What is an industrial shed?

An industrial shed is a versatile, large-scale structure designed for commercial and industrial purposes. These buildings are commonly used in manufacturing, warehousing, workshops, and storage, providing businesses with functional space for their operations.

Whether you're an investor looking to build a high-value asset or a business owner needing a reliable workspace, industrial sheds offer durability, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness. 

In this article, we’ll explore the most common uses for industrial sheds, key design considerations, and what to look for when investing in one.

Common uses for industrial sheds

Manufacturing and production facilities

Industrial sheds are widely used for manufacturing plants, housing machinery, assembly lines, warehouses and production areas. Their clear-span design ensures uninterrupted floor space, while optional features like ventilation, and gantry cranes can be added to suit production needs.

Warehousing and distribution

As logistics and e-commerce continue to grow, industrial sheds provide the perfect solution for warehousing and storage. Their open-plan design maximises storage capacity, while custom features like a clear span structure, roller doors, and ventilation enhance efficiency. For storing sensitive materials, you may also consider insulation and climate control. 

Workshops

From mechanical workshops to industrial repairs, industrial sheds offer ample space for tools, equipment, and workbenches. Popular customisation options include gantry cranes for heavy lifting, roller doors, awnings, drainage systems for maintenance, and fire suppression systems for safety compliance.

Retail spaces

Industrial sheds are often used as retail buildings because they offer large, open spaces. Popular customisations include glazed facades, ventilation, interior fitouts, and roller doors for freight access. Vehicle repair services businesses, for example, can benefit a lot from a large custom industrial shed. 

Vehicle and machinery storage

Industrial sheds are ideal for protecting fleets of vehicles, aircraft, or machinery from weather damage and theft. Common features include separate office fitouts, skylights for natural lighting, and roller doors for ease of access. For large-scale operations, a gantry crane can be integrated for easier maintenance.

Considerations for investing in an industrial shed

If you’re investing in an industrial building, customisation, and structural design determine the long-term success of your investment. 

Leasing vs building

The decision to lease or build a commercial property depends on your investment goals, resources, and risk tolerance. 

Building a new commercial space allows you to customise the property and integrate modern infrastructure. This involves higher upfront costs but also grants you greater control. A new building also ensures you have the latest infrastructure, technology, and energy-efficient features which reduce maintenance costs. 

On the other hand, leasing a commercial shed reduces your initial investment, allowing you to generate revenue sooner. However, leasing limits your control over the property and means you are susceptible to rental increases over time. 

For more insights into this comparison, use our Commercial Building Returns Calculator! Simply enter your building requirements and the tool will assess the potential long-term costs and returns. 

Structural design

The structural integrity of an industrial shed plays a major role in its functionality and long-term value. Structural steel portal frames are the most popular choice, providing:

• Large clear spans – up to 60 metres wide with no internal columns, ensuring maximum usable space.
• Heavy load capacity – designed to support gantry cranes, hoists, and mezzanine levels.
• High wind and weather resistance – built to withstand strong winds, seismic activity, and heavy rain.
• Custom bay sizing – allows for flexible internal layouts tailored to operations.
• Fire-resistant & corrosion-resistant – coated to withstand harsh industrial environments.

Every industrial operation has unique requirements, and structural design should match the intended use. At ABC Sheds, we specialise in large engineered industrial buildings that meet Australian Building Standards and can be customised for specific applications.

Key features and customisations

When planning your new industrial building, there are several customisations and features you can incorporate. These features will not only improve functionality but will also improve the market value of the shed.

• Wide span structure. 
• High ceilings and gantry cranes. 
• Roller doors and drive-through options. 
• Partitioned zones, mezzanines, and offices.
• Ventilation and refrigeration. 
• Fire suppression systems. 
• Drainage systems. 
• High-capacity electrics. 
• Loading docks. 

Old vs new

In Australia, the commercial property market is favouring newer buildings with updated infrastructure. There is a rising demand for well-designed buildings that support sustainability, leading many older sheds to lose market appeal. 

Generally, it is a better long-term investment to build a new commercial shed with the latest technology and features. Whether you occupy the building or lease it to other businesses, this will lead to lower maintenance costs and energy costs over time. 

For more in-depth comparisons of these two options, download our Commercial Property Investment Guide or read our article about commercial vs residential investments. 

Commercial Property Investment Guide 

Our Commercial Property Investment Guide is your go-to resource for understanding the commercial property market in Australia. 

• Leasing vs Buying
• Buying vs Building
• Tax benefits
• Property and building costs
• Investment returns
• And more.

Click below to get your copy!