We had a customer on the phone for a long time recently and he wanted to know about the quality of Professional Choice Sheds and why when he is buying a farm shed, why are so many so flimsy? He had bought a few sheds over the last couple of years and was very disappointed in the quality and the inaccuracies he was given by salespeople. He had bought from two of the largest shed suppliers in Australia and expected better. 

When it comes to buying a farm shed or a storage shed, there are a few crucial factors that require your attention. One of the biggest concerns is the poor quality and flimsiness that many sheds on the market exhibit. This blog aims to shed light on why this issue persists and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Remember, your safety, your neighbour’s safety, and the durability of your investment matter, so let's explore why settling for flimsy sheds is not a wise choice.

Farm Shed, Imported Steel: A Weaker Foundation

Many sheds available today are constructed using imported steel. It is usually mild steel which is much weaker and usually thinner than Australian high tensile steel. This steel is often advertised as ‘made in Australia’ which may be true as the imported steel is rolled in the factory of the shed manufacturer. It is very unlikely to be 0.42 BMT (thickness) and it will not have one of the Colorbond colour names as these colours are all registered to Colorbond. The pressures exerted on a large shed can be significant in high winds and these thinner and weaker sheets often fails to meet the rigorous standards set by Australian Standards. Imported mild steel, apart from being much weaker, is also more prone to rust and corrosion, making the shed less durable over time.

Farm Shed, Steel: The Backbone of Your Shed

Quality sheds are built with strong and robust steel frames that offer superior structural support. The beams are thicker and stronger and there is a lot of steel support with many purlins. Flimsy sheds, on the other hand, use steel that is not strong enough to withstand external forces and they will also compromise on the amount of steel used. You are buying a weaker shed made weaker by the fact that the steel is of a lower gauge AND not enough of it is being used! It’s little wonder you can feel the movement in the shed even in medium wind conditions.

This, of course, compromises the shed's safety and stability, especially during strong wind gusts or storms.

Thin Sheeting: Vulnerability at Its Core

On top of the shed frame, which is too weak, these flimsy sheds tend to incorporate thin sheeting, which compromises the shed's overall integrity. Thin sheets are more susceptible to denting or buckling, diminishing their ability to protect your belongings effectively. It would be dangerous to attempt to walk on the roof of one of these sheds.

Particularly in high-wind areas, sheds with thin sheeting are at higher risk of sustaining damage or even collapsing completely. Often the thin sheets will rip around the screws holding the sheeting to the frame. This should never happen.

Australian Standards for Sheds: A Must-Have

It is difficult to buy a Farm Shed or Storage Shed in Australia that does not come with full certification. The big question is “Who is issuing this certification?”. You may find that the certifying engineer is on the payroll of the shed manufacturer or a ‘back-yard’ working individual who makes his money ‘selling’ certification. There is one thing for sure, if you test the shed on the independent Shed Health Test site, it will NOT pass Australian Standards.

It is common for the calculations made for these certificates to be wrong or calculated on the much stronger attributes of Australian steel and not the cheap imported mild steel that is being supplied. Don't compromise on safety and quality. Always choose a shed that adheres to Australian Standards AND check it yourself. This was almost impossible to do before unless you were a fully qualified engineer but now you have the Shed Health Test. This site will ask you to fill in a few figures from the quote you have received. If these figures are not given in your quote, then you should be concerned. If they are not provided on request, then you should be very concerned!

Sheds that meet all Australian Standards are engineered to withstand the harsh Australian climate in your Region. It is very unlikely that any shed built to these standards will ever be damaged in any wind. The wonder is why there can be so much shed damage in an area after a strong wind event.

Buying a Farm Shed - The Value of Australian Steel

It is always safer to opt for sheds that are made from Australian steel, known for its durability and strength. Australian steel comes with a reputation for strength and excellence, ensuring that your shed will stand the test of time. DO NOT BE FOOLED, there can be a massive difference in strength of over 50% between high-tensile Australian steel and poorer quality, imported mild steel. You could be buying a shed that is less than half as stable as it should be! Investing in Australian steel also supports local businesses, contributing to the growth of our economy.

Buying a Farm Shed – Where can I be sure I’m getting Quality?

Professional Choice Sheds are built to the highest quality, surpassing all Australian Standards. You will find that a Professional Choice Shed is usually over 40% more mass, (heavier) than any comparable size shed. IT MUST BE to meet Australian Standards. Your shed will be made of heavier high tensile Australian Steel. It will also have more steel than competitors, giving your structure all the support it needs. Any Professional Choice Quote will pass the Shed Health Test and your certification will be issued by Edge Consulting. Edge Consulting Engineers is the biggest business of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Summary- Buying a Farm Shed so why are many so Flimsy?

The reason for flimsy sheds is all discussed above but the bottom line is money! Australia’s large, shed manufacturers like to make as much profit as possible in this $3 Billion per year industry. They know that they must keep their prices low and their profits high to be successful. This can be done through supplying inferior imported steel and making sure that as little is supplied as necessary. The goal is to have a structure that can stand and nothing else!

When buying a farm shed or storage shed, don't settle for flimsy, poor-quality options. Investing in a shed that truly meets Australian Standards and is constructed with strong, Australian steel. This will provide you with a durable and life-time lasting structure. Remember, your safety, the safety of others and the protection of your valuable assets should always be a priority. Choose wisely, and let your shed be a testament to your commitment to quality and longevity. Give Professional Choice Sheds a call now to discuss your needs.