One of your objectives for 2022 is to build a pole barn. We fully support the “new year, new post-frame building” mindset.
Your spare time consists of designing a floor plan, skimming countless brochures, and scrolling through online galleries for inspiration. You even have a Pinterest board dedicated to envisioning your building project!
Before investing too much time, you must determine the pole barn cost, especially if you’re on a strict budget.
It’s no surprise that the price tag on a post-frame building, or any product for that matter, has increased in the last two years.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and supply chain disruptions are obvious contributing factors, but more information on these current events and their effects in a moment.
This article discusses the price increases you can expect when building a pole barn in 2022 and the causes behind the current inflation.
Price Predictions for Pole Barn Materials in 2022
A finished pole barn consists of multiple building components. Please note that the percentages in the following sections are predictions. Unfortunately, the marketplace is subject to change based on external factors outside our control.
1) Lumber & Steel
It’s hard to believe that 2022 is right around the corner when it seems like yesterday the world was quarantining itself amidst the uncertainty of COVID-19.
Workers across all industries were asked to stay home or social distance (if deemed an essential business) in an attempt to “flatten the curve.”
During this time, lumber prices reflected the decline in residential construction, despite home builders’ best efforts to push projects through the pipeline. Major sawmills dialed back on the production of building materials to control plummeting futures. Some wood producers shut down their factories for the foreseeable future.
U.S. steel prices also dropped in response to key buyers suspending their operations. Consequently, steel mills halted production and decreased capacity utilization rates.
Unsurprisingly, post-frame builders were faced with a double whammy. Without lumber or steel, there is no such thing as building farm shops, commercial businesses, detached garages, and horse barns.
As a result, the cost of lumber and steel increased by 95% and 105%, respectively. Perma-Columns® (precast concrete posts) experienced a 72% increase. This spike is a prime example of supply versus demand.
While manufacturing companies slowed or shut down production, consumers still bought products. Inventory levels were depleted (so prices went up), and producers had to determine how to reopen their business in a global pandemic.
Sawmills and metal manufacturers have reopened, trying to meet the surging demand since consumers were quarantined with home improvement ideas.
A decrease in lumber and steel futures is possible for 2022. However, they might trend upward based on the season (e.g., summer is a popular time for post-frame construction).
2) Kynar 500 Paint System
Next, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), popularly referred to 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 fading and weathering.
Moreover, the Kynar 500 coating is an excellent binder for electrodes found in lithium-ion batteries, specifically those used in electric vehicles.
Automotive and paint manufacturers are now battling over resin ingredients currently sitting on shipping containers to coat their semiconductors and metal panels.
Our manufacturer, McElroy Metal, has notified us of a price increase effective January 2022. This change may affect our steel prices since they’re pre-coated with Kynar 500.
3) Windows
Incorporating energy efficiency into your building design is crucial, which is why we always recommend installing high-quality windows.
Like sawmills and metal manufacturers, glass companies had to halt production due to COVID-19, making it increasingly difficult to meet the growing demand.
Suppliers have warned customers about extended lead times, or worse, unavailability – all impacting the ability to serve end customers efficiently.
The cost of windows jumped 49% from 2020, but prices have plateaued in recent months.
During this time, we re-evaluated our vendors and established new relationships with name brands that offer cost-effective solutions. These partnerships are not only exciting for us but our customers too!
4) Spray Foam Insulation
Furthermore, a winter freeze in Texas (February 2021) has caused a foam shortage. Chemical plants shut down; specifically, those producing propylene oxide found in sprayed polyurethane foam (SPF).
Sadly, some companies lost a percentage of their supply in burst pipes; thus, increasing the price of this insulating material by 24%.
Almost a year later and the power grid in Texas is still vulnerable. Experts warn that the same thing could happen if a winter storm pummels the Lonestar state in 2022. Therefore, the price of polyurethane is up as southern energy and manufacturing companies spend millions to winterize their infrastructure.
SPF has become a popular application for pole barn insulation instead of fiberglass batts. It fills and seals all exposed areas and cracks within the post-frame building, giving you greater protection from air drafts and moisture.
Due to the chemicals and equipment involved, you should hire a professional spray foam contractor to do the job.
5) Freight
Lastly, someone must deliver these pole barn materials from Point A to Point B, which is challenging. If you haven’t noticed the increased presence of “Now Hiring” advertisements, our country is in the middle of a labor shortage.
The ports need workers to unload the shipping containers off the cargo ships. From there, long haulers have to move these goods cross-country. Only to come up against the next obstacle – finding people to handle the freight at distribution centers and warehouses.
Aside from labor, a lot of fuel is needed to move these components. Our truck drivers pick up building materials at the corporate headquarters and deliver them to job sites throughout Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Not to mention, our construction crews drive to the job sites daily. So, as you can imagine, the miles and fuel bill add up quickly! Freight charges have increased by 39% in the post-frame industry.
Will You Build a Pole Barn in 2022?
As one of the top post-frame builders in the Midwest, we must be transparent with pole barn costs so you can accurately budget for your construction project.
The post-frame industry was saddled with price increases in 2021. While COVID-19 and supply chain disruptions are still prevalent, we do not anticipate higher building costs heading into the new year. If anything, they've leveled off for the time being.
With that being said, do you plan on building a pole barn in 2022? Take the first step and request a quote. You can also submit your floor plan, and a member of our sales team will call you to start the estimating process.
Do you have more questions 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 for a price, click here to request a quote, and a member of our Customer Engagement team will help you determine the next steps.