Picture this: you’ve invested thousands into your farm’s equipment—tractors, harvesters, and other costly machinery—and yet, they sit exposed to the elements or in storage that barely holds up. The rust starts creeping in, and one by one, your investments suffer wear and tear that’s hard to reverse. Sound familiar?
The truth is, not all sheds are created equal, especially when it comes to housing valuable farming implements. You need a storage solution that goes beyond being just a shelter—a shed that’s built to withstand tough conditions, resist rust, and protect your equipment without needing frequent repairs or replacements.
In this article, you’ll discover what makes some sheds more suited to long-term implement storage than others. We’ll look at various shed types, and compare features like maintenance needs, durability, and cost-effectiveness. By the end, you’ll know exactly what shed type best fits your needs, offering lasting value and peace of mind.
- Detailed Comparison: Shed Durability and Cost-Effectiveness
- Environmental Impact on Shed Performance
- Investing in the Right Shed for Lasting Value
Detailed Comparison: Shed Durability and Cost-Effectiveness
When it comes to selecting the best shed for your farm implements, understanding the balance between durability, maintenance needs, and overall cost is essential. Below, we’ll compare three popular shed types to help you see which offers the best value for your investment.
Durability and Lifespan
Alpine Sheds
With a 50-year building consent, Alpine sheds offer impressive longevity. They’re constructed with materials, such as timber and 5-10mm thick structural steel, meaning they are built to endure harsh weather, including corrosive environments, heavy snow, and high winds. This means that if you’re looking for a shed that will last a lifetime or two, an Alpine shed is a sound investment.
Rolled Steel Sheds
These sheds usually come with a 25-year consent, but because the steel is typically only 1-2mm thick, they are prone to rust, especially in high-humidity or coastal areas. Their durability is more suited to milder climates, and they often require additional foundation work to keep them secure. Over time, rolled steel sheds might not offer the same level of protection as other shed designs.
Centrepole Sheds
Known for their strong construction, centrepole sheds can withstand significant weather conditions. However, the support poles in the middle can make them tricky for large implement storage and may pose a risk to machinery if accidentally struck during manoeuvring. They lack the open space that other shed types provide, which can limit their usability.
Cost-Effectiveness Over Time
Alpine Sheds
While Alpine sheds come with a higher initial cost, they offer the best long-term value due to their durability, bird-proofing, and low maintenance needs. If you’re looking for a long-term solution, an Alpine shed’s longevity and resilience make it a wise financial investment.
Rolled Steel Sheds
The appeal of rolled steel sheds is largely due to their low upfront cost. However, hidden costs like the need for footings, structural floors, and ongoing rust-proofing treatments can add up over time. If you’re only planning to use the shed short-term, or plan to sell the property with 5-10 years, a rolled steel option might work, but it isn’t ideal for farmers looking for a lasting solution.
Centrepole Sheds
Centrepole sheds sit in the middle of the cost-effectiveness spectrum. They offer durability but lack the clear-span space needed for larger equipment, which can lead to additional expenses in case of accidental damage or collisions. They’re practical for smaller or lighter duty use but may not provide as much value for heavy implement storage.
Environmental Impact on Shed Performance
The environment your shed will be in plays a critical role in how well it performs over time. Coastal conditions, humidity, and the presence of birds can all impact the longevity and upkeep of your shed. Here’s how each shed type stands up to different environmental factors.
Rust Resistance and Humidity
Alpine Sheds
Designed with high-quality, rust-resistant materials like timber and hot dip galvanised structural steel, Alpine sheds perform exceptionally well in humid and coastal environments. This provides maximum resistance to corrosion, meaning your shed is built to last, even in the harshest of conditions.
Rolled Steel Sheds
Rolled steel sheds are more susceptible to rust, due to the thin 1-2mm thick steel, this steel can only be electroplated which is a very thin rust protection coasting that can quickly wear off. If your shed will be located in a coastal or damp area, a rolled steel shed will show the signs of rust quite quickly.
Centrepole Sheds
Centrepole sheds perform exceptionally well in coastal and other corrosive environments. They are constructed from timber poles and framing so there is very little steel in these sheds that can rust. However, these sheds are not the most practical, especially if you are storing larger/wider implements as the centrepole make it difficult for manouvering vehicles within the shed and reduce useable space.
Bird-proofing and Pest Protection
Alpine Sheds
One standout feature of Alpine sheds is their birdproof design. Nesting birds can be a major problem in farm sheds, causing damage to equipment and creating unsanitary conditions. The Alpine system is designed to be bird-proof as they don't require knee or apex bracing and have fully enclosed structural steel rafters to ensure there aren't any nesting areas. This reduces the risk of damage and mess, making these sheds especially practical for farms with nearby trees or areas where birds are common.
Rolled Steel Sheds
Rolled steel sheds are typically not bird-proof due to the design of the rafters and purlin and the need for knee and apex braces resulting in many areas for birds to nest. Not only does this require more frequent cleaning, but bird droppings can also create corrosion on equipment and surfaces. For farmers looking to avoid constant pest-related maintenance, rolled steel sheds may not be ideal.
Centrepole Sheds
Centrepole sheds don’t usually come with bird-proofing either, leaving them open to pest issues. While they provide shelter, birds and other pests may enter and nest around the internal poles, increasing the need for regular cleaning and upkeep.
Structural Reliability in Extreme Weather
Alpine Sheds
Known for their resilience, Alpine sheds can withstand severe weather conditions, from heavy snow loads to high winds. With a strong frame and quality materials, these sheds provide structural stability even in challenging climates, making them a safe choice for protecting valuable machinery.
Rolled Steel Sheds
Rolled steel sheds can withstand basic weather conditions but may struggle in extreme environments. High winds or heavy snow will put an enormous load on the 1-2mm thick steel which can buckle in extremene conditions and lead to structural flaws. They’re best suited for milder climates without frequent severe weather.
Centrepole Sheds
Centrepole sheds are built to handle tough weather and offer stability, but the centre poles can restrict movement and storage flexibility. While they hold up reasonably well under adverse weather conditions, they may not provide the same open, accessible layout as other options, which can be limiting for larger equipment.
Investing in the Right Shed for Lasting Value
Selecting the right shed for implement storage is more than just finding a place to park your machinery—it’s about making a choice that protects your investments and supports your farming operations for years to come. From the clear-span flexibility of Alpine sheds to the budget-friendly, short-term appeal of rolled steel sheds, each option offers distinct advantages depending on your needs.
An Alpine shed, with its high durability, bird-proofing, and rust resistance, stands out as an ideal choice for those looking for a long-lasting solution that can handle harsh weather and environmental factors. Meanwhile, rolled steel sheds may suit farmers needing temporary storage, and centrepole sheds can work well if smaller equipment storage is a priority.
Ultimately, choosing the best shed is about balancing upfront costs with long-term benefits. With the right shed, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your valuable equipment is stored securely, protected from the elements, and ready whenever you need it. A thoughtful investment today can lead to reliable, hassle-free storage for decades, adding real value to your farm.
