Red Iron, Wood, or Steel: Which Barndominium Material Is The Best?

One of the very first steps after determining your financial situation is to decide what kind of material you are going to use for your frame. Compared to conventional houses, barndominiums you have three options: red iron, tube steel, or wood (post frame). Let's break it down the pros and cons to each and help you decide what one would be best for you.

Red Iron

Popular with the use of construciton large commercial buildings red iron is becoming a go to in barndominiums as a durable and cost-effective housing option. These structures, built with steel I-beams coated in a rust-resistant red oxide primer.

Pros

• Extreme Durability

  Red iron steel is one of the most robust building materials available. It can withstand harsh weather conditions, including high winds, heavy snow loads, and even earthquakes. Unlike wood, it won’t rot, warp, or be affected by termites.

• Fire Resistance

  Unlike wood, red iron steel is non-combustible. This can significantly reduce fire risk, lower insurance premiums, and provide peace of mind, especially in wildfire-prone areas.

• Long Lifespan with Low Maintenance

  Thanks to its rust-resistant primer and sturdy construction, a red iron barndominium can last for decades with minimal maintenance. Unlike wood, which requires regular treatment for pests and rot, steel structures maintain their integrity with little upkeep.

• Clear Span Construction

  Red iron framing allows for wide, open interior spaces without the need for load-bearing walls. This makes it perfect for modern, open concept barndominium layouts.

• Pest-resistant

  Termites, carpenter bees and rodents can be small creatures that create massive problems for houses. With red iron you minimize these pests being a problem, at least in regard to the structural integrity of your barndominium

  
  

Cons

• Higher Upfront Cost

  Red Iron framing can cost more initially than wood or tube steel. However, the longevity and lower maintenance requirements often make it more cost-effective in the long run.

• Requires Specialized Construction

  Building with red iron steel requires skilled labor and specialized tools. If you're considering a DIY approach, this could pose challenges compared to wood construction. (This is where a company like Midwest Erecting and Fabricating red iron kit can be a good option for those who want to go the red iron and DIY route.)

• Potential Condensation Issues

  Without proper insulation, steel buildings can develop condensation issues, which could lead to moisture problems inside the structure.

• Longer Lead Times

  If you're in a rush to start your project immediately, red iron may not be the best choice. Especially compared to wood, where you could place your order and receive it in a relatively short time frame, it may take months after placing your order to receive your red iron frame.

• Tapered Columns

  Tapered columns are wider at the base and narrower at the top, which can create difficulties when attaching interior walls, cabinetry, or built-ins. Unlike straight columns, which provide a uniform surface for drywall or paneling, tapered columns require additional framing or creative workarounds to achieve a smooth, finished look.

Source: Midwest Erecting & Fabrication

Tube Steel

Tube steel barndominiums have become a popular option for homeowners looking for a balance between affordability, durability, and ease of construction. These structures use hollow, square, or rectangular steel tubing for their framework, offering a lightweight yet strong alternative to traditional wood framing and red iron steel.

Pros

• More Affordable Than Red Iron Steel

  Tube steel framing is generally less expensive than red iron steel, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking for a metal-framed home without the higher cost.

• Lightweight Yet Strong

  While not as robust as red iron, tube steel is still stronger than wood and can support a sturdy structure with fewer materials. Its lighter weight also makes it easier to transport and assemble.

• Easier to Work With

  Tube steel is more DIY-friendly than red iron steel because it doesn't require heavy equipment for lifting and positioning. It can be welded or bolted together, providing some flexibility for customization.

• Resistant to Pests and Fire

  Like red iron, tube steel barndominiums are naturally resistant to pest, mold, and fire, reducing long-term maintenance concerns compared to wood.

• Faster Construction

  Due to its lighter weight and modular nature, tube steel framing can speed up construction time compared to both wood and red iron framing.

Cons

• Less Structural Strength Compared to Red Iron

  • While tube steel is strong, it is not as robust as red iron I-beams. Under extreme loads (such as heavy snow or strong winds), tube steel can buckle or bend more easily than red iron.

• Limited Span for Open Spaces

  • Unlike red iron framing, which allows for large, open-concept designs without interior supports, tube steel has more limitations on span width. This means additional support columns may be required.

• Susceptible to Rust

  • Although steel is coated to prevent corrosion, tube steel can rust over time, especially in humid or coastal environments if not properly maintained.

• Less Durable Over Time

  • Compared to red iron framing, tube steel may not hold up as well over decades, particularly in areas prone to severe weather conditions.

• Potential Weak Points at Joints

  • Because tube steel is often bolted or welded together, the connection points can be a structural weak spot if not properly reinforced.

Soruce: BuildMax

Wood (post-frame)

Post-frame construction, commonly known as pole barn construction, is one of the most traditional and cost-effective methods for building a barndominium. Using large, widely spaced wooden posts set deep into the ground, this construction style eliminates the need for a traditional foundation while offering flexibility in design.

Pros

Lower Upfront Cost

Post-frame barndominiums are generally the most affordable option when compared to red iron or tube steel. Wood materials are often cheaper, and the simple construction process reduces labor costs.

Easier DIY Construction

Unlike steel framing, which often requires specialized tools and welding, post-frame buildings can be constructed with basic carpentry skills. This makes it a great choice for DIY builders or those looking to save on labor.

Energy Efficiency & Insulation

Wood is a natural insulator, making it easier to keep your barndominium warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Adding spray foam or fiberglass insulation is straightforward, helping lower long-term energy costs.

Flexible & Customizable Design

Post-frame construction allows for large, open interior spaces and high ceilings without excessive support beams. It’s also easier to modify or expand a wooden structure compared to steel.

No Concrete Slab Required

Because post-frame construction involves setting large posts directly into the ground, it eliminates the need for a full concrete foundation. This can significantly reduce building costs, especially in areas with poor soil conditions.

Cons

Vulnerability to Pests and Rot

Unlike steel, wood is susceptible to termites, carpenter bees, rodents, mold, and rot if not properly treated and maintained. In humid or wet climates, extra precautions are necessary to protect the structure.

Fire Risk

Wood is flammable, making post-frame barndominiums more vulnerable to fire compared to steel-framed buildings. This can also lead to higher insurance costs.

Shorter Lifespan Than Steel

While well-maintained wood buildings can last for decades, they typically don’t have the same lifespan as steel structures. Over time, wood can warp, crack, and degrade due to environmental factors.

Less Structural Strength in Extreme Weather

Steel-framed buildings are better equipped to handle extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, tornadoes, and heavy snow loads. While post-frame construction is sturdy, it’s not as strong as red iron or tube steel.

Source: BuildMax

What One Is Right for You?

Now that we’ve covered all the pros and cons, and while each material has areas where it shines and areas where it doesn’t, everything we've discussed could be factors in your decision. To simplify it, here are the highlighted topics you will need to consider when deciding which one is best for you: cost, environmental factors, and DIY.

Cost

If cost is a concern, then wood is going to be the clear winner here, followed by tube steel and, lastly, red iron.

Environment

If you're building in northern climates, snow and freezing temperatures can make or break your budget and your barndominium (literally). Wood is a good choice because of its insulating qualities, but in areas with heavy snowfall, your open floor plan may not be feasible due to the need for load-bearing walls. This is where red iron could be a good option, but the downside is that steel conducts heat and cold, so you’ll want someone who knows how to properly insulate your barndominium to help keep heating bills down. One drawback to any steel structure in cold climates is that heating and cooling could cause the steel to contract and expand, stressing fasteners and joints over time. This is why it’s crucial to buy your materials from a company that understands the environment you’re building in to ensure your barndominium is engineered to withstand these factors.

If you're in an area that experiences high winds, steel is the obvious winner here.

DIY

Red iron is at the bottom of the list when it comes to DIY. However, as mentioned, companies like Midwest Erecting and Fabricating are changing this perception with their DIY-friendly kits. But, like with any DIY project, it ultimately comes down to the homeowner's experience and capabilities. Even a kit with the most detailed, step-by-step manual can quickly turn into a nightmare for someone with little experience. Tube steel is very DIY-friendly. With a solid blueprint, the materials you order from a company will be cut to length and ready to assemble. Wood is also very DIY-friendly as long as you know how to use a saw. However, just like the other two options, there are also kits available for purchase. Companies like Hansen Pole Buildings are among the top in the nation for offering high-quality wood kits that are very DIY-friendly. A quick side note: most of these kits are usually predetermined sizes. So, if you're looking to build a custom home, wood would be the material of choice.

Summary: Which One Is Right for You?

Minimizing future headaches starts with looking at the pros and cons of each material. Red iron will cost more, require more specialized labor, and needs proper insulation for colder climates. However, in the long run, it will reduce costs related to pests and maintenance, offer open floor plans without the need for load-bearing support, and be the most durable option. Tube steel is not as strong as red iron, so environmental factors should be considered. It’s cheaper than red iron, still relatively durable, and easier to assemble, making it a good choice for many barndominium homeowners, especially those going the DIY route. Wood is the most common material for construction, so it’s readily available with a lower upfront cost. However, its durability and longevity may cost more in the long run. Those looking for more customization in their barndominium might want to strongly consider wood, but large open spaces will require more support, especially in areas with heavy snow. Take these factors into consideration, talk to your builder, and figure out which of these materials is best suited for your dream barndominium.