Do you have questions about choosing the ideal pole barn foundation option? We understand the need to get the perfect foundation for your new pole barn. In this article, we outline three options and detail the advantages, disadvantages, and most ideal examples for each one.
And if you’re looking for a pole barn foundation, at Site Prep we are here to serve, offering gravel and concrete foundation options.
Table of Contents
What is a good base for a pole barn?
Of course you already know and understand that a foundation is necessary for your pole barn. With that important detail behind us, what pole barn foundation option should you choose? There are several things to consider as you think about your needed pole barn, but for now, let’s list the different options available to you:
- Gravel and concrete slab
- Concrete foundation
- Concrete pier foundation
Now, it’s time to understand when you should choose each of these options.
Gravel and Concrete Slab: A Pole Barn Foundation Option
Among the various foundation options, gravel foundations with a concrete slab stand out for their practicality and cost-effectiveness. A gravel and concrete slab is not considered a permanent foundation option. At Site Prep, we lay the gravel on ground that has been thoroughly leveled, ensuring that your pole barn concrete slab has a flat, reliable surface to rest on. You wouldn’t want your trusted supplies to roll down a slight incline!
To ensure that there is proper drainage, we level and compact four to six inches of ¾” clean drainage stone. Next, a slab of concrete ( four inches thick) is poured on top of the gravel pad.
Okay, let’s dig into the pros, cons, and ideal situations to choose a gravel and concrete slab for your pole barn!
What are the advantages of a gravel pole barn foundation option?
- Most cost effective. Of all the pole barn foundation options that we will discuss throughout this blog, a gravel pad and concrete slab is the cheapest option available.
- Less code restrictions. Because a gravel pad with a concrete slab is not considered a permanent foundation, there are less code restrictions, ensuring an easier process of building and establishing your dream pole barn! This can help to eliminate any headache that you may have been dreading.
- Accessibility. Gravel is widely available and can be sourced locally in many areas. This accessibility can further contribute to cost savings and ease of construction.
What are the disadvantages of a gravel pole barn foundation option?
- Concrete slab can shift. If you live in cold regions that frequently have frost, the soil and gravel beneath your thin slab will heave, causing your foundation to shift. As a result, we do not recommend choosing a gravel foundation if you decide to finish out the interior of your pole barn.
- Not a permanent foundation. Again, because a gravel and concrete slab is not considered a permanent foundation, you may be at risk for structural movement of your pole barn.
When is the best time to use a gravel pole barn foundation option?
A gravel and concrete slab foundation is ideal for pole barns specifically designed for storage. Maybe you are thinking of constructing a pole barn in order to store hay or other barn yard materials for your farm. Or, you just need a simple garage area and a workshop. If that’s the case, a gravel and concrete slab foundation is a solid option for you.
If you are considering a pole barn with a finished interior such as a barn or wedding venue, a gravel and concrete slab pole barn foundation will not be a suitable foundation. During the winter, frost beneath the concrete slab will shift the foundation and ultimately, the pole barn. To find a good foundation for a pole barn with a finished interior, keep reading!
Concrete Slab: A Pole Barn Foundation Option
A concrete foundation for a pole barn is a solid way to ensure that your pole barn does not encounter structural damage. With a concrete foundation, you are choosing a pole barn foundation option that is permanent and frost-proof, allowing you to finish out the interior of your pole barn.
A permanent concrete foundation for a pole barn is thirty-six inches deep, ensuring the foundation remains frost–proof.
What are the advantages of a concrete pole barn foundation option?
- Permanent foundation. A concrete foundation provides enduring stability for pole barns, serving as a base that withstands the test of time. Its durability ensures long-term structural integrity, making it a permanent and reliable foundation for the entire pole barn structure.
- Frost proof. If you are wanting to build out the interior of your pole barn, it’s imperative that your pole barn foundation does not heave and shift from frost. By incorporating proper insulation and depth in the foundation design, the concrete remains unaffected by frost. Even in the midst of varying weather conditions (frost and the melting that inevitably occurs), concrete foundations maintain their stability and structural integrity.
- Adding to the value of your property. Because your pole barn will be considered a permanent structure (thanks to your permanent foundation!), you will be adding to the overall tax value of your property.
What are the disadvantages of a concrete pole barn foundation option?
- Cost. A concrete pole barn foundation will cost much more than the other pole barn foundation options.
- Building Codes. A concrete foundation requires more building codes than other pole barn foundation types. For more information, ensure you check with your local government for building codes surrounding pole barns.
When is the best time to choose a concrete foundation?
If you desire to finish out the interior of your pole barn, then this is the pole barn foundation option for you! Pole barns can be used for a variety of purposes: wedding venues, office space, school rooms, and more. Really, your imagination can flow and foster many different ideas. But in order for these dreams to become reality, it’s important that your pole barn has a permanent concrete foundation.
Post Frame with Concrete pier: A pole barn foundation option
When using a post frame with concrete pier foundation, vertical posts are set into concrete piers or footings at specific intervals along the building’s perimeter. These piers serve as a stable foundation, providing support for the vertical posts that, in turn, support the entire structure. Generally, this option is chosen so that your posts are not buried in the ground, preserving the life-time of your posts.
Advantages of a post frame with concrete pier:
- Keep posts out of the ground. Because the posts are resting on a concrete pier, they will be kept out of the ground which decreases the chance of decay from over-exposure to water.
- Greater life-span of posts. Posts which are not placed directly into the ground will be preserved for longer spans of time.
Disadvantages of the post frame with concrete pier:
- Posts can shift. If you choose the more economical route (four inches of gravel with a four inch concrete slab), the foundation will shift when frost heaving occurs, causing the concrete piers to move as a result. It’s a bit of a domino effect. The foundation shifts, then the concrete piers move as well, and finally, the overall pole barn structure is compromised.
When should I choose a post frame with a concrete pier?
Maybe you are asking yourself the following question: When do I know that a concrete pier is a good pole barn foundation option for me? If you are living in a western area or a region that gets a lot of rain or moisture, a concrete pier is the ultimate choice! This will ensure that your posts are not sitting in puddles of water, which leads to rotting and decay.
If you want to finish out the interior of your pole barn, ensure you have a thick concrete slab laid (at least 36 inches) so that the concrete piers will not shift due to frost heave underneath the concrete slab.
Let’s summarize the different pole barn foundation options…
Take a look at our chart below for more information regarding pros, cons, and best uses of each pole barn foundation option.
| Pole Barn Foundation Options | Pros | Cons | Best Uses |
| Gravel and Concrete Slab | Cost effective; less code restrictions; easily accessible | Concrete slab can shift due to frost heave; not a permanent foundation | Pole barns used for raw storage |
| Concrete (permanent) Foundation | Permanent foundation; frost-proof; adds tax value to your property | Higher costs; more building codes | For a pole barn with a conditioned, finished interior (i.e. office space, barn, wedding venue, ect) |
| Post Frame with Concrete Pier | Keep posts out of the ground; great lifespan of posts | Posts can shift if not using a permanent foundation | In areas with high precipitation levels |
Which pole barn foundation option is suitable for me?
We know how important it is to ensure you have the very best pole barn foundation for your new structure. Of course, there are a lot of considerations to keep in mind throughout the whole process. For starters you should think about the following:
- Soil type and conditions
- Building regulations
- Climate conditions of your area
- Pole barn design and size
- Future use and expansion
- Expert consultation
Soil Type and Conditions
Different soil types have varying load-bearing capacity. For example, soil rich in clay can pose a threat to your pole barn foundation since it absorbs water easily. This can cause your foundation to crack and shift, leaving the structure of your pole barn damaged and unstable. You may wish to take a soil test to determine the soil composition and its ability to support the weight of your pole barn.
Building Regulations
Most areas in the United States have building regulations regarding pole barns, and may even have specific requirements for your foundation. It’s always a good idea to check with your local government. For information regarding pole barn permits in TN, read this article.
Climate Conditions
When you are choosing a pole barn foundation option, make sure you take into account factors such as frost depth, precipitation, and wind loads. Adapt the foundation design to withstand the local weather conditions, ensuring proper drainage and protection against frost heave. In regions with high levels of precipitation, consider a post frame and concrete pier foundation.
Pole Barn Design and Size
When choosing a foundation for your pole barn, consider the design and size of your structure. For pole barns that are larger, a concrete foundation provides necessary structural support for your building.
Future Use and Expansion
Will you want to add onto your pole barn in the future? If you are thinking of a future expansion, you will want to choose a foundation that can accommodate potential additions or modifications. For example, a pole barn foundation such as a permanent concrete slab provides the support necessary for additional weight.
Expert Consultation
Of course, we suggest that you consult an expert foundation builder to understand exactly what foundation is needed for your pole barn. At Site Prep, we have installed thousands of foundations and would love to assist you in finding the perfect foundation for your pole barn.
What is the cheapest pole barn foundation option?
Looking to save money on your pole barn foundation? A gravel and concrete slab provides the most economical foundation option for you.
What is the most durable pole barn foundation option?
A footer foundation (permanent concrete foundation) is the most durable pole barn foundation option, as it provides protection from frost heaving. Thus, you can rest assured that the structural integrity of your pole barn will not be compromised.
What is the best foundation for a pole barn home?
If you want to finish out a pole barn in order to accommodate a living environment, you will need a concrete foundation with footers that are at least 36 inches deep into the ground.
How can you protect the posts of your pole barn?
You don’t want to go through all the bother of choosing the most effective pole barn foundation option for your specific needs, only to find that your posts undergo decay and mold. If not properly covered, the bottom area of your poles can be continually exposed to excessive moisture and/or water due to poor drainage.
So, when choosing a pole barn foundation option, consider adding one of the following:
- Post protectors
- Grade guards
Post Protectors
These protective devices are often made of materials such as plastic or metal and are installed around the base of the pole, creating a barrier between the wood and the ground. The post protectors help prevent moisture absorption, decay caused by soil contact, and damage from insects or rodents. By providing an extra layer of defense, post protectors contribute to the longevity and structural integrity of the poles in pole barn constructions.
Grade Guards
In contrast to post protectors which can cover the entire post, grade guards often cover the portion of the post most susceptible to decay or mold.
FAQs
Do you need footings for a pole barn?
No, footings are not necessary for a pole barn. It is perfectly fine to opt for the post-in-the ground method and pour concrete around the posts.
Is a 4 inch slab enough for a pole barn?
No. A pole barn foundation will need at least four to six inches of gravel below the four foot concrete slab. For more information, read our article on pole barn foundations.
In Conclusion…
Hopefully, you are leaving this article with more understanding regarding which pole barn foundation to choose. To sum it up:
- A gravel and concrete foundation is an excellent option for pole barns used specifically for raw storage.
- A concrete foundation with footers provides a permanent foundation ideal for finishing out the interior of a pole barn.
- When you live in an area with high precipitation, concrete piers may be a suitable option.
Thank you so much for joining us on this adventure of finding the best pole barn option for you! If you have specific questions, feel free to contact us!