FBi vs Walters Buildings, Inc.: Who’s Best for Your Project?

If you are looking for a pole barn builder in the Midwest, you might have encountered FBi Buildings or Walter Buildings. Ironically, both family-owned companies started building pole buildings for farmers in 1958. 

Today, both companies build post-frame buildings for residential, commercial, equine, and agricultural uses in Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Kentucky, and Ohio. 

In this blog, we present the facts and strengths of each post-frame builder. Our goal is to help you better understand how FBi compares to Walters Buildings before making a buying decision.

FBi vs Walters Buildings, Inc.: 7 Key Differences to Look For

1) Customer Service

Each post-frame construction company offers different levels of support. When looking at FBi and Walters Buildings, their process is similar.  

Both companies:  

• Have a local company representative respond within 48 hours 
• Provide preliminary drawings and a project quote/proposal 
• In-house drafters and engineers who produce final project drawings 
• Conduct a final walk-through
• Provide a customer satisfaction survey at completion 

However, at Walter Buildings, the same District Manager with whom you begin your project with will be your main point of contact throughout the journey. While one point of contact may sound appealing, you may run into delays as your salesperson juggles multiple roles. 

At FBi Buildings, an Inside Sales team member will promptly contact you about your project to help guide you with any questions and confirm your information.  

Typically, within 24 hours, a local Project Sales Consultant will work with you to develop a quote that encompasses your project vision.  

Unlike other post-frame companies, FBi Buildings also has a Pre-Construction Coordinator who helps facilitate the permitting process for your pole barn project. 

Upon signing the contract, a Project Manager will order materials, coordinate with construction crews, and make material deliveries.  

Who Has the Best Customer Service? 

Both companies offer assistance every step of the way but in different capacities. 

FBi Buildings has dedicated staff for each step of the process. This benefits you since our Project Sales Consultants can focus on selling the project. Meanwhile, the Project Managers can concentrate on ordering and building your project materials.

2) Service Areas

FBi Buildings 

FBi Buildings, the preferred post-frame builder in the Midwest, has its corporate headquarters in Remington, Indiana. This location has its truss plant and a team that prepares your project into kits.  

In addition to Remington, the company has drop lot locations  in Coldwater, Michigan, and Princeton, Illinois. . These drop lots allow crews to efficiently collect materials without having to travel back to Remington if they run out of steel and pole barn screws, thus passing savings on to our customers.  

Once the post-frame trusses and kitted materials are ready, they are trucked to your site, where their company-owned crews erect your project.  

FBi Buildings currently build and repair pole barns in eight states: Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Ohio, Missouri, Michigan, and Wisconsin. 

Walters Buildings 

Walters Buildings is a premier post-frame builder in the Midwest. It is located in Allenton, Wisconsin. Originally, Walters was a Morton Buildings dealer until the 1970s. 

Today, Walter’s Buildings constructs pole barns in seven states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky. However, they do have  dealers of local construction companies that build in Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois and may not build in your area in these states. 

Who Has the Best Service Area?

It is a close match for the service area as both companies serve many of the same states. However, FBi Buildings serves Iowa and Missouri. FBi Buildings also uses its own crews and employees to erect its buildings, whereas Walters has dealer partners.

3) Pole Barn Materials

Steel

When it comes to pole barn steel, it can be easy to look at just the gauge of steel, but there are better indicators of the strength of the steel in your building than the gauge alone. 

5 Factors that Matter: 

1. Gauge: When it comes to the gauge, the higher the number, the thinner the steel. 29-gauge is thinner than 26-gauge.
   
   
2. Yield Strength: The more important steel measure is yield strength, which refers to the force required to cause permanent deformation to your steel. 
   
   
3. Appearance: Generally, the more ribs (bins in the metal), the closer together, and the higher they are, the stronger the steel panel. Since builders attach fasteners at the ribs, more screws are used, thus resulting in higher structural integrity.
    
4. Cost: Using less durable materials may cost less initially, but it can result in future repairs and pole barn reskins.
   
   
5. Rust Protection: Galvanizing involves coating the steel with zinc to prevent rusting and provides extra protection from scratches. Galvalume consists of coating the steel with aluminum, zinc, and silicon to prevent rusting.  
   
   

Who Has the Best Steel?

Regarding post-frame steel, Walter’s 28-gauge steel is thicker and has an average of 92,000 PSI, while FBi’s has 29-gauge steel with a minimum of 80,000 PSI. They also roll their steel in Wisconsin and have a premium product, so for this category, Walters wins. 

Wood

When looking at the wood used in post-frame construction, you must consider its purpose and where the building is being built.  

Machine Stress Rated (MSR) Lumber undergoes testing to measure its ability to perform under stress. It also must meet specific visual grade requirements. Wood is graded based on any defects(knots, splits, warping, etc.) and the size of the wood. 

 Known for its strength and durability, Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) is often used in pole barn construction. Wood is rated as #1 or #2 Southern Yellow Pine lumber. Depending on the project specs will determine which is used. 

Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF) is a wood combination of Engelmann Spruce, Lodgepole Pine, and Subalpine Fir. Unlike Southern Yellow Pine, Spruce-Pine-Fir isn't pressure-treated. Instead, the boards are kiln-dried, providing extra strength and resistance to warping. The following SPF lumber grades are used in post-frame construction: #2, #3, economy, machine stress-rated, and stud. 

 Your area's snow and wind load are important factors in determining which pole barn lumber is required. Many northern states require more structural support for snow and wind, thus resulting in higher-quality wood. 

Who Has the Best Lumber? 

When looking at wood framing as a whole, Walters uses bigger girts because they spread theirs out further than FBi does. That also tends to lessen the strength of their diaphragm.   

Regarding Walters buildings bracing, you don't need wood bracing when you have steel-clad walls. 

FBi and Walters Buildings use MSR and SYP lumber and will meet or exceed requirements where applicable.

Screws

Screws might seem like no-brainer material for building. However, the quality can have lasting impacts. Consider if your screws are stainless steel; if not, future rust streaks may appear on your metal. 

FBi Buildings 

FBi Buildings uses a nail-screw combo-like screw. The umbrella-like cap encapsulates the sealing washer to protect it from the elements. In addition, their screws have a lifetime warranty! 

Walters Buildings 

They use American-made Maze Nails, a galvanized and hardened ring shank post-frame nail, and Fastening Systems. These are standard steel screws used by many post-frame companies. 

Who Has the Best Screws?

FBi is the better choice because all of their screws are stainless steel. Each screw head forms an “umbrella.” Without this extra defense layer, your pole barn is more susceptible to leaks and rust.

Trusses

A truss is a rigid framework of wooden members designed to support a roof. Trusses comprise a top chord, a bottom chord, and webs connected at the joints with plates.  

The actual truss profile, spacing, span, heel height, pitch, overhang, and web configuration are dependent on the specific design conditions and will vary by application. 

FBi Buildings manufactures its trusses in Remington, IN, and Walters Buildings manufactures its trusses in Fairfield, Illinois.  

While both manufacture their own trusses, the way their trusses are manufactured and attached to the purlin (horizontal members that span the trusses to provide framing and attach sheathing material) varies. 

FBi Buildings 

FBi's trusses are manufactured by their in-house truss plant and engineered specifically for your pole barn. Their truss plant is regularly certified by a third-party inspection service (e.g., Truss Plant Institute) to ensure the quality fabrication of all trusses. 

The lumber used to build the trusses is joined with heavy-duty steel plates. FBi builds trusses differently than other manufacturers. For example, others roll the gusset plate (flat metal plate with teeth at the joints on trusses) onto the truss. By doing so, the teeth in the plate can go in at an angle. Instead, the FBi machine stamps the plate into the truss. This process takes a little extra time, but it ensures a straight plate. 

FBi's trusses are interlocked – not just attached – to the laminated columns with structural screws. It provides the same strength as bolts but for less money. 

Moreover, FBi is the only post-frame builder to screw roof purlins onto the trusses. Testing has proved that screws provide greater uplift resistance than nails. Typically, purlins are spaced no more than 24" in the center. The spacing and orientation depend on how far apart the trusses are spaced. 

Walters Buildings 

Walters Trusses are factory-assembled with 16- or 20-gauge galvanized steel Alpine truss plates as required and graded kiln-dried lumber as specified. 

The Truss Plate Institute conducts an in-plant quality control inspection. Walters trusses are designed with current standards and specifications for the stated loading. 

The purlins used in Walters' buildings are 2" x 4" S4S 1650 MSR or better Spruce Pine Fir spaced on edge approximately 24" on center. All other framing lumber is the standard grade or better. 

Who Has the Best Trusses? 

Both post-frame builders use the best lumber available and manufacture their trusses. However, FBi Buildings's method of constructing their trusses and attaching them to purlins is more secure, so they win.

Paint

Most customers don’t understand the difference between paint systems, which play a significant role in helping your pole barn look “fresh” year after year. Paint systems are identified by their resin type.  

Three primary resins are used for coating metal panels:  

1. Polyester 
2. Silicone-modified Polyester (SMP) 
3. Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) 

FBi Buildings 

FBi’s metal roof and wall panels are finished with the Kynar 500 paint system. 

Polyvinylidene fluoride, known as Kynar 500®, is the premium resin for pole barn paint. Its unique formula contains one of the strongest bonds known to humankind. A mixture of fluoropolymer resin and ceramic pigments produces excellent resistance to weathering and fading.  

This type of paint isn’t wet-dropped or sprayed-on but baked-on for excellent resistance to fading, chalking, or corrosion. Their panels are known to maintain their vibrant color for 40+ years. 

Walters Buildings 

Walters Buildings uses BeckryTech from Becker Specialty Corporation. This polyester-based paint has a resin chemistry that is less reactive to UV light than the leading SMP pain products. In addition, it comes with warranty protection against cracking, chalking, color fade, or red rust. 

Who Has the Best Paint? 

Polyester coatings are the most affordable but also the lowest-quality paint on the spectrum. FBi Buildings wins since Kynar 500 paint outperforms other paint systems. Plus, the Kynar 500 comes with a 40-year warranty!

Columns

Columns, also called posts, are integral parts of a post-frame building. They support the entire roof system and transfer all vertical loads to the footings. In addition, posts are the backbone of your walls and assist in resisting horizontal loads caused by winds. 

Typically, you can pick between two types of columns in post-frame construction. 

Laminated Columns 

The term "laminated column" refers to two or more layers of dimensional lumber that have been mechanically laminated with nails. Typically, these posts are made from 2 x 6, 2 x 8, or 2 x 10 lumber. They're strong, stress-rated, and pressure-treated. 

Laminated columns are highly resistant to bending, twisting, or warping.

Solid Posts 

Solid post-frame columns are typically 4x4, 6x6, or 8x8. Due to their thickness, they are difficult to treat. In addition, they are susceptible to water, which makes them more likely to warp, crack, and rot. 

Selecting the right column for your pole barn is only worthwhile if you're willing to invest in the proper foundation. Columns can be affixed to the ground in one of four ways. 

Powdered concrete requires ground moisture before it sets. Too little or too much can cause instability, jeopardizing structural integrity. 

Pre-cast concrete pads provide solid, non-shifting load-bearing support to prevent sinking.

Columns firmly anchored to the base with specially designed brackets to concrete are a good choice for structural integrity. 

Alternatively, perma-columns are pre-cast concrete columns representing post-frame construction's evolution. They're sized to fit any laminated columns or solid posts.  

Perma-columns withstand decay, insect damage, and rotting since no wood goes into the ground. They are three times stronger than standard concrete, and posts are reinforced with 60,000 PSI rebar welded into a ¼" steel bracket. 

FBi Buildings 

Offers the choice between both laminated columns and perma-columns.  

FBi uses #1-grade lumber on 2x6's. Depending on the width and snow load will result if a 3-ply (2x6) or 4-ply (2x8) column is used. These laminated posts have greater longevity because each layer of lumber is completely permeated with wood preservatives and kiln-dried to lock the treatment that prevents rot and termite damage. 

Walters Buildings 

Walters offers its own Sheer Transfer Plate (STP) column system. Depending on the engineer's specs, their columns are made of SYP #2 lumber or better. All columns are at least 3-ply to the roof line.  

They use their patented Shear Transfer Plates to hold each ply together in their columns. Using their STP, their columns are even stronger than a solid column with the same amount of wood. 

A #4 reinforcement bar is inserted through the column, partially embedded in a dry-mix concrete footing. This creates a ball footing and protects against uplift. 

When connecting a column to concrete, Walters utilizes two heavy L-brackets that attach both sides of the column to the concrete. Stiffening braces protect from bending—three bolts, thick steel, and wedge anchors to ensure a strong and durable attachment to concrete. 

Who Has the Best Columns?

Both companies offer laminated columns treated with .8 CCA to protect against rot and insects. However, Walters uses #2 SYP lumber, which is lower quality than FBi's #1 lumber. 

In addition, the companies' approach to the foundation of the columns is like comparing apples to oranges. While it is cool that Walters developed its column system, what it is doing is not any better than what FBi Buildings offers. Their transfer plate is strong and has a place, but a building does not fail because of what is happening at that splice region. 

It is also worth mentioning that Walter's method of installing columns to the ground by using a dry-mix concrete footing provides uncertainty. A building is vulnerable against uplift until that dry-mix solution encounters enough moisture to set off the chemical reactions that allow that concrete to set up. And then how do you know that it's actually set up really well?  

It's been found that at times, old buildings have had columns pulled out of the ground, and the foundation wasn't as solid as was hoped for using that system. I'm not saying that it can't work, but it's certainly not entirely reliable.

Doors

Doors are another basic element of a pole barn, but they can add to your project's overall function and cost. Are you deciding between overhead doors or sliding barn doors? 

Sliding doors often cost less and provide wide openings for pole barns, especially for storing large agricultural equipment. 

Overhead doors are popular but can be a pricey option. Verify if these are included in your project quote or if this is subcontracted. 

Consider your walk-in door and if you need multiple access points. Also, decide how you want the door to swing for maximum efficiency.  

FBi Buildings 

What sets FBi Buildings apart is their Easy-Motion Sliding door.. While most post-frame companies offer sliding doors, FBi’s doors have a StepSaver Latch and Posi-Guide Track.  

No more running around to the walk-in door to disengage cam latches and snugger chains. You can get inside your building in less time. Just turn the key and grab the handle. It’s that simple! 

The Posi-Guide Track is  an exclusive weatherproof system that ensures your sliding door opens and closes smoothly all year round. 

Walters Buildings 

Depending on the region, Walters Buildings has trusted partners for pole barn doors. Many of the products they use are of higher quality than the basic offerings.  

Who Has the Best Doors? 

Both companies offer a selection of doors, but FBi’s EasyMotion door system is a step above the competition. They also use the same vendors for other door options as Walters.

Windows

Windows not only adds light to a pole barn but can also enhance its overall building design. From poly-shaped to half-moon, choosing the right size and shape of the window for your post-frame construction project is key. 

FBi Buildings 

The windows offered by FBi are energy-efficient and available in popular styles, such as: 

• Double-hung 
• Single-slider 
• Eyebrow 
• Half-round 
• Gothic 
• Full circle 
• Hexagon 
• Quarter-round 

Walters Buildings 

Walters Buildings has trusted partners for pole barn windows. Many of the products they use are made of a higher quality than the basic offerings. 

Who Has the Best Windows? 

Both companies offer windows into the customer’s designs. For this reason, it is a tie.

Who Has the Best Materials Overall?

Walters Building metal is superior, but FBi Buildings has the same or better quality material in every other category.

4) Delivery

FBi Buildings

Your building materials will be delivered on-site on the first day of construction. FBi doesn’t prefer to deliver materials beforehand and have them sit out in the elements until construction crews show up. 

The building size will determine the type of equipment needed. Usually, FBi brings the following machinery to a job site:

• A semi for material and delivery 
• Gradall telehandler 
• Crew truck and trailer 
• Skid steer (if applicable) 
• Crane (if applicable)

Company-employed drivers and third party freight deliver materials straight from their lumber yard. 

Walters Buildings 

Walters Buildings has company-owned semis that deliver the materials. Your District Manager schedules the delivery of materials. 

Who Has the Best Delivery?

Both companies have company-owned drivers who deliver materials to job sites, so it is a tie.

5) Warranty

The last thing you want is to invest in a pole barn without a pole barn warranty. Understand that no builder is perfect; being out in the elements can cause wear and tear.  

However, you can trust a post-frame company that knows the quality of its building and backs it with lifetime warranties. 

FBi Buildings 

The following components are covered under FBi’s warranty: 

• Columns (Lifetime) 
• Roof Structure (20 years) 
• Red Rust (15 years) 
• Paint (40 years) 
• Gloss Loss (5 years) 
• Roof Leaks (5 years) 
• Sliding Doors (Lifetime) 

Walters Buildings 

Depending on the component, Walters Buildings does have a warranty on some products.  

Who Has the Best Warranty?

FBi Buildings offers a lifetime warranty on their columns, screws, and sliding doors. Plus, a paint warranty of 40 years! With an additional components warranty of 5-20 years, this comprehensive warranty covers investing in an FBi pole barn more than the competition.

6) Cost

Throughout this blog, we have broken down each component that goes into an FBi or Walters Building pole barn. Both companies offer components that are at or above industry standards. With that in mind, these companies have a premium product superior to most DIY pole barn kits and post-frame packages found online or at Menards. 

When discussing pole barn cost, remember that choosing a perma-column foundation or ten windows instead of two can change the overall cost of your project. In addition, insulation, concrete, electrical, and other finishing expenses are not always included, so pole barn quotes are often not an apples-to-apples comparison. 

Below, we will compare a few basic sizes from each company, but your quote may be higher depending on your project specifications. 

Who is Cheaper?

The cost of a pole barn shell is typically $20 to $60 per square foot.

The price can fluctuate based on where you are located in proximity to the company. The further away, the most cost in trucking materials and crews. 

Depending on the features you select can also significantly increase the pole barns price. However, when looking at the same size and features, FBi Buildings is the cheaper option for most all scenarios. This may be due to the difference in steel.

7) Construction

FBi Buildings 

Constructing a post-frame building is often preferred due to its quick assembly. However, FBi Buildings revolutionized the post-frame industry by introducing the QLYFT Building System in 2020.  

This construction method was created to improve field employee safety while raising building quality to new heights. For most buildings, it raises the roof!  

Regarding construction, every FBi Buildings crew has an FBi Buildings Crew Foreman. In addition, FBi has a team of Crew Foremen and Managers with an average tenure of 17 years. For larger projects, subcontracted employees are added to crews to complete projects efficiently. 

Walters Buildings 

Walters Buildings constructs pole barns like other post-frame builders. In select regions, its crews are company-owned. Otherwise, it has long-standing subcontracted crews.  

Who Has the Better Construction?

Both post-frame builders provide construction crews, but FBi has the advantage. Their QLYFT building system is an unprecedented way of erecting post-frame structures.  

Plus, they have tenure experience between their field workers and Crew Management teams. Their resources and direct accountability are the best way to ensure quality performance.

Who’s Best for Your Post Frame Building Project?

Note: The star denotes personal preference based on the buyer. Please reference each section for specifics.

Every post-frame builder has advantages and disadvantages; the final decision is solely yours based on your specific needs.  

FBi and Walters Buildings are established family-owned post-frame construction companies that employ their own crews and provide some of the highest-quality pole barns on the market today. 

Walters Buildings 

It has a thicker, higher-quality steel and utilizes its patented column system. 

FBi Buildings 

It uses higher-quality wood in most cases, offers a lifetime warranty on select components, offers EasyMotion sliding doors, and builds with the latest technology (QLYFT). 

If you want a free quote for your metal building, click the button below.

If you’re still unsure about what to do, we recommend checking out these additional resources:

• FBi Buildings vs Blunier Builders: Who’s Best for Your Project?
• FBi Buildings vs Cleary: Who’s Best for Your Project?
• FBi Buildings vs Greiner: Who’s Best for Your Project?
• FBi Buildings vs Lester: Who’s Best for Your Project?
• FBi Buildings vs Menards: Who’s Best for Your Project?
• FBi Buildings vs Morton: Who’s Best for Your Project?
• FBi Buildings vs Wick: Who’s Best for Your Project?
• 7 Questions to Ask Your Pole Barn Builder
• Ultimate Guide to Pole Barn Costs
• Pole Building Prices: 6 Considerations for Comparing
• What is Site Preparation? 7 Tips to Get You Started

Do you have more questions that are not covered in this article? If you need help designing or planning, please contact FBi Buildings at 800.552.2981 or click here to email us. If you are ready to get a price, click here to request a quote, and a member of our Customer Engagement team will help you determine the next steps of your project.