Have you ever wondered how much a centrepole really impacts your shed’s usability? Or if a clearspan design is truly worth the investment? Choosing the right shed structure goes beyond just picking a place to store your assets — it’s about finding a setup that maximises space, offers durability, and ultimately brings you peace of mind.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between centrepole and clearspan sheds, helping you determine which style best suits your needs. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of the benefits, limitations, and unique qualities of each option.
- What is a Centrepole Shed?
- What is a Clearspan Shed?
- Benefits and Drawbacks of Centrepole Sheds.
- Benefits and Drawbacks of Clearspan Sheds.
- Making the Right Choice for Your Property.
- What is Best For Me?
What is a Centrepole Shed?
A centrepole shed, as the name suggests, features one or more internal columns (centrepoles) supporting the roof structure. This type of design is often associated with traditional, straightforward construction and typically has a lower up-front cost.
While centrepole sheds can effectively support a roof over large spaces, the central poles may limit movement inside the shed and reduce the overall usable floor area. For farmers or contractors who need open spaces to manoeuvre equipment or vehicles, these poles can present logistical challenges. For others, centrepoles may not pose a problem, especially when storing smaller items or using the shed as a workshop with distinct, divided sections.
What is a Clearspan Shed?
A clearspan shed design is all about maximising space and eliminating internal obstructions. In a clearspan structure, the roof is supported by external walls and structural rafters rather than internal columns. This creates a fully open, spacious interior without any poles or supports in the middle, allowing for seamless movement and storage flexibility.
Clearspan sheds are especially popular among those who require a large, adaptable area, like farmers storing multiple pieces of equipment or contractors needing wide, unobstructed space for larger implement storage.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Centrepole Sheds
Centrepole sheds are a popular choice for those looking to save on kitset costs or who plan to use the space for purposes where open, unobstructed floor area isn’t essential. Let’s explore the main advantages and disadvantages of this design.
Benefits of Centrepole Sheds
- Perform Well in High Snow Loaded Areas
Timber centrepole sheds make for a very strong structure with excellent snow-loading capabilities. - Adequate for Small Storage Needs
If you plan to store smaller items or use the shed as a workspace with dedicated areas (like tool benches or supply shelves), the internal poles may not interfere with your layout. This setup can work well for smaller properties or less intensive storage needs.
Drawbacks of Centrepole Sheds
- Reduced Usable Space
Internal poles reduce flexibility, especially if you need to store large machinery, vehicles, or other bulky items. Poles break up the interior space which not only limits your storage layout, but it also becomes difficult to manoeuvre equipment. Internal supports can also become a nuisance in smaller workshops such as a wood-working workshop, where you are swinging lengths of timber around. - Costly Installation
While centrepole sheds can be a cheaper kitset option, they are often more expensive in terms of installation. The reason being is you need to dig more holes, and more concrete is required for the centrepoles. You then need to make up all the timber beams and screw on the joist hangers which is time consuming and requires a lot more labour.
While centrepole sheds offer functionality for certain storage uses and lower up-front costs, the costly installation and certain limitations make them less ideal for those needing maximum space flexibility.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Clearspan Sheds
Clearspan sheds are designed to offer a wide, unobstructed space, making them a top choice for those with large storage needs or requiring greater flexibility. Here are the main benefits and potential downsides to consider.
Benefits of Clearspan Sheds
- Maximum Usable Space
Clearspan sheds eliminate internal poles, giving you a fully open floor area. This layout is perfect for storing large equipment, vehicles, or bulk materials, as well as providing an ideal workspace without any obstructions. - Versatile Applications
Whether you need a farm shed, a large storage area, or even a workshop, clearspan sheds provide unmatched flexibility. Their design allows you to reconfigure the layout as needed over time, which is an advantage for properties with evolving storage or functional needs.
Drawbacks of Clearspan Sheds
- Higher Initial Cost
Clearspan sheds typically come at a higher upfront cost due to the advanced engineering and structural reinforcements required to support the roof span without internal poles. For those on a tighter budget, this can be a limiting factor.
Clearspan sheds, while more costly, deliver excellent value for those seeking space and adaptability whilst providing an excellent long-term solution.
Making the Right Choice for Your Property
Choosing between a centrepole and a clearspan shed ultimately depends on how you plan to use the space, your budget, and flexibility requirements. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
Space Requirements
If your primary goal is maximum usable space, a clearspan shed is ideal. The open layout allows for easy storage and movement of large machinery, vehicles, or bulk items, and it provides flexibility to adapt the layout over time. For smaller storage needs, or if your setup doesn’t require unobstructed floor space, a centrepole shed can offer a more budget-friendly option.
Budget Considerations
Centrepole sheds are generally a lower upfront cost, which can make them appealing if budget is a primary factor. However, centerpole sheds are often more costly to install due to the extra holes and concrete required, and the time required to make timber beams and screw on joist hangers. Alpine’s clearspan sheds can be more costly upfront, however, you save time and money with the installation, and the space efficiency and usability offer better long-term value for those prioritising longevity and functionality.
Future Flexibility
Clearspan sheds are ideal for those who anticipate changing storage or functional needs over time. The open layout can easily be adapted for different uses, from equipment storage to workshops or garages, whereas centrepole sheds provide a more static layout with limited adaptability.
What is best for Me?
- Choose a Centrepole Shed if you have modest storage needs, and don’t need an entirely open layout.
- Choose a Clearspan Shed if you need maximum space, want to save time and money on the installation, and want a flexible, practical solution for large or evolving storage needs.
A shed is a long-term investment, and choosing the right one ensures that it serves your needs for years, or even generations, to come. For expert advice, custom designs, and sheds built to endure New Zealand’s diverse conditions, Alpine is here to help you achieve your ideal shed.
