The average cost to build a pole barn is $27,000, but depending on the size and other factors, it could cost between $14,000 and $96,000.
Pole barns are a simple, sturdy barn that uses poles to frame the structure and provide support. Pole barn costs range from $11 to $40 per square foot. The average homeowner spends around $27,000 in total, but they can cost $7,000 on the low end, while larger or more elaborate ones can run as high as $240,000.
Read on to learn how to budget for a pole barn with this handy cost guide.
If you need a sturdy, affordable barn for your property, a pole barn could be a good choice. Most pole barns cost $11 to $40 per square foot, including material and labor. The larger your barn, the more you’ll pay.
Not only can you use a pole barn to house farm animals, but you can also use it as a garage, workshop, garden center, or even as a separate space for recreational activities like a sports court.
| Pole Barn Size (Square Feet) | Use This For | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 600 | One-car garage | $7,000–$24,000 |
| 1,200 | Eight-horse barn | $14,000–$48,000 |
| 1,800 | 12-horse barn | $20,000–$72,000 |
| 2,400 | Farm workshop | $27,000–$96,000 |
| 5,000 | 15-head cow herd | $56,000–$200,000 |
| 6,000 | Small warehouse size | $67,000–$240,000 |
“If you have the land, and the zoning permits it, a pole barn is an awesome investment,” says Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert Review Board member and general contractor in Raleigh, NC. “There are so many possibilities for the space, from storage to a workshop. We’ve even seen a customer build a pole barn and turn it into a complete car restoration shop, complete with car lifts.”
There are various barn builder costs to take into account when determining how much you’ll pay to build a pole shed. From clearing the land to installing the siding, your barn builder will also have to level the site, choose the proper flooring, roofing, and insulation materials, and ensure adequate drainage. Contacting a local barn builder will allow you to get a quote so you can narrow down these costs.
Site leveling: $1,200–$4,300
Concrete slab: $1,500–$4,000
Flooring: $4–$12 per square foot
Insulation: $1–$6 per square foot
Steel siding: $4–$16 per square foot
Pole barns require roofing, electrical and plumbing work, and landscaping. To complete all of these projects and end up with a successful product, hire pros who specialize in the type of work you need done. You can expect to pay the following in labor costs:
Roofer: $1.50–$3 per square foot
Plumber: $45–$200 per hour
Electrician: $50–$100 per hour
Landscaper: $50–$100 per hour
The cost of building a pole barn can vary quite a bit depending on where you live. In some states, the cost to build a basic pole barn starts as low as $8,000, but it can cost well over $100,000 in other states.
If you live in an area with a higher cost of living, the materials and labor to build a pole barn will be higher than if you live in an area with a lower cost of living. The best way to get an estimate in your area is to contact a pole barn builder or research how much a pole barn kit will cost.
| State | Average Pole Barn Cost |
|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $40,000–$80,000 |
| Utah | $55,000–$95,000 |
| Oregon | $45,000–$100,000 |
| Missouri | $84,000–$120,000 |
| Tennessee | $8,000–$150,000 |
Building a pole barn can add extra storage and a place to park your cars and equipment, but there are more things to consider than just the structure. Before you begin construction, you’ll need to clear the land and level the site, which will increase the overall cost. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of flooring, insulation, electricity, proper drainage, and permits.
Most homeowners need to clear the land before they build. Depending on the terrain, land clearing costs $500 to $5,600 per acre. Expect high-end prices if it’s a heavily wooded area.
You don’t want your pole barn to be lopsided. If the site of the barn is on sloped or uneven ground, you’ll need to level it so it’s smooth and flat. Land leveling will cost about $1,200 to $4,300.
The cost of materials ranges from $6 to $10 per square foot. Common materials include wood and aluminum siding, a concrete foundation pad, wood or laminate flooring, insulation, and roofing materials.
You’ll also need to install flooring for your barn. A concrete pad foundation can cost between $1,500 and $4,000. Wood flooring costs an average of $8 to $12 per square foot, and laminate flooring costs between $4 and $8 per square foot.
| Flooring Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Concrete pad foundation | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Wood | $8–$12 per square foot |
| Laminate | $4–$8 per square foot |
Insulation can help your barn retain heat in winter and ensure that any animals who live there stay nice and cozy. It costs between $900 and $1,900 to insulate a pole barn.
You’ll also need to decide on a roofing material. A roofing kit costs between $5,000 and $10,000, while an aluminum or steel roof costs anywhere from $5,000 to $24,000. Contact a roofing company in your area for a quote.
The type of siding you choose for your barn also affects the costs. Wood siding costs $3 to $10 per square foot, while aluminum siding costs $5 to $12 per square foot.
The cost of windows for the entire barn falls between $2,500 and $7,500. Windows let in air and natural sunlight and reduce energy costs. Doors cost between $700 and $2,000, and horizontal sliding doors are a common option for pole barns.
Vents cost $1,000 to $2,000. These small openings help manage heat and keep moisture in check.
The cost to add electricity to a pole barn is about $1,000 to $3,000. Installing electricity can also open up your options in terms of what you use your pole barn for, and it’s a good idea if you want to install an electric light or use electric-powered tools in your barn. Contact a local electrician to see how much it would cost to run power to your pole barn.
Installing plumbing in a barn costs about $45 to $150 per hour, and it takes about two days to add simple piping and water access. While you don’t necessarily need plumbing for your barn, it can come in handy for cleaning up messes and easy access to running water.
Permits for pole buildings cost an average of $425 to $2,300. Most areas require a zoning or land use permit before you can add an additional structure to your property. There could be height and lot coverage restrictions, so check with your local municipality.
There are all types of custom pole barns. You can even build a barndominium, but it comes at a cost. Prefab pole barns tend to be the most wallet-friendly. These out-of-the-box solutions are manufactured ahead of time and constructed on-site, cutting down on labor costs.
In addition, they tend to use more affordable materials. Custom pole barns often use high-end or luxury materials, which add to the overall price tag.
Complex pole barn construction is best left in the hands of a pole barn builder in your area. Certain structural jobs, like laying a foundation or installing electrical wiring, can be costly, dangerous, and illegal if a licensed professional doesn’t do the work—so there are some aspects of pole barn construction that you should rely on a professional to do.
But, in terms of construction projects, erecting a pole barn is one of the more straightforward and economical options. If you have some building know-how, you might feel confident enough to tackle the assembly of a basic modular pole barn kit and get support on the demanding, code-compliant aspects. Building the pole barn yourself can save you between $5 and $10 per square foot on labor costs. Basic modular kit prices start at around $6,000, and the kits provide most of the building materials, but you’ll still need tools and materials for add-ons.
For most landowners, the cost to build a barn is around $3,500, but it can cost as much as $480,000. Pole barns are already on the budget-friendly end of the spectrum, but there are ways you can further cut your costs. These tips will help you save on the cost of building a pole barn:
Use a prefab kit: Prefab kits are almost always more affordable than a custom job. They can dramatically cut down on labor costs, and you may even save on materials.
Do it DIY: If you have construction experience, you may want to DIY your pole barn. That said, it’s not a suitable DIY for every homeowner—in that case, you may want to just do some of the job. For example, you can do the finishing touches like installing wainscotting, caulking, weatherproofing windows and doors, and hauling away the construction debris.
Choose a smaller size, where possible: You may want to pull out your measuring tape for this one. Since materials are a large part of your total cost, you can save money by opting for a smaller pole barn. Choose the minimum size you need.
Skip the upgrades: Installing a finished barndominium costs more than a basic pole barn. If you can forgo things like plumbing and electricity, you can save a significant amount of cash. Choose only the upgrades you need.
Bundling projects: If you have other outdoor projects, like adding a swim spa or a patio, you may be able to save some money by doing them at the same time as your pole barn installation.
You might be considering a pole barn construction rather than a traditional garage or shed. But what’s the difference?
| Structures | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Storage shed | $2,500 |
| Garage | $27,500 |
Sheds cost less to construct than pole barns and are faster to install. The average storage shed costs $2,500, with most homeowners spending anywhere from $100 to $30,000. While a small storage shed won’t cost anywhere near as much as a large pole barn for keeping big machinery, it’s all about evaluating the function and purpose.
If you’re on a tight budget, building a pole barn is less expensive than building a garage of the same size. Pole barns have a simpler construction, and you don’t necessarily need to worry about laying foundations or flooring. The average cost to build a garage is $27,500, or around $50 per square foot for labor and materials (compared to $11 to $20 per square foot for the average pole barn).
A basic pole barn construction might not increase your property’s value, although it can make your house more attractive and practical for potential buyers. Pole barns that function as ADUs (accessory dwelling units) are particularly desirable on larger lots. For a more multifaceted pole barn with a foundation, insulation, electrical, and appropriate permissions, you might get a 50% to 80% return on investment.
With skillful construction and the right maintenance, a pole barn can easily last up to 60 years. In some cases, it can even last 100 years—as long as you keep putting in repairs. For most homeowners, though, you’re looking at somewhere between 40 and 60 years on average. Custom designs with high-end materials tend to last the longest, especially if you finish your pole barn like you would finish a home.
There are several different steps in the pole barn building process. First, you’ll need construction plans, which you’ll use to obtain permits. Then, you can clear the land so it’s suitable for building and installing the foundation. Your contractor will frame the barn using large poles, then rough in the plumbing and electricity (if your barn has those elements) before finishing the interior, adding siding, and installing the roof.
After that, they’ll finish up the electrical work and plumbing and add your windows and doors. You may have a few other finishing jobs to do like painting or waterproofing.
The difference between a pole barn and a stick-built barn is in the construction. Large poles in the ground provide support for pole barns. For stick-built barns, 2-by-4 or 2-by-6 lumber (known as sticks) create a frame around load-bearing beams. Stick-built construction is far more popular for residential homes. Pole barns are more cost-effective because they require fewer materials and less labor.
