Barn vs shed: Which one best fits your needs?

If you’re looking to add a bit of extra space to your property, you may be considering which is the better option between barn vs shed. Both of these options can give you more room for tools and other items you want to store, and they can even serve as versatile areas for hobbies or animals.

Deciding between a shed vs barn can be a head-scratcher when you have to think about size, purpose, cost, and more. But don’t worry–in this guide, we’ll cover their key differences to help you make the right choice for your needs.

What’s a barn?

An old barn in the countryside. (Source: iStock)

A barn is a large structure traditionally found on farms. It serves as a storage space for hay, crops, and farm equipment. It also has stables for livestock like cattle, horses, and sheep. Because of its significance in farm life and agricultural business, barns are even viewed as cultural artifacts in history and society.

While barns have deep roots in agricultural use, today they’re just as likely to be used for a range of purposes like hobby gardens, workshops, or even event spaces and converted homes. They’re usually built from durable materials like wood or metal, offering a spacious interior and featuring high roofs or multiple levels to maximise storage.

What’s a shed?

A cosy wooden garden shed. (Source: iStock)

Sheds are smaller structures used for storing tools, gardening equipment, outdoor furniture, small vehicles, or other household items. They’re perfect for homeowners looking to declutter or organise their outdoor area, as they provide easy access to frequently used items without taking up too much space.

Sheds are usually made from wood, metal, or plastic, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit different needs. Agricultural sheds also exist, but for the most part, sheds are simple and functional, offering just enough space to store essentials without the larger footprint of a barn. 

Shed vs barn: Is there a difference?

Sheds and barns differ in the way they’re constructed, regulated, and more. Understanding these differences will help you decide on the better option for your property.

In terms of size

Easyshed's outdoor storage shed for yard tools and equipment. (Source: Easyshed)

Barns are larger than sheds, as they’re often designed to house livestock or large farm equipment. Their spacious interiors and high ceilings make them ideal for people who need room to move around or store bulky items. Barns can range from modest-sized structures to massive multi-level buildings, depending on their purpose.

In contrast, sheds are more compact for storing smaller items like gardening tools or bikes. They fit neatly into backyards without taking up too much space. 

But if you have more space in your property, you can also have large farm sheds. Shed manufacturers like Easyshed have up to 3.75 m x 7.5 m garage sheds that can store larger vehicles like cars and even boats. There are single or double carports too, which measure up to 5.50 m x 5.40 m in size.

In terms of purpose

Barns are traditionally built for agricultural use. This makes them ideal for housing livestock and storing large quantities of hay and equipment on a rural farm. These days, barns can also serve more creative or commercial purposes, such as workshops, event venues, or even homes.

Sheds, on the other hand, are built with simplicity in mind. They’re mainly used for storage—think tools, lawn equipment, or seasonal items that don’t belong in the house. 

Larger shed storage solutions like garage sheds are also popular for securely storing vehicles or creating functional workspaces. Easyshed’s range of carports and garages highlights the demand for practical, space-saving options in suburban or urban settings.

In terms of construction materials

A well-stocked shed filled with tools and equipment. (Source: iStock)

Barns are often built from heavy-duty materials like timber, steel, or a combination of both. These premium materials are chosen for their strength and resilience, as barns are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, protect livestock, and store valuable farm machinery.

Meanwhile, lighter materials such as wood, metal, or even plastic are typically used for shed installation. While wooden or metal sheds offer decent durability and weather resistance, plastic sheds are more affordable, though they might not be as tough in extreme conditions. 

As for choosing between metal vs wood sheds, the better material will depend on your purpose and area. The same goes for if you’re considering a timber frame shed vs steel.

In terms of insulation

Barns are often built with insulation in mind to maintain quality. This temperature regulation keeps the interior warm during winter and cool in summer, which is crucial for keeping livestock or creating a conducive environment for workshops. Insulated barns also protect stored items and valuable machinery from moisture and extreme weather conditions.

Sheds aren’t usually insulated, especially if they’re just used for storage. Most types of sheds like modern garden sheds or household sheds, are designed to be functional and budget-friendly, so insulation is often left out to keep costs low.

When building a shed, insulation is usually done if it’s being used for more than just storage, like as a workspace, a hobby room, or a farm shed. You can hire experts to help you out if you’re unsure about the process of how to insulate a shed.

In terms of regulations

A young farmer conducting a barn inspection. (Source: iStock)

Barns typically require stricter building construction codes and permits due to their size and purpose. Depending on the location, you may need to comply with zoning laws that dictate how and where a barn can be constructed, especially if it’s intended for agricultural use or if it’ll be housing livestock. These building codes and regulations ensure that barns meet safety standards and consider the welfare of the animals.

Conversely, shed regulations are less rigorous. For example, smaller sheds of less than 10 sqm can be built without needing a permit, provided they stay within certain size limits set by local councils. However, it’s important to check local guidelines, as regulations can vary by region. 

In terms of cost

For barns, the cost is generally higher due to their larger size and more durable construction. A small to medium-sized barn can range from $30,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on features such as insulation, flooring, or custom designs.

The cost of sheds is significantly lower. A basic, small garden shed made from metal or wood can start around $1,000 to $3,000, while larger, more robust sheds can range from $5,000 to $15,000. 

Carports are another economical option, with prices generally between $3,300 and $4,800, depending on size and materials. For example, Easyshed offers carports starting at $1,999 for in-ground installations and $2,299 for slab installations. Their double carports range from $2,899 to $3,199, giving buyers an idea of what to expect when budgeting for this type of structure. Garage sheds, which offer more enclosed storage, often range from $3,200 to $6,200.

Need to build a barn or a shed? Find a professional builder on Airtasker

With the information from this guide, you’re now more ready to decide whether to add a barn or a shed to your property. So, why not make the process easier by finding a professional builder on Airtasker? There are a lot of skilled experts available for you to connect with.

Whether you’re looking for a spacious barn for livestock or a compact shed for storage, Airtasker can connect you with the right professional who can lend a hand. Post your task today and start receiving offers from reliable Taskers who can build the barn or shed of your dreams.