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Our Buildings > Frequently Asked Questions
Who sells and constructs Lester buildings?
What exactly is post-frame construction?
Can the Lester main office(s) provide me a price for my building directly?
Is post-frame construction cheaper?
Can I design my own building?
What is the typical lead time for a Lester building, from the time I order it to completion?
Do you sell nationwide?
Why do I hear that Lester's purlin system is better?
It seems like Lester buildings are more expensive. Why?
Is post-frame construction reliable?
What is the Lester manufacturer's warranty?
What colors can I get?
What grade of wood do you use?
Do you offer your buildings in "material only" packages that can be built by the purchaser?
Are material only packages covered by the standard Lester's warranty?
What trim options can I get?
How are your columns manufactured?
How long does it actually take to build a Lester building once it's been delivered?
Does Lester manufacture houses?
What is a gambrel building?
How much does a typical gambrel building cost, compared to standard buildings?
Can I get custom/special order windows and doors?
What does a Lester typically cost?
Do I need a concrete foundation?
What if I want a rafter-based framing system rather than trusses?
How wide can I get a building without having to use columns in the middle?
Can I finish the ceiling of my Lester?
I just need a garage... can Lester do that?
Will my roof material be that metal I always seem to see on post frame structures?
Can I have brick added to part or all of my Lester building?
What is a splash plank?
What is "standing seam" roof?
What is a Uni-Frame® building?
Can I use my Lester building for grain storage?
What are your column spacings?
What size cupolas do you have to offer?
Do you offer dutch doors? What size?
What kind of fasteners do you use?
What is the smallest available Lester building?
What is the largest building?
What are your standard overhangs?
What is your paint warranty?
What roof pitch is standard?
What is the snow load capacity?
What are Lester's steel specs?
What is the typical concrete slab thickness required on Lester buildings?
What kind of foundation is needed for a Uni-Frame® II building?
How much does wainscoting add to my cost?
What kind of windows do you use?
Who sells and constructs Lester buildings?
A: Throughout most areas of the U.S. in which Lester buildings are available,
these services are sold and erected by nearly 150 independent, locally-owned dealers.
However, in Wisconsin, most areas of Minnesota, northern Illinois and Virginia, building sales and construction services are
provided "factory direct" by Lester Buildings, LLC. See map.
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What exactly is post-frame construction?
A: The hallmark of modern post-frame construction is the primary structural frame that typically consists of a clear span
truss supported by two columns. This primary framing system is supported by an interlocking system of purlins, girts, and
sheathing. Loads are transferred to the ground through columns typically embedded in the ground or surface-mounted to a
concrete or masonry foundation.
The term pre-engineered post-frame is a modernization of the outdated term "pole barn." Today's Lester post frame
systems have been infused with leading edge technologies and, as a result, this enduring approach is now regarded as the
most efficient approach for today's modern building requirements.
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Can the Lester main office(s) provide me a price for my building directly?
A: No, there are so many local variables (for example, local codes, building covenants,
labor rates and soil types) beyond Lester's control , that, as the manufacturer, it isn't practical
for Lester Buildings to provide building cost estimates from our main offices. And, in most cases, a
visit by your local Lester dealer or rep will need to occur to confirm your specific needs.
Therefore, all planning, pricing and construction services are provided by independent, locally-owned Lester builders
or Lester's factory-direct reps.
However, you can shorten the time it takes to get pricing by visiting the
new Lester eBuildings pricing tool found on this website
which provides localized pricing (based on the zipcode of your building site)
for selected small storage and equestrian buildings. There, you can browse, select, customize
and select colors for your Lester building PLUS get real time cost estimates
(material and labor only - excludes freight, tax and other exclusions)!! Lester Buildings is the
only company in the industry with this customer service tool!
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Is post-frame construction cheaper?
A: Compared to other building methods, post-frame is often the faster, more efficient alternative. However, less
expensive doesn't mean "cheaper" quality. In certain applications, especially structures larger than 20,000 sq. ft., other
building methods may become more competitive.
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Can I design my own building?
A: Absolutely. Almost any amount of design customization can be accommodated. However, we suggest that you supplement
your design with input from your local Lester dealer or representative just to make sure that all issues are uncovered and
that your building makes optimum use of Lester's pre-engineered efficiencies.
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What is the typical lead time for a Lester building, from the time I order it to completion?
A: This ranges by time of year and type of building - usually it's about five to seven weeks but in many other instances
three or four. However, in peak construction season lead times can stretch out to six to ten weeks.
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Do you sell nationwide?
A: No. Lester has a network of independent, locally-owned dealers
ranging from the Rocky Mountains to the eastern seaboard and as far south as a line running from Oklahoma eastward through Tennessee
and North Carolina. In some areas, building sales and construction services are handled factory-direct.
See map for complete details.
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Why do I hear that Lester's purlin system is better?
A: While there is some design variability across different Lester building products, Lester's standard Uni-Frame®
purlin system starts with 2" x 6" members versus 2" x 4" pieces used by many others. The result is a truss/roof system
with more strength and less "deflection." The use of Southern Yellow Pine/Douglas Fir provides superior fastener holding
strength and the flush (versus over the top of trusses) interlocking design improves truss bracing , excellent resistance
to wind uplift and overall diaphragm strength. Other Lester buildings use alternative purlin systems.
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It seems like Lester buildings cost more. Why?
A: In certain situations, Lester buildings may be more expensive than others. In many others, they may be less. In most,
Lester buildings are very competitive, especially when you take into consideration that Lester buildings include a number
of engineering, design and manufacturing processes meant to add value to your purchase. Factors such as the level and
quality of engineering. The research work done on Lester components. Lester's high material and manufacturing standards...
and so on. Certainly when compared to local lumberyards/suppliers, Lester may be more expensive on the front end. The
difference is that with a Lester, you are getting an engineered structure done right the first time, with predictable
long-lasting performance built-in.
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Is post-frame construction reliable?
A: Extremely. The "diaphragm" building concepts inherent with post frame
construction are proven and time tested. And the legendary technology behind Lester's Uni-Frame® and
Town & Country building systems takes the concept even further. Lester has manufactured nearly
130,000 post-frame buildings since 1947 with an unmatched performance record.
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What is the Lester manufacturer's warranty?
A: The Lester warranty is one of the strongest
in the industry. 50 years against rot & insects on all treated embedded wood, up to 30 years
(depending on paint system selected) for painted steel Uni-Rib™ panels and lifetime for snow
load or wind load damage not exceeding building design parameters. In addition, Lester's independent
dealers and factory-direct operation apply their own individual workmanship warranties.
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What colors can I get?
A: Lester Uni-Rib™ roofing and siding panels comes in 16 colors. You can visualize
how these colors look in various color schemes by visiting the Lester Color Center. Other color schemes are available
through the use of alternative siding/roofing material.
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What grade of wood do you use?
A: For most components, southern yellow pine, simply because of its superior fastener holding capacity. In addition, with
a few exceptions, Machine Stress Rated (MSR) lumber for top/bottom truss chords. Click here for
more information.
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Do you offer your buildings in "material only" packages that can be built by the purchaser?
A: Yes
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Are material only packages covered by the standard Lester's warranty?
A: Yes. However, since an independent Lester dealer or factory-direct construction crew is not involved in a
purchase of this kind, the purchaser assumes responsibility for all of the warranty obligations that would ordinarily be
undertaken by the erecting dealer or Lester Buildings, LLC, including completing the construction in a workmanlike manner
and in conformity with established Lester standards.
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What trim options can I get?
A: First, all the Lester Uni-Rib™ colors are available for trim. Second, there are many options available to
accessorize your Lester building - from cupolas and overhangs to doors, sliders and ridgevents, and many more.
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How are your columns manufactured?
A: Here's one of the things that really sets Lester apart. Lester columns are multi-ply (2 X _), laminated #1 Southern
Yellow Pine (Douglas Fir only in very limited cases). A big advantage of this design is the ability to effectively treat
the entire column section resulting in long life. Another distinguishing feature is the optimum use of "longest-possible"
lumber to reduce the number of splices, which adds strength. In addition, whenever splices in any ply do occur,
fingerjointing is used. Fingerjoints are machine-formed interlocking "sawtooth" cuts that allow one piece of wood to
snugly fit into the other piece. These pieces are then glued tight. Finally, a mechanically-controlled nailing pattern
assures consistency and structural confidence, especially if knots are present. The result is industry-leading strength -
with bending capacity of up to 60%, superior to solid 6" x 6" posts and other column configurations.
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How long does it actually take to build a Lester building once it's been delivered?
A: For the basic finished "shell" (framing and sheathing) the time required depends mostly on the size, type of building
and the amount of interior and exterior customization. Generally speaking, this can run anywhere from four days to a few
months.
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Does Lester manufacture houses?
A: Not at this time. However, many Lester structures have been designed and used for primary or secondary housing
purposes.
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What is a gambrel building?
A: This refers to buildings with the distinctive gambrel roof in which a two-angled slope is applied to the roof pitch -
with the first (starting at the roof peak) slope being more gradual than the second. This configuration gives the roof a
more barn-like appearance.
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How much does a typical gambrel building cost, compared to standard buildings?
A: Specifying a gambrel roof system adds about 15% to 25% cost compared to a building with a standard roof/truss system.
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Can I get custom/special order windows and doors?
A: Yes. If Lester's standard windows or doors (or any accessory for that matter) do not meet your needs, you may special
order. Your local Lester builder may provide these special accessories or they may be provided by Lester.
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What does a Lester typically cost?
A: This is a difficult question to answer as it can range a great deal depending on the
building dealer, building type and area of the country.
However, a general rule of thumb is that simple "box" storage buildings, with a basic package of accessories
(windows, doors, overhangs, etc.) but excluding concrete, typically range between $6 and $15 per sq.ft.
The amount of customization, interior finishing, etc., can move this number up substantially. Equestrian
structures can range from $15 to $50 per sq.ft.
Costs for commercial end-use buildings with concrete and interior finishing can cost around $30 to $100 per sq.ft.
Click here for more information in the web site's Price Planner or
click here
to visit your independent Lester dealer's or factory-direct rep's eBuildings website,
where you can accurately price out your building's material and labor cost (excludes freight, tax and other exclusions).
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Do I need a concrete foundation?
A: Not necessarily. For instance, one very popular Lester framing system, the Lester Uni-Frame® I, features columns
set in the ground, allowing for year-around building. This system works even when you decide AFTER the building is finished,
to have a concrete floor added. Other Lester systems do require concrete slabs.
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What if I want a rafter-based framing system rather than trusses?
A: Just about any Lester structure can be modified to feature a rafter-style roof system which usually means a few
engineering modifications to properly accommodate design loads. Consult with your independent
Lester dealer or factory-direct representative.
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How wide can I get a building without having to use columns in the middle?
A: Generally speaking, around 80'. However, with some design modifications, it is possible to stretch the "clear-span"
envelope on Lester structures to 100' or more in width before interior columns are needed for support.
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Can I finish the ceiling of my Lester?
A: Yes, the wood framing systems employed by Lester allow interior finishing with little or none of the hassles (such as
the need to build in an interior wall system to accommodate finishing) inherent with steel or masonry.
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I just need a garage... can Lester do that?
A: Yes, in this case, Lester's Town & Country very competitively-priced
suburban/personal storage buildings would be your first choice. The minimum size available is 21' x 24'.
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Will my roof material be that metal I always seem to see on post frame structures?
A: No, roof material may be asphalt shingles, wood/cedar shakes, metal standing seam or any material that can be screwed
down to Lester's flush purlin system.
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Can I have brick added to part or all of my Lester building?
A: Yes, many Lester structures are finished with traditional masonry.
However, we recommend using more efficient "faux" brick options such as the Moderra "mortarless" system,
now available from Lester Buildings.
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What is a splash plank?
A: A treated 2" x 8" board that acts as a nailing surface for wall sheathing at ground level of Lester buildings.
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What is "standing seam" roof?
A: A type of metal architectural roof system known for its distinctively stylish appearance and highlighted by
regularly-spaced raised seams or "ribs." The clean, bold lines of the standing seam roof system lend themselves to
accomplish the highest levels of appearance.
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What is a Uni-Frame® building?
A: An exclusive type of Lester framing system that serves as the foundation for most of Lester's system options. The
Uni-Frame® system is well-known for it's exclusive combination of interlocking
truss to column, girt/column connection and flush purlin system connections.
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Can I use my Lester building for grain storage?
A: Standard Lester buildings cannot be used for this purpose. However, Lester does offer a unique grain storage building
option, the FlexStor™ grain storage system, specifically designed for grain
storage. The FlexStor has a unique inner reinforcing liner (up to 8' high) that provides a strong interior perimeter for
seasonal grain storage - allowing for general machinery or equipment storage when not used for grain. This "two buildings
in one" approach is growing in popularity.
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What are your column spacings?
A: Basic ag structures are 10' on center. Code buildings are 8' on center. However, Improv, Lester's industry-leading
building pricing and engineering system, may determine that the most efficient building for your needs is a
variation of these standards.
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What size cupolas do you have to offer?
A: 2' and 3' square. However, custom size cupolas are also available.
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Do you offer dutch doors? What size?
A: Yes. While 44" x 88" is the typical size ordered, other sizes are available.
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What kind of fasteners do you use?
A: Unless otherwise requested by the customer, color-matched screws are standard on Lester buildings to fasten
Uni-Rib™ panels.
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What is the smallest available Lester building?
A: 12' x 20'
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What is the largest building?
A: That honor typically goes to Lester dairy freestalls - up to 120' wide (100' clear span) with a unlimited length.
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What are your standard overhangs?
A: 12" and 24"
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What is your paint warranty?
A: Up to 30 years against chalk & fade and up to30 years against cracking or peeling --
depending on paint system selected.
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What roof pitch is standard?
A: A 4:12 pitch is standard on all Uni-Frame® and Town & Country buildings. Any pitch can be accomodated, however.
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What is the snow and wind load capacity for my building?
A: This answer varies a great deal all across the United States.
One way to get a better idea of what these requirements are is to click here
to enter your dealer's or factory-direct rep's eBuildings pricing website. Each eBuilding is displayed at
the known minimum snow and wind loads (defaulted to "code" type buildings) for the zipcode you enter!
Otherwise, it's best to consult with your local Lester dealer or factory-direct representative to
determine the load requirements for your specific area.
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What are Lester's steel specs?
A: 82,000 tensile strength with 7/8" rib profile
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What is the typical concrete slab thickness required on Lester buildings?
A: 4" to 6"
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What kind of foundation is needed for a Uni-Frame® II building?
A: Columns anchored into a concrete floor . Click here for more detail.
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How much does wainscoting add to my cost?
A: This is a very minimal extra cost that can make a huge difference in your building's appearance - about $3 per lineal
foot.
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What kind of windows do you use?
A: Available in aluminum and vinyl frame, insulated and un-insulated
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