Pole Building Costs in Washington: A Straightforward 2025 Guide From a Local Builder
If you’re thinking about putting up a pole building here in Washington—whether it’s a shop, garage, barn, or a place to finally get your tools and toys organized—I want to walk you through what things actually cost and why.
My name is Taylor Zepp, and my crew and I have been building pole buildings in Elma, McCleary, Shelton, Olympia, Tumwater, and Rochester for years. During that time, I’ve answered the same questions hundreds of times:
- “What should I budget?”
- “Why are prices different than what I see online?”
- “What makes the cost go up or down?”
Most people think the price is based only on the size of the building—and yes, that’s part of it. But the real cost comes from things you never see in an online kit.
Today, I want to give you a straightforward, no-fluff breakdown of what I’ve seen after years of building pole buildings across Western Washington.
The Average Cost of a Pole Building in Washington (Quick Snapshot)
Here’s the truth based on real projects we build every year:
- 24×24 – 24×36 small garages: $28,000 – $45,000+
- 30×40 – 36×48 mid-size shops: $45,000 – $80,000+
- 40×60 and larger RV or equipment buildings: $70,000 – $150,000+
These ranges usually include:
- Engineered plans
- Labor
- Concrete
- Doors & windows
- Basic site prep
I always tell clients: “Your property determines as much of the price as your building does.” And if you’ve lived in Washington any length of time, you know our dirt, rain, and weather have minds of their own.
Why Building a Pole Building in Washington Costs More Than Online Prices
If you’ve been researching online, you’ve probably seen:
“40×60 pole barn for $25,000!”
I’ll be honest with you — we can’t build those in Washington. No reputable contractor here can.
Here’s why:
- We have wet, soft soil. Many properties need gravel, drainage, or compaction before construction.
- We’re in a seismic zone. This requires stronger connections, deeper posts, and engineered hardware.
- Snow load applies in many areas. Especially in parts of Shelton, Elma, Rochester, and Tumwater.
- Counties require engineered drawings. Thurston and Mason won’t permit a pole building without stamped plans.
A kit price online is just steel and lumber. A Washington price includes a legal, engineered, long-lasting structure.
Where the Money Actually Goes (From a Builder Who Sees It Every Day)
1. Materials (35–50% of the total cost)
This includes posts, trusses, purlins, girts, metal roofing and siding, hardware, windows, and doors.
What increases cost quickly:
- Tall walls (common for RVs)
- Multiple overhead doors
- Glass or insulated doors
- Extra windows
- Color upgrades
- Heavy trusses for snow load
I’ve seen two buildings the same size differ by $10,000+ just from door and window choices.
2. Labor (25–40% of the total cost)
Labor in Washington is higher—and for good reason.
My crew works safely and efficiently through:
- Rain
- Mud
- Wind
- Limited weather windows
- Soft or uneven terrain
Most projects land between $12,000 and $45,000 depending on size and complexity.
3. Concrete (10–25% of the total cost)
Concrete is one of the most variable costs on any job.
Factors include:
- Slab thickness
- Rebar and reinforcement
- Pump truck needs
- Aprons
- Cold-weather considerations
Concrete work typically ranges from $6,000 to $25,000+ in Western Washington.
4. Engineering & Permits (3–10% of the cost)
Engineering in Washington isn’t optional—it’s required.
Typical numbers:
- Engineering: $1,200–$4,800
- Permits: $350–$2,500
This ensures your pole building is legal, safe, and approved by your county.
5. Site Prep (the biggest surprise category)
Site prep always depends on the land. I’ve seen sites cost $1,500… and others over $15,000. It all comes down to:
- Drainage needs
- Mud/soft soil
- Slope correction
- Tree roots
- Access for equipment or concrete trucks
I always walk a site before finalizing numbers—Western Washington soil is unpredictable.
6. Interior Finishing (optional but common)
If you want a heated shop, that adds:
- Insulation
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Interior walls
These upgrades can add $5,000 to $35,000+ depending on your plans.
The 5 Things That Increase Pole Building Cost the Most
- Tall RV doors
- Insulation & ceilings
- Lean-tos & overhangs
- Large concrete aprons
- Difficult sites (mud, slope, poor access)
Real Projects & Examples from Our Crew
Example #1 — 30×40 Shop in Elma
- Structure: $47,000
- Concrete: $12,000
- Site prep: $4,000
- Electrical: $5,000
Total: ~$68,000
Example #2 — 36×48 Garage in Shelton
- Structure: $52,000
- Concrete: $14,000
- Site prep: $9,000
- Engineering/permits: $2,000
Total: ~$77,000
Example #3 — 40×60 Shop in Tumwater
- Structure: $80,000
- Concrete: $18,000
- Site prep: $11,500
- RV door upgrade: $6,500
Total: ~$116,000
My Best Advice If You’re Planning a Pole Building
- Get a site walk early — your land determines the budget.
- Decide door sizes before getting quotes — it changes the whole structure.
- Keep designs simple if budget is tight.
- Plan for drainage — almost every site needs it.
- Ignore unrealistic online kit prices — those don’t apply in Washington.
If you ever want me to look at your property or talk through options, I’m happy to help. My goal is to make this process simple, predictable, and honest from day one.
Ready to Talk About Your Pole Building?
We build across Elma, McCleary, Shelton, Rochester, Olympia, Tumwater, and the surrounding communities.
If you want a real number—not a generic online estimate—I’d be glad to take a look at your property:
Call: 360-470-4622