Why Barn Sheds Are the Smart Storage Choice
Barn sheds offer maximum storage space, classic aesthetics, and best versatility for homeowners who need reliable outdoor structures. Here’s what makes them stand out:
- Gambrel roof design – Creates extra vertical space and built-in loft storage without increasing the footprint.
- Durable construction – Built with pressure-treated runners, engineered flooring, and quality framing that lasts decades.
- Customizable features – Choose your siding, roof material, door styles, windows, and interior layout.
- Multiple uses – Perfect for tool storage, workshops, animal shelters, or hobby spaces.
- Size range – Available from compact 8×8 models to spacious 12×32 structures.
When we compare barn sheds for customers, we focus on three things: construction quality, customization options, and real-world durability. The barn-style design isn’t just about looks. That distinctive gambrel roof creates significantly more usable space than standard gable roofs, especially in the upper areas where you’d typically lose headroom.
Whether you’re storing seasonal equipment, creating a workshop, or housing livestock, this extra vertical space translates to real storage capacity without requiring a larger footprint or additional permitting.
A Builder’s Guide to Comparing Barn Sheds
Choosing the right barn shed for your property in Utah, Idaho, Iowa, or Nebraska involves more than just picking a pretty color. It’s about understanding the different styles, materials, and features that will ensure your investment stands the test of time and truly meets your needs. We’ve spent decades perfecting our craft, building structures that aren’t just functional but are built to endure the unique weather conditions of our regions.
Let’s explore what makes a great barn shed.
Types of Barn Sheds and Their Uses
When we talk about barn sheds, we’re often referring to a family of structures characterized by their unique rooflines and generous storage capabilities. Each type offers distinct advantages, making them suitable for various applications.
Lofted Barns
Lofted Barns are perhaps the most popular style of barn sheds, easily recognizable by their classic gambrel-style roof. This iconic roof design isn’t just for aesthetics; it’s a masterclass in maximizing vertical space. The steep slopes and broad peak create an expansive overhead area, perfect for integrating a loft.
This means you get a significant amount of additional storage without increasing the shed’s footprint on your property. Imagine storing seasonal decorations, seldom-used tools, or even creating a small hobby space up there.
Our Lofted Barns typically come with up to 8 feet of loft space included, making them ideal for maximizing available storage. With standard inside wall heights starting around 6 feet 3 inches, and 7-foot options available in select areas, you’ll find plenty of room to move around, even below the loft.
Mini-Barns
Mini-Barns, sometimes referred to as “storage barns,” offer a more compact solution while still retaining the classic barn aesthetic. They are excellent for ground-level storage, providing ample space for garden tools, lawnmowers, and other outdoor equipment.
While they might not feature the extensive loft space of their larger Lofted Barn counterparts, their efficient design and traditional look make them a charming and practical addition to any backyard. They are particularly popular for those who need straightforward, accessible storage without the need for liftd areas.
Pole Barns
For customers needing a durable, spacious solution for livestock, equipment, or general agricultural use, Pole Barns are one of the most versatile structures we offer. Built for strength and longevity, these barns provide wide-open interior space, flexible layouts, and reliable protection—ideal for ranchers, homesteaders, hobby farmers, and property owners across Utah, Idaho, Iowa, and Nebraska.
Our pole barns are constructed using robust framing and high-quality materials, ensuring they stand up to heavy use and harsh weather conditions. Whether you need room for storing tractors and tools, sheltering animals, or creating a functional workshop, each structure can be tailored to your exact needs. Custom options include your choice of siding and roofing materials, added doors or windows for ventilation, reinforced entry points, and layout adjustments to support your daily operations.
Designed for long-term performance and built onsite for precision, our pole barns offer dependable, customizable space for whatever your property demands—making them a smart investment for function, durability, and value.
Materials & Construction: The Foundation of Durability
At Wright’s Shed Co., we believe a shed isn’t just a shed; it’s a long-term investment in your property. That’s why we emphasize superior materials and construction techniques. When comparing barn sheds, the quality of the build is paramount, especially when facing the diverse climates of Utah, Idaho, Iowa, and Nebraska.
At Wright’s Shed Co., every pole barn is engineered for long-term durability and dependable everyday use. We build each structure onsite, ensuring precision, strength, and a perfect fit for your property.
Structural Strength
- Wall Height: 8′ exterior walls
- Framing: 2×4 studs spaced 16″ on center with double top plates
- Roof Pitch: Traditional gambrel style for added overhead space
- Rafters & Trusses: Joined with steel plates for maximum stability
- Roof Sheathing: 7/16″ OSB with drip edge around the entire perimeter
- Shingles: Limited lifetime architectural shingles
- Eaves: Clean design with no overhangs
Durable Foundation & Flooring
- Shed Base: Pressure-treated wood or galvanized steel options
- Flooring: Heavy-duty ¾” tongue-and-groove OSB for a solid, stable surface
Exterior Protection
- Siding: LP SmartSide panel siding for long-term weather resistance
- Trim: 4″ Miratec trim for a clean, durable finish
- Warranty: 8-year warranty included for added peace of mind
Secure & Functional Doors
- Door Construction: Steel-framed with LP SmartSide exterior
- Door Size: 4’ × 6’
- Hardware: Key-latched handle, decorative black hinges, and a diamond plate metal threshold
The typical lifespan and durability of our barn sheds are significant. With proper care and our robust construction, our sheds are designed to last for many, many years. This commitment to quality is why we build most of our structures directly on-site at your property.
This allows us to ensure every component is perfectly assembled, avoiding the compromises sometimes seen with pre-fabricated kits. If you’re curious about different construction methods, you can learn more about building techniques like the Pole Barn Method.
Key Features, Sizing, and Customization
One of the greatest joys of choosing a barn shed from us is the ability to tailor it precisely to your needs. We understand that every homeowner and every property is unique, which is why customization is a cornerstone of our service.
The most defining feature of many barn sheds is the loft space. As we discussed, the gambrel roof design inherently provides this invaluable overhead storage. This extra space can be accessed via ladders or even stairs in larger models, offering a dedicated area for items you don’t need daily but want to keep organized and out of the way. Adding a loft window can bring natural light into this upper area, making it more functional and inviting.
When it comes to entry, door types are crucial. Our 8-foot wide buildings typically come with a single barn door. Window placement isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about ventilation and natural light. You can choose the number and placement of windows to suit your shed’s purpose, whether it’s for a workshop or simply to brighten the interior.
Wall height is another important consideration. Our standard inside wall height is often 6 feet 3 inches, with 7-foot (81-inch inside) options available in select areas. This ensures comfortable headroom for most users.
We offer a wide range of common sizes to fit various needs and property sizes. From practical 8×8 models perfect for a backyard garden to spacious 12×32 structures that can serve as a substantial workshop, and even expansive pole barn buildings for serious storage or multiple uses. We also accommodate custom dimensions, ensuring your barn shed fits perfectly into your available space and meets any specific requirements.
Beyond the structural elements, we provide extensive options for interior customization. This includes adding interior shelving to keep smaller items organized, installing workbenches for hobbyists or DIY enthusiasts, and even incorporating radiant heat barriers or vapor barriers for improved insulation and moisture control.
You can also choose from various siding materials, roof colors, and trim options to ensure your barn shed complements your home and landscape beautifully. Our goal is to build a barn shed that’s not just functional, but truly yours, and we can help you design the perfect layout based on thousands of successful builds.
Budget, Installation, and Finding Barn Sheds for Sale
Understanding the financial aspects and logistical considerations is key when you’re ready to invest in a quality barn shed. While we don’t list specific prices here, we can give you a clear picture of what influences the cost and what to expect from the installation process.
The cost of a high-quality, professionally built portable storage shed in our service areas (Utah, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska) varies depending on size, design, and materials. Most sheds start around $3,400+ and can go up to $11,000+ for larger or more customized builds.
For accurate and updated pricing, you can view our full list here: Farm Shed Pricing.
Several key factors influence the final cost:
- Size: Larger sheds naturally require more materials and labor.
- Materials: Choices like metal siding versus panel siding, or architectural shingles versus metal roofing, will impact the final cost.
- Features & Customization: Adding lofts, extra windows, specialized doors (like Dutch doors), workbenches, or specific interior finishes will increase the investment.
- Delivery Distance: While we often offer free delivery and setup within a certain radius of our locations, longer distances may incur additional fees.
At Wright’s Shed Co., we specialize in professional on-site builds. This means we bring all the materials and expertise directly to your property and construct your barn shed from the ground up. This method ensures the highest quality and allows for precise placement, especially important for larger structures.
While there are options for DIY kits on the market (you can explore resources like Barn Style Shed Kits if you’re interested in that approach), our on-site construction guarantees that your shed is built by experienced craftsmen to our exacting standards, often surpassing the durability of many kit options.
Installation and Delivery Considerations
When you choose us, we handle the delivery of all materials and the complete on-site assembly. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Site Preparation: We advise you on preparing a level and accessible site for your shed. While we don’t build the foundation ourselves, we’ll guide you on the best practices for your specific ground conditions to ensure a stable base for your new structure.
- Permits: Local permit requirements vary by county and city in Utah, Idaho, Iowa, and Nebraska. It’s always a good idea to check with your local municipality about any necessary permits for your chosen shed size before we begin construction. We can offer general guidance, but the responsibility for obtaining permits typically rests with the homeowner.
- Accessibility: Ensure there’s clear access to the build site for our team and materials. This helps us work efficiently and keeps your project on schedule.
We’re proud to offer transparent pricing and detailed quotes, so you’ll know exactly what to expect. Finding barn sheds for sale is easy when you know where to look for quality and local expertise.
To help you understand how different options affect the overall value and investment, here’s a comparison of common shed types we build:
| Shed Type/Size | Typical Investment Level | Key Features for Price Variation |
|---|---|---|
| 10’x12′ Vineyard Shed | Entry-Level | Simple gable roof, basic doors, minimal features |
| 12’x20′ Lofted Barn | Mid-Range | Gambrel roof, significant loft space, double doors |
| 12’x32′ Orchard Shed | Premium | Larger footprint, often includes more windows, more elaborate design |
| 24’x36′ Garage | Mid-to-Premium | Vehicle access, heavier-duty flooring, roll-up door |
| 10’x16′ Lean-To | Mid-Range | More finished interior potential, additional windows |
| 10’x14′ Farm Shed | Mid-to-Premium | Unique aesthetic, often includes specific design elements |
| 7’x8′ Chicken Coop | Entry-Level | Smaller size, specialized features for poultry |
| 4’x5′ Mini Chicken Coop | Entry-Level | Compact, liftd design, specialized for outdoor use |
This table illustrates that larger sizes and specialized features, like the generous loft of a barn, typically command a higher investment, but they also deliver significantly more value in terms of storage and functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Barn Sheds
We get a lot of great questions from our customers in Utah, Idaho, Iowa, and Nebraska about barn sheds. Here are some of the most common ones:
What are the main benefits of a gambrel roof on a barn shed?
The gambrel roof is a game-changer! Its unique design creates a spacious upper area, perfect for a loft. This means you get significantly more vertical storage space and usable cubic feet compared to a traditional gable roof, all without needing a larger footprint on your property. It’s like getting an attic built right into your shed!
How durable are your barn sheds, especially with our regional weather?
Our barn sheds are built to last using high-quality materials and expert onsite construction. We use 2×4 wood framing spaced 16″ on center to create a strong structural shell, and the floor system features robust tongue-and-groove OSB decking supported by a treated base designed for durability. LP SmartSide panel siding wraps your shed with a classic wood look that’s backed by a 50-year limited factory warranty on the siding itself.
For the roof, we install architectural shingles and OSB sheathing to provide lasting protection against sun, wind, and snow. Building onsite allows us to ensure every component is assembled precisely and tailored to your site’s needs. With decades of experience constructing sheds across varied climates, we know how to craft structures that stand up to heat, cold, snow, and moisture for years to come.
Can I customize the interior of my barn shed?
Absolutely! Customization is one of our specialties. You can add interior shelving, workbenches, windows for natural light, and even specialized doors.
We work with you to design an interior layout that maximizes functionality, whether you need a dedicated workshop, organized storage for tools, or a comfortable space for animals.
Do I need a concrete foundation for my barn shed?
While we don’t build foundations, we provide expert advice on site preparation. For most of our barn sheds, a level gravel pad or a properly prepared crushed rock base is sufficient. We’ll guide you on the best foundation for your specific shed and property to ensure stability and longevity.
What is the typical installation process like for your on-site built sheds?
When you choose Wright’s Shed Co., we bring all the materials and our skilled team directly to your property. We construct your barn shed from the ground up, ensuring every piece is perfectly assembled.
This on-site build process means superior quality and a structure custom precisely to your location. You just need to ensure the site is level and accessible, and we handle the rest!
Find the Perfect Barn Shed for Your Property
Choosing the right barn shed is a significant decision, one that can improve your property’s functionality and aesthetic for years to come. We’ve covered the various types, the importance of robust materials and construction, and the incredible flexibility that customization offers. From the generous loft space of a gambrel roof to the durable 2×4 framing and pressure-treated components, every detail contributes to a structure that works hard and looks great.
Finding the perfect barn shed comes down to assessing your unique needs. Are you looking for maximum storage for seasonal items, a dedicated workspace for hobbies, or a safe and comfortable shelter for your animals?
At Wright’s Shed Co., we pride ourselves on our quality craftsmanship and local expertise, serving families and businesses across Utah, Idaho, Iowa, and Nebraska since 1997. We understand the specific challenges and requirements of our region, and we build our sheds to meet them head-on.
When you work with us, you’re not just buying a shed; you’re investing in a durable, custom-built solution backed by decades of experience. Our on-site construction ensures that your barn shed is built with integrity and precision, becoming a lasting asset to your property. We’re here to guide you through every step, from design to the final build, ensuring you get exactly what you envision.
If you’re ready to explore the possibilities and get a high-quality, custom barn shed built right on your property, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to put our expertise to work for you. Contact us today to start your project!