50x100 Metal Building with Slab Cost in Tennessee
A 50x100 building — 5,000 square feet — is a serious farm or commercial-scale project. It's large enough to store multiple pieces of full-size agricultural equipment, create a dedicated shop area, and handle the operations of an active working property. If you're planning a building this size in Lawrence or Giles County, the total investment is significant and the details matter. Here's what it costs and what drives the number.
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A large post-frame building in Lawrence County — at 50x100 scale, site access for concrete trucks and crane-assisted framing are planning considerations from the start.
Quick answer: 50x100 building with slab total cost in Tennessee
A complete 50x100 metal building with concrete slab in Middle Tennessee runs $140,000 to $220,000 in 2025. The shell (post-frame structure, metal roofing and siding, overhead doors, entry doors) runs $90,000–$140,000. The 5,000 sq ft concrete slab runs $42,000–$65,000 for 4-inch with wire mesh, or $52,000–$75,000 for 5-inch with rebar. Site prep and insulation are additional scopes.
Slab requirements at 5,000 sq ft
A 50x100 slab is a significant concrete pour — approximately 62 cubic yards at 4 inches or 77 yards at 5 inches. This is a pump truck job with coordinated multi-truck deliveries on the pour day. We plan the truck sequencing, pour direction, and crew positioning before any concrete is placed. A 5,000 sq ft slab poured improperly — with bad joint placement, inadequate base prep, or poor truck sequencing — has much more expensive consequences than a 400 sq ft patio.
For a building used for equipment storage with any tractors, combines, or loaded semi-trailers, a 5-inch slab with a #4 rebar grid is the correct spec. Wire mesh is adequate for lighter storage use only. On a slab this size, the cost difference between wire mesh and rebar is $8,000–$14,000 — significant, but a small fraction of the total project and worth it for a floor that's going to hold 30,000+ lb farm equipment.
| Component | Cost range (Middle Tennessee 2025) |
|---|---|
| 50x100 post-frame shell (base scope) | $90,000 – $140,000 |
| 50x100 slab, 4 in, wire mesh, stable site | $42,000 – $58,000 |
| 50x100 slab, 5 in, rebar, equipment use | $55,000 – $78,000 |
| Spray foam insulation, roof panels (closed-cell) | $14,000 – $22,000 |
| Electrical rough-in (lights, outlets, panel) | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Additional overhead doors (per 16x16) | $3,500 – $6,000 each |
Site preparation for a 50x100 building
A 50x100 building pad needs to be level and properly graded for drainage. This is more demanding than a smaller building because drainage slope errors over 100 feet of length are amplified — a 1-inch grade error across 100 feet creates a visibly tilted slab that you notice every time you sweep the floor. We use a laser level on the forming for every large building slab and check elevation at multiple points before placing any concrete.
Site access for a building this size requires planning concrete truck paths, erection equipment clearance, and ongoing site access during construction. We evaluate site access during the estimate visit for any project this size — access limitations that affect pump truck use or crane positioning affect the project cost and schedule meaningfully.
Permits for a 50x100 building in Tennessee
A building this size requires a full building permit in Lawrence and Giles County. For post-frame construction, the permit requires engineered drawings — most major pole barn manufacturers provide these with the building package. For pre-engineered metal building packages (clear-span steel), engineering drawings come from the building manufacturer. We coordinate the permit submission and manage the inspection schedule throughout the project.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 50x100 metal building with slab cost in Tennessee?
$140,000–$220,000 for shell plus slab in Middle Tennessee in 2025. Shell is $90,000–$140,000. Slab is $42,000–$65,000 for 4-inch or $55,000–$78,000 for 5-inch with rebar. Insulation and electrical are additional. On-site evaluation required for accurate numbers.
How much does a 50x100 concrete slab cost?
$42,000–$65,000 for 4-inch with wire mesh in Lawrence and Giles County. $55,000–$78,000 for 5-inch with rebar for equipment use. Site conditions and base requirements determine where on that range you land.
What is a 50x100 building typically used for in Tennessee?
Large agricultural equipment storage, commercial workshops, livestock operations, and large residential farm buildings. In Lawrence and Giles County, we see this size on active working farms storing multiple pieces of full-size equipment plus a dedicated shop area.
Do you need a permit for a 50x100 building in Tennessee?
Yes — a full building permit with engineered drawings is required. Agricultural exemptions don't cover buildings of this size on most properties. We manage the permit process and inspection schedule on every large project.
How long does it take to build a 50x100 metal building?
Site prep and slab (including 28-day cure) take 4–6 weeks. Shell erection takes 7–12 days. Total project timeline is 12–20 weeks from contract to move-in, including permit review and material lead time.
Planning a 50x100 building in Lawrenceburg, Pulaski, or Middle Tennessee? Call (931) 369-2134 or request a free estimate. See our buildings and barns page, our 40x60 building guide, and our large slab cost breakdown.