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RAM Buildings RAM Buildings
Innovative Design and Construction for
Wood and Steel Frame Buildings Since 1998
(320)485-2844
(800)710-4726
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Pole Barn History
    • RAM Advantage
    • Design Philosophy
    • Company History
    • Territory Managers
    • Customer Referral Program
    • Testimonials
    • Resources
    • Affiliations
    • FAQ
    • NFBA – Accredited Post-Frame Builder
  • Services
    • 24/7 Emergency Response
    • Agricultural Buildings
    • Aircraft Hangars
    • Building and Barn Design
    • Commercial/Industrial Buildings
    • Equestrian Buildings
    • General Contracting
    • Personal Sports Facilities
    • Poultry Buildings
    • Residential – Pole Barn Houses
    • Restoration Services
    • Solid Core Buildings
    • Storage Buildings
  • Structure Types
    • Post Frame Buildings – Pole Buildings
    • Post & Beam Buildings
    • Steel Frame Buildings
    • Wood Frame Buildings
  • Gallery
    • Agricultural Buildings
    • Aircraft Hangars
    • Commercial / Industrial Buildings
    • Equestrian Buildings
    • Personal Sports Facilities
    • Post Frame – Residential
    • Poultry Buildings
    • Storage Buildings
  • Post Frame Home/Cabin
  • News
    • Blog
    • Grants Available
    • Ground Breaking
    • News Feed
    • Newsletter
    • NFBA Awards
    • Trade Shows
  • Building Information
    • Building Permits
    • Building Planning
    • Color Charts
    • Color Visualizer
    • General Tips
    • Roof Pitch
    • Warranties
  • Employment
    • Employment Information
    • Apply Online
    • Carpenter Training Program
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Notice

RAM Family of Companies
Call us Today! 320-485-2844

RAM General Contracting, Inc.
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Pole Barn History

Pole buildings came about in the 1930’s due to economic difficulties and limited resources. Pole barns derived its name because of the use of old telephone & electrical poles used to construct horse barns and agricultural buildings. The poles were buried into the ground, and metal or wood was used for the roof and outside of the walls. This greatly minimized the amount of materials needed for framing. Pole barns became “the” inexpensive substitute to traditional barn construction.

As always technology moved onward and upward. Telephone and electrical poles were replaced with chemically treated sawn post in the mid 1940’s. These 6” x 6” or 6” x 8” posts gave the pole barn additional advantages. Preservation of the wood allowed the buildings’ life to be extended, and also the ability of a building to increase in size.

In 1959 the Truss Plate Institute developed design criteria for connecting timber trusses. For pole buildings this meant stronger trusses with longer roof spans of at least 100 ft.

Further improving the strength of the pole building was the 2” x 6” and 2” x 8” laminated wood columns. These 3 or 4 ply columns allow for a taller building and became popular in the early 80’s. Laminated columns are being used in almost all buildings built today. They have proven to be stronger and straighter as the treated post has declined significantly.

Benefits of Post Frame Buildings

Here are a few additional reasons post frame/pole buildings are less expensive to build. It takes fewer man hours to complete the project, and the build site takes less work to be prepared than traditional construction.

Now days, post frame buildings have as many purposes as you can envision. They are no longer just for horse barns and agricultural buildings. I am sure there have been many times you have been looking right at a post frame/pole building and didn’t even realize it. They are a budget conscious choice to the conventional stick frame construction. If you are looking to save money and get a sound building look no further, the post frame building is your answer.

Examples Of Present Day Pole Barn/Pole Building/Post Frame Buildings:

  • Aircraft Hangar
  • Large Storage Shed
  • Hotel
  • Equestrian Barn
  • Personal Sport Facilities
  • Fire Department
  • Mechanic Shop
  • Dairy Barn
  • Commercial Egg Plant
  • Residential/Pole Barn House
  • Commercial Storage Buildings
  • Cabins
  • Garage
  • Many More!!
  • “The Territory Manager was great! The carpenters were neat and picked up after they were complete. I am happy with my building and everything went good.”

    Jim Bruhn
    – Dassel, MN
  • “Everything went as planned. They did a nice job on cleanup.”

    J&L Repair
    – Buffalo Lake, MN
  • “I was very happy with the overall Job! The crew foreman was excellent! Sales was very helpful and knowledgeable.”

    Tracy Jennings
    - Buffalo, MN
  • “We are very, very happy with how our building turned out! We couldn’t have worked with a nicer, more helpful Territory Manager. It was nice to work with professionals. They did a great job!”

    David & Sue Conde
    – Forest Lake, MN
  • “The Territory Manager was especially helpful. RAM used excellent materials and the carpenters displayed excellent workmanship. We would recommend them to anyone.”

    Glen & Beverly Olsen
    – Baxter, MN
  • “Couldn’t be happier with how the project turned out! Everything went great!”

    Mikolicek Plumbing
    – Winsted, MN

Contact

Address
RAM Buildings, Inc
592 Industrial Drive
Winsted, MN 55395

Phone
320-485-2844 / 800-710-4726

Email
sales@rambuildings.com

Affiliations & Accreditations

RAM Buildings, Inc., Buildings  Pole & Post Frame, Winsted, MN

Contractor License # 171976

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