Barndominium Shells in North Texas
A steel barndominium shell is the most cost-effective way to build on your land. We deliver and install the clear-span steel structure — you finish the interior on your timeline and budget.
🏗️ Steel Shells from $15,000 — You Control the Build-Out
140 MPH wind certified • Up to 40-year rust-through warranty • Free delivery & installation
Check your rate with no impact to your credit score
Compare lender options for a barndominium shell through Hearth with one application. Hearth Concierge gives you a real person to help with lender paperwork and next steps if you decide to move forward.
Building delivery and professional installation stay included. Site prep, concrete, pads, permits, and utility work are still customer-provided and should be budgeted separately.
Financing offers, rates, and terms vary by lender, credit profile, and project details.
Financing is provided by third-party lenders through Hearth, a licensed broker (NMLS # 1628533). Hearth does not make loans or credit decisions.
Monthly payment planning
See what your barndominium shell could look like as a monthly payment
Check payment options with Hearth, compare lender offers with one application, and see what monthly payment planning could look like for your project.
This is not just rate shopping. Hearth Concierge follows up with a real person who can help you finish the application and walk through lender document steps if you want to move forward.
Budget the building first, then keep site prep, concrete, permits, and utilities as separate line items.
Financing is provided by third-party lenders through Hearth, a licensed broker (NMLS # 1628533). Hearth does not make loans or credit decisions.
All loans are subject to credit approval. Rates and terms vary by lender and creditworthiness. Checking your rate will not affect your credit score.
If you use a Hearth application or widget on our site, please review our Privacy Policy and Hearth's Privacy Policy.
What Is a Barndominium?
A barndominium (or “barndo”) is a steel-framed structure that combines open shop or garage space with a section that can be finished out as quarters. Think of it as a custom steel building shell — we erect the frame, roof, and exterior panels on your concrete slab, and you handle the interior build-out however you see fit.
The concept is simple: instead of paying a general contractor to build from scratch, you start with a professionally engineered steel shell at a fraction of the cost per square foot. The clear-span interior (no load-bearing interior walls) means you have total freedom to design the layout.
Whether you want a workshop with attached quarters, a full interior build-out, or just a massive open-bay shop — the steel barndominium shell is your starting point.
Why a Steel Barndominium Shell?
Lower Cost Per Square Foot
Steel barndo shells typically cost $12–$18 per square foot for the structure alone — significantly less than traditional stick-built construction.
Faster Build Timeline
Once your slab is poured, the steel shell goes up in 1–3 days. Compare that to months of framing, roofing, and exterior work with conventional construction.
Built for North Texas Weather
140 MPH wind-certified steel frames handle the storms, hail, and high winds that are part of life out here. Up to 40-year rust-through warranty on panels.
Clear-Span Flexibility
No interior load-bearing columns up to 60 feet wide. Design any floor plan you want — the steel frame does not dictate your interior layout.
Low Maintenance
Steel does not rot, warp, or attract termites. The painted panel finish lasts decades with minimal upkeep — more time on your land, less time on repairs.
Fully Customizable
Choose your dimensions, roof pitch, wall height, door placements, window openings, lean-tos, and panel colors. Every shell is built to your specs.
Popular Barndominium Configurations
Every barndo shell is custom-ordered. Here are the three most common layouts our customers build:
Shop Only
Full open-span steel building optimized for workshop, equipment storage, or commercial use. No interior partition — just wide-open usable space.
Shop + Quarters
The classic barndo layout. One section stays open as a shop or garage bay. The other section is framed and finished as quarters — on your timeline.
Full Interior Build-Out
The entire steel shell is intended for interior finishing. You get the clear-span frame; you design and build out every square foot to your exact specifications.
Common Barndominium Shell Sizes & Pricing
30x40
1,200 sq ft
Shop with small quarters section. Great starter barndo for a single bay workshop plus a compact finished area.
$15,000 – $22,000
Shell price — installation included
40x60
2,400 sq ft
Our most popular barndominium shell. Enough room for a full shop bay plus generous quarters. Clear-span interior means no interior columns.
$22,000 – $35,000
Shell price — installation included
40x80
3,200 sq ft
Large barndo shell with room for multiple shop bays, equipment storage, and spacious quarters. Perfect for serious workshops.
$30,000 – $45,000
Shell price — installation included
50x100
5,000 sq ft
Full-scale steel building for commercial operations or large-footprint barndominiums. Multiple overhead doors, clear-span up to 60 feet wide.
$45,000 – $70,000+
Shell price — installation included
How We Build Your Barndominium Shell
Free Consultation
Call either location or visit our showroom. We will discuss your property, intended use, and budget to recommend the right shell size and configuration.
Design Your Shell
Use our free 3D configurator to lay out dimensions, doors, windows, and lean-tos. Our team reviews every design to make sure it is structurally sound.
Site Prep & Foundation
You or your contractor pours the concrete pad to our specs (we provide a foundation diagram). We can connect you with trusted local concrete crews.
Delivery & Installation
Our professional crews deliver and erect the steel shell on your prepared pad. Most barndo shells are installed in 1–3 days depending on size.
You Finish the Interior
The shell is yours. Hire your own contractors or DIY the insulation, framing, plumbing, electrical, and interior finishing on your own timeline and budget.
Foundation Requirements for Barndominiums
A properly prepared concrete slab is critical for any barndominium shell. Here are the specifications we recommend:
Slab Thickness
6 inches recommended (4" minimum)
Concrete Strength
3,500 PSI minimum
Rebar
#4 rebar on 24" centers, both directions
Perimeter Beam
12" wide × 18" deep thickened edge
Anchor Bolts
Set per our engineering drawings
Vapor Barrier
6-mil poly under slab recommended
We provide a detailed foundation diagram with every barndominium order. If you need a concrete contractor referral in the Denton or Wichita Falls area, just ask — we work with several trusted crews.
Barndominium Shells Across North Texas
We serve rural landowners and property builders within 100 miles of our two locations. If you have got acreage and a vision, we have got the steel to make it happen.
📍 Denton Location
8210 W University Dr, Denton, TX 76207
(940) 320-9377Serving Denton, Wise, Cooke, Grayson, and Collin counties — Aubrey, Pilot Point, Sanger, Gainesville, Sherman, Decatur, Bridgeport, and the north DFW corridor.
📍 Wichita Falls Location
4390 Bonny Drive, Wichita Falls, TX 76302
(940) 249-5015Serving Wichita, Clay, Archer, Young, and Jack counties — Burkburnett, Iowa Park, Henrietta, Bowie, Graham, Vernon, and surrounding communities.
Barndominium FAQ
How much does a barndominium shell cost?
Steel barndominium shells start around $15,000 for a 30x40 and range up to $70,000+ for large 50x100 buildings. The shell price includes the steel frame, roof, wall panels, trim, and professional installation. Interior finishing (insulation, plumbing, electrical, drywall) is handled separately by you or your contractor.
How long does it take to get a barndominium shell installed?
From order to installation, most barndominium shells take 8–12 weeks. The steel is manufactured to your specifications and delivered to your site. Installation itself takes 1–3 days for most sizes. Foundation prep by your concrete contractor should be completed before our delivery date.
Do I need a permit for a barndominium?
Permit requirements vary by county and city. Many rural North Texas properties outside city limits have minimal permitting requirements. We recommend checking with your county building department. We provide engineered drawings and certifications that most permitting offices require.
What foundation does a barndominium need?
We recommend a reinforced concrete slab — minimum 4 inches thick, with 6 inches recommended for barndominium use. The slab should include rebar on 24-inch centers and a thickened perimeter beam (typically 12 inches wide by 18 inches deep). We provide a detailed foundation diagram with every order.
What is included in the barndominium shell?
The shell package includes the complete steel frame, roof panels, wall panels, all trim and flashing, walk-in doors, overhead/roll-up doors as configured, and professional installation on your prepared slab. Windows, insulation, and interior finishing are not included — that is the customer's scope.
Can I finish the interior myself?
Absolutely. That is the whole point of a barndo shell — you control the interior timeline and budget. Many customers do a combination of DIY work and hiring licensed tradespeople for plumbing and electrical. The clear-span steel frame gives you total flexibility in how you lay out the interior.
What sizes are available for barndominium shells?
We build barndominium shells from 30x40 up to 50x100 and beyond. Popular configurations include 30x40 (1,200 sq ft), 40x60 (2,400 sq ft), 40x80 (3,200 sq ft), and 50x100 (5,000 sq ft). Every building is custom-ordered to your exact dimensions — we are not limited to standard sizes.
Do you help with the design?
Yes. We offer a free 3D configurator where you can design your barndominium shell online — choose dimensions, door placement, window locations, lean-tos, and colors. Our team also provides one-on-one design consultations at our Denton and Wichita Falls showrooms to help you get the layout right before you order.
Ready to Build Your Barndominium?
You have got the land. You have got the vision. Let us put the steel shell on it. Free consultation, free delivery, and professional installation across North Texas.