Building a shearing shed is a significant investment for any farming operation. Whether you're starting from scratch or replacing an old facility, understanding the process helps avoid expensive mistakes and delays.
One of the first questions wool producers ask is who does what. The process starts with fitout specialists who design the internal layout based on your operational needs. ABC Sheds then designs and constructs the steel structure around those fitout requirements, providing the engineered framework and weather-tight building. Finally, fitout contractors return to install the shearing board, catching pens, wool presses, and timber grating according to the pre-designed layout.
Some clients prefer to coordinate different contractors themselves, while others want a single company managing everything from start to finish. Companies like Stockpro offer full project management, handling both the shed build and complete fitout installation if you'd prefer that approach.
Here's how the process works from initial planning through to your first shearing run.
Before any shed is designed, fitout specialists determine the internal layout. This includes the shearing board configuration (straight, curved, or sawtooth), catching pen arrangement, wool room floor, and sheep flow patterns.
Raised boards offer ergonomic benefits for roustabouts working above waist height rather than bending constantly. Catching pens slope towards the board, reducing drag length for shearers. Modern designs incorporate slide-swing gates that prevent sheep from getting caught behind gates when pens are full.
The wool room needs adequate space for wool tables, classing bins, and wool presses. The AWI shearing shed design guide recommends storage capacity for at least 1-1.5 days of shearing on the grating and under the wool room, extended to 2 days in high-rainfall areas where wet sheep can't be shorn.
Your site determines how well the shed functions for decades to come. Relatively flat ground with good drainage prevents water pooling around pens and reduces earthworks costs. Truck access needs to be practical for wool transport, while proximity to existing yards and water supply cuts down on infrastructure duplication.
Ground conditions affect both the construction timeline and shed cost. Rocky ground may require additional excavation work, while areas with poor drainage need extensive site preparation. A geotechnical assessment isn't always necessary for farm sheds, but it can prevent surprises during construction.
Looking for more detailed information on shearing shed design options? Check out our Shearing Sheds page.
Rural shearing sheds often fall under exempt development provisions, but rules vary significantly by state and council. NSW offers particularly generous exemptions for farm buildings in rural zones through the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008, while other states typically have tighter restrictions.
Even when exempt from planning approval, you'll still need to comply with the National Construction Code for structural adequacy, fire safety, and wind loading requirements. Some councils require notification even for exempt developments. Check your specific council's requirements early, as heritage overlays, bushfire zones, or environmental protections can trigger approval processes regardless of shed size.
ABC Sheds provides engineered steel structures designed for Australian conditions. Wind ratings vary by location, with cyclone-prone areas requiring heavier engineering than southern regions. The shed's orientation affects natural lighting and ventilation. Southern walls can use translucent sheeting without direct sunlight problems, while northern exposure needs careful management to prevent excessive heat.
Minimum height under the grating should be around 3 metres to allow comfortable sheep storage and air circulation. Wool shed width depends on your board configuration, but typically ranges from 12 to 18 metres to accommodate the board, wool room, and adequate sheep storage space. Roof pitch and ventilation systems prevent heat buildup during summer shearing runs.
We use hot-dip galvanised steel frames engineered to exceed Australian building standards, providing strength and longevity. The fully bracketed and bolted system simplifies construction while meeting structural requirements for your specific wind zone.
With the fitout design complete and shed engineered around those specifications, ABC Sheds fabricates the structural components, which are then transported to the site. Site preparation includes concrete footings or pad preparation, depending on your chosen floor system. Steel erection follows, with the main frame, roof sheeting, and wall cladding going up progressively.
Our standard delivery timeframe is 12 weeks, though this varies based on shed complexity, size, customisations, and site access. Council considerations and concrete works can extend timelines.
Once the shed is weather-tight, fitout contractors install the timber or FRP grating, construct the shearing board and catching pens according to the pre-designed layout, and fit out the wool room. Electrical work includes power points at each shearing stand, lighting (natural and artificial), and any machinery power requirements.
SafeSheds guidelines provide best practice standards for shearing shed safety. Guard rails around raised boards prevent falls, catching pen doors need appropriate height (700-750mm) to avoid striking shearers in the lower back, and all electrical installations require residual current devices (safety switches).
Steps and walkways need secure handrails, non-slip surfaces, and even spacing. The grinding area for sharpening combs and cutters should sit away from main walkways to reduce injury risk. Adequate lighting and ventilation directly affect shearing efficiency and wool quality.
Some wool producers prefer coordinating the process themselves, working with fitout specialists first to establish requirements, then engaging ABC Sheds for the structure build, and finally overseeing the fitout installation. This hands-on approach gives direct control but requires managing multiple contractors and ensuring all components integrate properly.
Full project management through companies like Stockpro provides a single point of contact who coordinates fitout design, shed construction, and installation. While ABC Sheds doesn't provide shearing or wool shed fitouts directly, we can recommend experienced specialists to work with throughout the process.
Ready to start planning your build? Use our Shed Builder tool to visualise configurations and get a quote tailored to your requirements.