Posted 1/11/2026 17:36 (#11506032 - in reply to #11505905) Subject: RE: Comparing steel posts vs. wood for pole barn
SW Iowa
When you are trying to replace a 6×6 laminated wood post with steel, you need to think about:
Axial load capacity (compression)
Buckling resistance
Practical wall thickness for durability and connections
Without much other detail, 5" would be the minimum for round, square turbing could maybe do 4".
Comparing steel posts vs. wood for pole barn
