When you’re shopping for a portable building, the appearance is only part of the story. The materials and construction methods used underneath the siding and roof can make a significant difference in the building’s strength, durability, and usefulness over time. At Pops’ Barns, we sell NorthStar portable buildings because they are built with a focus on solid construction and quality materials. NorthStar’s buildings are built by hand and use a pressure-treated floor system, traditional 2×4 wall framing, LP SmartSide siding, and a 30-year metal roof as standard.
Here’s a closer look at how a NorthStar portable building is constructed.
A Strong Foundation Starts With the Floor
The floor system is one of the most important parts of any portable building because it supports everything inside the building as well as the walls above it.
NorthStar portable buildings come with a pressure-treated floor system. On 8- and 10-foot-wide buildings, the floor system uses two 4×6 notched runners with pressure-treated floor joists spaced 16 inches on center. Buildings that are 12 feet wide use four runners.
The floor decking is 5/8-inch pressure-treated LP flooring and is fastened with 3-inch hot-dipped galvanized nails. This creates a sturdy floor designed for the demands of a storage building, workshop, or other everyday use.
The building is then supported and leveled at the delivery site. NorthStar’s standard setup uses treated wood blocks, while customers can also provide suitable 4-inch flat, solid concrete blocks.
2×4 Wall Framing
NorthStar uses true 2×4 wall framing with studs spaced 16 inches on center.
Another detail that helps distinguish the construction is the additional framing used at siding joints. Walls are double-studded every 48 inches under siding joints, creating a tighter seam where siding panels meet.
The corners are nailed together, and the bottom wall plate is secured to the floor. NorthStar uses 3-inch hot-dipped galvanized nails for its framing. The result is a traditionally framed portable building rather than a lightweight structure relying on thin framing or minimal support.
LP SmartSide Siding
NorthStar portable buildings use LP SmartSide siding.
The siding provides the finished exterior appearance while also protecting the wall structure from the elements. NorthStar currently offers multiple paint colors, giving customers the ability to choose an appearance that works well with their home, property, or other buildings. For many property owners, the appearance of a portable building matters almost as much as its function. A building that will sit beside a home, driveway, or other prominent area can be both useful and attractive rather than looking like a temporary storage box.
A 30-Year Metal Roof
NorthStar includes a 30-year metal roof with its buildings.
Metal roofing is a practical choice for a portable building because the roof is one of the building’s primary defenses against rain and weather. NorthStar offers multiple metal colors so customers can coordinate the building with other structures on their property. Architectural shingles are also available in three colors for customers who prefer a shingle roof appearance.
Built for More Than Just Storage
A portable building can serve many different purposes. Some customers primarily need additional storage, while others want a workshop, hobby space, hunting cabin, office, or another dedicated space.
A well-built portable building gives you more flexibility in how you use the space. Before choosing a building, consider what you expect to store or do inside it. Lawn equipment and household storage may require a different size and configuration than a workshop with shelving and a workbench.
What Happens When Your NorthStar Building Is Delivered?
Construction is only part of the process. The building also needs to be properly positioned and leveled at your property.
Pops’ Barns provides delivery and setup at no charge within 50 miles of our location in Hungerford. Setup includes leveling the building, with treated wood blocks supplied by the delivery driver or suitable solid concrete blocks supplied by the customer.
There are also important considerations before delivery. The delivery truck and trailer can be quite large, and trees, fences, gates, low utility lines, and other obstacles can interfere with delivery. Allow 2′ of extra width and 2-3′ of height along the entryway and building site.
Choosing the Right NorthStar Portable Building
The right portable building isn’t necessarily the biggest one you can fit on your property. It’s the one that gives you enough room for what you actually plan to use it for while fitting your property and budget.
When choosing a building, consider:
– What you plan to store or use it for
– How much floor space you need
– Whether you’ll need room for shelves or a workbench
– Door placement and access
– Where the building will be located
– How the delivery truck will reach the site
– Whether the site needs preparation or additional leveling
It’s often worth planning for a little more space than you need today. Once a building is filled with equipment, tools, shelving, and other belongings, extra floor space can become surprisingly valuable.
See NorthStar Portable Buildings at Pops’ Barns
Pops’ Barns offers NorthStar Portable Buildings for customers looking for a durable and versatile building for their property. We can help you compare sizes, styles, and options and determine what makes sense for your particular needs.
If you’re considering a portable building, take a look at our NorthStar Portable Buildings page to see available options and learn more about purchasing a building from Pops’ Barns. Check out all available inventory on our dealer page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are NorthStar portable buildings built with 2×4 framing?
Yes. Our walls are framed with true 2×4 lumber spaced 16 inches on center, with additional double studs at siding joints.
What type of flooring do NorthStar buildings have?
We use a pressure-treated floor system. The floor decking is 5/8-inch pressure-treated LP flooring, with the floor system supported by pressure-treated runners and joists.
What type of siding do NorthStar buildings use?
We use LP SmartSide siding and offers multiple paint colors.
What type of roof comes standard?
Our buildings come with a 30-year metal roof, with multiple metal colors available. Architectural shingles are also available as an option.
Do portable buildings need to be leveled when they are delivered?
Yes. Our setup process includes leveling the building. Depending on the site, the building can be leveled using treated wood blocks or suitable solid concrete blocks.
Do I need to prepare my property before delivery?
You should make sure the delivery route and building location are free of obstacles such as low branches, fences, gates, and low-hanging utility lines. Adequate room is also needed for the delivery truck and trailer. Allow 2′ of width and 2-3′ of height along the delivery route and at the building site.