Simplicity and Cost Savings
When Jake Peters set out to build his first hog-finishing barn, he wanted a straightforward, cost-effective solution that he could install himself. The barn needed to be durable, easy to clean, and energy-efficient, ensuring optimal conditions for both his hogs and his heating bills.
Traditional sandwich-forming methods were considered, but Peters was looking for a system that combined structural integrity with a cleanable liner to maintain hygiene while reducing maintenance.
Project Partners
- Jake Peters
“We had considered a traditional sandwich-forming approach, but we wanted something that was cleanable. The combined benefit of getting a cleanable liner, a forming solution, and its brightness in one step really appealed to us.”
Octaform Advantages
Easy Installation
The owner-managed project required no specialized knowledge, allowing for a cost-effective build.
Energy Savings
Insulation placed on the exterior retains heat inside, reducing heating costs year-round.
Durability & Hygiene
The integrated PVC liner resists damage from hogs, eliminates bacterial buildup, and ensures a lifetime of easy cleaning.
Stable Environment
Concrete’s thermal mass helps maintain consistent temperatures, ensuring optimal hog growth.
Outcomes
Octaform’s stay-in-place PVC formwork provided the ideal combination of simplicity, durability, and efficiency. The single-step forming, insulating, and lining system meant that Peters could complete most of the work in his spare time without requiring specialized labor, significantly reducing costs.
Jake Peters
From beginning to end, we were not disappointed. The design team communicated very well, and the order arrived quickly with easy assembly drawings. I was able to start assembling immediately after opening the crates. The YouTube videos were very helpful and gave me a clear picture of how the project would come together.
I saved significantly on labor by just picking away at the formwork assembly and placement in my spare time over a couple of weeks, and even recruited some neighborhood kids to help us out. When the truck came, we went around the wall twice with the pump, and our pour was completed in about 3 hours.
I would definitely recommend Octaform to anyone building a hog barn. It’s a very cheap upgrade to get a beautiful outcome. We just had our open house party, and there was lots of interest from our friends as well.
Conclusion
The project was completed efficiently, with Peters saving on labor costs by assembling the Octaform formwork in his spare time. With clear installation instructions, shop drawings, and video support, the build process was smooth from start to finish.
Once the formwork was in place, the concrete pour was completed in just three hours, further demonstrating the system’s efficiency.
With Octaform’s durable, cleanable walls, the barn is built to withstand years of washing and impact without peeling, cracking, or requiring additional coatings. The bright, sanitary interior improves visibility and hygiene, contributing to better animal health and safety.
By choosing Octaform, Jake Peters streamlined construction, saved on long-term maintenance, and created a high-performance environment for his hogs—all while significantly cutting costs on labor and heating.
