Cheapest Metal Building [By Size & State]
If you’re looking to erect a building quicker and cheaper than traditional construction, a metal building may be the way to go. Still, there are many factors that impact how much a metal building costs and what the most cost-effective options are.
The cheapest metal building is likely a prefab building kit or a small metal building. The price per square foot ranges from around $7 to well over $25 depending on the building’s specifics. Understanding the pricing by style, size, and location can help you make the best decision for which option to choose.
Metal Buildings Prices
A building’s size is one of the biggest factors when it comes to the price to build. Still, you should plan to spend between $6.75 and $10.25 per square foot for the building itself, plus added fees for accessories and upgrades, the type of foundation, and whether you’ll have the kit professionally assembled.
That means when it’s all said and done, you’ll be spending $25-$30 per square foot for full construction including the foundation and finishings.
There are other factors in addition to size that can increase or decrease your cost, including your geographic location, the type of building, and the vendor or manufacturer. We’ll discuss all of these in more detail throughout this article.
Metal Building Sizes
Metal building kits come in a variety of sizes and layouts depending on how you plan to use the structure. For example, you could build a garage, barn, carport, hangar, or storage shed, just to name a few examples.
The most common sizes for metal buildings include:
| Size | Square Footage |
| 30 x 30 | 900 |
| 30 x 40 | 1,200 |
| 30 x 60 | 1,800 |
| 40 x 60 | 2,400 |
| 50 x 50 | 2,500 |
| 50 x 60 | 3,000 |
| 50 x 80 | 4,000 |
| 60 x 100 | 6,000 |
| 100 x 100 | 10,000 |
| 100 x 200 | 20,000 |
You’ll typically find that the price per square foot goes down as the building’s size increases. So, while you may pay a higher total for a larger building, the rate is lower which gives you a better deal for the building.
Small metal buildings (like a small garage or shed) typically start between $5,000 and $8,000. The prices go up from there with larger storage sheds or garages costing in the $25,000 to $40,000 range. A very large commercial building may cost well over $100,000.
How Much Does a 40 x 60 Metal Building Cost?
A 40 x 60 metal building is a good size for a barn, a large storage shed, or a large garage. This size building is 2,400 square feet, so it would easily fit about six cars. The cost for a 40 x 60 building depends on whether you pay someone to construct it, the finishings and other add-ons, and the type of foundation you choose.
A prefab building kit costs around $28,000 on average, but the prices may range between $20,000 and $40,000 and up depending on the design and features.
For example, you could go with a traditional rigid frame for your building or an arched roof. The rigid design costs $0.80 to $1.00 more per square foot, which can add up to thousands of dollars.
| Item | Sample Price Per Square Foot | Sample Cost |
| 40 x 60 frame kit | $10 | $24,000 |
| 40 x 60 concrete slab | $5 – $10 | $12.000 – $24,000 |
| 40 x 60 construction costs | $3 – $10 | $7,200 – $24,000 |
| Delivery Fee | N/A | $1,200 – $2,400 |
| Doors & windows | N/A | $2,400 – $7,200 |
How Much Does a 30 x 50 Metal Building Cost?
A 30 x 50 metal building is a very common size for a large garage or workshop. A prefab kit for a building that size typically costs between $17,000 and $24,000.
The actual cost depends on factors such as how tall the building will be, the type of metal and its gauge, the quantity and sizes of the doors, whether you have the building insulated, the type of foundation, and so on.
For example, a 30 x 50 building with 12-foot walls would cost around $24,000 and it would include three roll-up doors, one walk-through door, and one 30×30 window.
How Much Does a 100 x 100 Metal Building Cost?
A 100 x 100 metal building is 10,000 square feet, so it’s a very large structure. A lot of what determines the price for a metal building is the size, so it should come as no surprise that a structure that large will be expensive.
A good estimate for a 100 x 100 metal building is $90,000 to $100,000. The price per square foot may be less for a building of that size, but the high square footage increases the total significantly.
Don’t forget that you’ll still need to plan for delivery and construction costs, any added fees for doors and windows, and a massive foundation if you need to have one poured. These added features could potentially increase the price by tens of thousands of dollars.
Other Sizes
Metal Garage Buildings Prices
One common use for a metal building kit is to add a garage to your property. It can be a cheaper alternative to building a garage the traditional way, and you can usually get the work done much quicker.
For a one-car garage (18 x 21) with a standard rollup door, it would cost between $3,750 and $11,000. The actual price depends on the roof style you choose and where you’re located. The price of metal varies quite a bit depending on which area of the U.S. you’re building in.
Sample Metal Garage Prices
| Size | Location | Sample Price |
| 18×21 | Southern U.S. | $7,000 – $7,250 |
| 18×36 | Southern U.S. | $8,700 – $8,850 |
| 20×26 | Southern U.S. | $7,900 – $8,000 |
| 24×36 | Southern U.S. | $9,900 – $10,000 |
| 18×21 | Northern U.S. | $10,300 – $10,400 |
| 18×36 | Northern U.S. | $12,800 – $13,000 |
| 20×26 | Northern U.S. | $11,300 – $11,400 |
| 24×46 | Northern U.S. | $14,300 – $14,500 |
A cheaper alternative to a metal garage is a metal carport. These structures are much less expensive and still do a good job of protecting your vehicles from the elements. A metal carport typically costs around $3,500. The cost could be higher depending on the roof design and other options.
The materials used and delivery fees can also impact the total purchase price will be. Geographic location also plays a role in materials and labor charges.
How Much Do Metal Barns Cost?
Metal barns are convenient for storing agricultural equipment, livestock, and many other uses. A metal barn typically costs at least $8,000 and increases in price based on the building’s size and features or design. A large barn may cost $30,000 or more.
Metal barns are often a better choice than a standard wood barn for several reasons. First off, metal doesn’t eventually rot like wood does, so the metal barn will last a very long time. Steel is also resistant to mold, mildew, and termite damage.
It’s also cheaper than constructing with wood. A pole barn can cost as much as $15 per square foot on average. To build a standard 40 x 60 wood-frame building with metal, you should plan to spend around $9 per square foot. However, the price may vary depending on your location and other factors.
All Steel Carports Price List
All Steel Carports is a popular manufacturer for metal buildings in the U.S. They build carports, sheds, garages, agricultural use buildings, commercial structures, R.V. covers, and more. The buildings are available in a variety of sizes and with various design features. They also offer custom built designs.
When you purchase All Steel Carports metal buildings, you’ll get delivery and installation included in your quote, which can save you from any surprise fees later on.
| Sample Building Size | Sample Building Style | Sample Starting Price |
| 24×30 | Garage with Lean-To | $21,100 |
| 30×70 | Insulated Side-Entry Garage | $41,100 |
| 30×70 | Commercial Garage | $32,200 |
| 22×45 | Four-Car Garage | $23,400 |
| 30×36 | Lean-To Building | $24,400 |
| 40×80 | Commercial Garage | $56,400 |
| 28×41 | Garage-Workshop | $30,400 |
| 30×30 | Prefab Garage | $22,200 |
| 24×36 | Two-Car Garage | $17,500 |
If you’re trying to decide between steel or aluminum for a carport, you should consider the cost, durability, and strength. If you live somewhere with heavy winds, storms, and snow, steel might be the best option.
Aluminum is much cheaper, but it’s also much lighter. However, it’s better at resisting rust than other metals, so if you live in a wet or humid area, it might be a good decision to go with aluminum.
Metal Buildings Prices by Area
Geographic location plays a big role in how much it costs to buy and construct a metal building. Whether you go with a prefab kit or not, the materials costs and any extra labor charges may vary depending on where you live.
Let’s take a look at some common building sizes and what the prices might run in certain areas.
30 x 40 Sample Prices
| State | Sample Price (Low-End) | Sample Price (High-End) |
| Texas | $12,000 | $24,000 |
| Oklahoma | $12,000 | $22,800 |
| Georgia | $12,060 | $34,400 |
| Arizona | $16,500 | $34,800 |
| Ohio | $12,900 | $20,900 |
Metal Buildings Prices in Texas
A standard rigid-frame metal building typically costs between $10 and $20 per square foot in Texas. A turnkey or finished building may be priced in the $18 to $29 per square foot range. If you need to add a foundation, you should plan to spend between $4 and $8 per square foot.
That means that a 30 x 40 rigid-frame building would cost between $12,000 and $24,000.
Metal Buildings Prices in Oklahoma
Metal buildings in Oklahoma are priced similarly to what you’d find in Texas, with the average rigid-frame running between $10 and $19 per square foot. Finished buildings are closer to $17 to $27 per square foot.
So, a 30 x 40 rigid-frame metal building in Oklahoma would cost between $12,000 and $22,800.
Metal Buildings Prices in Georgia
In Georgia, metal buildings run between $10.05 and $28.50 per square foot. Finished metal buildings are closer to the $18 to $28.50 range per square foot, with some designs priced up to $45 per square foot (or more).
On average, a 30 x 40 metal building in Georgia would cost between $12,060 and $34,400 depending on the features, design, and how complex the building is.
Steel Buildings Prices in Arizona
Compared to states across the south and southeastern U.S., metal buildings in Arizona are priced a bit higher. A metal building typically costs between $13.75 and $29 per square foot finished. Just the building kits are a little cheaper, costing between $7.90 and $16.50 for the materials.
In summary, a finished 30 x 40 steel building in Arizona would likely cost between $16,500 and $34,800.
Steel Buildings Prices in Ohio
Steel building prices in Ohio are in line with what you’d find in other nearby states. For example, a 30 x 40 building will typically run between $12,900 and $20,900.
The prices vary primarily based on the building’s design and complexity. It will also impact the cost if you need to pour a foundation and if you’re purchasing a kit (materials only) or paying for a finished building.
Metal Building Prices by Company
Where you purchase a metal building also has a pretty big impact on how much it will cost you. There are several big names in the industry, so let’s take a look at how their prices compare to one another.
American Steel Buildings Prices
American Steel Buildings offers a variety of pre-engineered building kits, design, and metal framing and panels. They run from $9 to $18 per square foot depending on the type of building and its size. Design and features also play a role in the pricing and if it will be on the higher or lower end of the scale.
SteelMaster Buildings Prices
SteelMaster specializes in arched quonsets which is a unique design that can be used in a variety of settings. They’re typically a little less expensive than some of the other building styles, which makes them a great affordable option for many uses.
A steel quonset building starts at around $7 to $9 per square foot. So, for more square footage you could potentially save thousands compared to other options.
Future Steel Buildings Prices
The buildings prices for Future Steel vary based on the type of building and its use. For example, arch steel buildings range between $9 and $12 per square foot. Larger warehouses and commercial-use structures run closer to the $12 per square foot range.
US Steel Buildings Prices
US Steel offers both traditional metal buildings and quonset huts for residential, comercial, agricultural, and industrial uses. The options start around $16,000 for a standard garage or shed with doors and windows.
Other Steel Companies
- Olympia Steel Buildings Prices
- Graceland Portable Buildings Pricing
- Derksen Portable Building Pricing
Prefab Metal Building Kits Prices
Like anything else, the price for a prefabricated metal building kit varies depending on several factors. The building’s size, location, features, design, and finishings all impact the cost. Still, a prefab kit is typically much less expensive than the finished product with construction costs and additional work like laying a foundation.
A prefab metal building kit typically costs between $7 and $9 per square foot. Of course, that doesn’t include any delivery or setup fees, construction costs, or additions like insulation or accessories.
You may also need to consider land costs if you don’t already have a place to put your metal building, access to utilities, permits and other fees that may be necessary.
The Bottom Line
The prices for metal buildings vary significantly based on the building’s size, design, finishings, and features. Your geographic location, the type of metal, and where you purchase it from will all impact how much the building costs.
Still, going with a metal building is a less expensive alternative to traditional construction from wood and other materials. Plus, aluminum or steel buildings hold up very well to environmental conditions and last for a long time.
The best thing to do is get multiple estimates from various retailers for the size and type of building that you’re looking for. The retailer should be able to help you choose the right size and design to fit your needs. Once you know how much square footage you’re looking for and the type of building that you want, you’ll be able to compare your options to choose the best building for the best price.
