December 23, 2020
Approved by Bob Tschudi, Expert Home Building and Remodeling Contributor.Written by HomeAdvisor.
Cost to Build a Barn
The cost to build a barn averages $50,000, with a typical range of $10,000 to $158,400. This breaks down to $15 to $150 per square foot. You’ll pay $15 to $70 per square foot for metal, compared to $30 to $150 per square foot for wood or custom construction.
If you need extra workspace and an area to house animals, adding a barn is a great option. Keep in mind that the least-expensive options don’t have a lot of features, so you’ll pay more to keep horses or pigs. Use these cost factors to help you choose.
On This Page:
| Average Cost | $50,000 |
| High Cost | $158,400 |
| Low Cost | $10,000 |
Building a barn costs $15 to $150 per square foot. Smaller structures run more per square foot than larger ones. This is because the biggest sizes usually have large, open spaces inside.
| Size | Cost |
|---|---|
| 10’ x 10’ | $1,500 - $150,000 |
| 30’ x 20’ | $9,000 - $90,000 |
| 48’ x 22’ | $160,000 - $158,400 |
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Barn Cost by Type
Barns cost $15 to $150 per square foot, depending on type and construction. Simple designs for hay or other storage tend to run less.
| Type | Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Horse | $20 - $100 |
| Hay | $5 - $30 |
| Hog | $30 - $60 |
| Shed Row | $20 - $50 |
| Monitor | $30 - $50 |
| Modular | $10 - $30 |
| Pole | $10 - $25 |
Most manufacturers make a kit that they install or sell separately. If you want a custom-built one, be sure to ask if they offer it.
Horse barns cost $20 to $100 per square foot, depending on size and features. Common types include:
- Shed Row.
- Monitor.
- Horse Barn Run-In Shed.
Almost any style can accommodate horses with added features. For example, if you want to keep animals in a pole barn, you’ll need to install a few extra components.
| Stalls | Price |
|---|---|
| 2 | $2,000 - $10,000 |
| 3 | $3,000 - $15,000 |
| 4 | $4,000 - $20,000 |
Prefab Horse Barn Prices
Prefab horse barn prices range from $20 to $50 per square foot. Most products come as a kit, but you may have to hire a pro separately to assemble it.
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Hay barns cost $5 to $30 per square foot. Since this style tends to be fairly basic, you’ll pay less per square foot for a larger size.
Pole barns are the most common type for storing hay. You can buy options with a curved roof for quick installation, or a more traditional style.
Hog barn prices range from $30 to $60 per square foot, or $200 to $300 per pig. This includes an average 7.5 square feet per pig and additional structures needed to separate the animals.
Shed row barns cost $20 to $50 per square foot, depending mostly on size. This type usually measures long and narrow, with a series of stalls on one side and a corridor for walking.
Monitor barn prices range from $30 to $50 per square foot. This term describes the height of the center aisle. A low-monitor style costs $30 to $40 per square foot, compared to $40 to $50 per square foot for high-monitor.
This type comes in a rectangular or square shape, with stalls on both sides and a walking or workspace in the center. If you have several horses or you need extra storage for show equipment, a monitor barn might the best choice.
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Modular barns cost $10 to $30 per square foot. They are usually made of metal, with a simple construction that is relatively quick to assemble.
The cost to build a pole barn ranges from $10 to $25 per square foot. Like structures for hay, this design is fairly basic to keep prices down.
With a range of $5 to $100 per square foot, material is the most common cost factor after size. Wood tends to be the most expensive, timber frame construction in particular.
| Material | Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Wood | $20 - $100 |
| Metal | $5 - $50 |
| Timber Frame | $50 - $100 |
Cost to Build a Wood Barn
Building a wood barn costs $20 to $100 per square foot, depending on type and construction. Simple styles like a pole barn run the least, while custom-built options are as much as $100 per square foot.
Consult With Barn Builders in Your Area
Metal Barn Cost
Metal barn prices range from $5 to $50 per square foot. This style comes almost exclusively as a prefab or modular kit, which minimizes the total expense. As a result, you may not have as many options for customization.
Timber Frame Barn Cost
Timber frame barns cost $50 to $100 per square foot. They are the most expensive because they may be built to order, with high-end materials like solid wood.
Labor costs for building a barn range from $10 to $75 per square foot, depending on what you hire the pro to do. You’ll pay $40 to $75 per square foot for a stick-built style, compared to $10 to $50 per square foot to have a professional assemble a kit.
Barn construction prices depend most on these factors:
- Size: Smaller styles cost more per square foot, but less for the total.
- Finishes: A high-end metal roof or siding adds thousands to the project.
- Accessories: Custom doors, insulation, skylights or decorative posts cost extra.
If you’re trying to minimize expenses, consider features like a lean. This adds usable space at a much lower price per square foot.
Additional Price Factors
At $15 to $150 per square foot, building a barn usually doesn’t include a lot of features you’d expect to see in a home. For example, if you want a concrete foundation or your state requires it, you’ll pay extra. Consider these additional price factors:
- Cost to install electrical wiring or panel: $600-$2,200
- Price to build a foundation: $4,000-$12,300
- Cost to install a roof: $5,400-$10,700
The cost to build a shed or playhouse ranges from $100 to $15,000, or $15 to $150 per square foot. These tend to be smaller than the average barn.
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Since most barn projects need multiple contractors, it’s best to hire a professional. Even if you’re building a small one or you get a kit with great instructions, you’ll need at least two people who know what they’re doing. When you’re ready to hire barn builders near you, be sure to:
- Outline your budget and your plans.
- Read ratings and reviews.
- Get at least three quotes before you choose a pro.
How do you pick someone to build a barn?
When you’re considering pros to construct your barn, remember to ask:
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Do you have experience building this type?
- Can I see a portfolio of past projects?
- Can you provide three references from past customers that I may contact?
What type of barn do I need?
To select the barn that’s right for you, start by answering these questions:
- What is your budget?
- What do you want to do with the building?
- How many pieces of equipment or animals do you need to keep inside?
- What are the laws concerning outbuildings in your area?
How much does a barn house cost?
Building a metal home or barndominium costs $75,000 to $230,000. This project runs more because you’ll need a kitchen, bathroom and other features not included in most barns.
