---
title: What is a Pole Barn Shear Wall and Why Is It Important?
description: Depending on the size of your pole building, there’s a chance you will need to have a shear wall added to your design. Learn what a shear wall is.
---

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# [What is a Pole Barn Shear Wall and Why Is It Important?](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/what-is-a-pole-barn-shear-wall-and-why-is-it-important)

 Written by [Julie Kimpel](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/author/julie-kimpel) | Nov 7, 2022 6:49:49 PM

The beauty of [**post-frame buildings**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/) is that they are diverse and can be purpose-built for many different needs. 

A few quick examples include [**cold storage buildings**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/buildings/tractor-storage/rochester-cold-storage) for farmers, an event hall that can be used as a [**wedding venue**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/buildings/retail-dealership/the-shed), or an oversized[** garage**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/buildings/hobby-shops/lined-hobby-shop) for a race car enthusiast. 

No matter the end use, there are almost zero limitations on the [**size of the pole barn**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/how-to-save-money-when-determining-your-pole-barn-size?hsLang=en) from an engineering standpoint.     
With that said, depending on the size of your pole building, there’s a chance you will need to have a shear wall added to your building design. 

**In this article, we will discuss the following:****  
**

1. What is a shear wall
2. When and why you might need it
3. How much does the shear wall cost

Watch the video below to learn more about the importance of a shear wall.

<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrCX6eIot0U>**  
**

 

**1) What is a Pole Barn Shear Wall?**

[**Columns**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-column-spacing?hsLang=en) connect the foundation to the [**trusses**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/truss-to-column-connection?hsLang=en) and keep your post-frame building standing up. In addition, they are responsible for carrying the vertical load, such as [**snow**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-snow-load?hsLang=en). 

**A shear wall helps withstand the lateral load, such as [wind](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-wind-load?__hstc=45788219.2784ceb1dd1857799ded64043090bfe3.1667837729854.1667837729854.1667837729854.1&__hssc=45788219.1.1667837729854&__hsfp=585944452) pressure or seismic activity, also known as earthquakes. A shear wall is a piece of plywood or **[**OSB**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/pole-barn-finishing-options?hsLang=en)** installed between two columns, also known as a bay. You'll typically see this installation done on the end wall of a building.**

Depending on the length of your building, you might need more than one shear wall incorporated into your building design.

** **

 

**2) Why Your Post-Frame Building Might Need a Shear Wall**

The beauty of a post-frame building is that it can almost be any size you want. In addition, our engineering team can create a [**building plan**](http://design.fbibuildings.com/) to ensure your post-frame building is structurally sound.

If your pole barn ends up being extremely long, meaning the length is more than double the width, then there is a high chance that an engineer will incorporate a shear wall into your building design. 

**For example, below are two post-frame buildings with the same square feet, but only one needs a shear wall.**

**   **

| **Building A:** - Size: 60 ft wide by 100 ft long - Square footage: 6,000 - Is a shear wall needed? **NO.** | **Building B:** - Size: 48 ft wide by 125 ft long - Square footage: 6,000 - Is a shear wall needed? **YES.** |
| --- | --- |

The longer you go, the more the structural engineers will have to take into account. 

Once your post-frame building is double the length vs. width, the end walls will have to be reinforced with structural upgrades, such as a shear wall, for a stable and sound building.

[**Click here to learn more about how the pole barn size affects the overall cost!**](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/how-to-save-money-when-determining-your-pole-barn-size?hsLang=en)

** **

 

**3) How Much Will a Pole Barn Shear Wall Cost?**

Would you believe it if I told you that even though this is an engineered upgrade to your pole building, the price is very affordable?

**Your cost would be based on the square foot of the wall's overall size and how many shear walls the engineering department adds to your building design**.

**But to give you a rough idea, a shear wall will cost between $3 - $5 per square foot.**

**To give you an example: Let's say your columns are placed 8 feet apart, your wall height is 16 feet, and you have 2 shear walls installed. The square footage for one bay is 128 sqft; there are two of them, so that's a total of 256 sqft. If the cost is $3.50 a square foot, then you're looking at $896 cost added to your building. **

*Please note that this rate is flexible because it depends on the current pricing of materials and labor, so it’s known to change monthly. * 

**  
****Are You Ready to Start the Building Process?**

This article aims to inform you about the nuance that goes into building design. 

We aren’t trying to stop you from building an extra-long building. We want to help you better understand some of the terminologies that will ultimately come up if you decide to have a post-frame building that happens to be a little on the longer side. 

This is just the tip of the iceberg of technical information that goes into a building design.

If you want to learn more and are interested in receiving a free quote, [**please request a free pole barn quote**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/request-a-quote). 

A Project Sales Consultant will love to review the details with you, offer feedback, and move you down the building process journey.

[View full post](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/what-is-a-pole-barn-shear-wall-and-why-is-it-important)

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