How Much Does it Cost to Build a Horse Barn?
Metal barns go up faster, last longer & cost less than wooden construction
Barn Price Considerations
A traditionally constructed, wooden, barn will typically cost approx. $45 per square foot to construct. In contrast, prefab metal barns range in price between $7 and $25 per square foot. The savings available with prefab barns are immediately apparent.
As a bonus, a prefabricated building usually comes with a multi-year warranty, providing peace of mind that just isn’t available with traditionally constructed wooden pole barn type buildings.
Approximate Metal Barn Costs
| # Stalls | Dimensions | Barn Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2 stall barn | 30x40 | $11,500 |
| 6 stall barn | 40x60 | $17,900 |
| 10 stall barn | 40x90 | $26,900 |
| 12 stall barn | 40x100 | $29,900 |
Based upon the above sample barn prices, average square foot costs can range from $9 per sq ft for a smaller 1200SF barn to $7/sq ft for a larger 14-stall barn.
These prices are for the building package only (framing, roofing & siding), you also will need to factor in approx. $4-8/sq ft for a 4" floating foundation.
Barn Cost Estimator
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Although material costs for pole barns and pre-engineered metal barns are similar, consider the following advantages matal construction has to offer:
Why Prefab Metal?
- Reduced Construction Times
Pre-drilled, pre-cut components assemble faster, start using your barn in days rather than weeks - Zero Maintenance
No painting, patching boards = reduced cost of ownership - Long Warranties
Most buildings come with a minimum 25-year paint & 35-year structural warranties - ClearSpan Designs
No poles or posts to get in the way, just wide open space - Inexpensive & Easy to Expand
Expand your barn at a later date at minimal cost & disruption - Durable & Weather Resistant
NO cracking, rotting, mold, or mildew; resistant to pests & fire resistant - Energy Efficient
Save on heating & cooling costs - Environmentally Responsible
Built with recycled materials & can be recycled again or dismantled & relocated - Insurance Advantages
Because metal is fire-proof you can save up to 40% on insurance premiums - Attractive Finishing Options
Choose a finish to compliment your existing structures
Sample Steel Barns
The Price of Construction
The total cost of a barn is determined by the cost of materials and labor. In terms of labor, hiring a general contractor to build a barn is one of the most expensive options (typically $6-$12/ sq ft). Paying a contractor and construction crew can almost double the overall price.
The total will heavily depend on whether you have a general contractor, or if you opt for the self-build route. The majority of small horse barns (2-6 stall or 30x30 up to 30x60) are designed with the DIY enthusiast in mind.
Remember, you could easily save $5,000-20,000 by opting for a horse barn kit over a contractor-built solution. Kit barns contain all the necessary parts for constructing your new facility, including beams, siding, roofing, bolts, screws, flashing etc. also included are detailed assembly instructions. This option is the most financially feasible, as you can buy DIY kits starting at just $6,950.
All you will require, other than basic tools, is either a backhoe or scissor lift to hoist the beams into place.
Plan according to your budget, and of course, according to the needs of your horse.
For more details see our Barn kits page
Design Options That Affect Barn Price:
- Barn style - Quonset's can be up to 30% cheaper than a rigid frame
- How many horses will live in the barn?
- What size horse stalls do you need? (10'x10', 12'x12')
- Do you need a tack room?
- Do you need a wash rack for horses?
- How much space do you need for feed?
- Will you need a hayloft in your barn?
- Do you need to store equipment in the barn such as a tractor?
- Will you need a Foaling Box? (If so, this should be at least 12'x12')
- Will you feed your animals in your barn?
- Do you need a wide center aisle through the middle as a pass-through?
Steel is one of the most durable and safe materials for constructions, offering resistance to hurricanes, fires and earthquakes. Steel is also resistant to conditions that can seriously damage wood, including pests, rot and mold. The durability of steel translates to savings in insurance costs. In addition to savings in construction, materials and insurance costs, metal barns can offer savings in maintenance and upkeep for many years to come.
What is an average square foot cost of building a barn?
The average price of a steel barn will depend on the size you need and the style of building that you choose. Barns are available in both the straight wall system as well as the arched (or Quonset) style.
Rigid frame (with a peaked roof) barns cost between $7 and $25 per square foot. The total cost will depend on the size (the larger the barn, the lower the square foot cost is), as well as the stalls and accessories necessary.
Quonset style barns on the other hand, are less expensive to build. They will generally cost between $5 and $15 per sq ft, but you will need to take into account the different stalls and accessories you may need with arched walls. Choosing the S- or P-model Quonset will give you more usable floor space and wall space than the Q-model arched barn.
For in-depth details on both styles see our building designs page
When comparing these costs with wooden framed barn structures, remember that steel barns will require very little maintenance, will be raised in a short time and offer incredible durability for years. Add in these benefits with the economical price of steel barns and they are clearly your best choice.
