Custom Sheds vs Kit Sheds - What's the Difference?

Planning a new shed for your property brings up one major decision right from the start: should you go with a custom-built shed or choose a kit option? Whether you need storage for hay, machinery, workshop space, or general farm equipment, this choice will impact everything from your budget to how well the shed serves your needs for years to come.

Many property owners automatically assume a standard kit shed will tick all their boxes. After all, they're typically more affordable upfront and seem straightforward enough. But a kit shed might not fit your specific site dimensions, comply with your local council's requirements, or handle the particular demands of your farm or business operations.

On the other hand, a fully custom shed can feel overwhelming. The process seems more complex, potentially more expensive, and you might wonder if all that customisation is really necessary for what you have in mind.

The reality is that both options have their place, and the best choice depends entirely on your specific situation. This article breaks down what makes each option different and when each one makes the most sense.

What Exactly Are Kit Sheds?

Kit sheds are pre-designed structures that come with all the materials and components you need, cut to specific measurements and ready for assembly. Think of them as the flat-pack furniture of the shed world, but obviously much more substantial and engineered for Australian conditions.

Our Durakit range, for example, offers eight different shed sizes with stock readily available, meaning you can have your shed delivered in under four weeks. These structural steel shed kits combine pre-designed engineering with fast delivery, making them perfect when you need storage space quickly without compromising on quality.

Kit sheds work particularly well when:

• Your storage needs fit within standard size options
• Your site is relatively flat and straightforward
• You need the shed completed quickly
• Your budget favours a more economical option
• Local council requirements align with standard designs

The main advantages include faster delivery times, lower upfront costs, and simplified decision-making since the design work is already done. Many shed kits also come with detailed assembly instructions, though you'll still want to consider professional installation for the best results.

Building a Custom Shed 

Custom sheds are exactly what they sound like: structures designed and built specifically for your unique requirements. Every aspect can be tailored, from the dimensions and layout to the materials and door configurations.

This approach makes sense when your needs don't fit the standard mould. Perhaps you have an awkward site that requires specific dimensions, or you need a large shed with specialised features like extra-wide doors for oversized machinery, specific ventilation requirements, or integrated office space. 

Custom sheds shine in situations such as:

• Unusual site dimensions or challenging terrain
• Specific operational requirements (like crane access or specialised storage)
• Integration with existing buildings or infrastructure
• Unique council or engineering requirements
• Long-term plans that might require future modifications
• When the shed needs to serve multiple purposes

The trade-offs typically include longer lead times for design and manufacturing, higher upfront costs, and a more involved decision-making process. However, when your needs are specific, a custom solution often provides better long-term value by doing exactly what you need it to do.

Why ABC Sheds Offers Both Options

At ABC Sheds, we recognise that different projects call for different approaches. That's why we offer both solutions under one roof.

Our Durakit range covers those situations where you need quality storage fast. These structural steel kit sheds combine pre-designed excellence with rapid delivery, perfect for straightforward storage needs that fit within our standard size range.

For more complex requirements, our custom shed capabilities allow us to design and build exactly what your operation needs. This might involve unusual dimensions, specialised features, or integration with existing infrastructure. Whether you're planning a large shed or need something that works around site constraints, we offer the flexibility you’re looking for.

The advantage of working with a manufacturer that handles both is simple: you get honest advice about which approach suits your situation best. We're not trying to push you toward one option or the other, we're focused on delivering the right solution for your specific needs and budget.

Getting Expert Guidance

The most costly mistake you can make is choosing the wrong type of shed for your needs. A kit shed that doesn't quite fit your requirements can leave you with compromised functionality. A custom shed when a kit would have worked perfectly means unnecessary expense and longer wait times.

Before committing to either approach, it's worth getting expert advice. A reputable shed manufacturer will take the time to understand your site, assess your needs, discuss your budget, and recommend the best path forward.

This consultation process typically involves site assessment, discussion of your current and future storage needs, review of council requirements, and consideration of your timeline and budget constraints.

Whether you end up with a kit shed or a custom build, the goal is the same: a structure that serves your needs reliably for decades to come. The right manufacturer will help you achieve that, regardless of which option makes the most sense for your situation.

Ready to explore what option works best for your property? Download your free copy of our comprehensive Buyer's Guide.