Metal barn structures, which were traditionally designed for agricultural purposes, have proven that their versatility can lead to a variety of non-farming applications. Durable steel barns, with their expansive layouts and customizable designs, are utilized in a range of innovative ways. Whether it is for hosting events or offering ample storage, these structures are a cost-effective and low-maintenance option for a wide range of needs beyond the farm.
However, before exploring the numerous innovative uses of steel barns, let’s dig deeper into what metal barns are.
Understanding Metal Barns
Steel barns are metal structures with two lean-tos attached to them on either side. The height of the central unit is higher than the sides leading to lean-tos having a lower roof pitch. The lean-tos are also supported by separate frames.
The central unit can also feature a clear-span design, using stronger trusses to support the roof. They also offer options in roof designs, whether it is gable or monitor roofing.
Essentially, there are two types of barns — step-down and continuous-roof barns. While the former has a tiered design with different sections at varying heights, the latter are long, uninterrupted structures with a uniform roofline.
Small barns can be up to 30 feet wide, medium barns are usually up to 60 feet wide, and larger barns can be up to 300 feet wide. The length and height of the metal structures will depend on the usage, additional requirements, and customizations.
While small barns cost about $25,000, medium barns cost about $50,000, and large barns about $100,000. These can change depending on customizations.
What Are Some Innovative Uses Of Steel Barns Other Than Farming?
A wide range of customizations can be easily integrated into metal barns, making them ideal to be used in a variety of ways. Let’s take a look at some innovative barn uses:
- Guest Houses
Using spray foam insulation, proper HVAC systems, strong vertical roofs, and 12-gauge steel framing, you can efficiently design your metal barns to be converted into guest houses. These can also integrate various interior design elements, layout planning, and aesthetic enhancements including a full kitchen, bathrooms, and spacious living rooms to comfortably accommodate your guests.
- Storage Solution
Whether it is to store your farm tools or your personal belongings, metal barns are a perfect solution. You can effortlessly install pegboards, racks, shelves, and hooks to efficiently house your things. With proper insulation and protective coatings, you can protect your gardening tools, workshop equipment, and household items from rust, mold, or decay. For larger storage facilities, you can integrate smart solutions to easily locate goods. With steep-pitched roofs, you can also incorporate high-racking systems to enhance vertical storage. It is ideal to use barrel vault trusses in the ceiling design to support cranes and other heavy machinery attachments.
- Retail Store
From boutiques to farm shops, metal barns can be converted into retail spaces by setting up temporary aisles and shelves for an enhanced shopping experience. It is vital to use stronger steel frames to support interior partitions and display fixtures. You can design separate areas for product displays, storage, and checkout zones to maximize functionality.
- Workshop
Clear-span metal barns are ideal for being used as workshops, providing uninterrupted space without columns. They are ideal for woodwork or car repair workshops where you can design dedicated spaces for your equipment. With proper ventilation and insulation, you can also store delicate hardware. High ceilings can easily accommodate lighting and ventilation systems, while insulated panels control temperatures.
- Event Venue
Whether hosting high-end events or community gatherings, metal barns can be easily converted into rustic or industrial-chic event venues. Strong columns and frames along with vertical roofs with exposed steel beams can also integrate lighting fixtures, sound systems, and decorative elements. With wide entryways and polished flooring, you can design a comfortable and stylish event venue.
- Art or Music Studio
Use monitor-style roofs to let natural light in through strategically placed windows and for proper ventilation. With scissor trusses or cathedral-style trusses, you can build high ceilings for larger artwork or music equipment. Along with soundproofing, barns also help in the easy integration of acoustic ceiling panels and sound-dampening materials to improve audio quality and reduce external noise.
- Indoor Gym or Sports Arena
With metal barns, you can use clear-span truss systems, providing open structures to maximize playing field space. With standing seam metal roofs, these designs can be made leak-proof. Moreover, you can integrate skylights and large windows allowing more natural light to enter. With steel rafter bracing, the structure can be made stronger to house heavy gym equipment or installations like basketball hoops or indoor climbing walls.
- Theatre
With proper acoustic panels for roofs and walls, sound-proofed flooring, and tiered seating, you can turn your metal barn structure into a luxurious home theatre perfect for you and your family to enjoy. It is ideal to use glazed doors and windows to block light, ensuring a complete theatre-like experience. Using reinforced trusses, you can also support heavy lighting rigs as well as projector equipment.
- Party Spaces
You can easily convert your metal barns into a party space to host your friends and family. You can use the central unit to seat the guests for dining. Whereas, you can set up drinking and barbeque areas under the two completely or partially enclosed lean-tos. Using high ceilings, you can also install chandeliers or decorative lighting, making it perfect for high-end parties. Modular flooring and proper HVAC system installation will make these spaces perfect for dancing or dining events.
Metal barns clearly are multi-purpose structures that can be used for so much more than just farming. They are not just perfect for other uses but with smart technological integrations and the possibility of a variety of customizations, they can be utilized for more than traditional barn uses. Steel barn buildings can come in a variety of dimensions to fit your every need.
Now that you know the variety of applications offered by metal barns, contact a steel building dealer near you today to use them efficiently for your desired use.
Carports Advisor is a leading provider of carports, garages, and metal buildings in the United States. We offer a wide variety of products to meet the needs of our customers, including single and double carports, garages, workshops, storage buildings, and more. We also offer a variety of customization options to allow our customers to get the perfect building for their needs.
