Pole buildings contractor in Minnesota - Sherman Pole Buildings
Pole barn framing in Minnesota by Sherman Buildings

Building across Minnesota since 1976

Pole Barn Builders in Minnesota

Family-owned post-frame construction from our Mora, MN headquarters — serving all of Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin.

Sherman Buildings is a family-owned Minnesota pole barn builder, headquartered in Mora, MN at our headquarters and sales office, with crews using our Floodwood distribution center before heading to project sites. Since 1976 we have designed and built custom post-frame pole barns, barndominiums, pole barn houses, machine sheds, and commercial buildings across all of Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin — primary service radius ~200 miles around Mora (55051).

Minnesota design criteria — statewide two-tier system
RequirementValueAuthority
Northern/central county ground snow loadListed counties in Minnesota Rules 1303.1700, including Itasca County60 psfMinnesota Rules 1303.1700
All other county ground snow loadMinnesota Rules 1303.1700 default, including Sherburne County50 psfMinnesota Rules 1303.1700
Design flat-roof snow loads0.7 × the applicable ground snow load42 psf / 35 psfMinnesota Rules 1309.0301
Frost-zone footing depthsZone I — 60 inches; Zone II — 42 inchesMinnesota Rules 1303.1600
Design wind speedRisk Category II, Exposure C115 mphMinnesota Rules 1309.0301, Table R301.2(1)
Code edition2018 International Building Code (IBC); Minnesota Rules Chapter 13052020 Minnesota State Building CodeMinnesota Department of Labor and Industry

Minnesota Rules use two ground-snow-load tiers: 60 psf in listed northern and central counties and 50 psf elsewhere under Minnesota Rules 1303.1700. The resulting design flat-roof values are 42 psf and 35 psf. Frost Zone I requires 60 inches of footing depth, while Zone II requires 42 inches under Minnesota Rules 1303.1600; the statewide residential wind design is 115 mph.

Minnesota’s Post-Frame Specialists

Sherman Buildings has been Minnesota’s post-frame construction specialist for 50 years. What started as a family lumber operation in Mora has grown into one of the region’s most trusted pole barn builders — with crews, project managers, and a full-service lumber yard dedicated to custom post-frame construction. If you are still working out the terminology, our explainer on what a pole building actually is covers how post-frame framing differs from conventional construction.

Every building we put up is engineered to the applicable Minnesota design criteria: a 60 psf or 50 psf ground snow load, a 42 psf or 35 psf design flat-roof snow load, Zone I or Zone II frost depth, and 115 mph residential wind design — not a generic regional spec.

Because we supply our own lumber and manage the full build in-house, we can give a realistic timeline and quote from the first conversation — and stand behind the result with a 30-year limited structural warranty and 10-year workmanship warranty.

Why Choose Sherman for Your Minnesota Pole Barn

Engineered for Minnesota

Ground-contact pressure-treated columns, 60 psf or 50 psf site snow-load engineering, 115 mph wind design, and Zone I or Zone II frost-depth footings.

Fewer Materials, Faster Build

Post-frame uses larger structural members spaced 8–12′ apart. Typical pole building shells dry in within a week on-site.

Clear-Span Interiors

No interior load-bearing walls. Drive a combine or loader straight through without maneuvering around posts.

One Source, Our Lumber Yard

Materials sourced through our own lumber yard — tighter quality control than sourcing from multiple suppliers.

30-Year Warranty

30-year limited structural warranty plus 10-year workmanship warranty — the same coverage on every build.

Licensed & Insured

Minnesota state license BC004619. Fully insured, with crews experienced in residential, agricultural, and commercial post-frame.

Minnesota Service Regions

Primary service radius: approximately 200 miles around our Mora, MN headquarters. Projects outside the primary radius are evaluated case-by-case.

Twin Cities Exurban

Pole barns, garages, and barndominiums north and east of the Twin Cities — Cambridge, Forest Lake, North Branch, Princeton, and surrounding communities within the 200-mile primary radius.

Central Minnesota

Our home territory. Projects across Kanabec, Pine, Isanti, Mille Lacs, Aitkin, Chisago, Morrison, and Benton counties — built from our Mora, MN headquarters.

Northern Minnesota

Supported from our Mora headquarters and sales office, with crews using our Floodwood distribution center before heading to project sites. Brainerd lakes, Duluth area, Hibbing, Grand Rapids, and the Iron Range — engineered for heavy snow loads.

East-Central & I-35 Corridor

Hinckley, Sandstone, Pine City, Moose Lake, and Carlton — along the I-35 corridor from the metro to Duluth. See the Pine County regional page for detail.

Northwest Wisconsin

Polk, Burnett, Barron, Washburn, and Douglas counties. See our dedicated Northwest Wisconsin service page for details.

Pole Barn Builders in Minnesota — FAQ

Who builds pole barns in Minnesota?

Sherman Buildings is a family-owned Minnesota pole barn builder headquartered in Mora, MN, our headquarters and sales office, with a Floodwood distribution center and contractor hub where crews pick up tools and materials before heading to project sites. Since 1976 we have designed and built custom post-frame pole barns, garages, machine sheds, barndominiums, and pole barn houses across Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin. Our primary service radius is approximately 200 miles around Mora, MN 55051.

What areas of Minnesota does Sherman Buildings serve?

We serve all of Minnesota, with primary scheduling and focus within 200 miles of Mora (55051). That covers the Twin Cities exurban area, central Minnesota, the Brainerd lakes, the Duluth and Iron Range regions, Hinckley, Sandstone, Pine City, and most of east-central Minnesota. Projects outside the primary radius but still in Minnesota are evaluated case-by-case.

How much does a pole barn cost in Minnesota?

Pole barn cost depends on size, site conditions, door and window configuration, insulation and interior finish, concrete, and current material pricing — not a simple per-square-foot number. The best way to get an accurate number for your project is to request a free, no-obligation quote. A Sherman project manager can talk through realistic ranges after reviewing your site and intended use.

Do you need a permit to build a pole barn in Minnesota?

In almost all Minnesota jurisdictions, yes. Setbacks, zoning, snow-load, and electrical/plumbing permits are handled at the county or municipal level and vary from township to township. Sherman Buildings can help guide you through the local permit process as part of your project.

What is the smallest pole building Sherman will build?

The typical minimum is 20′×24′. The most common size we build is 30′×40′. For smaller outbuildings, we also offer pre-built "Little Shermies." Larger buildings — up to 80′ wide with engineered trusses — are a core part of what we do.

How long does it take to build a pole barn?

Most standard pole barn shells are framed, sheathed, and dried-in within a week of crew arrival on-site. Overall project timelines are driven by permits, site preparation, concrete, interior finishing, and weather. Your project manager will give you a realistic schedule after the design consultation.

Is Sherman Buildings licensed and insured in Minnesota?

Yes. Minnesota state license BC004619, fully insured. Every post-frame building we deliver carries a 30-year limited structural warranty and a 10-year workmanship warranty.

Do you build pole barns outside of Minnesota?

We build across all of Minnesota and in Northwest Wisconsin — the Polk, Burnett, Barron, Washburn, and Douglas county region. Projects farther afield are evaluated case-by-case based on distance from our Mora, MN headquarters.

Ready to Start Your Minnesota Pole Barn Project?

Talk to a Sherman Buildings project manager about your site, timing, and building type — no obligation. Or start with our 3D design tool to explore sizes and layouts.