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.
Both companies:
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
5 Factors that Matter:
|
|
FBi Buildings |
Waters Buildings |
|
Gauge Steel |
29-gauge, heat-treated, full-hard, high-tensile |
28 gauge |
|
Yield Strength |
80,000 PSI |
92,000 PSI |
|
Appearance |
9” on center ribs |
1” rib 12” on center |
|
Thickness |
29-gauge steel (which is the standard in the post-frame industry) has an average thickness of .0172 of an inch |
Average thickness of 0.017 inches. With a final panel thickness measuring up to .0195 inches thick with all of the coatings applied. |
|
Cost |
|
$0.32 per square foot more than 29-gauge, G-60 steel |
|
Rust Protection |
Galvalume steel: coated with aluminum-zinc alloy by a continuous hot-dip process. This coating consists of 55% aluminum and 45% zinc, with a small silicon dose for fighting corrosive elements. |
G-90 galvanized: Galvanizing is better at dealing with any potential scratches and damage to the steel and leaves fewer rust stains. |
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.
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.
FBi Buildings |
Walters Buildings |
|
|
Splash Board |
|
2" x 8" S4S #2 or better Southern Pine, pressure treated to a net retention of 0.4 pounds per cubic foot with Smart Sense micronized wood protection. |
|
Framing |
SPF MSR1650 (sidewall girts) |
2" x 6" S4S 1650 MSR or better Spruce Pine Fir spaced approximately 32" on center with all the joints staggered at attachment to the columns. |
|
Purlin |
SPF #2 |
2" x 4" S4S 1650 MSR or better Spruce Pine Fir spaced on edge approximately 24" on center. |
|
Roof Trusses |
Generally, use SYP #1 for truss webs and SYP MSR2400 for headers and truss chords. |
Factory-assembled 16- or 20-gauge galvanized steel Alpine truss plates & graded kiln-dried lumber as required. |
|
Bracing |
|
2" x 6" diagonal bracing in all unobstructed corners, 2" x 4" lateral truss ties, and 2" x 6" end bracing as required. |
|
Columns |
#1 SYP |
SYP #2 lumber or better, at least 3-ply to the roof-line |
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 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 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Three primary resins are used for coating metal panels:
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 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.
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, 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.
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 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.
1) Powder Concrete Mix (Not recommended)Powdered concrete requires ground moisture before it sets. Too little or too much can cause instability, jeopardizing structural integrity.
2) Pre-Cast Concrete Pad with Uplift Anchors (Good)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.
4)Pre-Cast Concrete Pad with Perma-Columns (Better)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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 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.
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.
Both companies offer windows into the customer’s designs. For this reason, it is a tie.
Walters Building metal is superior, but FBi Buildings has the same or better quality material in every other category.
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:
Company-employed drivers and third party freight deliver materials straight from their lumber yard.
Walters Buildings has company-owned semis that deliver the materials. Your District Manager schedules the delivery of materials.
Both companies have company-owned drivers who deliver materials to job sites, so it is a tie.
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.
The following components are covered under FBi’s warranty:
Depending on the component, Walters Buildings does have a warranty on some products.
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.
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.
|
Size |
FBi Buildings |
Walters Buildings |
|
RV Garage: 30' x 63' x 16' with 12” overhang, eave light |
$52,630 |
$53,000 |
|
Pole Barn Garage: 30' x 40' x 10' with 12” overhangs, two walk-doors, two windows and an overhead door opening. |
$37,950 |
$47,250 |
|
Equipment Storage: 36’ x 80’ x 16’ with 12” overhang, walk door, (7) 7’x2’ windows, and two overhead doors |
$79,940 *doors not included |
$81,500 |
|
Pole Barn Home (shell): 30’ x 58’ x 10’ with stone & steel designer wall, wrap-around porch, and (2) dormers |
$106,000-110,000 depending on features |
$100,000-$150,000 |
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.
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 constructs pole barns like other post-frame builders. In select regions, its crews are company-owned. Otherwise, it has long-standing subcontracted crews.
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.
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.
It has a thicker, higher-quality steel and utilizes its patented column system.
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:
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.