Barns and sheds are both popular choices when it comes to adding functional storage space to properties. However, each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and it’s not always easy to tell at a glance which will be a better fit for your space. A better approach to making your choice is to compare them in a systematic way.
This article details the main criteria you should include when comparing your options.
Compare Size and Capacity
Size is the clearest difference between barns and sheds, with the former generally being a lot larger. This is because they are designed to store agricultural equipment, which includes heavy machinery and vehicles. That doesn’t mean that they’re only useful for farmers, though. They can be a great choice if you need to store a boat or jet ski, for example.
Sheds tend to be more compact and better suited to storing smaller goods, like gardening or power tools. They also leave you with more space available if your garden is small. If you have enough space for either, but are swayed towards a shed because you haven’t any large equipment to store, remember that your needs may change in future.
Consider the Cost of Each Option
In most cases, the cost will be closely related to the size of the structure you choose. A barn will, generally, cost more than a shed because it is larger and the design is often a bit more complex. Sheds, on the other hand, require fewer material resources and labour to assemble, so they tend to cost less.
However, you cannot consider the cost only in terms of what you pay upfront. You should also factor in the ongoing maintenance costs and expected lifetime of the structure. It’s often worth paying a bit more upfront for more robust materials that will last and are easy to maintain. Also, it may be cheaper in the long run to choose a large shed or barn now than to expand or replace a small one later.
Think About Versatility
Often, when people choose between a barn and a shed, they only think about the best solution to their current needs. For example, maybe they have some tools that need to be stored somewhere secure and dry. We don’t usually think about what other needs we might have in the future, but we should really try to.
For instance, you might want to host a garden party one summer and need a sheltered space. You can adapt your barn to suit that purpose, but not a shed. By virtue of being bigger, barns tend to offer a bit more flexibility, whereas sheds are better if you want a space dedicated to a single use. If you only need some extra growing space for plants, then a shed may be the better choice.
Assess Their Aesthetic Impact
Whichever choice you make will be something you have to live with and see every day. It’ll also potentially impact your property value, so it pays to think about how a structure looks in addition to its functional qualities. Aesthetically, each plays a slightly different role. Barns often become focal points that stand out from their surroundings because of their size, whereas sheds tend to blend into the surroundings and are a bit more subtle.
Take a look at your landscape and try to imagine which would look better. Also think about what kinds of colours and materials would complement the surroundings. Both can be painted or finished in ways that make them look charmingly rustic or modern, but remember that this may increase the cost, especially if you choose to customise a barn.
Consider Construction and Installation Time
Sheds are obviously quicker to build, so if you need a space urgently, they should be your go-to. A prefabricated one can be assembled in just one or two days, typically. Barns often take longer, and may even take weeks depending on what materials are used, the complexity of the design, and the amount of customisation.
Having builders assemble your barn or shed can speed things up, although doing it yourself may cut the costs.
Conclusion
Barns and sheds both offer convenient solutions if you need to add secure and dry storage to your property. Working through the list above will help ensure that you make the right choice for your property, lifestyle, and wallet.