Blog>Cost Guides>Pole barn cost guide
Last updated: 31 March 2022
Pole barn cost guide
If you need a temporary or portable storage solution for your farm, a pole barn could be a cheap and easy option. This is a common structure in agricultural settings over in the US, but you can also find plenty of pole barns here in the UK. If you’re looking to build this kind of barn, read on for an idea of the average pole barn cost.
If you need a temporary or portable storage solution for your farm, a pole barn could be a cheap and easy option. This is a common structure in agricultural settings in the US. However, you can also find plenty of pole barns here in the UK.
A pole barn is a relatively simple agricultural building, and this is what makes it cheaper to build. Its defining feature are the wood poles (or telegraph poles) sunk into the ground, which provide support for the building in place of foundations. These poles also form the support for the roof, often made of metal sheeting.
Many pole barns are left open, although you can also build walls and other add-ons.
If you’re looking to build this kind of barn, read on for an idea of the average pole barn cost.
Pole barn cost
| Pole barn prices | Low cost | High cost | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pole barn cost | £2,000 (6 metres long) | £7,000 (24 metres long) | £4,500 |
| Last updated: May 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
The cost of building a pole barn varies depending on the size of the barn and the complexity (or simplicity) of the design.
Often considered temporary or portable structures, pole barns can be cheaper to erect compared to other agricultural buildings. This is mainly because they don’t require extensive excavation and foundations. The structure is instead supported by the poles buried in the ground - which also form the support for the roof.
The average cost to build a barn in this way is around £2,000 for a six metre length building. For a building of 24 metres or more, the cost could reach around £7,000. The overall cost will fluctuate depending on the size of the pole barn, the cost of labour, where you are geographically and also the cost of materials.
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Pole barn cost estimator
If you have the relevant experience and skills, you can potentially build a pole barn yourself - with the occasional help of a tradesperson should you need it.
To work out the estimated pole barn cost per square foot for your project, you’ll need to take the following into account:
Materials - including timber poles or telegraph poles, roofing sheets and cement
Labour costs to clear the site and dig the footings for your poles
Construction work to sink the poles, fit the roof and build any walls (unless you’re leaving the structure open).
On average, the cost to build a pole barn as a DIY job is around £1,500 to £2,000.
Bear in mind though that although pole barns are relatively simple structures, there’s still a lot of work involved to build one. For a safe and professional finish, it’s recommended to bring in the experts.
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FAQs
Will I need planning permission for a new farm building?
Planning consent is often required for brand new barns or agricultural building extensions. But if you have a large farm, there’s a chance that your plans may fall under what is known as agricultural permitted development. If unsure, it’s always a good idea to check with your local authority.
What is BS 5502?
Whether or not your pole barn requires planning consent, you may want to follow the guidelines of BS 5502 during the build. This is a voluntary British Standard designed to make agricultural buildings safe, durable and fit for purpose.
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