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As 2022 draws to a close, we’ve been reflecting on all of the amazing work we’ve done this year. While there is no end to the range of sheds the KiwiSpan team design and build, there are some types that are asked for again and again. So without further ado, are the top five sheds kiwis have built with us this year, and why they’re so popular.
1. STORAGE SHEDS. With the rise in remote and flexible working, New Zealanders are spending more time at home than ever before. So, in order to fully utilise their living spaces, homeowners have been looking for smarter storage solutions for their tools, knick-knacks and prized possessions. KiwiSpan’s customised shed designs mean you can tailor a storage shed to your unique needs. KiwiSpan’s storage sheds are in demand due to the wider clear span on offer versus many other shed suppliers – you can get up to eighteen metres clear, without obtrusive bracing or centre poles. You get more value for money when you build a storage shed with more usable interior space – that’s more top-to-bottom storage within the same floor space.
2. WORKSHOP SHEDS. These are buildings in which items are repaired or manufactured – either for personal or commercial purposes. Workshops have long been one of our most popular shed types due to their versatility and the complete customisation options available through KiwiSpan. KiwiSpan’s smart designs enable wider clear spans which is a great feature for many workshops… It means you get more storage space, more manoeuvrability, and more visibility under your roof.
3. COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS. If you need to upgrade from your current business premise or build a space to start your new enterprise, KiwiSpan has a solution to suit. Retail centres, showrooms, offices, and workshops are just the beginning – our team works with you to customise the building to your unique needs. KiwiSpan is a popular choice with business owners as we use a heavier gauge steel and heavy duty bolts to make our sheds stronger and more durable… so you can get on with business knowing your premises will stand strong and look good for years to come.
4. AMERICAN BARNS. These sheds are chosen for their visual aesthetic – they’re a great option when you need a shed that doesn’t look like a shed. The American barn style offers good storage and high roof lines. Lots of customers have chosen to add mezzanine floors to their American barn to utilise the extra height for storage. Their unique appearance combined with versatility of use helps to make these a popular shed type for kiwis.
5. INDUSTRIAL SHEDS. These are a popular request for KiwiSpan because of the wide open spaces we can create. Building without obtrusive knee braces gives business owners more usable space and better visibility across the building – and thus, greater value under the roof. We build strong durable steel sheds that are designed to last, so business owners can rest easy knowing their premise will hold up to the daily usage and wear often experienced in industrial situations.
These are just a few of the most popular types of sheds we’ve built in 2022. Whilst different, they all have a few things in common:
Whether it’s a personal, commercial, or industrial building you need, KiwiSpan has a customised shed solution for you. Contact us HERE today to get the ball rolling on your next project.
Buildings require regular maintenance to ensure the lifespan of the components and to meet your warranty conditions. Your KiwiSpan steel shed is no different. Without programmed maintenance aspects of your shed may degrade due to the cumulative effects of…
It makes sense to get outdoor maintenance done in spring – it’s warmer to be outside, things start drying out after the cold damp of winter, and with warmer, more settled weather ahead you know your cleaning and maintenance efforts are likely to pay off for a few months to come.
This is possibly the most important maintenance task. We’re lucky that it rains a lot in New Zealand. Rain naturally washes your shed which helps prevent degradation, however the rain can’t reach all areas of your building and doesn’t wash everything away. We recommend many parts of your KiwiSpan steel shed be cleaned multiple times through the year. This is especially important for those areas where the rain doesn’t reach. Spring is a great time to do a bigger clean that includes both the areas which need more frequent cleaning, as well as those needing less regular manual cleaning.
We suggest the following aspects be covered in your spring clean:
When cleaning steel sheds, KiwiSpan recommend either:
If you have any lichen, fungus, or pollen, some cleaning solutions will be needed to properly remove the problem. Please consult your individual maintenance guide for information on cleaning products and how to deal with the problem in a way that won’t harm your shed. (On completion of a KiwiSpan shed, all new shed owners receive a maintenance guide which is specific to their shed.)
Visually inspect the structure and cladding for any signs of rust. KiwiSpan use galvanised steel coatings which come with fifteen years of corrosion protection; however it’s still important to check the cladding for rust. The galvanised coating is a sacrificial layer that protects the strong steel base underneath. This coating may be damaged by scrapes and bumps as well as longer term degradation due to the elements.
Look for rust stains or the growth of rust spots – at the first sign of rust, talk to your local KiwiSpan team who’ll talk you through the appropriate maintenance coating system.
At any stage, you can reference the full maintenance guide created by KiwiSpan for your unique shed. The good news is that with a KiwiSpan shed, you don’t need to get out sandpaper and paint brushes as part of your maintenance schedule!
Whether it’s a residential, commercial or industrial building you need, KiwiSpan has a customised shed solution for you. Contact us HERE today to get the ball rolling on your next project.
If you’re considering building a new shed, one of the biggest questions, if not the biggest, is ‘What will it cost?’. The answer to that is simple: it depends on the decisions you make.
At KiwiSpan all of our sheds are custom-made and tailored specifically to each individual customer, so each quote is different. We gather some key pieces of information from you to provide an accurate quote. It’s important to us that we don’t charge you for things that you don’t need, and likewise we don’t believe in providing you with a base level quote that has a long list of exclusions which you’d be charged extra for.
Transparency up-front means you know exactly what you’re getting and only pay for what you actually need. Read on to learn about the decisions you need to make that define the design of your new shed, and it’s price tag.
One of the biggest contributors to the cost is size. Consider how big you need your new shed to be, and whether you need all of that space to be fully enclosed or if some areas could be open on the ends or sides?
Openings and access points are another key consideration as the number and type of doors can make a difference to your shed cost. This includes roller or sectional garage doors, whether they’re manual or remote, personal access doors, and sliding doors. Another opening to think about is a window, which can add a lot of value to workshop and storage spaces alike. The number and size of windows will impact your shed price, and in some situations the use of clear perspex panels will do the job.
Partitions and mezzanine floors are all possible and can give you great space utilisation, but again they impact your shed price. Have a clear idea of what you need versus what is ‘nice to have’ depending on your budget.
Finishing details are another big component of your quote. We’ll ask you to make decisions about the internal walls and insulation requirements, as well as exterior cladding including roof and gutters.
If you can answer these questions then you’ve probably put some good thought into a new shed design and know exactly what you need from the space. Now’s a great time to get a quote for your new shed.
Whether it’s a garage shed, workshop, sleepout or carport, KiwiSpan has a customised solution for you. Contact us HERE today to get the ball rolling on your next project.
Ensuring that your hay stays dry is undoubtedly one of the most important factors when it comes to hay storage. Investing in a new hay shed is a great way of making sure that your harvest is secure, protected, and safe, but a well designed steel shed can also make you some money down the line!
So, with that being said, let’s dive into some of the benefits of a steel hay shed:
Your number one priority when storing hay is making sure it isn’t exposed to moisture. Even the smallest amount of water finding its way into your hay bales could result in mould developing and ultimately spoilage. Similarly, if your hay bales are exposed to high heat for long periods this can also cause damage.
Therefore, proper storage is vital for avoiding these risks and having a shed structure with open bays is ideal for this purpose. Benefits of open bays include providing protection against New Zealand’s weather conditions and allowing for air circulation to keep your hay fresher for longer.
KiwiSpan’s steel hay storage sheds are designed to specifically protect your hay from all kinds of weather conditions, making sure you have minimal waste.
As you’re probably already aware, moving anything to or from your farm can be an expensive feat. If you can store your hay or grain on your property instead of with a third party provider you will be able to save yourself the costs of freight and trucking. Plus, you’ll have the added convenience of being able to use and store fodder without the added logistics.
While a steel hay shed may feel like a large investment, having your own allows you the flexibility of storage on your farm that can be utilised for years to come.
KiwiSpan hay storage sheds usually feature open bays along the front of the structure allowing you easy access to your hay. These open bays allow for your farm machinery, feed, and equipment to move easily.
However, the design of your shed is completely up to you. If you would prefer an enclosed structure we can include roller or sectional doors.
Not all farmers have the same needs, which is why KiwiSpan sheds are tailor-made to match your exact requirements. You decide on the width, height, span, colour, and sheeting, and we’ll build your structure to your specifications. Plus you have the ability to add additional elements such as doors, windows and flooring to ensure you have a fully functional hay shed.
Every hay shed we build is designed to prevent moisture traps and ensure proper air circulation so you can rest assured that your hay is always protected.
After all the hard work you’ve put into producing your hay, having somewhere to store it where the quality won’t be affected should be the least of your concerns. At KiwiSpan, we are leaders in building steel structures that will last the distance. Our approach, commitment, and expertise distinguishes us from the rest.
Discover the KiwiSpan difference today, get in touch with your local KiwiSpan team or try out our 3D Designer Tool to kickstart the process.
If you’re considering a new industrial shed or building then you’ll want to make sure you’ve weighed out all your options before you start building. One of your most important decisions is the material it will be made from.
When it comes to industrial structures, steel is becoming an increasingly popular material to use. It is widely used across the construction industry for durable structures such as high rise buildings and bridges due to its strength, versatility, and robustness.
Find out the benefits of using steel for your next industrial shed project below.
Industrial sheds can be a hub for a vast range of activities and house various types of machinery, so it’s important that they’re built to stand the test of time. Steel is an excellent material which requires little maintenance and has more durability than other materials such as timber. It is a high quality material capable of withstanding tough weather conditions including extreme heat, snow, rain, and wind making a great choice for building in New Zealand’s more varied climates.
Additionally, due to its composition steel is less likely to warp, split, or break, and beams constructed from steel won’t sag or bend meaning that your building will hold its form for years to come.
Due to the high durability of steel, you’re going to save yourself maintenance costs in the long run. A well constructed steel shed won’t require any repairs or replacements for years (if they ever do at all) making them a great choice for those wanting to avoid unexpected maintenance costs.
Plus, another benefit of steel is that unlike timber, it is incredibly difficult to penetrate so you’re less likely to find that insects or animals have made themselves at home in your shed! This will also save you time and money from having to call in pest control to protect your building and remove unwanted inhabitants.
Structural steel can be fabricated into a variety of shapes while still maintaining its strength. Our industrial sheds are all fully customisable to include any features you require, ensuring that the final product is safe, resilient, and perfectly tailored to your needs.
Plus, it’s easy to future proof steel buildings as they are more conducive to structural modifications to additions such as renovations, increasing the size of the building or adding features.
Steel is 100% recyclable and one of the most environmentally friendly construction materials available. It can be reused and repurposed over and over again without losing any structural quality or integrity. Meaning that even if you do end up removing or demolishing your shed the steel won’t be dumped in a landfill as it can be used for another project.
As we look for ways to reduce our carbon footprint and be kinder to the planet, remember that using steel instead of a material such as timber is significantly better for the environment. It takes approximately 20 pine trees to build a timber frame home, and it will take at least another 20 years for new trees to grow to the same size. Steel is a better alternative because it requires no logging or deforestation which helps lower carbon emissions and create cleaner air.
When it comes down to it, KiwiSpan are leaders in building industrial steel structures. Our approach, commitment and expertise distinguishes us from the rest.
Discover the KiwiSpan difference today, get in touch with your local KiwiSpan team or try out our 3D Designer Tool to kickstart the process.
When looking to build an equestrian stable or shed you have many decisions to make to ensure that you end up with a building which is perfect for both you and your horses. Luckily for you, KiwiSpan are experts in designing and building horse stables as we’ve built numerous equestrian structures over the years for clients with varying requirements. From horse stables and riding centres through to commercial covers and stock shelters, we’ve got your equine needs sorted.
A stable is a big investment so you want to make sure you get it right the first time, so let’s look at some things you will need to consider.
The most important thing to think about when designing an equestrian stable is how big it will need to be. The will be dependent on how many horses you have; the more you have, the larger your stable will need to be. Ensuring that your horses have enough space is vital as stalls which are an inadequate size can lead to panic, distress, or poor health.
A stable should be a minimum of 3.6 metres x 3.6 metres for an average sized riding horse, but this is only a minimum recommendation so if you have the resources to build larger stalls you should do so. People tend to opt for more generous sized stalls for mares and foals and this can easily be done by having removable partitions between stables. Even if you aren’t intending on breeding this additional feature can add value to your property.
You also need to consider your horses’ movement within the stable. Breezeways or aisles should be a minimum of 3 metres to allow for horses to pass each other safely and give you plenty of space to work on them.
If you do have multiple horses, you will also need to think about how many individual stalls you will need and also consider that you may want to expand in the future. This way, you can ensure that you have the space you need now, and for years to come.
There are many design choices that you will need to make to ensure that your stables don’t just meet your horses’ needs, but yours too.
Think about how many walls you would like the structure to have – high winds could make your horses uncomfortable so if you are going to have an open side then you will want to face it away from the wind.
As you know, horses come with a lot of gear and equipment so people tend to want to add a tack or storage shed onto their structure to keep equipment needed such as cleaning, grooming, and riding equipment, and feed. Having this equipment easily accessible will make it easier to look after your horses.
While it’s vital you ensure that you have enough space in the stables, don’t forget to consider that your stable will need to have enough ventilation and good airflow to make the space comfortable for your horses.
The next important factor to take into consideration is the location. You will want to avoid building your stable in an area that is prone to flooding or high winds so take your time checking out areas on your property to find the best spot. You may also want to build your structure on a rise or slope to avoid the risk of flooding the stables.
Regarding location it’s also a good idea to make sure that your stables aren’t too far away from your other equine amenities if possible. For instance, if you have a horse arena or equipment shed then you will want to make sure that your stables are close by.
If you care about your horses and want to build them an equestrian stable that will last the distance, get in touch with your local KiwiSpan team today.
If you run a farm then you no doubt have farm equipment and machinery such as tractors, stock feed and tools that you use on a day to day basis. This machinery and equipment tends to be a big investment so it’s vital that it remains as well kept and looked after as possible. One of the best ways to do this is to invest in a shed specifically for your farm machinery and equipment.
We offer a variety of designs and styles of farm storage and machinery sheds. Before you get started you need to take the time to consider what you will use your shed for specifically and how you plan to use it. We’ve been building steel farm sheds for Kiwis since 2003 and we’re experts when it comes to rural and industrial buildings so we’ve put together a few factors to consider when designing your new farm machinery shed.
Likely the most crucial consideration for anyone about to embark on designing a new farm storage or machinery shed is deciding how much equipment or machinery you will be storing in it. To get yourself started you may want to make a list of what you’ll be wanting to store along with the size of each asset and how much space it will require. From there you should have a rough idea of how big or small your new shed will need to be.
While it’s vital to consider the size of your machinery and ensure you have enough space to access it, you may also want to consider allowing for some additional space in case you choose to invest in more machinery in the future. By planning ahead now you can save yourself money in the long run and also save yourself spending double the money building another shed if you run out of space!
Depending on where you live in New Zealand you may face severe weather conditions – from high temperatures and scorching sun to snow and heavy rain. So it’s key that any buildings or structures you build on your farm can withstand the weather which is why our in-house engineers will build your shed to the highest possible standard.
If you are planning on having a shed which won’t be fully enclosed you may want to orientate your shed to be facing away from the incoming direction of high winds or rain. If your farm is in an area that is prone to flooding you may also want to build your shed on higher ground.
A bay is the amount of space between the columns of the shed therefore, the wider this space is the more room you will have to store your machinery inside. This is a great feature if you have large trucks or tractors that you will be storing in your shed.
KiwiSpan sheds are fully customisable and are designed to meet your specific needs. The number of bays and their size is something you can decide on based on how much space you need and the size of your machinery.
Something vital to consider when designing your shed is how many walls you would like. If you’re planning on accessing the shed often and moving machinery in and out you may want to replace a wall or two with bays or roller doors to make this movement easier.
Not only will an enclosed shed be useful for protecting your equipment from theft or trespassers, but it will also prevent your machinery from being exposed to harsh weather. Plus we can fit sliding or rolling doors to ensure that you can still move your farm machinery in and out of the shed easily.
If you’re keen to discuss a farm equipment and machinery shed for your property then you’re in the right place! The KiwiSpan team are here to help you to design and build the perfect shed for your farm. We specialise in customisable sheds which are designed specifically for your needs and requirements.
If you’re ready to get started, give your local KiwiSpan licensee a call or request a quote and if you want to take a look at some past farm machinery shed projects you can take a look at them here.
If you’ve decided that you want to invest in a storage shed then one of your next decisions will likely be where you’re going to put it. Where you put the shed will of course be influenced by its size, your property as well as building and council requirements but there are a few other elements you should also consider including:
How are you planning on using the shed and what will be the most convenient spot for it to be located based on it’s intended usage? These are two questions that are important to ask yourself when deciding on where to put your storage shed. For instance, if you intend to use the shed to store garden supplies and equipment then it makes sense for it to be easily accessible in your backyard or, if the shed will be for bike storage then you may want to install it closer to the front of your house.
Another consideration for choosing where to put your storage shed is how convenient, safe, and easy it will be for you to access. If your shed is located a fair distance away from your house hidden away behind trees and overgrown shrubbery it’s unlikely that you’re going to be keen on venturing out to it very often, especially if you’re lugging heavy equipment with you. It’s a better idea to have the shed positioned closer to your home in an open area which is easily accessible.
We know that KiwiSpan sheds are a sight to behold but it’s up to you to decide whether you want your shed to take centre stage on your property or if you would like to tuck it away in your backyard. We believe that an appealing and well planned shed can add value to your home, so don’t be afraid to show it off! To help your new shed assimilate into your property you may want to have the shed painted a similar colour to your home or to build a path between your home and the shed.
Whether your shed is located in direct sunlight or a shady spot can have a great impact on how comfortable your shed will be and how often you’ll use it. Having a shed which is in full sun most of the day can have negative impacts on your gardening supplies. Plus, if you plan on converting your storage shed into an office, studio, or workshop down the line then you could find the heat most unpleasant.
By putting careful consideration into the location of your new shed you are bound to get the best use from your structure. KiwiSpan sheds are incredibly durable and custom built to last a lifetime, so give us a call to get the ball rolling on your storage shed project.
KiwiSpan have been leading the pack in the New Zealand shed and outdoor building industry since the early 2000’s. We started out with the kiwi dream of building the best sheds in New Zealand, and over the years we have expanded our range to include a variety of outdoor buildings to suit the kiwi lifestyle. So, not only is KiwiSpan your go-to for sheds, but we also offer a range of aircraft hangars, horse stables, and dairy sheds. Let’s take a look.
Protecting your aircraft is an absolute imperative for not only your bottom line, but also for your own safety and welfare. KiwiSpan creates bespoke hangars tailored specifically to your aircraft, so whether it’s a helicopter, small plane, or something else, we’ll design the perfect hangar to protect your investment.
When it comes to safeguarding your aircraft from the kiwi elements a KiwiSpan hangar provides the ultimate protection from damaging winds, direct sunlight, rain, and snow as well as pests and wildlife.
With our innovative technology, flexible designs, and of course, the KiwiSpan can-do attitude, we can construct your hangar to your exact specifications. What’s more, our hangars are built with Kiwi fabricated steel, so you can rest assured your hangar will be a durable one.
Looking for a dairy shed that puts in the hard yards alongside you? KiwiSpan’s extensive range of dairy sheds are designed to be tough and hard-wearing, just like the Kiwi’s we build them for.
So whether you’re looking for a milking shed, dairy shed, or stock shelter, our team will work with you to create a high quality steel structure that will stand the test of time. Plus, we are completely adaptable with our building designs and we work with you to ensure that we incorporate the practical features you need to maximise your building’s functionality.
A KiwiSpan dairy shed is constructed from the best quality materials and with an eye for detail, right down to the very last colour-matched screw. Our galvanised steel portal frame means that your dairy shed will be in it for the long haul, helping you to maximise your herds potential.
Whether you’re a recreational horse owner or a commercial enterprise, we have your equine needs covered. When you need a shelter to house and protect your horses along with the food and equipment you need to care for them, we have the customised steel solution tailored exactly to your requirements.
We will be there with you every step of the way from the initial design and planning, all the way through to installation, our solution ensures that every project we undertake is perfectly suited to your unique requirements.
We know that if you need a stable, you’ll definitely want one that will stick around and we make it our mission to deliver strong steel structures that won’t fade with time. That’s why we use only the best quality steel and the most reliable builders around.
Whether it’s a shed, hangar, or stable, KiwiSpan has the solution for you. Contact us today to get the ball rolling on your next project.
The dictionary definition of a shed reads as simply “a structure on your property that isn’t connected to your home”. By that definition, the options of what a shed is, and what it can do for you is pretty limitless.
With our customised approach, this is a pretty accurate description. We understand that everyone has different needs, and we pride ourselves on our ability to meet those needs, whatever they may be.
However, sometimes, with such a wide range of capabilities and options, it can become harder to nail down exactly what you want (and therefore need) in a shed. So we’ve put together a rundown of the different basic categories of sheds to help you find a starting point for your next project.
For those of you that grew up with parents that had a humble shack in your garden to store gardening equipment – that was technically a storage shed (although nowadays we tend to think bigger).
As the name implies, the purpose of these sheds is to, well, store things. The details of what specific features these sheds have will largely come down to what exactly it is you’ll be storing.
However, regardless of what you put in them, these sheds need to be able to protect your stored goods and keep them in pristine condition (read how we protect your valuables from NZ’s harshest conditions here.
Another shed type that says what it does in the name – habitable sheds are sheds that can serve as short term accommodation or as an extra, detached bedroom for your main residence.
These sheds can also be combined with other shed types (such as garages and workshops) to serve as an area to relax in between long hours on the workbench (read: mancave).
We’ve all got an image of an old, red farmhouse when someone mentions the term “barn” (and we probably got it from a painting or childhood storybook).
Unsurprisingly, a barn has traditionally referred to a shed that is specifically for agricultural use. Their trademark shape and design actually come from this original usage, as they were built to accommodate for windy days and getting the most out of the passing sun.
Nowadays, barns can be used for general storage, and their trademark design is more for show (as weather mitigating technology has advanced a bit). With their aesthetically pleasing appearance and spacious interior, they are a great general-purpose asset for storage and vehicle housing, as well as continuing to excel in their traditional agricultural usage.
Has this helped clear things up? You can always contact us for further info or to discuss your next project here.
