Lifestyle Sheds
Lifestyle Sheds for Rural and Residential Living
Looking for a shed that does more than just store tools? At Waikato Sheds, we design and supply high-quality lifestyle sheds for a wide range of uses — from workshops and hobby rooms to guest accommodation, home offices, and multipurpose storage buildings.
Custom Sheds to Match Your Lifestyle
Our lifestyle sheds are built to adapt to the way you live — whether on a rural block, lifestyle farm, or residential property. These versatile structures are ideal for part-time accommodation, recreation, home businesses or serious hobbies.
Common lifestyle shed uses:
- Home workshop or art studio
- Self-contained guest room or sleepout
- Gym or hobby shed
- Minor dwelling or utility room
- Boat, ride-on mower or bike storage
All our sheds are fully customisable and can be designed as non-habitable or habitable structures, depending on your needs.
Built with NZ Steel and Engineering
Every Waikato lifestyle shed is constructed using NZ-made steel framing and COLORSTEEL® cladding, backed by engineering documentation for consent or exempt status.
Lifestyle shed features:
- COLORSTEEL® roofing and cladding in your choice of colour
- Optional windows, PA doors, roller doors, verandas, or loft areas
- Gable, monopitch or skillion roof options
- Custom sizes, layouts and internal walls available
- Engineered to meet NZ wind and seismic zones
Full Build or Kitset Delivery NZ-Wide
We offer:
- Kitset sheds delivered nationwide, with full documentation and plans
- Full build service in Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Auckland, Coromandel and Taupō
You can install your shed yourself or work with a local builder — we’re here to support you at every step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I design a shed with a veranda or outdoor seating area?
Absolutely. Many clients add lean-tos or covered porches to use the shed as a retreat or entertaining space. These can be fully integrated into your design.
Are lifestyle sheds consent-exempt?
Some lifestyle sheds under 30m² may qualify for consent exemption under NZ building law. We can help you determine eligibility and design accordingly.
Can lifestyle sheds include internal walls or multiple rooms?
Absolutely. You can add partitions for rooms, storage areas, or workspaces. We can also allow for bathroom or kitchenette zones if your shed will be habitable.
What’s the difference between a lifestyle shed and a habitable shed?
A lifestyle shed is typically used for hobbies or storage and may not include plumbing or full insulation. A habitable shed is designed for living and must meet consent requirements for dwellings.
Can I match the shed colour and cladding to my home?
Yes — we offer a wide range of COLORSTEEL® profiles and colours, allowing you to match your home, garage or fencing.
Design Your Lifestyle Shed Today
Start your custom design using our Online Shed Designer tool or contact our team for friendly advice and a free quote. Whether you’re looking for a multipurpose retreat, guest space, or personal workspace — we’ll build it around your lifestyle.
Lifestyle Shed Videos from our YouTube Channel
Does this Shed have NZ's Best Mancave?
Dream Home Workshop Garage in Waikato NZ
Is this the Ultimate Shed Bar & Mancave?
Dave Builds a Hot Rod & Kitset Shed at 70
Endless Possibilities in this 280sqm Lifestyle Shed
225 SQM Gable Shed 15m x 15m with Amazing Hidden Passageway, Bathroom and Office
9m x 11m x 3.7m Lifestyle Shed with 22 Degree Pitch Roof
Colorsteel Heritage Barn in Pioneer Red Building a Shed with NZ Steel
Boat Shed with Bathroom and Accommodation
Shed Converted to a Pool House
5m x 9m 45sqm Boat Shed built for Extreme Wind Conditions
12m x 18m Clearspan American Barn clad in Colorsteel
8m x 16m 128 sqm Clearspan Gable Workshop Shed
Extra Wide American Barn with Four Front Roller Doors
Premium Lifestyle Shed with Eaves in Colorsteel Lignite
Executive Level Lifestyle Shed in Gordonton
Customisation Options to Suit Your Shed and Style
Our Lifestyle Sheds are fully customisable to suit your specific needs, preferences, and site conditions. Popular upgrade options include:
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Skylights for enhanced natural light
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Vermin-proofing systems to protect your space and contents
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Bird brushes for roller doors to prevent nesting and debris
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Lining options such as double-sided foil, breathable building wrap, or white diffusion material for interior comfort
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Residential-grade aluminium joinery, including windows, ranch sliders, bifold and stacker doors
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Bathroom-ready setups, with framing and provisions for plumbing and ventilation
We also offer a variety of roof pitches — from 5 to 45 degrees — and architectural styles to match your taste and functional needs. Choose from:
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Mono-pitch or gable roofs for a clean, modern look
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The classic American Barn style for extra height and character
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The distinctive Quaker Barn, featuring a unique mansard roof design ideal for loft or mezzanine spaces
Whatever your vision, we’ll help create a shed that works for your lifestyle and looks great on your property.
