Fabric Structure Buyer's Guide

Fabric buildings, also known as poly buildings, are an economical and portable alternative to costly, permanent steel and wood buildings. All of our structures come with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions, and can often be constructed in only a few days, using common tools.

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Common Fabric Structure Applications

Fabric structures have been commonly used in agricultural applications for years, and FarmTek has made them more economical than ever! FarmTek livestock buildings are manufactured in the USA and each unit is built to order — we ship over 10,000 structures a year. The potential for these agricultural buildings is limited only by your imagination. They are often used for:

The ClearSpan Advantage

We offer ClearSpan — the most durable, temporary and permanent tension fabric buildings and canopies in the industry. ClearSpan is manufactured using the highest quality materials, such as USA-made, triple-galvanized structural steel tubing, galvanized inside and out, so they will not rust or corrode. ClearSpan heavy-duty, rip-stop polyethylene cover material is 12.5 oz., 24 mil thick, and guaranteed for 15 years. ClearSpan never skimps on materials ensuring lasting strength. Each building and canopy is manufactured in the USA and built-to-order, ensuring attention to detail and quality. Dare to compare our brand to their brand!

Most of our competitors import their buildings from overseas. Their cover material is less than 8 oz., 14 mil thickness, which leads to rips and tears, and often lacks UV inhibitors. Our covers are guaranteed for 15 years. Unlike USA-made, triple-galvanized structural steel tubing, which is standard in ClearSpan buildings and canopies, their frame is made of conduit uncoated on the inside and painted on the outside, which is prone to rust. Download and view the manual to any of our structures and you'll see the quality components that are used to keep our covers tight to the frame. Our competitors use poly rope and clamps, which fail to keep the cover tight to the frame.

Our Competitors

Anchoring Systems

FarmTek has engineered an exclusive anchoring system that will ensure your building does not move. We offer a few different anchoring systems to accommodate varying surfaces. Structures can be built on pavement, concrete, wood, gravel or any other ground surface. For concrete, pavement and wood, we have a mounting foot that can be securely bolted to that surface using the appropriate fasteners. If the structure is to be mounted on gravel, grass or dirt, you can use our auger-style anchors or our ground anchor kits.

For safety and longevity, it is recommended that you anchor each rafter of your building. At minimum, we recommend the following formula to calculate required anchors:

Required Anchors = Length of Building ÷ Rafter Spacing of Building + 1 × 2

For high wind locations or questions on anchoring systems, please Contact Us.

How much snow can my building withstand?

FarmTek structures are very sturdy and capable of withstanding winter months in high snowfall areas. Most snow easily slides off the cover's smooth surface. However, in the event of buildup, the snow can be easily removed by tapping on the building's ceiling from the inside. For additional safety, most of our buildings are available for purchase with additional rafters. Rafter spacing can be increased from every 4' to every 3' for an additional cost.

Will the sun affect the life span of my building?

FarmTek's industry leading 12.5 oz., 24 mil cover material comes with an exclusive 15 year warranty, and is enhanced with UV-resistant properties.

What is the cover material made of? What colors are available?

FarmTek's temporary buildings offer a 7.5 to 12.5 oz. rip-stop polyethylene cover. The rip-stop cover has a cross weave that will stop a rip from progressing any further. Most of our covers can be special ordered with a flame-retardant rating — Contact Us for special pricing. FarmTek's 12.5 oz. covers come with a 15 year exclusive warranty, and our 10 oz. covers come with a 7 year exclusive warranty. The following colors are available in 12.5 and 10 oz. fabric:

Do you make custom size fabric structures?

Our knowledgeable sales team will be happy to work with you to create a building to meet your application needs. Either Contact Us, click on the Live Help link below or call our toll-free number today!

What is the framework made of?

FarmTek uses only the highest-quality, 14-to-17-gauge (1.315" to 3.5" OD), USA-made, triple-galvanized structural steel tubing. This steel tubing offers four layers of protection against rust and corrosion.

What are my door options?

Most of our smaller buildings offer a double-zippered roll-up door with Velcro straps. As you go up in size, some buildings offer larger or multiple doors. We offer solid end panels, steel roll-up doors and various soft roll-up options. Our sales team will be happy to work with you to determine the application that best serves your needs. We also carry optional vents for increased air circulation in barns, stables and pens.

How difficult is it to build my building?

Most FarmTek buildings can be assembled with simple tools over a weekend. No special tools are required. All required hardware and detailed instructions are included. If you ever need help, we're only a toll-free phone call away. Most instructions are available for viewing on our web site as well!

Will I have to obtain a permit to erect my building or pay property tax?

The temporary nature of fabric buildings usually excludes them from building permit requirements and tax obligations. It is however always best to check your local regulations prior to building.

Can I move my building after I've built it?

Most of our buildings can be easily moved after they've been constructed.

How long will my building take to get after I place my order?

Our buildings are made to order by FarmTek in the USA, and depending on the time of year, manufacturing for most buildings can take 8 to 21 business days. Please take this into account when purchasing. If you have an immediate need, we might have a building ready for immediate shipment. Please check with your sales associate to see if expedited/rush service is available.

How will you ship my building to me?

Due to the weight and size of our buildings, they are shipped truck freight. Shipping is calculated by weight and destination.

What if I need a building that is over 45' in width?

For structures larger than 45' wide, FarmTek recommends our partner ClearSpan Fabric Structures.

Dare to Compare ClearSpan Advantage
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Have questions about Fabric Structures? Visit our Live Help page or Contact Us.

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