Pole Barns and Post Frame Buildings in Spokane, WA
PNW Post Frame builds pole barns, shops, garages, and custom post frame buildings across Eastern Washington and North Idaho. We are based in Colbert, just north of Spokane, and post frame is the only thing we do.
Some people call them pole barns. Others say pole buildings, shops, or pole sheds. If posts or poles carry the structure, it is post frame construction. Depending on how it is finished, a post frame building can look every bit as clean as a traditional stick built home, and it usually costs less to put up.
What We Build
We build a little of everything, from bare bones storage to fully finished custom projects:
No two properties are the same, so every building we quote is drawn up to fit your site, your budget, and how you actually plan to use the space. If you have a rough idea and a lot of questions, that is a normal place to start. We will help you sort out the details.
Post Frame vs. Stick Frame: What Is the Difference?
Stick frame uses a lot of small studs spaced close together, all sitting on a continuous concrete foundation. Post frame uses fewer, much larger posts set deep in the ground or anchored to concrete piers, and those posts carry the whole building.
Because the posts do the heavy lifting, you do not need load bearing walls inside. That is how post frame gives you those wide open interiors with nothing in the middle of the floor. You also skip a lot of the excavation and concrete that a full perimeter foundation requires. Fewer materials and less labor usually add up to a lower price and a faster build, and you give up nothing on strength.
Why People Choose Post Frame
Lower cost, with fewer materials and less concrete and excavation than a comparable stick built structure
Faster to build, often under roof in weeks rather than months
Wide open, clear span interiors with no interior load bearing walls
Room for thick insulation or spray foam between the posts
Engineered for real Inland Northwest snow and wind
Finished however you want, from plain metal to wainscot, wood accents, and porches
Built for Inland Northwest Weather
Buildings around here have to handle real winters. Snow load, wind, and freeze and thaw are not afterthoughts in this part of the country. They decide whether a building lasts. We engineer every project to meet or beat the local snow load and code requirements for where you are building, whether that is a lighter load down on the valley floor or a heavier load up in the North Idaho panhandle. That is not the place to cut corners, and we do not.
How We Work
We keep the process straightforward. You tell us what you are trying to build, we help you pin down the details, and we give you a clear quote with no surprises buried in it. Our crews are experienced post frame builders, and we use quality materials from suppliers we trust, so the building holds up long after the last panel goes on.
What Our Customers Say
“We had PNW build a 40×60 shop and could not be happier. They walked us through every decision, showed up when they said they would, and the finished building looks sharp.”
Deer Park, WA
“From the quote to the last panel, everything was straightforward and honest. No surprises on the price, and the crew clearly knew what they were doing.”
Chattaroy, WA
“We wanted a shop with living quarters and PNW nailed it. Great communication, quality materials, and they took the time to get the details right.”
Post Falls, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a pole barn cost?
It depends on the size of the building, your site and how much prep it needs, the snow load where you are building, and how finished you want it. A bare storage shell and a fully insulated, lined, and wired shop are very different numbers, even at the same square footage. Most post frame buildings are priced by the square foot, but the honest answer is that a real quote for your exact building is the only number worth trusting. Tell us the size, the location, and what you plan to use it for, and we will price it out.
How long does it take to build a post frame building?
Once your site is ready and permits are in hand, a lot of standard buildings go up in a few weeks rather than a few months. The full timeline depends on the size and complexity, how much site prep your property needs, the time of year, and how long the permit takes in your county. When we quote your building, we give you a realistic schedule to go with it.
Do I need a permit for a pole barn, and can you help with it?
In most cases, yes. Nearly every new post frame building needs a permit, and power or plumbing usually require their own permits on top of the building permit. Requirements vary by county and by how you plan to use the building. We deal with this all the time and can point you in the right direction so your project is set up correctly from day one.
Are pole barns as strong and durable as stick built structures?
Yes. A properly engineered post frame building is every bit as strong as stick built, and in some ways tougher. The posts are set deep in the ground or anchored to concrete, which gives the building a solid footing against wind and frost, and the frame carries heavy snow loads straight down into the ground.
Do you build barndominiums or buildings with living quarters?
Yes. A barndominium, sometimes called a shouse, is a post frame building with finished living space, often with a shop or garage attached under the same roof. We build the weather tight post frame shell and can take the project as far as you want from there.
What areas do you serve?
We are based in Colbert, just north of Spokane, and we build throughout Eastern Washington and North Idaho.
What snow load do you build to?
We build to meet or beat the ground snow load and code requirements for your exact location. That number changes a lot between the Spokane valley floor and higher ground up in North Idaho, so we never use a one size fits all figure.
Get a Quote on Your Post Frame Building
Ready to talk about your project? Tell us what you have in mind and we will get back to you with real numbers and honest answers. You can also reach us at 509-464-9306.