Stone vs timber barn conversion cost

Build-cost bands are the site's own indicative model, inflated to a Q2 2026 footing via the ONS Construction Output Price Index (April 2026). Class Q rules current to the 21 May 2024 GPDO amendment.

Stone threshing barns scope at £2,180-£2,640/m² mid spec; timber Dutch barns at £1,650-£2,180/m². The gap is driven by walling, re-roof and structural intervention. Timber wins on cost; stone wins on end-value and character premium.

£/m² compare

Stone threshing (mid spec, indicative)

£2,180-£2,640 / m²

Timber Dutch (mid spec, indicative)

£1,650-£2,180 / m²

Where the gap sits

Walling: stone repointing £60-£110/m²; timber-clad infill £80-£140/m². Stone walls are slower per m² of elevation.
Re-roof: Welsh slate on stone £170-£240/m²; standing-seam metal on Dutch roof £160-£240/m². Slate is heavier and demands stronger truss.
Structural: stone needs ring beam and opening formation; timber Dutch needs frame stitching and bracing. Stone is more skilled labour.

End-value compare

Stone barns command a character premium of 12% to 22% over equivalent timber barns at sale, on a like-for-like postcode and spec basis. That offsets a meaningful proportion of the build-cost gap.

Sources cited on this page