When the owners of Oak Creations of Millersport, Ohio needed to expand, they chose post-frame construction after a thorough evaluation of all the options. In the end, the transition of this established business to this new location was huge success. “Every day we have so many compliments on the exterior appearance of this post-frame building and its design,” says co-owner, Rosann Franks.

 

Not only does the structure meet the company’s exacting needs, the construction of a new building and appearance of a new business near the village of Millersport has been an added bonus. Oak Creations brought a strong clientele base along when the move took place, and the increased traffic and sales generated for other businesses in the area has had a positive economic impact all around.

 

The modern design of the building is relatively simple, yet highly effective for use as a retail home furnishings business. Three main areas accommodate the business plan. The building spans 80’x90’ and also includes a 10’x80’ front porch area. The main retail showroom is 60/x80’ with 2-12’ extension walls. An office/employee lounge are is 20’x40’ and includes a full kitchen, private bath and shower as well as a utility room. The three areas are easily accessible by overhead four-panel poplar doors.

 

While “block” as well as wood and metal “frame” construction were considered, the owners ultimately selected “post-frame.” Of primary consideration were: 1) The post-frame structure was much more quickly erected than were the alternatives; 2) Energy efficient post-frame offered strong “curb appeal and economy both in terms of construction cost and operation; and 3) low ongoing building maintenance cost. “Our research concluded that post-frame structures are strong and extremely durable, and can be as visually appealing as any other building type. We chose WC Buildings of Newark, OH. Tom Wolford and his entire team were wonderful to work with. We appreciated the detail-oriented manner of Tom’s approach.”

 

As Tom notes, “Post-frame technology offers numerous advantages over other ‘conventional’ types of construction.” Long used in the construction of machine storage, workshops, garages and the like, post-frame is today recognized as an excellent building choice for commercial and industrial use. Adaptable to virtually any architectural style, post-frame is unique in that pressure treated wood posts function as support for the sidewalls and roof system…a system that eliminates the need for a continuous concrete foundation. 

 

The absence of a conventional foundation is perhaps the most significant departure from what might be considered “normal” or “usual” construction practice. In the case of post-frame, columns are implanted in the ground, eliminating the considerable cost and delay associated with poured foundations.  Site preparation, time and costs are cut to a minimum.

 

There are numerous alternatives in terms of post-frame foundation design. The latest innovations combine the benefits of using wood posts as the primary structural member with innovative approaches that insure durability.  In the case of Oak Creations for example, columns were fitted with one-piece molded protective sleeves, totally eliminating any threat of decay caused by ground contact.

 

The new location of Oak Creations was a surprise to everyone traveling around the western edge of Buckeye Lake. The one and one-half acre tract of land had been vacant for many years and having become a collection of trash and debris, was an eyesore for the village. Now, Oak Creations is a thriving business in a beautiful new facility on the same site. The entire project took less than four months to complete. Rosann enthusiastically notes that during the process, the topic of conversation in every restaurant in town was “What are they building so quickly!”

 

“We’ve enjoyed generous support of our unique business,” notes Rosann. Cards, flowers and business referrals have been overwhelming, and it’s a usual occurrence when a local resident stops by to thank the owners for improving the site with such a beautiful building. “Curb appeal has definitely been accomplished, and we couldn’t be more pleased with our decision to utilize post-frame construction for this building project.”

 

The decision is clear. Post-frame provides the highest quality, the greatest economy, durability, efficiency and esthetic beauty of any building option. Check out the facts and you’ll select post-frame too. Just ask the folks at Oak Creations!

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