Outbuilding vs. Shed — What's the Difference?

A separate structure on a property, not attached to the main building.

Ideal for storage, hobbies, or small workshops.

Often larger and can serve various purposes including living spaces.

Characterized by its simplicity and practical design.

Can be made from a variety of materials, reflecting its use.

Often made from wood or metal and sometimes prefabricated.

May require specific permits or planning permission.

A small, single-story structure used for storage or as a workshop.

Offers flexibility in design and function.

Usually subjected to fewer building regulations.

A building separate from but associated with a main building.

A shed is typically a simple, single-story roofed structure in a back garden or on an allotment that is used for storage, hobbies, or as a workshop. Sheds vary considerably in their size and complexity of construction, from simple open-sided ones designed to cover bicycles or garden items to large wood-framed structures with shingled roofs, windows, and electrical outlets.

A building, such as a barn, shed, or garage, that is separate from, but associated with some main building

A simple roofed structure used for garden storage, to shelter animals, or as a workshop

Present participle of outbuild

Park (a vehicle) in a depot

A building separate from, and subordinate to, the main house; an outhouse.

(of a tree or other plant) allow (leaves or fruit) to fall to the ground

A building that is subordinate to and separate from a main building

Discard (something undesirable, superfluous, or outdated)

Cast or give off (light)

Accidentally allow (something) to fall off or spill

Eliminate part of (an electrical power load) by disconnecting circuits.

To have (a growth or covering) be disconnected or fall off by a natural process

To rid oneself of (something not wanted or needed)

To take off (an article of clothing).

To produce and release (a tear or tears).

(Archaic) To pour forth.

To repel without allowing penetration

To diffuse or radiate; send forth or impart

To lose a natural growth or covering by natural process

An elevation in the earth's surface from which water flows in two directions; a watershed.

Something, such as an exoskeleton or outer skin, that has been shed or sloughed.

The space made by raising certain warp threads on a loom and lowering others, allowing the woof to be passed between them.

A small structure, either freestanding or attached to a larger structure, serving for storage or shelter.

A large low structure often open on all sides.

To part, separate or divide.

(ambitransitive) To part with, separate from, leave off; cast off, let fall, be divested of.

To pour; to make flow.

(transitive) To allow to flow or fall.

(transitive) To radiate, cast, give off (light); see also shed light on.

To pour forth, give off, impart.

To fall in drops; to pour.

To sprinkle; to intersperse; to cover.

(weaving) To divide, as the warp threads, so as to form a shed, or passageway, for the shuttle.

To place or allocate a vehicle, such as a locomotive, in or to a depot or shed.

To woodshed

(weaving) An area between upper and lower warp yarns through which the weft is woven.

(obsolete) A distinction or dividing-line.

(obsolete) A parting in the hair.

(obsolete) The top of the head.

(obsolete) An area of land as distinguished from those around it.

(physics) A unit of area equivalent to 10⁻⁵² square meters; used in nuclear physics Category:en:Nuclear physics

A slight or temporary structure built to shade or shelter something; a structure usually open in front; an outbuilding; a hut.

A large temporary open structure for reception of goods.

An automobile which is old, worn-out, slow, or otherwise of poor quality.

A British Rail Class 66 locomotive.

A slight or temporary structure built to shade or shelter something; a structure often open in front; an outbuilding; a hut; as, a wagon shed; a wood shed.

A covered structure for housing aircraft; a hangar.

A parting; a separation; a division.

That which parts, divides, or sheds; - used in composition, as in watershed.

The passageway between the threads of the warp through which the shuttle is thrown, having a sloping top and bottom made by raising and lowering the alternate threads.

To separate; to divide.

To let fall; to throw off, as a natural covering of hair, feathers, shell; to cast; as, fowls shed their feathers; serpents shed their skins; trees shed leaves.

To cause to flow off without penetrating; as, a tight roof, or covering of oiled cloth, sheeds water.

To sprinkle; to intersperse; to cover.

To divide, as the warp threads, so as to form a shed, or passageway, for the shuttle.

To fall in drops; to pour.

To let fall the parts, as seeds or fruit; to throw off a covering or envelope.

An outbuilding with a single story; used for shelter or storage

Get rid of;

Cause or allow (a solid substance) to flow or run out or over;

Cast off hair, skin, horn, or feathers;

Shed at an early stage of development;

This depends on your local regulations; outbuildings often require permits due to their size and potential uses, while sheds may be exempt or subject to more lenient rules.

The main difference is that outbuildings can serve a variety of purposes including living spaces, while sheds are primarily used for storage or as workshops.

Consider your specific needs: outbuildings offer more versatility and can be customized for different uses, while sheds are ideal for storage or hobby activities due to their simplicity and functionality.

Yes, especially if it is well-designed and serves a useful function, such as a guest house or home office.

Sheds are often made from wood or metal, prioritizing ease of assembly and cost-effectiveness. Outbuildings can be made from a wider range of materials, including brick, wood, and metal, depending on their intended use.

Metal or treated wood sheds are often recommended for humid climates due to their resistance to rot and rust.

Yes, a shed is a type of outbuilding specifically designed for storage or workshop activities.

Typically, yes, since sheds are smaller and often come in prefabricated kits that are designed for easy assembly.

With proper maintenance, a wooden shed can last 15 to 20 years or more, depending on the wood type and environmental conditions.

While sheds are generally simpler structures, there is still room for customization in terms of size, materials, and interior layouts.

Generally, yes, due to their larger size and the potential for more complex designs and materials.

Building codes can dictate the size, placement, and sometimes the use of outbuildings, impacting the design and permitting process.

While possible, converting a shed into a living space requires significant modifications and adherence to local building codes and regulations.

By definition, outbuildings are separate from the main building, though they can be connected by paths or covered walkways.

For simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and specific uses like storage or small workshops, a shed might be the preferred option.