Using Barns and Sheds for
Your Outdoor Storage Needs
Outdoor storage buildings are often a
must for anyone that works, plays, or spends anytime
outdoors. There are two main kinds of outdoor
storage buildings,
barns and sheds. Both are similar structures
with relatively similar purposes, and many small
barns can resemble large sheds and large sheds can
resemble small barns, there are a few basic
differences between the two structures.
Traditionally, barns have been used to store
grain, livestock, and farm equipment. Thus, barns
have traditionally been quite large to accommodate
these uses. Barns might also incorporate a living
area or a workshop as well.
There are many styles of barns. Common barns
include the traditional Dutch barn, which is
characterized by a long gabled roof and extensive
interior framework for support. Another common barn
is the prairie, or Western, style barn. This is the
classic style barn that is usually two-storied with
a tall, peaked roof, and with the second story used
a hayloft. Crib barns are another type that gets
their name because it is composed of a number of
smaller cribs used to store grain or livestock.
Round barns are another common type that are mainly
used to store grain. In the American Southwest,
adobe barns are often seen because adobe is a common
building material.
Barns come in a variety of materials. Usually,
the climate and weather of the region will determine
the barn’s construction. In rainy climates, you will
often see metal or steel barns, because metal will
better withstand the damp conditions. In areas where
lumber is prevalent, wooden barns will be used
because the wood is readily available.
Whereas in areas like the Southwest, where water
and trees are scarce, you will often see traditional
barns made of adobe or minimal amounts of lumber.
There are many types and styles of barns. Barn
styles have adapted to the area in which they are
built, and are constructed based on the constraints
of the landscape and climate as well as the intended
use. In hilly country, for example, you might see a
bank barn, which is a style of barn built into a
hill.
Similarly, sheds are used for a variety of
purposes and come in many styles. Like barns, shed
construction depends on use but is also influenced
by the weather and climate. Sheds are generally a
single-story structure used for storage, hobbies, or
a workshop. Sheds are usually smaller in size, which
often works in a neighborhood or smaller outdoor
area.
However, many agricultural sheds can be larger
and sometimes resemble a barn. For domestic purposes
or home use, sheds usually are smaller and tend to
be used for storage of equipment not suitable for
inside your home – like chemicals, pesticides, lawn
equipment, or recreational toys and vehicles. Other
shed styles include Amish sheds, garden sheds, and
boat sheds. Sheds can also be dressed up to match
the exterior design of the home. Flower boxes,
attached porches, and facades can be added to sheds
to blend with the overall property design.
You can build sheds and barns on your own, using
storage shed plans.
You will also find sheds and barns are available in
kits. Usually, the shed tends to be smaller and is
therefore more manageable for the do-it-yourselfer –
particularly if you are building it on your own.
Another option is to have a professional crew
install your shed or barn kit. Regardless, both
sheds and barns are functional and come in a variety
of styles – depending on what best meets your needs.
For more information on building a shed or barn
please read this article on
How Big Of An
Outdoor Storage Shed Do You Need?
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