Steel shed trends to watch in 2022

Each year, shed design trends come and go, bringing with them a variety of new styles and ideas. 2021 has certainly been another interesting year with COVID-19 continuing to impact many Australians' daily lives and ways of working. We’ve had to adapt with most of us now comfortable with change and what curveballs (or lockdowns) come our way.

One thing we have seen throughout this year is the need for flexibility – flexible working and in turn, flexible sheds. This is a trend that we don’t see going away and in fact, we anticipate that people’s desires for multi-purpose workspaces and sheds will only grow!

Below we’ll delve into what makes multi-purpose sheds so great and where we see this trend heading in 2022. We’ll also cover some other steel shed trends that we expect to see in 2022. Maybe you're already using some of these trends in your current or future shed? Read on to find out more!

Trend 1: Opting for multi-purpose sheds

A multi-purpose steel or farm shed can be of great benefit, particularly during a pandemic. A multi-purpose shed is just that – a shed that can be used for multiple purposes with the idea being that you will get the highest return on investment as your shed can be used all-year-round, and for various requirements. With the ongoing implications of COVID-19 unknown and the lingering threat of droughts for many states across the country, it pays to have a shed in place that will not only serve your current needs but your future needs as well.

For example, a well-equipped hay shed designed with versatility in mind will not only offer abundant storage come harvest season but it could be used for many other purposes. We now commonly see hays sheds that have additional enclosed bays for equipment storage and with the rise of working from home, it’s also not uncommon to see an office tacked on too! When there is no other option but to work from home, it can help to have a space free of distractions.

A multi-purpose shed that’s built to last is a smart investment for any farmer or business owner that wants to ensure their space can transform and meet their needs. This is a popular trend that we only expect to grow in 2022!

An enclosed workspace has been added to the end of this shed. Use it for storage, a workshop or more!

Trend 2: The switch from 6m bays to 8m bays

Our second shed trend to watch out for in 2022 is the move to bigger shed bays.

Traditional farm sheds have long utilised standard 6m bays. This used to be sufficient for many farmers, however, shed needs have changed, and the need for more storage space has become vital. Take grain harvesters for example – 2021 saw another bumper harvest season, more than 25 percent up on the five-year average. The need for shed space to accommodate a good harvest is now essential and has many farmers already planning for bigger grain storage.

A common shed requirement that we’re seeing requested frequently is the use of 8m bays. This is particularly useful for hay sheds as you can fit three 8-foot bales side by side. Protection is key when it comes to protecting hay bales from the weather and reducing spoilage – larger 8m bays allow you to store more hay inside your shed to keep it protected.

Bigger 8m bays also allow for more farm equipment to be stored undercover. Large farm equipment like tractors and bale handling equipment would generally be stored in a separate shed or worse, out in the open which runs the risk of rust or theft. Having extra-wide bays means that most large farm equipment can now be stored inside a hay or farm storage shed. Utilising 8m bays can also be more efficient from a cost perspective as you could get away with only having four bays in a shed instead of five 6m bays, therefore saving you money on materials.

In the current climate, having access to a bigger, more efficient shed is a win for most people and another trend that we expect to see next year.

Large 8m bays are the perfect solution for farm sheds that need extra storage for farm equipment.

Trend 3: Polycarb will be used in shed walls

Polycarbonate (Polycarb) sheets have long been used in shed construction for roofing. Placing Polycarb sheets strategically in certain positions across a roof could let in a lot of natural light which is beneficial in spaces like workshops, where a lighting source is essential.

While Polycarb does a great job of letting in natural light, it can also cause condensation in the colder months, particularly when there is a frost. Another risk of using Polycarb sheets in roofs is the potential for damage during a hail storm. Polycarb is not as strong as a steel roof which runs the risk of this material possibly cracking.

Polycarb can still be used wisely in a new shed build though, particularly for lighting. Instead of being used in roofs, we’re now seeing Polycarb used in the walls. This will still let in a lot of natural light, however, you don’t get the drawbacks of condensation or damage from storms. We expect to see more steel sheds in 2022 utilising Polycarb sheets in the walls.

Polycarb sheets have been added to the walls of this Aircraft Hangar to let in more natural light.

Trend 4: Planning early

The last shed trend that we expect to see throughout 2022 is people planning a lot earlier for their shed requirements. This means not only getting organised for important 2022 dates like hay and grain harvest seasons but also thinking ahead to future uses of a shed. Supply challenges across the globe have impacted every industry and people are often surprised at how long their projects might take. Getting in early helps to avoid the disruption that can come when a vital asset, like a shed, isn't ready on time.

A shed can be a big expense and it’s not always feasible to get the additional extras when you first build your shed. There’s nothing to say that you can’t plan ahead for these so that they can be added in when the budget next allows for it. For example, adding holes for awnings or provisions for enclosing a bay won’t add much to the costs of building a shed, but this can allow for useful shed additions in the future.

Start planning your next shed now

We hope that these trends have given you some ideas and inspiration for your next shed! We’re certainly looking forward to 2022 and some of the shed projects that will come our way. While we still get a lot of requests for tried and true farm sheds, we’re expecting more demand for flexible sheds that are more efficient – sheds that ultimately add more value.

If you’re thinking about your next shed, or if you’re considering replacing what you already have with an upgrade, then now’s a great time to start planning. Our free online shed builder is a great tool to use at the beginning stages. Use it to design any type of rural or industrial shed, made to your exact requirements – from the size to the number of bays and the colours! Start designing your shed now by clicking below and once you’re done, you can also request a no-obligation quote from our team.