Modern westerns have many of us dreaming about the American West and the life of a rancher. Popular series like Yellowstone give a dramatized glimpse into the hard work of ranching—and the cowboys who make it happen.

Right alongside every hardworking rancher is a loyal, hardworking horse. While horses may not be the backbone of America like they once were, they still play an important role on farms, in competition, and as part of our families.

If you’re a farmer, competitive rider, or hobbyist, you want the best for your horses—which means the right horse barn with features that make caring for them easier.

So, who builds equine pole barns in Illinois? In this blog, we’ll explore the advantages of post-frame horse barns and highlight Illinois post-frame builders who can turn your equine vision into reality.

What Is a Post Frame Horse Barn?

The terms “pole barn” and “post frame” are often used interchangeably and mean the same thing, for the most part.

When pole barns were first built, they got their name from the round poles that were driven into the ground.

In today’s industry, laminated columns or Perma columns, also known as posts, are now used in construction, hence the name post frame.

These posts are driven into the ground and secured by a precast concrete pad with uplift anchors. Columns support the roofing system, so no interior stud walls are needed.

Next, let’s take a look at some of the advantages of building a post frame equine barn as opposed to a traditional stick-built structure.

What Are the Advantages of Building a Post Frame Horse Barn?

Building a traditional-style wood barn comes with a lot of character and charm, but the advantages of building a post frame horse barn are unmatched.

Below, let’s take a look at some of the advantages of building a post frame barn over a traditional stick-built one.

1) Quicker Building Completion

One of the many benefits of post frame construction is that it doesn’t require as many materials to erect your building.

Since fewer materials are needed, this means a quicker construction timeline and finished product.

Plus, advancements in the post frame construction industry have allowed building timelines to be cut even further.

One advancement is our QLYFT system, which allows our construction crews to finish the majority of the work on the ground before the building is lifted into position.

Since our crews are planted firmly on the ground, they can better focus on the quality of your building and not worry about losing their balance and sliding off.

QLYFT not only allows for higher-quality workmanship, but it allows for much safer and more efficient construction of your equine pole barn.

2) Incredibly Energy-Efficient

Post frame construction is also incredibly energy-efficient.

Studs in stick-built barns are placed every 16’’ to 24’’ on center. These gaps allow less space for insulation, which creates room for heat transfer (loss). 

Whereas, pole barn columns are spaced 8’ or more apart. Long spans of fiberglass batts or spray foam insulation can be placed in-between posts, resulting in fewer breaks (or air leaks).

Not only will you cut down on utility costs, but your horses will be kept cool in summer and warm in winter.

3) Minimal Exterior Maintenance

While maintenance is inevitable on any building, your post frame equine barn will require less work so you have more time to spend riding.

Post frame buildings are extremely durable and can effortlessly withstand the test of time.

Metal is a hardy material, and since your siding and roof will be made up of metal panels, you can rest assured they will require minimal upkeep.

TIP! If you have a horse that enjoys kicking and bucking, you can add 3 feet of plywood at the bottom of their stall to prevent the horse from kicking through the metal panels and requiring repairs, and to prevent your horse from injuring itself.

With the use of our Kynar-500 paint system, your post frame horse barn will look new for many years to come.

This top-of-the-line paint easily withstands the sun and won’t fade under its harsh rays.

Kynar-500 paint is also resistant to chipping, eliminating the need to repaint panels every time a noticeable chip makes its appearance.

Quality materials produce a quality product, which means you can happily focus on your horses and not worry about constant maintenance on your equine pole barn.

4) Plentiful Design Options

Features that can be included in your post-frame horse barn are as follows:

• Hayloft
• Indoor Riding Arena
• Office space
• Seating area/kitchen
• Tack room
• Viewing area
• Wash bay for the horses

These features allow for a wide variety of design options you can choose from to build your dream equine pole barn.

Depending on the type of rider you are could depend on how you wish to design your horse barn.

For the more serious rider who is passionate about showing and traveling to competitions, this post-frame horse barn might have more to offer, such as an indoor riding arena and a viewing area.

For the hobby rider who enjoys leisurely rides with their horses after work or on the weekends, this post-frame horse barn might be simpler with just stalls and a hayloft.

Don’t forget about the extra touches too, like brick center aisles, old-world style stall doors, and a sparkly chandelier - yes, we’ve truly seen this done.

5) Superior Structural Longevity

Structural integrity is the most important part of any post frame building.

As long as your post frame horse barn has been properly constructed with structural integrity in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy your building for at least 40-60 years to come.

Since quality materials make a quality product, every aspect of your equine pole barn is created to last.

Quality materials such as Kynar-500 paint, Perma-columns, and stainless-steel screws will keep your equine pole barn structurally sound and looking great.

The less time you have to spend calling a post frame repair crew for repairs on your horse barn, the more time you’ll have to spend riding your horses.

Which Pole Barn Companies Build Post Frame Equine Barns in Illinois?

We took the liberty of researching local post frame companies that build pole barns across the Land of Lincoln.

Based upon reviews, experience, and knowledge, we’ve narrowed down our list (in no particular order) to bring you the following post frame horse barn builders in Illinois.

Blunier Builders, Inc.

Family owned and operated, Blunier Builders, Inc. opened in 2002 as a small, five-man construction company located in Eureka, IL. The business was started as an opportunity for future generations to work together, providing quality construction services during the family farm’s off-season. Today it has grown to a company of 50+ employees constructing high-quality post-frame buildings throughout Illinois.

FBi Buildings, Inc.

Located in Remington, Indiana, FBi Buildings has a reputation as an industry trailblazer that stands behind integrity and excellence before, during, and after the sale. A family-owned company with innovative ideas, they have been in the post-frame industry for over 60 years and continue to grow. 

Currently, FBi Buildings’ service area includes Indiana and Illinois, with select counties in Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, and Missouri. To better serve customers in Iowa, FBi acquired Eastern Iowa Building in 2025—a company with over 20 years of post-frame experience. If you have a unique project outside of these areas, FBi will review your request to determine if it’s feasible for them to be your pole barn builder.

Morton Buildings

Morton Buildings has been serving its residential, agricultural, and commercial communities since 1965. This employee-owned company has over 100 construction centers throughout the country to assist you with both your building and repair needs. They also have eight manufacturing facilities where many of their building components are produced.

Cleary Buildings

Since 1978, Cleary Building Corporation has sold over 114,000 buildings that include cabins, homes, and horse, farm, and commercial structures. They are located in Verona, WI, and are a national, family-owned company that prides themselves on putting their customers first.

Greiner Buildings

Greiner Buildings was founded in the 1980s in Washington, Iowa. Their family business has now grown into an established pole barn construction company with 60+ employees and 4 offices across Iowa and Illinois. Their strong values and humble Midwest roots have paved the way for the expansion and strengthening of the business. They challenge the status quo and continue to establish new standards of excellence within the post frame construction industry.

Are You Ready to Build Your Post Frame Horse Barn?

After learning about the top equine post-frame builders in Illinois, are you ready to take the reins and request a quote?

Whether you’re a seasoned builder or new to construction, our post-frame professionals are just a call away. They’ll guide you through the process and answer any questions to ensure your project goes smoothly.

Want to visualize your horse barn before building? Try our free Design Online Tool, which lets you see your barn in 3D—horses, hay bales, and all—right on your property.

No matter how you choose to design and build your post-frame horse barn, we’re confident you’ll love the results. And remember: always build with confidence.

Do you have more questions about post frame horse barns that aren’t covered in this article? If you need help designing and planning, please contact FBi Buildings at 800.552.2981 or click here to email us. If you’re ready to get a price, click here to request a quote, and a member of our Customer Engagement Team will determine the next steps of your project.