If you’re considering a new pole barn, you know it’s a major investment designed to last for decades. The durability and structural integrity of a post-frame building depend on more than size or appearance—it starts from the ground up with components that support the entire structure.
Pole barn columns, or posts, play a critical role in post-frame construction. They support the entire metal roofing system, transfer vertical loads to the footings, and serve as the backbone of the walls while resisting horizontal loads.
Understanding your pole barn column options can help you:
- Make an informed buying decision
- Protect your investment for the long haul
- Reduce maintenance and repair costs over time
This article discusses the key physical and performance differences between laminated posts and Perma-Columns®.
Laminated Posts vs. Perma-Columns®: Which One is Better?
A laminated post is constructed by mechanically fastening two or more layers of dimensional lumber with nails. This type of pole barn column offers strength, resistance to bending, and protection against rot when pressure-treated.
The Perma-Column® is a durable, precast concrete post that utilizes steel reinforcement to prevent wood-to-ground contact. This design ensures long-lasting protection against rot, decay, and insects.
The right column system for your post-frame building depends on your budget, intended use, and long-term goals for maintaining structural integrity.
Understanding Pole Barn Structural Integrity in Post-Frame Construction
Structural integrity refers to a pole barn’s ability to withstand anticipated loads without failure. In post-frame construction, sound structural integrity is essential for long-term durability, performance, and safety.
Every pole barn, regardless of size or location, must be engineered to resist vertical and lateral loads effectively.
Vertical loads act in an up-and-down direction and include design elements such as:
- Interior deck systems or lofts
- Mezzanines or second stories
- Snow accumulation
- The weight of the post-frame building
Lateral loads act parallel to the ground and can come from strong winds, seismic activity, or other horizontal forces. These loads can push or pull the structure in any direction; therefore, structural components must be designed to resist them safely.
Vertical and lateral loads must travel through the pole barn via a continuous load path, which transfers forces from the areas of application to the ground. In a properly engineered post-frame building, a continuous load path ensures forces are evenly distributed, preventing structural damage.
One “weak link” in the continuous load path can compromise the structural integrity of your pole barn. Every post-frame building component must be designed and constructed to handle anticipated loads.
Pole Barn Columns: Laminated Posts vs. Perma-Columns®
As mentioned above, pole barn columns are a critical component in post-frame construction. They support the entire metal roofing system, transfer vertical loads to the footings, and provide wall stability by resisting horizontal forces like wind.
Because columns are embedded in or connected to the pole barn foundation, their design and material selection directly impact a post-frame building’s structural integrity and service life.
Not all posts are identical. Many property owners do not realize that post-frame construction includes various column systems, each with unique performance features. Typically, pole barn builders offer a standard post choice with an upgraded option designed to enhance durability and reduce maintenance.
The two most common column types used in post-frame buildings are laminated posts and Perma-Columns®.
While both column systems are engineered to carry structural loads, they differ significantly in materials, installation methods, moisture resistance, and long-term performance.
Understanding these differences is crucial for choosing the pole barn column that best fits your post-frame building’s purpose, site prep, and durability needs.
Laminated Posts
A laminated column is constructed by mechanically fastening two or more layers of dimensional lumber with nails. These posts are made from 2x6, 2x8, or 2x10 boards.
Laminated columns offer superior resistance to bending because natural defects, such as knots, rarely occur in the same location across multiple lumber plies.
Furthermore, each layer is kiln-dried and pressure-treated with a wood preservative for more consistent absorption. This treatment helps protect laminated columns against rot, decay, and termite damage.
For maximum protection, we recommend laminated posts saturated with at least 0.80 lb./cu. ft. of Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) wood preservative. This retention level exceeds industry standards at many lumberyards and hardwood stores.
Proper installation is equally important. In most post-frame buildings, laminated columns should be set a minimum of 4 feet below grade to ensure:
- Adequate resistance to lateral and uplift forces
- Protection against frost heave during winter conditions
An exception applies when laminated posts are anchored to a continuous concrete foundation, where embedment depth requirements may differ based on the engineering design.
Perma-Columns®
Perma-Columns® are a popular upgrade in post-frame construction.
These precast concrete columns prevent wood-to-ground contact and help extend the life of a pole barn. They’re engineered to connect seamlessly with laminated columns or solid wood posts.
Perma-Columns® are constructed from 10,000 PSI precast concrete, reinforced with 60,000 PSI rebar, and feature a ¼-inch steel bracket for a secure structural connection.
This column system is resistant to rot, decay, and termite damage.
Moreover, Perma-Columns® include microfibers for shock resistance and durability. Microsilica enhances compressive strength and erosion resistance. A corrosion inhibitor protects the rebar and steel bracket from rust.
By upgrading your laminated or solid posts to Perma-Columns®, pole barn owners invest in a foundation that offers long-term durability and peace of mind.
Setting Up Your Pole Barn Foundation for Success
Selecting the right column system only matters if the post-frame building sits on a well-designed pole barn foundation. In post-frame construction, the foundation transfers vertical and lateral loads from the columns into the ground.
A firm pole barn foundation with properly installed concrete footings should meet the following criteria:
- Safely support the intended structure and anticipated design loads
- Extends below grade to prevent frost heave in cold climates
- Be set on well-compacted soil for stability and load transfer
- Comply with local building code and site-specific requirements
To resist strong winds, embedded columns should include uplift anchors near the base, thereby increasing the force required to pull the post out of the ground. Poured-in-place or precast concrete pads provide stable support, while continuous concrete or masonry foundations require engineered brackets to anchor the columns.
Backfilling holes with crushed stone (or gravel) improves lateral and uplift resistance and reduces long-term settlement, which is especially important when pouring concrete floors. Pre-packaged dry concrete mix should never be used as a load-bearing base. Inconsistent ground moisture prevents proper curing and compromises the pole barn foundation.
Which Pole Barn Column Will You Choose?
As a trusted post-frame builder, we aim to help you understand your options so you can make informed decisions for your pole barn project.
Whether you choose laminated posts or Perma-Columns®, the right component depends on your budget, the intended use of your post-frame building, and your long-term goals for maintaining structural integrity.
While cost is an important factor, prioritizing strength and longevity ensures your pole barn will perform and reduce repair costs. Remember: Investing in a quality column system and a solid foundation today pays off with peace of mind and long-lasting performance for years to come.
Additional Resources:
3 Effective Ways to Repair a Rotted Pole Barn Column
How Can I Keep My Pole Barn Columns from Rotting?
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Rotted Pole Barn Columns?
The Ultimate Guide to Building a Pole Barn
Do you have more questions that aren’t covered in this article? If you need help with design and planning, 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 free quote, and a member of our Customer Engagement Team will help you determine the next steps.