What's In This Article
Are you in the market for a new shed? Find out all you need to know about Amish sheds, how much you can get for your money, and the average price of a good Amish shed.
What Is An Amish Shed?
The Amish have been building their own homes since the early 1700s. The first Amish people were from Germany who came to Pennsylvania during the 1730s.
They settled along with Lancaster County where they built their homes with wood and straw thatch roofs.
In 1835, the Amish began using nails instead of wooden pegs to fasten their homes together.
By the 1840s, most Amish had adopted the use of metal roofing materials such as tin or sheet steel.
Today, there are over 300 different styles of Amish-style buildings ranging from simple one-room cottages to large multi-story barns.
Most Amish builders build their houses by hand without the aid of power tools. This is done because they believe it builds character in the person who builds the house.
Amish sheds are usually made with wood, but some Amish builders also use corrugated metal, brick, stone, concrete blocks, glass blocks, or other less common materials.
Some Amish builders even make their sheds out of recycled materials.
The cost of an Amish shed depends on the type of material used, the size of the shed, and the location of the shed. A typical Amish shed costs between $1,500 and $5,000.
Amish Sheds: Types & Styles
There are many types of Amish sheds available today.
A gable-roofed shed is a popular choice among Amish builders. It has a peaked roofline which creates a more open feeling than flat-sided sheds.
Gable roofed sheds are typically constructed with two walls and a single wall at the back.
The sidewalls may be covered with shingle siding or clapboard siding. The front wall is often left exposed so that the shed looks like a traditional Amish home.
The peak of the roof is usually higher than the sides of the shed. This allows the roof to provide shade when needed.
The gable-roofed shed comes in various sizes depending on the amount of space required.
A gable-roofed shed will normally cost around $1,000-$4,000.
Other types of Amish sheds include:
- Carports
- Covered Porches
- Garage/Bathrooms
- Kitchenettes
- Laundry Rooms
- Porch/Patio Enclosures
- Tool Houses
- Storage Buildings
- Greenhouses
- Chicken Coops
- Barns
How Do I Know If My House Needs An Amish Shed?
An Amish shed is not necessary for every property. However, if you live in a rural area, you should consider having an Amish shed installed.
There are several reasons why this might be beneficial to you.
First, an Amish shed protects against harsh weather conditions. Second, an Amish shed helps keep your outdoor living areas clean.
Third, an Amish shed can help protect your belongings from theft. Fourth, an Amish shed adds value to your property. Finally, an Amish shed is a great way to show off your unique lifestyle.
If You Live in a Rural Area Consider Having an Amish Shed Installed
If you don’t live in a rural setting, you probably don’t need an Amish shed. But, if you do, there are several things you should know before purchasing one.
First, you must decide whether you want a small, medium, or large shed. Second, you must determine how much money you are willing to spend on the shed.
Third, you must find a contractor who specializes in installing Amish sheds. And fourth, you must ensure that your property meets all local codes and ordinances regarding sheds.
Amish Shed Size
The size of your Amish shed depends on what you plan to store inside the shed.
For example, if you only intend to store lawn equipment inside the shed, then you would likely choose a smaller model.
On the other hand, if you plan to store tools, lumber, and other heavy items inside the shed, then it’s best to go with a larger model.
Amish Shed Prices
The price of an Amish shed varies based on its size, material used, and location.
A typical shed costs between $1,500-and $2,500. However, the average price per square foot ranges from $10-$20. In addition, the price of an Amish-built shed increases as the size of the shed increases.
Amish Shed Materials
There are many different materials available for constructing an Amish shed. Some common options include:
- Clapboards
- Shingles
- Cedar
- Vinyl
- Aluminum
- Steel
- Wood
- Plastic
- Fiberglass
The price of an Amish shed varies greatly depending upon the type of material used to construct the shed.
Some materials such as wood and metal are very expensive while others such as concrete and brick are relatively inexpensive.
In addition, some materials require specialized skills to install. For example, a steel frame requires special welding techniques.
As a result, the price of a steel-framed Amish shed can vary anywhere from $2,000 to over $10,000.
What Should A Shed Cost?
You shouldn’t have to pay exorbitant amounts of money to build a shed.
However, you also shouldn’t skimp out either. Here are three factors to consider when determining the cost of a shed.
1) Material Costs
Material costs refer to the total amount of money spent on building supplies. These costs can range from $300 to $800 per square foot.
Materials costs depend on the type of shed being built. For example, if the shed is made of wood, then you will likely pay more than if the shed is constructed using cement blocks.
2) Labor Costs
Labor costs refer to the total amount of time spent by workers during construction. This includes the time needed to cut, assemble, and finish each piece of the shed.
The average labor cost for a shed ranges between $100 and $200 per hour.
3) Installation Costs
Installation costs include the total amount of money paid to hire a professional installer. Installation costs typically range from $600 to $1,000 per shed.
If you’re going to use a professional, make sure he or she has experience working with Amish sheds. Otherwise, you could end up paying too much for installation services.
Do Amish Sheds Provide Protection From the Elements?
If you live in a region where severe weather conditions occur frequently, then an Amish shed may be the perfect solution for protecting your possessions from harsh elements.
An Amish shed provides protection against wind, rain, snow, sun, heat, and cold. It also protects your belongings from animals, insects, and thieves.
Is There Any Special Equipment Required To Build An Amish Shed?
An Amish shed does not need any special equipment to build. You can easily purchase all the necessary tools at any home improvement store.
However, there are certain things that you should keep in mind before starting the project.
First, you’ll need to determine how big the shed needs to be.
Once you’ve decided on the size of the shed, you’ll need to decide whether you want a single-story or double-story shed. Single-story sheds are usually cheaper than double-story sheds.
However, they don’t provide as much storage space. On the other hand, double-story sheds offer more room for storing items but are generally more expensive than single-story sheds.
Second, you’ll need to choose between a wooden or metal shed. Wooden sheds are less expensive than metal sheds.
However, they deteriorate faster because they contain no insulation. Metal sheds are more durable than wooden sheds. They also tend to last longer.
Third, you’ll need to select a style of shed. Some styles are more popular than others.
For instance, some people like the look of a gable-roofed shed while others prefer a flat-roofed shed.
Fourth, you’ll have to consider what kind of flooring material you want to use. Wood floors are inexpensive and easy to install.
However, they require frequent maintenance. Vinyl floors are easier to maintain than wood floors. However, they are more expensive. Concrete floors are even more expensive than vinyl floors.
Fifth, you’ll need to figure out if you want to add windows to your shed.
Adding windows allows natural light to pass into your shed, making it much easier for you to find the tools you’re looking for.
Why Buy An Amish Shed?
There are many benefits associated with owning an Amish shed. First, an Amish shed protects your possessions from harsh weather conditions.
Second, it keeps your outdoor living spaces free of debris. Third, an Amish shed increases the value of your property.
Local Codes And Ordinances Regarding Amish Sheds
Before you decide to install your Amish shed, you should be aware of your local codes and planning permissions needed for your area so that you don’t risk spending time and money building something that you are not allowed to have on your property.
In some states, such as Pennsylvania, you cannot install an Amish shed without first obtaining permission from the county zoning office.
In other states, such as Ohio, you do not need permission from the county zoning offices. Instead, you must obtain a permit from the city planning department.
Amish Shed Plans And Kits
If you’re looking to buy plans or kits for an Amish shed, you will find them online. The most common type of kit is a pre-built shed kit.
These kits come fully assembled and ready to go. You can purchase these kits in either a single story or double story version.
You can also get plans for an Amish shed by visiting various websites. Many companies sell plans for Amish sheds.
However, you may have trouble finding the exact plan that you need. Also, you may not be able to customize the design of the shed.
The best way to get the plans for an Amish shed is to visit a company yourself and ask them all of your concerns and queries about their plans.
This way you can make sure that you get exactly what you want, or see what cannot be customized to your liking and where you may have to make compromises.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve got a good idea about what you want to spend on your shed, the kind of function it needs to fulfill in your home, and most importantly whether or not you need planning permission, you’re ready to build your shed!
Whether you fork out to get it done professionally, or you buy a kit that you can work from will be the main difference in cost when it comes to getting an Amish shed on your property.
