Whether you are a farmer or a rancher, in both situations, you need a robust metal loafing shed. Well, most Americans already know the importance of these sheds. They use them widely to nurture their animals, like horses, cattle, sheep, and goats. These animals can graze inside the loafing sheds while breathing fresh air because the structure is completely open from one side.
It’s a shed for your animals in summer, where they can temporarily escape sudden rain and storms. You might have seen wooden loafing sheds in most fields, but now farmers in Texas, Kentucky, Montana, Colorado, and other states and counties of the USA rely on steel loafing sheds. The reason is that these structures come with a long list of benefits.
We have curated benefits, uses, and everything in our write-up to help you choose the best loafing shed for your animals without getting confused.
What Exactly Is a Metal Loafing Shed?
A metal shed is open from one side and closed from three sides. Means it has only three walls, and there is typically no gate. Think of it as a “run-in” shelter for animals where horses, cattle, sheep, and goats can walk in when they want shade from scorching sun or freezing air. Traditionally, they were made of wood, but now steel components have taken over the space.
Farmers mostly install a customize loafing shed in the pasture, near riding arenas, or alongside feeding areas. They are also agricultural steel buildings, but you should not confuse them with metal barns, because loafing sheds are not fully enclosed like barns. In most cases, galvanized steel is used to construct steel loafing sheds, so it can stay protected from rust, pests, and rot for a long time.
Features that Make It a Loafing Shed
- Open Front with Three Enclosed Sides
- No Gates or Doors
- Built with Run-In Style
- Commonly Installed in Pastures
- Made with Galvanized Steel for Durability
- Different from Fully Enclosed Barns
Loafing Shed: Why Is this Name?
The name “loafing shed” comes from livestock behavior. Animals often “loaf around” in these shelters. They rest, graze nearby, or seek shade and protection. It’s a casual, open shelter where they move freely instead of being confined like in barns. If you want it to be fully enclosed, install a custom built loafing shed.
Benefits of Choosing a Metal Loafing Shed
So, here is the long list of benefits for which farmers and ranchers in the USA buy prefab loafing sheds.
- Durability That Lasts Decades:
Yes, even a simple metal loafing shed can stand firm on your pasture for at least 30 years. If you maintain the structure properly and repair it on time, its lifespan can be extended. The reason behind its strength is its resistant to cracks, warp, and rot. This is why they stand firm against snow in Colorado, heat in Texas, and storms in Florida.
- A Fewer Needs to Repair:
Since the structure is devoid of issues like pests, rot, and termites, you don’t need to repair it frequently. It doesn’t create a mess, dampness in the corners of the structure. So, with a simple wash, you can clean the steel loafing building in a short time. Moreover, the thickness of steel components protects parts of sheds from falling during storms, thereby eliminating the need for repairs and replacements.
- Affordable Shelter for Animals:
Instead of rushing your animals to the enclosed space every time, you can let them in a loafing shed to roam and gaze freely. This open space is not a costly solution because you know it requires low maintenance. Moreover, pre-engineered parts of a loafing shed are easy to transport and assemble, keeping labor costs low. However, the upfront cost is higher than wooden sheds; over time, they prove to be economical solutions.
- Weather Protection for Animals:
A loafing shed for animals is a go-to place for them during sudden rain. They can go inside the shed immediately without getting stuck, as its entry is wide open. If it’s blazing sun outside and your barn is too far to reach without exhausting yourself and your animals, a steel loafing shed appears as a saviour. Your animals can immediately go inside it and escape from UV rays or shield themselves from strong winds in winter. It helps to keep your animals healthy, more productive, and live longer.
- Multi-Purpose Use:
It’s not just for animals and hay storage; you can use it for other reasons as well. The flexibility of steel components enables the design of buildings tailored to specific needs and their use for various purposes. A custom built loafing shed can be a place for equipment, farm vehicles, machines, and can even serve as a tack room.
Do you want to know more about its uses in the USA? Scroll down for more information.
Common Uses of Metal Loafing Sheds in the USA
Americans are creative; they like to use one space for different things. Since a metal loafing shed is easy to customize, they use it for various reasons. Some popular uses include:
- For Horses, Cattle, and Goats: In Kentucky, horse breeders love loafing sheds as resting shelters for their herds. Cattle ranchers in Texas place them in open pastures where animals need shade.
- Feed and Hay Storage: Farmers often use one side for animals and divide another section for hay storage. This keeps feed dry and within easy reach.
- Farm Equipment Shelter: You can store small tractors, ATVs, and mowers inside a loafing shed. But remember, it doesn’t offer complete protection. So, customize the space as per your needs.
- Seasonal Shelter: Many use the prefab loafing shed as a storage area for seasonal items. If we talk about Montana, these prefab structures give livestock a warm corner during the winter season and snowfall. In the Southwest, they provide critical shade during long summers.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Metal Loafing Shed
When you are thinking of buying a metal loafing shed, consider factors that will affect the cost of your structure. Think carefully about these factors for a confident decision.
- Number of Animals: A shed for two horses is different from one for a cattle herd.
- Land Size & Placement: Place it where animals naturally gather. Avoid blocking natural drainage by installing it in the correct location.
- Weather Conditions: Vertical roofs are better in snowy states like Colorado or Montana.
- Budget vs. Long-Term Savings: Metal costs more upfront but saves thousands in repairs.
- Building Codes & Permits: Some counties require permits, so always check local rules before installing to avoid legal issues later.
First-time buyers often ask: “Is it bad to put a shed against your house?” For loafing sheds, the answer is yes, you shouldn’t put it this way. It is because they are meant for open land, not right against your home. Keeping them separate avoids pest issues and makes them safer for livestock.
Cost of Metal Loafing Sheds in the USA (2025 Update)
Having read about the factors affecting the cost of steel loafing sheds, you will not be surprised to learn that the price varies for most buyers. Because there is always something one rancher or farmer wants but not others. It brings variations in the total price of the metal shed.
Prices vary, but here’s a general idea:
- Small loafing sheds (10×10 or 12×12): Start around $1,500-$2,500.
- Medium sizes (12×24, 14×24): Range from $3,000-$5,000.
- Large custom loafing sheds (14×48 or bigger): Can go $6,000-$10,000+ depending on features.
You can find more about the exact price from a metal building dealer. Search online for “metal loafing sheds for sale” or “metal loafing sheds near me,” and you will have many top leaders in this sector. Discuss your requirements with the 2-3 dealers and compare their services and prices.
Why Metal Wins Over Wood for Loafing Sheds?
You must have had one thought while reading: why steel over wooden loafing sheds? We have compared a wooden shed with a steel one, so you can clearly see which one wins and why.
Go through the table below for a quick and clear comparison.
| Features | Metal Loafing Sheds | Wooden Loafing Sheds |
| Robustness | Can last for 40+ years | Rot and termites deteriorate the structure |
| Maintenance | Low-maintenance structures | Low-maintenance structures |
| Cost over time | Prove more cost-effective over time | Lower cost initially, but needs regular upkeep |
| Weather resistance | Stand tall during adverse weather | Vulnerable to cracking during a storm |
| Flexibility | Easy to customize as needed | Limited design flexibility |
How to Choose the Right Loafing Shed Dealer?
A high-quality metal loafing shed at a reasonable price depends on where you are buying it from. A dealer can make or break your building. Look for some crucial things before you decide on it.
Here’s what to look for:
- Sign up for trusted metal building dealers.
- Check reviews and feedback from previous buyers.
- Don’t compromise on steel’s quality.
- Look for rust-proof coatings and long-term guarantees.
- Go for professional installers.
- Customization options like size, partitions, and roof type.
- Contact local authorities to know the rules and building codes.
But if you are a first-time buyer, also focus on the following questions.
- “What foundation options are best for a shed?”: Learn about popular types of foundations for a steel loafing shed. They must allow proper drainage so animals don’t feel uncomfortable and get ill due to stagnant water. You can choose gravel or concrete pads to construct your metal shed.
- “How far away from the house can I build my shed?”: The distance depends on your needs and local codes. Some counties in the USA allow a 5-15 feet distance from your house. So, check your local codes for exact distance measurements.
Final Thought
So, metal loafing sheds are effective solutions for livestock, tools, and farm equipment. Their features, like durability, weather-resistance, and cost-effectiveness, make them a must-have for farmers and ranchers across the USA. So, whether you are searching for metal loafing sheds near me, planning a custom-built loafing shed, or comparing different metal loafing sheds for sale, this guide gives you the foundation to make the right choice. Make the right choice for the protection of your livestock and the long life of tools and other items you store inside.