Machine sheds
Built to Protect Your Equipment & Maximize Efficiency
Durable, Custom Machine Sheds for North Dakota Farms
Your equipment is one of your farm’s biggest investments—protect it with a high-quality, custom-built machine shed from Prairie Barns Construction. Our post-frame and stud-frame machine sheds are engineered to withstand North Dakota’s extreme weather, offering ample storage, easy access, and long-term durability to keep your machinery safe year-round.
Why Choose Prairie Barns Construction for Your Machine Shed?
✅ Custom-Built for Your Farm’s Needs – Whether you need space for tractors, combines, or other farm equipment, we design machine sheds to fit your exact requirements, including size, door placement, and interior layouts.
✅ Designed for North Dakota’s Climate – Our buildings are constructed with heavy-duty materials, engineered to handle high winds, heavy snow loads, and freezing temperatures.
✅ Efficient Building Process – With post-frame construction, we deliver faster build times and cost-effective solutions compared to traditional methods.
✅ Flexible Design Options – Choose from post-frame or stud-frame construction, insulated or non-insulated options, and a variety of custom door styles, including sliding, overhead, or hydraulic doors.
✅ Expert Local Builders – With years of experience in machine shed construction, we understand the unique needs of North Dakota farmers and ranchers.
What is a Machine Shed & Why Do You Need One?
A machine shed is a large storage building designed to protect farm equipment, vehicles, and machinery from the elements. It provides a secure, weather-resistant space to house valuable assets like tractors, combines, planters, sprayers, and other agricultural machinery.
Why Farmers & Ranchers Need a Machine Shed:
🚜 Protection from Harsh Weather
Keeps expensive equipment safe from rain, snow, wind, and extreme temperatures, reducing wear and tear.
🛠️ Extended Equipment Lifespan
Prevents rust, UV damage, and exposure-related mechanical failures, saving you money on repairs and replacements.
🏗️ Organized, Secure Storage
Offers dedicated space for farm tools, parts, and machinery, reducing clutter and increasing efficiency.
💰 Cost-Effective Investment
Storing machinery indoors reduces maintenance costs and increases resale value over time.
🚛 Easy Equipment Access
Wide door openings and custom layouts allow for efficient movement of large machines in and out of storage.
Protect your Assets
Did You Know? A properly built machine shed can extend the lifespan of farm equipment by years, saving you thousands of dollars in maintenance and repairs.
Machine Shed vs. Pole Barn – What’s the Difference?
Many people use the terms machine shed and pole barn interchangeably. While both can be post-frame structures, a machine shed is a larger building designed specifically for equipment storage.
Post-Frame vs. Stud-Frame Machine Sheds: Which is Right for You?
Choosing the right construction method depends on how you plan to use your machine shed and your budget, timeline, and long-term goals. Below is a breakdown of the major differences between post-frame and stud-frame (stick-built) machine sheds to help you determine which option best suits your needs.
1️⃣ Foundation: Post-in-Ground vs. Continuous Concrete
✅ Post-Frame:
- Typically built with large posts embedded directly into the ground, providing a stable and cost-effective foundation without requiring a full concrete base.
- Can also be built using a Permacolumn Pier System, where concrete piers support each post, making it similar to a foundation system but not a continuous footing.
- Pier spacing is generally every 8 feet, reducing excavation and concrete costs compared to a stud-frame continuous foundation.
✅ Stud-Frame (Stick-Built):
- Constructed on a continuous concrete foundation, providing maximum stability and long-term durability.
- Requires foundation excavation and pouring before framing can begin.
- Generally stronger overall, offering better support for multi-purpose buildings with interior rooms, lofts, or insulated spaces.
Key Takeaway: If cost and speed are your priorities, post-frame with posts in the ground or on piers is a great choice. If you need maximum strength and a long-term investment, stud-frame with a continuous foundation is the best option.
2️⃣ Structural Sheathing: OSB vs. Open Framing
✅ Post-Frame:
- Does not require OSB sheathing on the walls and roof, making it a more economical option.
- Proper bracing of corners and trusses in conjunction with the exterior metal panels act as structural shear, reducing material costs.
- Can still be insulated and finished inside, but may require additional framing modifications and additional vapor barrier for interior wall finishing.
✅ Stud-Frame (Stick-Built):
- OSB or plywood sheathing is standard for walls and roof, adding extra shear strength and making the structure more rigid.
- Easier to insulate and finish for climate-controlled spaces.
- Ideal for farm shops, repair bays, and hybrid storage/workspaces that need heating, electrical, or plumbing installations.
Key Takeaway: If you're looking for a budget-friendly cold storage machine shed, post-frame without OSB is a great choice. If you need a highly insulated and rigid structure, stud-frame with full OSB sheathing is the better option.
3️⃣ Construction Speed & Weather Considerations
✅ Post-Frame:
- Faster construction—the planning-to-completion timeline is greatly reduced compared to traditional stud-frame construction.
- Can be built year-round, even in winter, with minimal weather disruptions.
- Does not require foundation excavation before freeze-up, making it a better winter construction option.
✅ Stud-Frame (Stick-Built):
- Requires foundation excavation and pouring before freeze-up, meaning construction is limited to warmer months unless the foundation is poured well in advance.
- Longer build times due to extra steps in foundation work, OSB sheathing, and more complex framing requirements.
Key Takeaway: If you need a fast-tracked project that can be built year-round, post-frame is the best option. If you can plan around foundation timelines, stud-frame remains the strongest choice for long-term investment.
4️⃣ Cost Considerations: Affordability vs. Premium Strength
Many times, the final choice comes down to economics.
💰 Post-frame is typically more affordable because:
- Less concrete is required for the foundation.
- Fewer materials are needed (no OSB sheathing required).
- Faster construction reduces labor costs.
🏗️ Stud-frame is always the premium, strongest option for North Dakota farmyards because:
- Continuous concrete foundation provides superior long-term stability and rodent control.
- Fully sheathed walls allow for better insulation and energy efficiency.
- More customizable for interior rooms, storage areas, and heating.
However, it may not be feasible for every budget, which is why many farms choose post-frame construction for machine sheds.
1️⃣ Consultation & Design
We work with you to understand your farm’s needs and design a custom layout that optimizes space and function.
2️⃣ Site Preparation
Our team ensures proper grading and foundation work to create a stable, long-lasting structure.
3️⃣ High-Quality Construction
Using top-grade materials and precision craftsmanship, we build durable, efficient machine sheds.
4️⃣ Final Touches & Customization
We add doors, insulation, electrical, and finishing touches to complete your shed exactly as planned.
5️⃣ Ongoing Support & Customer Satisfaction
Our job doesn’t end when the last screw is in place. We provide post-build support, answer any questions, and ensure your shed meets your expectations. If you ever need modifications or maintenance advice, we’re here to help.
🏆 Built to Last. Trusted by North Dakota Farmers. 🏆
Why Farmers Trust Prairie Barns Construction:
✅ Decades of Experience – We specialize in post-frame and stud-frame buildings, bringing expert craftsmanship to every project.
✅ North Dakota Tough – Built to handle extreme weather conditions, ensuring your equipment stays safe year-round.
✅ Custom-Built for Your Needs – Every machine shed is tailored to your farm, with options for size, doors, insulation, and ventilation.
✅ Fast & Efficient Construction – Post-frame sheds can be built year-round, keeping your project on schedule, no matter the season.
✅ Quality Materials & Workmanship – We use top-tier materials and precision construction to guarantee a strong, reliable structure for decades to come.
Why Choose Prairie Barns Construction?
At Prairie Barns Construction, we know that your farm equipment is one of your most valuable investments. That’s why we build machine sheds engineered for durability, efficiency, and long-term protection—designed to withstand North Dakota’s harsh winters, high winds, and heavy snow loads.