Is your yard overflowing with tools, lawnmowers, and forgotten treasures? Do you dream of having a neat, organized outdoor space, but feel overwhelmed by where to start? Finding the perfect storage solution can be tricky. You need something sturdy, spacious, and something that looks good, too. That’s where the Barns Arlington 12X20 Wood Storage Shed Kit comes in, but choosing the right one requires careful thought.
Many homeowners worry about assembly difficulty, wood quality, and whether the final shed will truly meet their storage needs. Selecting the wrong kit means wasted time and money. This guide cuts through the confusion. We dive deep into everything you need to know about the Barns Arlington 12X20 model.
By the end of this post, you will understand the key features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of this popular shed kit. We will equip you with the knowledge to decide if this 12X20 powerhouse is the right fit for your property. Get ready to transform your cluttered yard into an organized haven!
Top Barns Arlington 12X20 Wood Storage Shed Kit Recommendations
- Does not include floor
- Size: 12 ft. W x 20 ft. L
- Pocket Doors: Pre-assembled, 6 ft. 6 in. H x 5 ft. 5 in. W with cross buck door design
- Sturdy-Built Truss System: 40 lbs. snow load; 130 mph wind load
- Loft Area: Full second floor loft with 4- 6 ft. headroom
- Great tools at an affordable price
- Windows and Floor Sold Separately
- Paint, Shingles, Drip Edge, and Roof Paper by Purchaser
- Wooden sheds allow for customization. Complement your shed with paint and shingles (all sold separately). Will not warp like plastic sheds or rust like metal sheds. Treated engineered wood siding is factory-primed and ready to paint.
- Install your own shed with all wood pre-cut and ready to assemble. Assembly required with at least 2 adults. Expected assembly time is 32 hours with intermediate skill level and power tools. Tools not included.
- Durable wood construction: Heavy-duty wood structure designed to handle demanding wind and snow loads
- Bonus storage features: Includes storage loft, window and complete wood floor system
- Natural light interior: Window helps brighten interior space for projects, crafts or organization
- Not available in FL due to weather restrictions
- Personalize your Storage Shed the way you want it - purchase paint and shingles (both sold separately)
- Extra-large 5’-4” wide doors feature continuous galvanized steel hinges
- Floor not included to allow for custom foundations such as cement pads and more
- 7’ tall side walls / 9’-11” peak height provides convenient vertical storage for ladders, rakes, shovels and more
- Wooden sheds allow for customization. Compliment your home with paint and shingles (both sold separately).
- Install your own shed with all wood pre-cut and ready to assemble. Assembly required with at least 2 adults. Expected assembly time is 4-8 hours with intermediate skill level and power tools. Tools not included.
- Primed and treated wood siding protects against dents, decay, and termites
- Two door locations. 64” Wide Double Doors and 32” Wide Service Door. Includes locking T-handle for security.
- Includes a complete wood floor with floor framing and OSB wood floor decking.
- Great tools at an affordable price
- Spacious Interior: Accommodates large lawn tractors, ATVs, and more with its 7 ft. high side walls and 8 ft. wide double doors
- Natural Light & Ventilation: Two strategically placed windows brighten the interior and provide ample ventilation
- Easy Assembly: Pre-cut components make DIY assembly a breeze
- Customizable Foundation: Kit comes without a floor, allowing you to choose your own custom foundation like a concrete slab
- Versatile Design: Transform this wooden shed into a workshop, home gym, or personalized getaway space
Your Essential Buying Guide for the Barns Arlington 12X20 Wood Storage Shed Kit
Thinking about adding a spacious storage solution to your backyard? The Barns Arlington 12X20 Wood Storage Shed Kit offers a generous footprint for all your needs. Before you click “buy,” use this guide to make sure it’s the right fit for your property and projects.
Key Features to Look For
A great shed kit needs more than just four walls. Look closely at these crucial elements:
- Size and Footprint: The 12×20 dimension gives you 240 square feet of space. This is large enough for a riding mower, workshop tools, or even converting into a small studio. Always measure your intended site first!
- Door Style and Placement: Does it have large double doors? Double doors make moving big items like wheelbarrows or ATVs much easier. Check where the doors are located—front, side, or corner access matters for placement.
- Roof Style: This model likely features a gable roof (the classic house shape). This style sheds rain and snow well, which is important for longevity.
- Headroom: Consider the height of the walls and the peak of the roof. Good headroom prevents you from constantly ducking inside.
Important Materials Matter
Since this is a wood kit, the quality of the lumber directly impacts how long your shed lasts and how much work you have to put into it later.
Lumber Quality
Most kits use engineered wood or standard framing lumber. Look for wood that is:
- Pressure-Treated (for the floor): The base frame that touches the ground *must* be pressure-treated. This protects the wood from rot and insects.
- Siding Type: Is the siding OSB (Oriented Strand Board) with a protective overlay, or solid wood siding? Overlays offer better initial weather protection.
- Fasteners: Are the included nails and screws galvanized or coated? These materials resist rust, which keeps the structure strong over time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The materials are just the start. How the kit is designed affects its final durability and your assembly experience.
Quality Boosters:
- Pre-Cut Components: Kits with precisely pre-cut studs and trusses save you hours of measuring and cutting. This speeds up construction significantly.
- Detailed Instructions: Clear, step-by-step instructions (with diagrams) reduce frustration and errors.
- Ventilation Included: Good sheds need vents (often soffit or gable vents) to let hot, moist air escape. This prevents mold and warping inside.
Quality Reducers (Things to Watch Out For):
- Thin Siding: If the siding material feels flimsy when you touch it, it might not stand up well to strong winds or impacts.
- No Floor System: Some budget kits do not include a floor frame or decking. If this is the case, you must purchase or build a sturdy foundation separately.
- Roofing Not Included: Check if shingles are part of the package. Often, you must buy shingles, felt paper, and drip edge separately.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you actually use this 12×20 space?
Common Uses:
- Gardening Hub: Store lawnmowers, tillers, soil bags, and gardening benches.
- Workshop/Hobby Space: The size supports a workbench along one wall and storage racks on the other.
- General Overflow Storage: Perfect for seasonal decorations, old furniture, or sporting equipment you don’t use daily.
User experience largely depends on assembly time. A two-person team should expect to spend a full weekend (or several evenings) putting this large kit together, especially if you need to pour a gravel base or build a simple skid foundation first.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Barns Arlington 12X20 Kit
Q: Is this shed kit ready to assemble right out of the box?
A: Generally, yes, but you will need basic tools like hammers, drills, and safety gear. You must also supply your own exterior paint or stain.
Q: Does the kit include the floor and foundation materials?
A: You must check the specific product listing details carefully. Many large wood kits include the floor *framing* but require you to supply the plywood decking and the ground foundation materials (like concrete blocks or gravel).
Q: How long does it take to build a 12×20 shed?
A: For two experienced adults, the assembly itself might take 15 to 25 hours, depending on complexity. Allow extra days for site preparation and foundation curing.
Q: Do I need a permit to build this shed?
A: Local zoning laws decide this. Because this is a large structure (over 100 or 120 square feet in many areas), you likely need a building permit. Check with your town or county office first.
Q: What kind of roof material is typically needed?
A: Most kits include the roof sheathing (the wood base). You must purchase asphalt shingles, roofing felt (underlayment), and drip edge separately to complete the weatherproof roof.
Q: Can I add windows or extra doors later?
A: Yes, wood structures are relatively easy to modify. You can cut openings for standard shed windows or add a second entry door, provided you reinforce the framing around the new opening.
Q: Is the wood pre-treated against weather?
A: The framing lumber meant to touch the ground is usually pressure-treated. However, the siding and trim usually require you to apply paint or sealant after assembly for maximum protection.
Q: What is the expected lifespan of this shed?
A: With proper foundation work and routine maintenance (painting/sealing every 5-7 years), a quality wood shed can easily last 20 to 30 years or more.
Q: How heavy are the components when they arrive?
A: The lumber arrives bundled on a pallet. It will require multiple trips with a truck or trailer to transport the materials to the build site, and you will need help moving the larger bundles.
Q: Are the instructions written in English only?
A: Reputable US-based manufacturers usually provide instructions written clearly in English. Always confirm language support if this is a concern.