How Much Does It Cost to Build a Barn in 2025?
Building a barn costs an average of $3,392
Building a barn costs between $15 and $200 per square foot, or between $1,595 and $5,306 for an average cost of $3,392.
Main cost factors include barn size, labor, construction type, and barn use.
Choosing the right materials and construction method can significantly affect the total cost.
A well-planned barn adds value to your property and serves your functional needs.
Hiring a barn building professional ensures quality construction and adherence to local building codes.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
The cost to build a barn ranges from $15 to $200 per square foot. Most homeowners pay between $1,595 and $5,306, or $3,392 on average. Whether you need extra storage space, shelter for livestock, or a dedicated workspace, understanding the costs involved can help you plan effectively and bring your vision to life, and working with a professional barn builder ensures quality results and code compliance.
Barn Building Cost Factors
Consider the cost factors below when setting your budget for building a barn.
Construction Types
Depending on your budget and needs, there are several types of barns to choose from, each constructed differently.
Modular Barns
Modular barns generally cost $10 to $30 per square foot, including materials and labor when needed. Typically made of metal, they offer a cost-effective and quick solution. While customization is limited to standard designs, these barns are built on-site and assembled on your property, saving time and reducing construction hassle.
Pole Barns
A pole barn typically costs $10 to $25 per square foot, depending on the materials used. Constructed on-site, pole barns offer complete customization and can be built on a concrete foundation if desired. This option allows you to tailor the barn to your specific needs, making it a popular choice among homeowners seeking flexibility.
Material Costs
Barn materials alone cost $5 to $100, with metal barns typically being the most affordable. Here’s the breakdown of barn costs by material.
| Material | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Metal | $5–$50 |
| Wood | $20–$100 |
| Timber frame | $50–$100 |
Metal Barns
Metal barns are the most affordable to build, ranging from $5 to $50 per square foot for materials. 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.
Wood Barns
Building a wood barn costs $20 to $100 per square foot, depending on type and construction. Simple styles like a pole barn cost the least, while custom-built options can cost as much as $100 per square foot.
Timber Frame Barns
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
Hiring the right professionals ensures your barn is built safely and to code. Labor costs typically range from $10 to $75 per square foot and may involve several types of contractors, depending on your barn:
Plumbers cost $45–$200 per hour.
Carpenters cost $50–$125 per hour.
Electricians cost $50–$100 per hour.
Structural engineers cost $70–$250 per hour.
General contractors cost $150 to $300 per day.
Based on your barn's features, additional specialists, such as roofers, concrete specialists, or landscapers, may also be needed.
Foundation
Not every type of barn requires that a foundation be laid. If your barn requires a foundation before building can begin, expect to spend between $5 and $35 per square foot in foundation costs.
Roofing
If you are building a custom barn (not a modular unit that comes with a roof), you’ll need to factor in the cost of a metal roof, about $4.35 to $11 per square foot. Metal roofs are the preferred type of roof for barns, but you can work with a local roofer to understand what other roof types are viable for your project.
Permits
Another barn construction cost factor is the permit. Most homeowners and landowners will need to obtain a construction permit to build a barn. The cost of a building permit ranges from $420 to $2,300.
Cost to Build a Barn Per Square Foot
The average cost to build a barn ranges from $20 to $200 per square foot, depending on factors like material, construction type, and intended use. You might spend as little as $20 per square foot for a small prefab barn or as much as $200 per square foot for a custom barn. Below is a breakdown of average costs based on common barn sizes:
| Dimensions in Feet (Length x Width) | Square Footage | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 8x12 | 96 | $1,920–$19,200 |
| 12x20 | 240 | $4,800–$48,000 |
| 20x20 | 400 | $8,000–$80,000 |
| 30x36 | 1,080 | $21,600–$216,000 |
| 24x50 | 1,200 | $24,000–$240,000 |
| 40x50 | 2,000 | $40,000–$400,000 |
| 4x80 | 3,200 | $64,000–$640,000 |
Cost to Build a Barn by Use
Barns serve a variety of purposes, from housing livestock to providing storage. Depending on how you plan to use your barn, costs can vary. Here's an overview of average costs based on different barn uses:
| Barn Use | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Horse barn | $20–$60 per square foot |
| Hay barn | $20–$25 per square foot |
| Hog barn | $20–$60 per square foot |
| Cattle barn | $400–$1,600 per cow |
Horse Barns
Horse barns cost $20 to $100 per square foot, depending on size and features. Common types include:
Shed row
Monitor
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. Building an indoor riding area costs between $100 to $250 per square foot.
Hay Barns
Hay barns cost $20 to $25 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 Barns
Hog barn prices range from $20 to $60 per square foot, including the additional structures needed to separate the animals.
Cow Barns
A cow-calf hoop barn generally costs $400 to $1,600 per housed cow. You typically cannot purchase such barns as a prefab modular build; instead, you’ll need to pay for an on-site build.
Work with a professional contractor to design the barn; they’ll provide a quote based on the estimated number of cattle you need to house. If you believe your operation will expand, you’ll want to build it larger with additional cattle in mind.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Barn Builder
Building a barn is a significant project that often involves multiple skilled contractors. While prefab kits might seem straightforward, professional assistance ensures your barn is constructed safely and efficiently. Hiring a pro brings expertise, quality workmanship, and adherence to local building codes.
When considering a professional barn builder:
Define Your Goals: Clearly outline what you need from your barn, including size, materials, and features.
Research Builders: Check ratings, reviews, and portfolios of local professionals.
Compare Quotes: Obtain at least three quotes to find the best value for your project.
By partnering with an experienced builder, you can bring your vision to life with confidence and peace of mind.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Barndominiums cost $50 to $200 per square foot (or $65 to $160 per square foot for finished living areas). You’ll pay even more for a larger barn house. This project costs more than the typical barn construction because you’ll need elements like a kitchen, bathroom, and finished living spaces. Building a barn house is comparable to building an actual home.
A high-quality barn lasts 40 to 60 years when built with robust materials and maintained with dedicated care. Quality construction practices and a strict maintenance schedule ensure that key structural components, such as support posts and roofing, remain effective for more than 60 years. This long lifespan offers homeowners sustained functionality and reliability over time.
The project type determines the construction timeline for a barn. A standard pole barn finishes in six weeks, a traditionally framed or steel-framed barn concludes in four months or more, and a barndominium takes six months or longer due to the extensive design, electrical, plumbing, and finishing details. This schedule ensures each phase is completed efficiently by qualified professionals.
When planning to construct your barn, it's important to review local building codes and zoning regulations. These regulations may include guidelines on building height, property boundaries (setbacks), lot coverage, and easements. Understanding and complying with these requirements helps ensure your barn is built safely and legally and avoids any permitting delays.
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