting to think of pole buildings in the context of their agricultural and storage capacities, the reality is that this type of construction has evolved beyond its humble beginnings.

Today’s pole buildings are suitable for a broad spectrum of possibilities beyond farm and storage needs. But even as the commercial, residential and other uses overtake the original purpose of pole buildings, its history is closely tied to the constantly evolving state of American agriculture.

And what is this thing we call a pole building? The design is based around posts (previously poles), that are set three feet into the ground, spaced four to twelve feet apart. Trusses are attached on top of the posts and purlins are spaced between the trusses. Instead of studs used in traditional buildings, these posts provide a strong structural frame for the exterior walls. Girts, horizontal supports are attached to the posts to help support the structure. In short, it’s easier to build.

In the 1930s, D Howard Doane declared that agricultural buildings should be adaptable, flexible and economically viable. This represented a dramatic shift from the long held belief that agricultural buildings should have a single purpose and last for several generations. Those extravagant buildings were no longer suitable to the economic times and the changing needs of American agriculture. Though there was resistance, people listened because at the time Doane was an authority in the agricultural field – so to speak. Doane is now thought to be the father of the modern pole building after patenting the pole-based design in 1953.

Doane recognized that building with readily available round poles from the telephone industry, along with metal roof sheeting would allow farmers to dramatically reduce the cost of their agricultural buildings. A typical pole building had round, red cedar poles as the primary support for the metal walls and roof. Later on, Doane’s farm manager, Bernon Perkins refined the concept with creosote treated poles and other improvements for a more durable structure.

Long before Doane, the pole building concept had been around in various forms throughout history. Early on, they were simple but sturdy structures mainly for residential purposes. Then humans envisioned sheds and other outbuildings. This style of building was also popular along shorelines and other areas prone to flooding. It was a great way to stay dry until the wooden poles rotted, sending the building overboard. Such rotting was a major drawback for this type of structure.

But human ingenuity would result in an evolution in building materials, techniques and uses. Pressure treated lumber extended the life of the poles. Then came light-weight metal sheeting. This meant that some load-bearing was transferred to the walls, reducing the stress on the posts. These developments eliminated the need for a concrete foundation. But innovation didn’t stop there. Purlins made it possible to increase the spacing of trusses from the accepted two feet to a previously unimaginable four to twelve feet. Collectively, this reduced the amount of material and therefore the cost of the buildings.

The cost efficiencies in Bernon Perkins methods of pole building construction would come in handy during World War II. The US government limited its budget for new barn construction to $1,500. Since Perkins methods, including overlapping purlins, resulted in a two-thirds reduction in materials, pole buildings were uniquely positioned to meet new guidelines. Over time, pole buildings continued to defy critics concerns about their durability. Structures that were thought to be unstable were demonstrated to withstand high winds and heavy snow.

Continuous improvement in the structures led to their growing popularity and by the 1960s they were all the rage, springing up everywhere. Then round poles were replaced by square ones. Well actually by rectangular sawn posts or laminated columns. Hence the name post-frame construction would enter common usage. Doubts arose as the buildings once used for livestock, machinery, hay and crop storage were suddenly in the spotlight as strip malls or residences. Unlike agricultural outbuildings, there were building codes for commercial and residential structures. Buildings officials often questioned these new uses for pole buildings. But eventually they approved.

Nowadays, it’s common to see post frame buildings being used as office buildings, convenience stores, fire stations, schools and of course storage for everything from doll collections to antique cars. While economics plays a role in this, pole buildings are also flexible and durable. They can be insulated for climate control. Instead of the traditional metal cladding, walls can be finished in a range of material including wood, stucco and cement block. Additionally, it’s increasingly common to find post frame buildings with lofts or an upper story.

The post frame building continues its evolution with new materials that promise to extend its life. Plastic “sleeves” protect embedded posts. Precast concrete columns are stronger. New techniques have practically eliminated the age-old problem of rotting wood. Post frame buildings stand to benefit from other advances in the building industry to the point that they will continue to be a preferred option in the future.