Like humans, horses need fresh air to breathe. However, inadequate ventilation is one of the most common mistakes we see in the construction of stables, leading to stuffy horse barns. Most horses are standing around 15 hours per day in a stall. If your barn doesn’t provide ample fresh air, and you don’t adjust for changes in climate, your horses will be much more susceptible to ill health. 

Consider These Ventilation Factors:

Before anything else, hire a builder who knows about barn ventilation basics. The needs for barns are different than the needs of residential or commercial structures. If done right, ventilation should:

• Introduce fresh air into the barn through planned vents
• Completely mix both outside and inside air; this:
  • Removes contaminated pathogens
  • Regulates heat and humidity
  • Reduces odors

Other factors you should consider include the building site and landscaping (such as drainage), design and size of the building, number of horses, and weather. With the proper design, it’s possible to vent naturally instead of mechanically. Continue Reading →

Whether you have a small vegetable plot or a large roaming garden, having a secure space for storing your equipment is an important investment. Garden sheds are constructed with various types of materials, but here are some reasons why using a steel shed is your best option.

Steel Shed Size & Flexibility

We install a garden shed to your specifications, so you’ll have the perfect amount of space required for your tools. We design your shed to be free of interior support posts and beams, maximizing the amount of space for organizing your equipment. With various optional features, we can help you create your ideal garden shed. 

Steel Sheds Offer Protection

A steel building provides excellent protection from the elements. Along with the typical wood and metal tools used for gardening, you’ll probably also store soil, seeds, plants and other materials in your garden shed. A steel building will keep your equipment and gardening supplies safe from any weather, including heavy rains, snow, and high winds. Steel buildings are also pest resistant. Insects and small rodents will be unable to burrow into your steel shed and cause damage. Continue Reading →

Do you need more space for your hobby? Are you in need of a place to work with no distractions? A custom workshop building is an ideal solution for you. At C&S Construction, we coordinate with you to create a workshop that is tailored to your needs and budget. Whether you’re looking for a man cave or a woodworking shop, we can help you design, plan, and construct the workshop space every hobbyist dreams of.

Pole-Building Workshops

Our custom pole-building workshops can accommodate nearly any hobby you may have. A pole building is the perfect structure for a woodworking or welding shop, allowing for air circulation and natural lighting. Pole buildings are also terrific for home brewing areas, gaming rooms, art studios, or writer’s retreats. For large-scale hobbies, we recommend steel structures. Continue Reading →

With the complex building codes and equipment choices available, there are tons of details to keep in mind when planning your ideal horse barn. A well-planned barn will add value to your property and have lower maintenance costs, so be sure to consider every option during the design and planning phase. Simplify your horse barn planning with these tips.

Location of the Horse Barn

The first step of building a horse barn is finding a suitable site. The area should have easy access, solid and even ground, close proximity to utilities, room for future expansion and good natural drainage. Another factor is the wind. The barn should be positioned to benefit from the wind’s natural air circulation while not being directly in the wind. Orienting your horse barn at a 45-degree-angle to the prevailing wind will allow for optimal air circulation while preventing a wind tunnel from forming in the center aisle. Be sure to leave some accessible land aside for hay storage and manure as well. After determining the perfect location, you’ll need to decide on the type and size of your horse barn.

Horse Barn Types

There are many horse barn styles and selecting the best one for your horses can be tricky. Typical options include pole and steel barns. When deciding which style is right for you, consider the climate, the function of your horse work, and your budget. A pole barn uses beams and posts to allow for maximum space with minimal framing elements in the walls. This is the most popular style for custom barns because it’s economical, strong and simple to build.

Steel horse barns provide an affordable alternative to traditional horse barns. They are durable, easy to maintain, and safe for horses. Once you’ve chosen the type of pole building, the last planning consideration is the size. Continue Reading →

Considering a pole building vs. stick-frame construction? Conventional stick-frame buildings require a slab foundation or continuous foundation walls. Pole buildings offer greater adaptability since no foundation is needed.

Here are some of the differences between pole buildings and conventional framing:

Conventional (Stick-Frame Construction)

Conventional framing, also known as stick-building or stick-framing, requires a continuous perimeter foundation. This gives you the option of adding a basement to the structure. However, stick-built framing requires more build time, materials and labor than a pole building. In addition, it doesn’t provide the lateral strength of a pole building. Stick-frame structures require interior support walls and posts. As a result, the need for support limits your options for using the interior.

Pole Buildings (Post-Frame Construction)

Pole buildings use post-frame construction. They’re adaptable, inexpensive and easy to build. This is because they require less material and labor costs. Post-frame gets its name from the posts anchored four to six feet into the ground. These posts allows superior vertical and lateral strength. Pole buildings are incredibly strong in the wind and under heavy snow loads. There’s also no need for interior framing walls for support. This allows more options for large equipment, gatherings, or wide open spaces. Pole buildings are very versatile and adaptable. Continue Reading →

Is there an ideal time of year to construct a pole barn? Some people are under the impression that winter pole barn construction is a bad idea, thinking, instead, that it’s better to hold off plans until the following spring. Let’s explore this notion more in depth.

Is Pole Barn Construction in Winter Possible?

The answer is a resounding “yes.” Why is it, though, that many people believe winter poses problems? This stems from how traditional buildings are built. A typical home or shop has a foundation. Installing the foundation includes a concrete-pouring process. The concrete has to fully cure before construction can resume. Cold weather lengthens the curing process, extending the construction timeframe. This isn’t an issue with pole barns and some steel buildings, though, because they do not have a concrete foundation.

Wet Weather Concerns

Another concern is the snow and high humidity. Some people believe this can damage the wood frames, leading to mold, warping, and rot.

The frames we use consist of treated lumber. We acquire our lumber frames from Titan Timbers, manufacturer of the highest-quality treated wood products. We also use concrete in some parts of the construction. However, we use pre-cast concrete, so the curing time is completely out of the equation.

Benefits of Winter Construction

Contracting companies tend to have greater availability during the winter because most people hold off projects until the following spring or summer. Installers are also less likely juggling multiple construction projects from other clients. That means more time focused on your project and a speedier completion time.

We Build Year-Round

2020 marks a new decade. Consider a major resolution by investing in a pole barn for residential or business use. We have numerous optional features for enhancing building usability. Contact C&S Construction while the year is still young. Winter pole barn construction is a worthwhile property investment.

Winter Pole Building and Steel Shop Installation

Serving customers from Pullman to Bonners Ferry and Wenatchee to Western Montana, including Spokane, Coeur D’Alene, Cheney, Pullman, Sandpoint, Wallace and the surrounding area since 1998

According to a report from the West Virginia Education Association, children spend an average nine hours per day on digital devices. That means less time outside playing as in the days before smartphones and social media. One way to encourage physical activity is by installing an indoor playground.

Why an Indoor Playground?

Winter is not far off, and some parents hesitate letting their children play outside where they’re prone to catching a cold. A pole barn or steel building provides a cozy environment for children to engage in physical play and exercise.

Another reason to build an indoor playground is safety. Some parents are hesitant to take their kids to a public playground. You never know if a child predator is lurking nearby. With an indoor setting, your children can play freely without needing to keep a close eye 24/7.

Finally, an indoor playground provides more playtime opportunity. This includes play in the evening, during extreme cold or hot weather, etc. They get more exercise and spend less time tweeting or taking selfies. Continue Reading →

Contrary to popular belief, cupolas are not merely an add-on relegated to turn-of-the-century-era barns. And, they provide more than just an aesthetic value. They actually have a functional purpose that applies even to modern barns. The benefits of a cupola are many, even when applied to pole buildings.

What Is a Cupola?

A cupola is a small tower-like structure that protrudes from a building’s roof. They are a mainstay in older barns. While quite a decorative feature, they are mainly installed as a ventilation device. The open vent also allows for additional natural light. The additional venting is a natural way to reduce moisture at the top of the barn, thereby reducing mold and mildew.

The History of Cupolas

In western countries, cupolas are usually associated with farmsteads. However, their origins pre-date most western civilizations. The earliest cupolas can be found in mosques and other Islamic architecture as far back as the 8^th-century. These were larger and could accommodate at least one person for announcing the times of prayer. Continue Reading →

You can build a pole barn any time of the year. However, we believe starting in the fall has its advantages. With autumn in full swing, now is an excellent time. Here are some seasonal reasons why fall pole barn construction is ideal.

Ideal Weather

Because autumn falls between summer and winter, the weather is neither too hot nor cold. If the structure is for livestock, then the construction will be ready just in time for winter. Livestock will have a cozy and roomy interior as opposed to a chilly outdoor pasture.

Less Demand

Fall is typically an off-season for contractors. Spring and summer are usually the peak seasons for building construction. Installers have fewer projects to juggle, meaning they can spend more time on your construction and stay on schedule. With contractor demand on the low-end, costs are usually lower as well. Continue Reading →

Our projects frequently include garages for many types of vehicles ranging from RVs to boats. Some homeowners are also opting for pole building garages for the sole purpose of storing their motorcycles. Are you a biker at heart? Consider these ideas for erecting a motorcycle garage.

Why a Motorcycle Garage?

Motorcycles require protection from the elements just as much as cars do. Parts like the caliper, brake rod, and shock absorbers are vulnerable to rust. Furthermore, keeping your motorcycle in the driveway just makes it prone to theft.

Considerations for a Motorcycle Garage

We have various optional features for our pole barns and steel buildings. This gives you options galore for converting an otherwise bland garage into a personal mancave.

First, we suggest reserving an entire section for storing tools and a separate cabinet for storing chemical compounds. Liquids, such as chain lubes, polishes, and brake oil, should be securely stored and out of sight if you have children in the home. Continue Reading →