When it comes to building a shed that’ll stand the test of time, do you go for the cheapest upfront option or one built to outlast the rest? Is a shed just a shed—or is it something more?
Choosing the right structure isn’t just about covering gear or ticking a box. It’s about protection, longevity, and peace of mind. In New Zealand’s rugged climate, not all sheds are created equal. Some barely survive the first real storm. Others? They become a legacy.
Let’s break down the differences between canvas covers, rolled steel sheds, and the Alpine system so you can invest with confidence.
This article covers the following topics:
- Canvas Covers Pros
- Canvas Covers Cons
- Rolled Steel Shed Pros
- Rolled Steel Shed Cons
- Alpine System Pros
- Alpine System Cons
Canvas Covers
Pros
- Low Upfront Cost: Canvas covers are attractive on paper because they’re typically cheaper than steel or timber alternatives. If you're after immediate, low-cost shelter, this seems like a straightforward win.
- Quick Installation: Lightweight and prefabricated, these systems can be assembled fast, with minimal groundwork—ideal for a short-term need.
- Portability: Their modular design means they can be moved if needed, which suits shifting projects or seasonal operations.
Cons
- Short Lifespan: Under New Zealand’s brutal UV and high wind conditions, canvas degrades quickly. Typically, a canvas cover can be expected to last for around 8 – 10 years.
- Complex Footings: Canvas is very light, which means the structure needs large footings to counteract the uplift force from wind. This means that the footings have to be very deep (often could be twice as big as those of a standard pole shed), and this requires a lot of concrete, which often results in higher installation costs.
- High Maintenance: Canvas shelters need constant upkeep, such as cleaning, re-tensioning, and patching, meaning less long-term reliability.
- Poor Security: They're easy to cut or break into, offering little real protection for valuable gear or machinery.
- Looks and Value: These structures rarely blend well into a farm or lifestyle property and don’t contribute to long-term property value.
Summary
Canvas shelters can be a practical choice for some, especially when cost and speed are the main priorities. For short-term setups or temporary operations in sheltered locations, they can do the job. But if you're planning to stay on the property long-term—or if your site is exposed to high winds—their limitations become clear. Deeper footings, higher-than-expected installation costs, ongoing maintenance, and a shorter lifespan all add up. It's a solution that can work, but often makes less sense for those thinking 10–15 years down the track.
Rolled Steel Sheds
Pros
- Affordable Option: Rolled steel sheds are one of the cheapest rigid-frame structures available, making them an attractive choice for budget-conscious builds.
- Mid-range Lifespan: With proper maintenance, these sheds typically last around 20–25 years, about twice as long as a canvas shelter, giving you better value over time.
- Lightweight Design: Their lighter structure makes them easier and more cost-effective to transport, especially to remote or rural sites where freight can add up.
Cons
- Shorter lifespan for permanent builds: With a typical lifespan of 20–25 years, rolled steel sheds may suit short to medium-term use, but they fall short for anyone building on a forever property or generational farm.
- Highly prone to rust: These sheds often use 2–3mm thick rolled steel with a thin electroplated zinc coating. Over time, this coating wears off, leading to accelerated rust and structural deterioration.
- Less robust in extreme conditions: Rolled steel sheds are not generally suitable for high-wind or snow-loading zones, as the thin steel struggles to withstand the extra pressure and weight that gets exerted against the building.
- Very noisy: The hollow steel portals reverberate and amplify sound from heavy rain, high wind, and machinery use. This can make them very uncomfortable to work in.
- Not usually birdproof: Most have apex braces, knee braces, and open purlins—perfect perches for birds to roost and nest. This often leads to a mess inside, and the corrosive bird droppings cause damage to stored gear or stock.
Want to know more about rolled steel sheds? Read this article here > 8 Things to Consider When Buying a Rolled Steel Shed
Summary
Rolled steel sheds are often chosen for their affordability and availability, offering a longer lifespan than canvas and a lower upfront cost than some other higher-quality alternatives. But for those building on a property they plan to stay on long-term, the limitations become harder to ignore. Rolled steel sheds are prone to rust and likely may only last 20-25 years, meaning they quickly become a maintenance problem and a costly liability. Factor in the noise, condensation, and minimal birdproofing, and it becomes clear they’re better suited for short to medium-term use, not your forever shed.
Read more about Steel vs Timber Sheds here > Timber sheds vs steel sheds, which is better?
The Alpine System
Pros
- Built to last generations: Alpine sheds are engineered and designed specifically to endure New Zealand’s harshest conditions. They come with a 50-year building consent (the longest building consent you can get), meaning they are built to last a lifetime. Or two.
- Birdproof design: With enclosed purlins and no apex or knee braces, Alpine sheds eliminate common roosting spots. That means no corrosive bird droppings, no mess, and no damage to your assets stored inside.
- Condensation control: The use of quality timber framing creates a more stable internal temperature, reducing the extreme fluctuations that cause condensation in all-steel sheds. This helps keep your gear, vehicles, and stock dry and protected. Read more about understanding condensation here > Understanding Condensation Issues: Steel Sheds vs. Timber Sheds
- Pre-dried timber: Alpine only uses pre-dried and pre-graded timber, which means it doesn’t warp or sag over time. Your shed not only performs long-term, it stays looking good too.
- Hot dip galvanised structural steel rafters: The 5–10mm thick steel used in Alpine's rafters is hot dip galvanised, considered the gold standard for rust protection. The strength of this design ensures outstanding durability, especially in areas prone to snow or high winds.
Cons
- Higher upfront investment: Alpine sheds are built to last for generations, and this requires using quality materials, which is reflected in the price. The initial cost will be higher than canvas or rolled steel options, but it is for good reason, and at the end of the day, it won't have to be replaced within the next 50 years.
Summary
The Alpine system is built for long-term use and consistent performance, making it an excellent option for those building their forever shed or building on a multi-generational property. Made from H5-treated timber poles, pre-dried timber framing, and thick structural steel, the Alpine system comes with a 50-year building consent. It’s designed to minimise maintenance, maximise lifespan and give you ultimate peace of mind.
While the initial investment is higher, it reflects the quality of materials and engineering involved. For those looking for a durable, low-maintenance solution tailored to New Zealand conditions that will last for multiple generations, the Alpine system delivers lasting value.
You can read more about the lifespan of different shed designs here > How Long Does a Shed Last?
Invest Once, Build for Life
Choosing the right shed system isn’t just about what you spend today; it’s about what it will cost you over time. Canvas covers may suit short-term needs, and rolled steel sheds can fill the gap for mid-term use. But when you divide the total price by the expected lifespan, the long-term cost of ownership becomes clearer.
Buying the cheapest upfront option can end up costing you thousands more in the long run, through repairs, replacements, and the frustration of starting over. An Alpine shed requires a higher initial investment, but it's designed to reduce maintenance, withstand New Zealand’s harshest conditions, and deliver consistent performance for generations.
If you’re building something to last, build it once—and build it right.
