Written by Rocky Mountain Metal · Reviewed by Micah Hostetler, Owner · Based in Penrose, CO, serving Colorado.
Post-frame can look cheaper on the first quote, but the comparison changes once you count foundation, clear span, lifespan and upkeep. Rocky Mountain Metal sells steel-framed buildings only, because steel gives more building for the money long term.
Key takeaways
- Compare total cost, not just the first line of the quote.
- Both types usually wear steel roof and wall panels. The difference is what holds the panels up.
- Post-frame relies on wood columns; a steel-framed building stands on a steel frame anchored to its foundation.
- Steel framing gives clear spans, no wood in the ground and a manufacturer-engineered structure.
- Rocky Mountain Metal does not build post-frame. We sell and oversee steel-framed buildings from 1st Choice Metal Buildings and Carports.
What's the actual difference?
"Metal building" gets used loosely. Many buildings have steel panels on the outside. The structure underneath is what differs:
- Post-frame: wood columns spaced along the walls, carrying wood trusses, with the metal skin fastened over them.
- Steel-framed: steel columns and rafters (or welded tube framing on smaller buildings) anchored to a concrete foundation, with steel purlins and girts carrying the panels.
How do the cost lines compare?
| Cost line | Post-frame | Steel-framed |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Lighter up front, but depends on the wood posts | Concrete anchoring, the foundation of a long-lived frame |
| Primary frame | Wood columns and trusses | Steel frame engineered by the manufacturer |
| Clear span | Limited by truss and column spacing | Open interiors with no posts in the way |
| Pests and rot | Wood needs protection from moisture and insects | Steel doesn't rot and isn't food for insects |
| Long-term upkeep | Wood framing to watch over time | Mainly panels, fasteners, doors and coating touch-ups |
The first quote isn't the whole story. A lower number up front can cost more over the life of the building if the frame needs repair or limits how you use the space.
Why does Rocky Mountain Metal sell steel only?
We made a choice to stand behind one kind of building. A steel frame on a proper foundation keeps wood out of the ground, opens up the interior, and is engineered as a complete system for your site's snow and wind loads. That gives our customers a building we're confident in for garages, carports, workshops, ag buildings, RV storage and small warehouses. Read post-frame vs steel-frame buildings for the full comparison.
What drives the cost of a steel-framed building?
- Size and height. Width, length and sidewall height set the amount of steel.
- Snow and wind loads. Higher design loads mean heavier framing. See what snow load and wind load does my building need?
- Doors and windows. Number, size and type of openings.
- Foundation and site work. Grading, drainage and concrete.
- Options. Insulation, lean-tos, wainscot, trim and color choices.
How does lifetime cost compare?
Roof and wall panels, fasteners and doors age about the same on either structure. The difference is the frame. A steel frame on a proper foundation doesn't rot, warp or attract insects, so the structure itself asks very little of you. See how long does a steel-framed metal building last? and keep up with a simple maintenance checklist.
What's the next step?
Tell us how you'll use the building and how big it needs to be. We'll look at your site, plan the right steel building for it, and give you a free written quote. The manufacturer's crew from Texas installs it, and we oversee the project. Request your free quote or browse our service areas.
Frequently asked questions
Is a pole barn the same thing as a post-frame building?
Yes. "Pole barn" is the older name for the same idea: wood columns carrying the roof. Rocky Mountain Metal doesn't build either. We sell steel-framed metal buildings only.
Can a steel building be insulated well?
Yes. Steel buildings can be insulated with blanket insulation, liner panels or other packages depending on how you'll use the space. Read how to insulate and heat a shop in Colorado and how to stop condensation in a metal building.
Which is faster to build?
A steel kit is manufactured to your plan and installed by the manufacturer's crew once your site and foundation are ready. See how long does it take to build a metal building?
Do both need a permit?
In most cases yes, with agricultural exemptions in some counties. Permit requirements vary by county, and we'll walk you through what yours requires. See do I need a permit to build a barn or shop in Colorado?
