Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Sheets of metal are common for barns and larger buildings because after the wooden frame is built
the metal sheets are a quick weatherproof siding to be applied. Metal sheets are often made of tin—
we call it “barn tin” around here. The barn tin will last a long time, although rust will eventually
weather it. The thin metal sides are less insulating from the cold and we found them unsuitable for
use as a chicken coop so we converted the large tin-sided building to a garden shed.
Some homesteaders get very creative with small outbuildings. I've seen sheds out of homemade
adobe bricks. I've seen rubber tires stacked into walls, packed with mud, and made into a goat
shelter. Sand bags were stacked into the dug-out side of a hill for a root cellar. Natural rocks that
were moved out of the garden area were used to create the foundation for a three-sided shelter for
sheep and goats. One trait of the backyard farmer is the ability to frugally use whatever is on hand
to get the job done.
Size and Situation
Yes, it's a bit of a hassle to build an outbuilding. And it is more of a hassle to build a larger 8×10
building compared to a smaller 4×4. However, it is an even bigger hassle to build a small building,
use it for a month, get frustrated, tear it down, and build a second, larger building because the
first wouldn't do the job. As I've mentioned, you'll want to make sure the size of your outbuilding
is appropriate to the job for which you intend to use the building. It is also a huge hassle to try to
move a building after you've built it, especially if you are digging the corner posts into the ground
for stability. So it is important to make sure that wherever you build your shed, coop, or green-
house is where you really want it.
Make sure that there is plenty of clearance around the door area to get in and out easily. Make sure
the building won't block the sun for your garden vegetables that are trying to soak up the rays. You
also want to consider the weather for buildings that are used to house animals. If your area has cold
winter winds from the north, don't situate the door on the north side of the building where drafts
will blow in around the door.
Leave space between buildings and fences so you can walk all the way around the building if
needed. Keeping a clear path around the building, especially chicken coops, will help minimize
(though not eliminate) predator attempts to devour your flock.
Which brings me to my final point: make sure the building you end up with will do the job you
need it to do. Chicken coops, for example, will probably need extra reinforcement around the walls
and floors to keep predators from digging into the coop. Ventilation screens are needed to allow
good airflow, especially in the summer. A garden shed should have enough space to hold all the
tools you want to store.
Fences can be built out of a wide range of materials as well. On our homestead alone we have hog
panel, chain link fence, privacy vinyl fencing, and chicken wire fences. Each has a different purpose
and use, although some could be interchangeable.
