Barndominium Interior Design: 6 Popular Floor Plans
Explore six popular barndominium floor plans that combine modern living…
Popular pole barn sizes play a significant role in determining the functionality and cost-effectiveness of residential structures. Whether you need extra storage, a workshop, or a spacious living area, choosing the right size is crucial to meet your needs and budget. In this post, we’ll explore the five most popular pole barn sizes for residential use helping you decide which option is best for your project.
| Size | Best For | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 20’x30′ | Two-Car Garage | $8,000-$20,000 |
| 30’x40′ | Workshop + Storage | $29,000-$31,000 |
| 40’x50′ | Multi-Car Storage | $40,000-$42,000 |
| 40’x60′ | Hobby Shop + Living Space | $75,000 |
| 60’x80′ | Large All-Purpose | $100,000+ |
Quick Tip: Posts typically go every 8 feet, so plan your width in 8-foot sections to optimize costs.
“Pole Barn Prices 2023. How Much Does One Cost?” by DoWitt Garage, uploaded on December 1, 2021Jun 21, 2023. Available at: https://youtu.be/pfp5LLpJVVg
Here’s what you need to know about pole barn sizes:
| Vehicle/Use Type | Door Height Needed | Building Height |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Cars/SUVs | 8 feet | 10-12 feet |
| RVs/Motorhomes | 12 feet | 14-16 feet |
| Commercial Use | 16-20 feet | 18-22 feet |
| Depth (feet) | Best Uses |
|---|---|
| 24 | Basic garage storage |
| 32 | Workshop space |
| 40 | Multi-car storage |
| 48 | Large equipment |
Three main factors impact your pole barn size:
1. Building Codes
Your local rules control:
2. Property Limits
Look at your land’s:
3. Load Factors
Your barn must support:
Quick Tip: Posts typically go every 8 feet. Plan your width in 8-foot sections to keep costs down.
The smallest practical pole barn is 10×10 feet. But if you’re building for home use, start at 20×30 feet – you’ll want the extra space.
Let’s break down the key factors that affect your pole barn size:
First, you need to know what you CAN build:
| Factor | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Zoning Laws | – Building height limits – Setback requirements – Lot coverage rules |
| Property Lines | – Distance from boundaries – Utility easements – Trees and obstacles |
| HOA Rules | – Size restrictions – Style guidelines – Placement rules |
Here’s what different uses require:
| Use Type | Minimum Space Needed |
|---|---|
| Single Car | 12′ x 24′ |
| Workshop | 24′ x 32′ |
| RV Storage | 16′ x 40′ |
| Home Business | 30′ x 40′ |
| Multi-Purpose | 40′ x 60′ |
You’ll want extra space for:
The bigger you build, the less you pay per square foot:
| Size (sq ft) | Cost Impact |
|---|---|
| Under 500 | $50-100/sq ft |
| 500-1000 | $40-80/sq ft |
| 1000-2000 | $35-70/sq ft |
| Over 2000 | $30-60/sq ft |
| Building Type | Permit Range |
|---|---|
| Residential | $50-1,000 |
| Agricultural | $0-2,000 |
| Commercial | $1,000-100,000 |
Here’s a heads up: Permits take about 4 months. Check your local MapClick GIS system for zoning rules BEFORE you finalize your size plans.
A two-car pole barn garage needs the right dimensions to fit your vehicles and storage needs. Here’s what works:
The smallest two-car pole barn starts at 20′ x 20′. But that’s just the beginning:
| Size | Square Feet | What Fits |
|---|---|---|
| 20′ x 20′ | 400 | Two small cars |
| 20′ x 30′ | 600 | Two cars with room to move |
| 24′ x 24′ | 581 | SUVs and trucks |
| 24′ x 30′ | 720 | Cars plus work space |
Let’s look at what fits in a 20′ x 30′ pole barn:
| Feature | Space You Get |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Space | 2 regular cars |
| Door Options | 16′ single or two 9′ doors |
| Extra Storage | 50 hay bales |
| Wall Space | 3′ on each side |
Different sizes work for different needs:
| Use | Size You Need |
|---|---|
| Just Cars | 20′ x 20′ |
| Workshop Setup | 24′ x 24′ |
| Storage Plus Cars | 20′ x 30′ |
| Everything Mixed | 24′ x 30′ |
"The cost of putting up a new building is deciding to build at all. Once one has decided to build, put those four corners as far apart as possible."
| Size | Modular Price | Post-Frame Price |
|---|---|---|
| 20′ x 20′ | $6,000-$16,000 | $8,000-$20,000 |
| 20′ x 30′ | $12,000-$15,000 | $12,000-$36,000 |
A workshop plus storage pole barn gives you space for both work and storage. Let’s look at what size you need.
The sweet spot? A 30′ x 40′ building with 1,200 square feet. Here’s what different sizes can do:
| Size | Square Feet | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| 28′ x 30′ | 840 | Small shop + 1 car |
| 30′ x 40′ | 1,200 | Full shop + 2 cars |
| 36′ x 40′ | 1,440 | Big tools + lots of space |
| 40′ x 40′ | 1,600 | Multiple zones + extra storage |
Here’s how much stuff you can pack in:
| Space Type | What Goes In |
|---|---|
| Vehicles | 2-3 cars or 1 RV |
| Workshop | 600 sq ft for work |
| Tools | 200 sq ft for equipment |
| Storage | 400 sq ft for materials |
Here’s how to divide your space:
| Area | Space % | What It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| Work Zone | 40% | Your main workspace |
| Vehicles | 30% | Park your stuff |
| Storage | 20% | Keep materials |
| Paths | 10% | Move around |
"We built John a 28 x 30 x 12 workshop for his surfboard business. It came with a lean-to for his car."
Before You Build:
Perfect For:
A multi-car pole barn needs the right dimensions to fit your vehicles and give you room to move around. Here’s what works:
| Size (WxL) | Square Feet | What Fits |
|---|---|---|
| 30′ x 40′ | 1,200 | 3-4 cars |
| 40′ x 50′ | 2,000 | 4-5 cars + storage |
| 40′ x 80′ | 3,200 | 6+ cars + workspace |
| 42′ x 50′ | 2,100 | 4 big trucks/SUVs |
Let’s break down a 40′ x 80′ layout:
| Space | Size | What Goes There |
|---|---|---|
| Main Floor | 2,400 sq ft | Cars and trucks |
| Side Area | 400 sq ft | Tools and gear |
| Front Space | 400 sq ft | Work area |
| Part | Size | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Door Height | 12′-14′ | Gets tall vehicles in |
| Door Width | 10′-12′ | Makes parking easy |
| Ceiling Height | 14′-16′ | Adds overhead storage |
| Bay Width | 15′ per car | Doors open fully |
You’ll want:
| Building Size | Cost |
|---|---|
| 42′ x 50′ x 16′ | $49,500 |
| 30′ x 40′ x 12′ | $19,345 |
| 30′ x 70′ x 12′ | $28,455 |
| 40′ x 80′ x 14′ | $61,775 |
Quick Space Tips:
A hobby shop with living space combines your workspace and home. Here’s what you need to know about sizing and layout options.
| Size (WxL) | Square Feet | Layout |
|---|---|---|
| 30′ x 40′ | 1,200 | Workshop + 1 bedroom |
| 40′ x 60′ | 2,400 | Large shop + 2 bedrooms |
| 50′ x 60′ | 3,000 | Full shop + 3 bedrooms |
| 60′ x 80′ | 4,800 | Complete workshop + apartment |
The most popular size? The 40′ x 60′ model. It gives you enough room for both work and living without breaking the bank.
| Area Type | Size Range | Storage Options |
|---|---|---|
| Workshop Area | 600-2,400 sq ft | Tools, equipment, projects |
| Living Space | 600-1,800 sq ft | Bedrooms, kitchen, bath |
| Storage Loft | 200-600 sq ft | Materials, seasonal items |
| Utility Room | 100-200 sq ft | HVAC, water heater |
Here’s how to split up your space:
| Zone | Percentage | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Workshop | 50-60% | Main work area |
| Living Area | 30-40% | Residential space |
| Storage | 10-20% | Tools and materials |
Core Features You’ll Need:
2025 Cost Breakdown:
Don’t Skip These:
Remember: Your local building codes might affect these specs. Always check before you build.
A large all-purpose building gives you space for multiple vehicles PLUS room to work. Here’s what you need to know:
| Size (WxL) | Height | Square Feet | What Fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48′ x 64′ | 16′ | 3,072 | 4-6 vehicles + workshop |
| 60′ x 88′ | 16′ | 5,280 | Everything (vehicles, storage, shop) |
| 40′ x 60′ | 16′ | 2,400 | Shop space + storage |
| Area | Space | What Goes There |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Area | 1,200-2,000 sq ft | Cars, RVs, farm equipment |
| Workshop | 800-1,600 sq ft | Tools, work areas |
| Storage | 600-1,200 sq ft | Supplies, equipment |
| Extra Space | 400-800 sq ft | Seasonal stuff |
Doors:
Height:
Electrical:
Layout Must-Haves:
Note: Add 15-20% to these prices for extras like insulation, concrete floors, and electrical work.
| Size (WxL) | Square Feet | Base Price* | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24′ x 36′ | 864 | $20,000-23,000 | 2-car garage + storage |
| 30′ x 40′ | 1,200 | $29,000-31,000 | 3-car garage or workshop |
| 40′ x 60′ | 2,400 | $40,000-42,000 | Large workshop + storage |
| 50′ x 80′ | 4,000 | $53,000-55,000 | Multi-purpose space |
| 60′ x 100′ | 6,000 | $75,000-77,000 | Full living space + garage |
*Prices include basic materials and labor for 2024
Let’s break down what you get and what you’ll need to budget for:
| Feature | What’s Included |
|---|---|
| Doors | 1 entry door + 2 garage doors |
| Overhang | 12" on all sides |
| Windows | 2-4 standard windows |
| Foundation | Concrete slab |
| Walls | Metal or wood siding |
| Roof | Metal roofing |
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Insulation | $2-4 per sq ft |
| HVAC | $5,000-8,000 |
| Electrical | $3,000-6,000 |
| Plumbing | $4,000-7,000 |
| Interior Walls | $6-8 per sq ft |
The bigger your building, the less you’ll pay per square foot:
| Building Size | Cost Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|
| Under 1,000 sq ft | $25-40 |
| 1,000-2,000 sq ft | $20-35 |
| 2,000-4,000 sq ft | $18-30 |
| Over 4,000 sq ft | $15-25 |
Prices vary A LOT depending on your location:
| State | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $40,000-80,000 |
| Oregon | $45,000-100,000 |
| Utah | $55,000-95,000 |
| Missouri | $84,000-120,000 |
| Tennessee | $8,000-150,000 |
Extra Costs to Know:
Here’s how to modify your pole barn’s standard dimensions:
Want taller walls? You’ll need to factor in some extra costs:
| Adjustment Type | Standard Size | Available Options | Cost Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eave Height | 10-12 feet | Up to 20 feet | +$2-3 per sq ft |
| Clear Height | 9-11 feet | Up to 19 feet | +15-20% total cost |
| Post Length | 12 feet | Up to 20 feet | +25% post cost |
Pick the right door based on how you’ll use your building:
| Door Type | Max Width | Max Height | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sliding | 40 feet | 20 feet | Storage, low-use areas |
| Overhead | 32 feet | 14 feet | Daily access, garages |
| Hydraulic | 60 feet | 20 feet | Large equipment |
Here’s what works best:
You’ll need these upgrades for a stronger building:
| Modification | What It Does | Extra Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Double 2×8 Top Plate | Supports higher walls | +$3-4 per linear foot |
| Extra Wall Bracing | Adds stability | +$2-3 per sq ft |
| Shear Panels | Increases wind resistance | +$4-5 per sq ft |
| Metal Siding Upgrade | Better durability | +$1-2 per sq ft |
Before you start:
Here’s how much space you REALLY need:
| Area Type | Minimum Clearance | Recommended Extra Space |
|---|---|---|
| Car Storage | 9 feet height | +2 feet each side |
| Workshop | 10 feet height | +4 feet work area |
| RV Storage | 14 feet height | +3 feet length/width |
| Equipment Bay | 12 feet height | +5 feet maneuvering |
One last thing: Metal siding doesn’t help with structural support. You’ll need extra roof bracing to keep everything solid.
Let’s look at what you need to check before starting your pole barn:
| Site Prep Task | Specifications | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Level Area | Within 3 inches across site | Prevents structural issues |
| Clearing Zone | 3 feet beyond footprint | Allows proper construction |
| Fill Material | Sand or fine gravel | Creates stable foundation |
| Base Height | 6-12 inches above grade | Helps with drainage |
| Slope Grade | Minimum 5% away from barn | Stops water pooling |
| Setback Type | Typical Minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 20 feet | From property line |
| Rear | 15 feet | From property line |
| Side | 5 feet | From property line |
| Between Buildings | Varies | Check local codes |
| Building Type | Permit Cost Range | Extra Permits Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | $50-$1,000 | Utilities, driveway |
| Agricultural | $0-$2,000 | Well, septic system |
Your site needs to be within 8 inches of level for standard pole lengths. Here’s what to do:
| Check Type | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Zoning | Building use allowed |
| Property Lines | Marked and verified |
| Underground | Utilities mapped |
| Overhead | Power line clearance |
| Access | Equipment can reach site |
| Drainage | Water flow direction |
Here’s the thing: skipping proper site prep will cause MAJOR headaches down the road.
Talk to your local building department about:
Pro tip: Walk the site with your excavator BEFORE work starts. They’ll spot potential issues you might miss.
Here’s what you need to know about pole barn sizing and costs:
A bigger pole barn means lower cost per square foot:
Want to cut costs? Here’s what works:
| Cost-Saving Strategy | Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Keep height under 16′ | 15-25% savings | Smaller columns work fine |
| Build square, not rectangle | 10-20% savings | Less complex design |
| Add doors to end walls | 5-15% savings | Makes structure simpler |
| Pick flat ground | $2,000-5,000 savings | Less site prep needed |
| Skip the end overhangs | $1,000-3,000 savings | Just looks pretty |
"We give very detailed instructions on how this gets put together."
Planning to DIY? Know your limits:
Think ahead with these features:
| Smart Add-ons | Why You Want Them |
|---|---|
| Layout you can expand | Build more later |
| Extra door frames | Add doors when needed |
| Big electrical setup | Handle more power |
| Steeper roof | More storage up top |
| Solid foundation | Supports future work |
Smart building moves:
Here’s a fact: A 60′ x 80′ pole barn stands fine on its own. Go bigger (like 60′ x 160′)? You’ll need shear walls – and that costs more.
Before you build, check these boxes:
Bottom line? Don’t cheap out on materials – fixing problems later costs WAY more.
Here’s what you need to know about pole barn house sizes:
| Size (W×L) | Total Sq Ft | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 60′ × 40′ | 2,400 | Small family home |
| 75′ × 50′ | 3,750 | Mid-sized home with storage |
| 100′ × 80′ | 8,000 | Large home with multi-car garage |
These sizes make sense for most people because they match standard building materials and typical lot dimensions. Plus, they give you enough space for both living and storage.
Want to DOUBLE your space? Add a second floor. A 60′ × 40′ jumps from 2,400 to 4,800 sq ft.
Before you pick a size, think about:
That’s it. Pick the size that fits your needs and meets local requirements.
We Have Answers
Rot can significantly weaken the structure of a pole barn, compromising its stability and lifespan. Since the posts serve as the foundation, any rot or decay can lead to uneven settling, leaning, or even collapse over time. Preventing rot from the outset ensures your pole barn remains safe, durable, and cost-effective in the long term.
Pressure-treated wood undergoes a treatment process that infuses chemicals into the wood fibers, making it resistant to rot, moisture, and insect damage. This treatment prolongs the wood’s life even in wet environments, helping to reduce maintenance needs and repair costs. Using high-grade pressure-treated wood, like that in Barn Kit Pros kits, ensures better durability for your pole barn posts.
Concrete footings are solid concrete bases placed under the posts to lift them off the ground, creating a barrier between the wood and soil. This keeps the posts dry and prevents moisture from seeping into the wood, which is a primary cause of rot. Concrete footings, especially precast options like "perma-columns," are one of the best ways to extend the life of your pole barn’s foundation.
While pressure-treated wood offers strong resistance to rot, adding post protector sleeves provides an additional layer of protection. These plastic sleeves cover the portion of the post in contact with soil, creating a waterproof seal that helps keep moisture out. Combining sleeves with pressure-treated wood is especially effective in areas with high soil moisture, maximizing protection against rot.
Regular inspection and maintenance are essential to spot early signs of decay or moisture issues. Check around the posts periodically for any soft spots, discoloration, or insect activity. Applying water-resistant sealants or wood preservatives can also help protect the wood over time. Addressing any issues early prevents costly repairs and keeps your pole barn posts in optimal condition for years.
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