Building a new shop

So most of you know I moved to Idaho, we are finally out here and settling in. I already have a big three car garage and a 30 x 40 two story shop but I want something I can park the RV and a few tractors inside of.

I want something at least 40 x 80 maybe 50 x 80 depending on which building route I go.

My first question is do I build a pole barn and side it or do I order a steel building? I think the pole barn would be slightly less expensive. What do you guys think?

What ever you do, insulate the roof and side walls. Condensation will collect on the under roof and rain on your parade.

Get prices for both options, just my 2 cents...

I know several friends that have had the Amish come and set pole barns at an affordable price...

We don't have so any amish here. Got a price on a steel building, 40 x 80 x 16 with lean to's on both sides and 12 x 14 roll up doors for 33k. Doesn't seem to bad a price. Thats with me doing the install.

On dirt or on a pad?

That's on dirt.

I called a buddy who builds trusses and I can get them for 3k or so with a bonus room if I want. I am leaning toward design and build by me. The most expensive part will be siding and roofing depending on what I use. I don't plan on concreting the entire interior, probably a truck or two for a pad if i need to work on something.

Chris said:

I called a buddy who builds trusses and I can get them for 3k or so with a bonus room if I want. I am leaning toward design and build by me. The most expensive part will be siding and roofing depending on what I use. I don't plan on concreting the entire interior, probably a truck or two for a pad if i need to work on something.

Click to expand...

How sturdy are the steel buildings? Some of the ones I've seen are pretty flimsy and dent/bend easily.

I think a self-designed and built one would probably be more cost effective with the added bonus of probably being sturdier. And there would be the sense of accomplishment of knowing you designed and made it yourself.

Tesla has solar panels that look like roofing. Although you might want to save that for a house. Not a bad idea to have solar as a backup.

Do you think you could use stall mats for the floor that is not concrete? Would you leave it as dirt? Or would you build a raised floor out of wood?

I'd love to see your ideas for the build. This sounds like a cool project.

Maybe you could get the kids involved for the safer parts-- even if it's just having them hand you stuff-- so they can feel good about contributing. I always enjoyed helping my dad with projects (even if the "help" was just being there to hand him tools).

well, Chris I am sure you are a much better engineer than I am, but a 50 foot span with wood trusses is a big span. and to do that it would be a lot of weight. I am assuming therefore that you are planning to go with some form of steel truss. so in my opinion I think the strength of the steel building would be better than a pole barn. It will be a bit higher. but I would go with a full steel building insulated. don't put in skylights. that is where you really get the condensation. do insulate it. definitely concrete the entrance and I would plan to pour a pad at least 20 feet deep into the building. this way you can park or work on the concrete pad, and park other vehicles further in on the dirt if you want. put a drain in the floor to a french drain or something so you can clean the vehicles, and even more importantly so the snow can melt off. I do not know if you got much snow where you used to live, but you will get it now. if you don't concrete the entrance you will have an ever deepening hole where you drive through and since you plan to keep part of it dirt when the snow melts off it will be a muddy mess. just a few thoughts off the top of my head

I am sure you have researched it already but here are the design load guidelines for idaho falls.
Idaho Falls

Seismic Design Category D

Ground Snow Load 47 psf

Wind Load 90 mph

Live Load


Frost Depth 30 in

Elevation 4710 ft

Exposure C

Thanks for the info. I will be converting the entrance and probably 40 feet x 20 inside to work on, more if the wallet allows. The rest will be gravel or compacted road base for cleanliness. Lately I have been leaning toward 36-40 feet wide with wood trusses on a pole barn, sheeting then steel roof and siding to match my house. Probably a 10 foot lean to on both sides for more storage and to give the barn look so that it all blends. I grew up in the snow and am familiar with working with it.

The guy I use to work for built an indoor riding arena that was 80 x120. Forget what it cost, but we use to ride indoors all winter long.

https://www.horizonstructures.com/horse-barns/indoor-riding-arenas

I hope your budget allows for what you want. I also hope that everything goes smoothly for you. I'd love to see pictures of the progress.