While some types of sheds like farm machinery or implement sheds are naturally designed to be able to serve different storage purposes, some sheds are built with one specific purpose in mind. Therefore, when building your new shed, it is essential to design one specifically suited to your farm or lifestyle requirements.
To make the decision-making process a little easier when building your shed, take a look through the range of farm sheds found in NZ below along with a quick guide to Pole Sheds – the most common construction method for agricultural sheds here in NZ.
Whether it’s an implement shed, animal shelter, workshop or anything in between, when it comes to building a farm-style shed, timber pole sheds are the best and most favoured option for New Zealand’s unique rural environment.
A long history of reliable performance coupled with a robust, structurally sound shed construction method that is affordable and highly adaptable while accounting for excellent foundational support is what makes timber pole sheds the best choice in shed construction.
See below for our top 5 benefits of pole shed construction for your farm shed.
1. Versatility. Pole sheds are very versatile, they are able to be built in a wide range of sizes and styles, and can be highly customised to suit most applications and needs.
2. Cost Effective. Pole sheds are the most cost effective shed construction method for most applications when compared to other shed styles.
3. Simple To Construct. Pole sheds require less site preparation, have a shorter build time, there is no need for a concrete slab, and they are easy to work with when choosing to work with internal steel or timber framing.
4. Environmentally Friendly. Timber is a renewable resource that is able to be reliably sustainably sourced in NZ.
5. Durability. Perhaps the biggest benefit of pole sheds is their durability. They are able to withstand most, if not all, of New Zealand’s different types of weather and environmental conditions (which is especially important where the shed is fully or partially open to the weather).
Here we outline the 10 most common types of farm sheds in New Zealand, their general construction needs and what they are used for.
1. Implement Storage
Farm equipment and machinery represent a significant investment whether you’re a farmer or lifestyle block owner. So protecting these assets and making sure they are safe and well looked after is always a priority.
Implement sheds are often highly customised to suit specific requirements, they can also be custom-designed for certain pieces of machinery or farm implements. Clear spans up to 20m, high studs and wide bays are common choices, along with fully enclosed and more open design options.
2. Hay Sheds
Essential for any farmer that produces hay or needs to store winter feed, such as silage under cover, the hay shed is probably the most common type of shed seen across New Zealand farms. This popularity stems from haymaking as a commonly used form of stock feed during the late 1980s to early 2000s.
Hay sheds are designed to protect hay bales from getting wet to preserve nutrients and quality while preventing spoilage. Hay sheds are a versatile multipurpose shed often built to store both machinery and hay with a roof and three sides with an open front. Hay sheds require good ventilation and airflow to reduce the chance of heat and moisture build-up, which can affect the quality of the hay.
3. Animal Shelters
New Zealand’s weather can be extreme at times with everything from snow and hail in the winter through to searing heat in summer. Ensuring adequate shelter for livestock protection is essential for lifestyle block owners and farmers alike.
For animal shelters, durability is the key to a good shed, for most this means sticking with the trusty pole shed design in the majority of cases. Pole sheds offer excellent durability, longevity, and are structurally sound under most, if not all, conditions when it comes to stock shelter. This is because the poles are able to withstand the impact or knocks from animals without inflicting damage to the structural integrity of the shed.
4. Workshops/Additional Garaging
A secure bird/rodent free workshop is a commonplace fixture for most farm operations. These multipurpose sheds not only provide space for tool storage and additional garaging for the motorbike, ATV or lawnmower, but they are also designed to offer a workspace for repairs and maintenance.
Workshop sheds are usually tailored to suit, with sheds ranging from 9m to 30m+ wide, with custom heights and bay sizes and almost unlimited lengths. Concrete flooring is a standard feature, along with being lockable and wired for electricity use with good lighting. Some workshops will also include vehicle/equipment hoists, a pit, roller doors, clearlite roofing panels, personal access doors, and 3-phase electric wiring.
5. Chemical Sheds
Every farmer knows that safely and securely storing chemicals is a top priority. However, storing chemicals safely is about more than just having a designated space, it is about meeting the safety standards and regulations around potentially dangerous chemicals. Designated chemical sheds protect your farm, your employees, and you from unauthorised access or misuse of chemicals.
Agricultural and horticultural chemical sheds are generally relatively small with approved flooring (a fully bunded impervious floor or drip trays), timber or steel framed with internal shelving, no direct sunlight, and most often built with Colorsteel cladding. These sheds are usually stand-alone and separated from other buildings due to the need for them to be self-contained.
6. Bulk Storage Sheds
Whether it’s used to keep your fertiliser dry and clean, for storing bulk animal feed, dog food, or for storing grain or produce after harvesting, bulk storage sheds are a necessity for all kinds of farms.
Generally constructed with a clear span structure in mind (to maximise storage), bulk storage sheds come in a range of sizes and specs with customisation available. Bird proofing is generally a priority along with rodent protection, meaning fully enclosed spaces are a must. Large doors are usually a common feature to keep goods dry and for easy access.
7. Covered Yards
Fixed yard covers are a popular investment here in NZ, offering farmers additional stock cover for events like shearing and crutching, where the animals have to be kept dry along with protection from the elements for both stock and staff when working in the yards for everyday activities such as drafting or drenching.
Covered yards are almost always built using a simple pole construction design with corrugated iron roofing. One or two sides may also be covered in (generally the southern end) for additional protection from the prevailing winds.
8. Small Equipment Storage
Whether it’s extra storage for the tractor, ATV, motorbike, lawn mower, or even somewhere to store the firewood, utility sheds are great for all those extra things that need protection from the elements along with secure storage.
With spans of anywhere from 6 to 15m+, utility sheds are generally constructed without a concrete slab to reduce costs and, depending on preference, remain with an open front for easy access. These types of sheds are generally pole-constructed with lost cost and versatility in mind.
9. Farm Office/Accommodation
With many farms requiring worker accommodation or office space, building a cabin-style shed is a great option to cover your bases.
Farm cabins are highly customisable and can be constructed with full living quarters in mind, including showers and toilets. It is also possible to incorporate cabin accommodation into the design of larger sheds by enclosing one or two bays.
10. Hangars
For the part-time pilot or aviation enthusiast, storing a recreational plane or helicopter means building a shed! For hangers, the shed must be durable, lockable and, most importantly, big enough to accommodate the aircraft.
Clear span construction is an essential part of building your hanger, along with bird and rodent protection. Some hangers also need additional strengthening is aircraft maintenance is planned (rafters strong enough to hold/lift heavy parts).
Having designed and manufactured hundreds of kitset farm sheds across New Zealand, GreenWood Sheds are experts at providing the best shed for your needs. We work with you to ensure you receive the most efficient cost effective design and provide detailed build specs to ensure you know exactly what you are getting. Get in touch with GreenWood Sheds today for all your shed needs.