Planning a pole barn for a garage, workshop, equipment storage or livestock? Tell us the size and what it's for, and we'll connect you with an independent post-frame builder who works Des Moines and central Iowa. The referral is free.
Why post-frame buildings are popular around Des Moines
A pole barn (post-frame building) is held up by large posts or laminated columns set in the ground or on concrete piers, tied together with girts and roof trusses and covered with steel. Because the posts carry the load, there's no need for a full perimeter foundation, and wide clear spans are easy. That makes them a cost-effective choice for garages, shops, farm storage and even finished living space. The National Frame Building Association is the trade group for the industry and publishes design and construction guidance.
What it typically costs
Angi's 2026 guide puts the average pole barn at $27,500, with most projects between $15,000 and $50,000, or about $15 to $40 per square foot. Angi lists a 30 by 40 at $18,000 to $32,000 and a 40 by 60 at $30,000 to $55,000; HomeGuide's ranges run higher for finished buildings ($18,000 to $48,000 for 30 by 40, $36,000 to $96,000 for 40 by 60). Concrete floors, insulation, doors, windows and electrical move the number most. See the cost guide.
Snow and wind
Central Iowa gets real snow and strong winds, and much of the acreage around Des Moines is open ground. Ask every builder for the design snow and wind loads in writing and make sure they meet what your city or county requires. Suburbs like Ankeny, Waukee and Grimes have zoning rules on accessory building size and materials; acreages in Polk, Dallas, Warren and Madison counties are often more flexible.
How the referral works
- Tell us the rough size, use, location and timeline.
- We pass it to an independent pole barn builder serving Des Moines and central Iowa.
- They contact you, review the site and give you a written quote.
We're a referral service, not a builder. Builders are independent and set their own prices.
Services
Areas we cover
Des Moines, Ankeny, Altoona, Bondurant, Pleasant Hill, Grimes and other communities in Des Moines and central Iowa. See service areas.