7 Creative Uses for Pole Barns in Spokane

When most people think of a pole barn, they picture a classic red structure with tractors inside—but here in Spokane, we’ve taken pole barns to a whole new level. At Stimson Contracting, we’ve worked with homeowners, small businesses, hobbyists, and landowners to design pole barns that go far beyond basic storage.

Thanks to the flexibility of post-frame construction, these buildings can be customized into just about anything you can imagine. From art studios and retail shops to cozy guest homes and off-grid retreats, pole barns have become one of the most creative and cost-effective building solutions for people across the Inland Northwest.

In this article, I’ll walk you through seven unique and inspiring ways to use a pole barn on your Spokane property—each one designed to make the most of your land, your lifestyle, and your long-term plans.

Table of Contents

1. 1. Hobby Workshops and Studios

2. 2. Barndominium-Style Guest Houses

3. 3. Small Business Headquarters

4. 4. RV, Boat, and Toy Storage

5. 5. Indoor Gardening and Greenhouses

6. 6. Event and Entertainment Spaces

7. 7. Homestead Buildings and Off-Grid Retreats

8. Conclusion: More Than Just a Barn

1. Hobby Workshops and Studios

Whether you're into woodworking, welding, painting, or restoring vintage cars, a pole barn makes the perfect dedicated workshop or studio. The clear-span interiors allow you to configure the space exactly how you want it, with:

• Built-in workbenches

• Loft storage

• Ample lighting

• Climate control

It’s your personal space to work, create, and escape—right in your own backyard.

2. Barndominium-Style Guest Houses

A growing number of Spokane homeowners are converting pole barns into fully finished guest spaces or barndominiums. These can serve as:

• In-law suites

• Airbnb or vacation rentals

• College student apartments

• Long-term rental income units

With full plumbing, insulation, and modern finishes, you’d never guess it started as a barn. And the best part? You can tailor the layout to meet your exact needs.

3. Small Business Headquarters

Many entrepreneurs are ditching expensive leases and building custom commercial pole barns on their own land. These buildings are perfect for:

• Contractors and service providers

• E-commerce storage and shipping

• Equipment repair and maintenance

• Agri-business operations

We’ve built pole barns for everything from landscaping companies to custom cabinet shops—each one designed to streamline operations and save money over time.

4. RV, Boat, and Toy Storage

One of the most popular uses in Spokane? Secure storage for RVs, boats, snowmobiles, and side-by-sides. We build structures that keep your investments safe from the elements with:

• Oversized roll-up doors

• Tall ceilings

• Power hookups

• Concrete slabs or gravel pads

You can also include a loft for seasonal gear or a small workshop area for maintenance and prep.

5. Indoor Gardening and Greenhouses

More and more Spokane residents are getting into year-round gardening and food production. A well-ventilated, insulated pole barn can be the perfect space for:

• Indoor hydroponic systems

• Raised garden beds

• Seedling starting rooms

• Tool and supply storage

With the right climate control setup, you can grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers even through the toughest winters.

6. Event and Entertainment Spaces

Want a place to host birthdays, weddings, reunions, or holiday parties? Turn your pole barn into a custom entertainment venue with:

• Open floor plans

• String lighting and sound systems

• Outdoor patios or lean-tos

• Bathrooms and prep kitchens

Whether it's private use or a rentable event space, it adds serious function—and charm—to your property.

7. Homestead Buildings and Off-Grid Retreats

For those living the homestead lifestyle or planning a getaway cabin, pole barns make an excellent off-grid building option. You can integrate:

• Solar power systems

• Water collection and filtration

• Composting toilets or septic systems

• Efficient insulation and heating

The result? A rugged, reliable structure that supports independence and self-sufficiency—all built to handle Spokane’s four-season climate.

8. Conclusion: More Than Just a Barn

Pole barns aren’t just about storage—they’re about opportunity. Whether you’re building a hobby haven, a business base, or a flexible living space, the possibilities are nearly endless. And with the right design and a trusted builder, you can create a structure that’s as beautiful as it is practical.

At Stimson Contracting, we’ve helped clients across Spokane turn their ideas into high-quality, custom pole buildings that serve multiple purposes—and stand the test of time. Whatever vision you have, we’re here to bring it to life.