How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pole Barn? [2024 Data]

Normal range: $14,000 - $96,000

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.

How we get this data
Man builds the wooden roof of a barn
Photo: Tomasz Zajda / Adobe Stock
Stephanie Mickelson
Contributing Writer
Robert Tschudi
Reviewed by Robert Tschudi
Licensed General Contractor, Architexture Home Center, Inc.
Updated August 9, 2024
Man builds the wooden roof of a barn
Photo: Tomasz Zajda / Adobe Stock

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.

See the price range to build a pole shed:
How we get this data
Normal range for U.S.
$14,000 - $96,000
  • Average
  • $27,000
  • Low end
  • $7,000
  • high end
  • $240,000
LOWHIGH

Pole Barn Size

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 ForAverage Cost
600 One-car garage$7,000–$24,000
1,200Eight-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.”

Barn Builder Costs 

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. 

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring 

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:

Location 

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. 

StateAverage 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

Other Cost Factors to Consider

Pie chart breakdown of common pole barn costs, with siding contributing to 26 percent of the total

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.

Land Clearing 

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.

Site Leveling

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.

Materials

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.

Flooring

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

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.

Roofing

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. 

Siding

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.

Windows, Doors, and Other Openings

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.

Electricity

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. 

Drainage

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

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.

Prefab vs. Custom Pole Barn 

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. 

Cost to Build a Pole Barn Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro 

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.

How to Save on Pole Barn Installation Costs 

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. 

Pole Barns Cost vs. Garages and Sheds

The interior of a pole barn with hay bales
Photo: Elenathewise / Adobe Stock

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

Are Pole Barns More Affordable Than Sheds?

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.

Are Pole Barns Less Expensive Than Garages?

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).

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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Learn more about our contributors
Stephanie Mickelson
Contributing Writer
Stephanie Mickelson is a freelance writer covering home improvement, real estate, design, and personal finance. Before beginning her freelance career, she worked in residential construction, specifically remodeling kitchens, installing cabinets, flooring, countertops, trim, and more.
Stephanie Mickelson is a freelance writer covering home improvement, real estate, design, and personal finance. Before beginning her freelance career, she worked in residential construction, specifically remodeling kitchens, installing cabinets, flooring, countertops, trim, and more.
Robert Tschudi
Reviewed by Robert Tschudi
Licensed General Contractor, Architexture Home Center, Inc.
Robert Tschudi has 16 years of experience in general contracting, home building and home remodeling. He and his wife currently co-own a remodeling business that they started in 2004.
Robert Tschudi has 16 years of experience in general contracting, home building and home remodeling. He and his wife currently co-own a remodeling business that they started in 2004.
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