At Mountain State Structures, we’ve built barns that house horses, garages that safeguard classic cars, and cabins that feel like a second home. But today… we’re throwing them into the ring.

No fluff. No bias. Just a good old-fashioned Shed-Off — where we judge them on Versatility, Style, Value, Customization, and Backyard Wow Factor.

Ready to find your winner?

Let the Shed-Off begin! 🥊

🐴 Round 1: Versatility

When it comes to getting the most bang for your buck, versatility is king. We're talking about a structure that can flex — not just sit there looking pretty.

Let’s see how our contenders stack up.

🐓 The Barn

Ah, the classic barn. It’s more than just a home for livestock — it’s a utility powerhouse.
Need storage for hay bales? Done.
Want a tack room, feed room, and overhead loft? Easy.
Thinking about converting part of it into a workshop, home gym, or even a rustic event space? You’re speaking our language.

Whether you're running a small homestead, collecting antique tractors, or just want to say, “Yeah, that’s my barn,” — this one does it all.

Versatility Rating: 9/10

🏠 The Cabin

Cozy, customizable, and full of potential — the cabin brings serious range.
Guest space? ✔️
Hunting retreat? ✔️
Rental income via Airbnb? ✔️
Home office, art studio, or hide-from-your-family fort? ✔️✔️✔️

Add insulation, electric, and a little imagination, and suddenly it’s more than a building — it’s an experience.

Versatility Rating: 8.5/10

🚗 The Garage

This one’s a specialist — and proud of it.
If you’ve got gear, tools, side-by-sides, or a prized Mustang, the garage says: “I got you.”
And when it comes to keeping things safe, dry, and organized? It’s undefeated.

But outside of storage and workshop duty, it’s not winning any awards for creative use. Let’s be honest — you’re probably not throwing a dinner party in here. (Unless you're into oil changes and cold pizza.)

Versatility Rating: 6.5/10

🏁 Winner: The Barn

With room to expand, adapt, and serve multiple roles, the barn takes the crown for sheer flexibility.
It’s a multitasking legend — and it’s not even trying.

🎨 Round 2: Style Points

Let’s face it — function is great, but we all want a structure that looks good while doing its job. Whether it’s impressing the neighbors or just making your backyard feel complete, style matters.

So who brings the most backyard swagger? Let’s break it down.

🏠 The Cabin

Rustic charm? Check.
Curb appeal? Through the roof.
Those wood textures, window trims, cozy porches, and metal roofing options turn heads every time. Whether you’re into the Appalachian lodge look or a minimalist modern vibe, the cabin delivers serious aesthetic energy.

Dress it up with string lights, a rocking chair, or a vintage deer antler above the door and you’ve got main character energy in your yard.

Style Rating: 9.5/10

🐓 The Barn

Classic. Iconic. Timeless.
The barn doesn’t try to be flashy — it just is. That peaked roof, wide double doors, and traditional layout tell a story of hard work and tradition. And when painted in a bold red with crisp white trim? Chef’s kiss.

But it leans heavily into the “country” aesthetic. If you’re not into that look, it’s probably not your backyard centerpiece.

Style Rating: 8/10

🚗 The Garage

Hey, it’s not a fashion model — but it’s clean, tough, and sharp in the right light.
You’ve got customization options for colors, roofing, trim, even window placement… but no one’s writing love songs about a garage.

Still, it holds its own in neighborhoods where you want the structure to blend in seamlessly with the home.

Style Rating: 6.5/10

🏁 Winner: The Cabin

No contest. The cabin walks away from this round like it owns the place — because once you’ve seen one nestled perfectly with a porch light glowing at dusk, it kinda does.

💰 Round 3: Resale Value Boost

Sure, you’re building for your own use now — but what about the long game?
A quality structure can boost your property value, add buyer appeal, and even help close a sale faster when the time comes.
So which one gives your real estate the biggest glow-up?

Let’s dig in.

🚗 The Garage

Buyers love a well-built garage — especially in rural or suburban areas.
It’s practical, it’s secure, and it solves a major pain point for folks with equipment, side-by-sides, boats, or a pile of tools that mysteriously grows every year.

Bonus points if it’s wired for electricity or has a loft.
Even a modest garage can raise your home’s perceived value and make it stand out in competitive markets.

Resale Rating: 9/10

🏠 The Cabin

A finished cabin? Huge win. It opens the door to all kinds of buyer dreams — rental income, guest house, teen hangout, aging parent suite, you name it.

Even if it’s not fully finished inside, a well-built shell gives buyers a creative canvas — and that’s worth more than you might think. Especially now, when detached spaces are in high demand.

Resale Rating: 8.5/10

🐓 The Barn

Now don’t get us wrong — barns have resale value, especially on larger lots or farm properties.
If your buyer is a hobby farmer, equestrian, or homesteader, it could seal the deal.
But for the average homeowner? A big red barn might be more of a “huh?” than a “heck yeah!”

It’s niche. Strong value in the right context, but not a universal crowd-pleaser.

Resale Rating: 6.5/10

🏁 Winner: The Garage

Practicality wins the round. The garage delivers consistent resale value, broader buyer appeal, and fewer “what would we even do with this?” questions.

🔨 Round 4: Customization

Cookie-cutter? Not here.
At Mountain State Structures, customization isn’t just a feature — it’s the whole vibe.
From layout and siding to porches and paint colors, we let your imagination take the lead.
But which structure gives you the most room to play architect?

Let’s see who brings the most tools to the table.

🏠 The Cabin

This is where the cabin shines.
You want a front porch? Wrap-around? Loft space? Dormer windows? No problem.
Choose your layout, your colors, your roofing, your doors and windows — even the vibe is yours to define. From a minimalist modern look to a frontier-style retreat, cabins adapt like a dream.

And the interior? Sky's the limit — drywall, insulation, electric, plumbing… it can become whatever you want it to be.

Customization Rating: 9.5/10

🐓 The Barn

The barn’s got muscle and options.
Multiple doors, lean-tos, interior stalls, feed rooms, lofts, and even overhangs — it’s built for action and adaptable to just about any homestead-style setup.

Its style options lean more traditional, but you can absolutely make it stand out. And for farmers or DIYers, the barn layout offers serious modular power.

Customization Rating: 8.5/10

🚗 The Garage

You can tweak sizes, roof lines, door types, and finishes, sure.
Add a workbench space? Absolutely. Insulation and electric? You bet.

But garages tend to stick to one primary purpose — and that naturally limits how “out of the box” you can really go. It’s less “build your dream” and more “make it the perfect tool.”

Customization Rating: 7/10

🏁 Winner: The Cabin

With unmatched flexibility inside and out, the cabin steals this round with ease. Whether you want a quiet escape, a business space, or a bonus guest suite — it’s the ultimate blank canvas.

✨ Round 5: Backyard Wow Factor

Some buildings get the job done.
Others make you stop mid-mower, lean on the handle, and say, “Dang… that’s nice.”

This round’s all about presence. The head-turners. The structures that don’t just sit on your land — they elevate it.

Let’s see who’s got the backyard bravado to back it up.

🏠 The Cabin

Instant mood.
Even from a distance, a well-placed cabin looks like a mini vacation waiting to happen. Whether it’s tucked into a wooded corner or posted up proudly on open land, the cabin gives your property storybook charm and instant curb appeal.

Porch lights at dusk? Game over. The whole yard suddenly feels like a peaceful retreat.

Wow Factor: 10/10

🐓 The Barn

There’s something powerful about a barn.
It carries heritage, presence, and a working-man’s aesthetic that’s hard to ignore. And when it’s freshly painted with sharp lines and a crisp roof? It dominates the landscape — in a good way.

Bonus points if you’ve got livestock or a vintage truck parked nearby.

Wow Factor: 8/10

🚗 The Garage

Clean, sharp, practical — but rarely a showstopper.
It looks great when it matches your home and adds that “finished” feel to a property. But it’s not really built to be admired. More of a quiet achiever than a visual centerpiece.

Wow Factor: 6/10

🏁 Winner: The Cabin

No contest here. The cabin doesn’t just enhance your backyard — it transforms it.
It adds atmosphere, warmth, and that special something that makes you want to sit down and stay awhile.

🥇 🏕️ Overall Champion: The Cabin

With unmatched style, flexibility, and a backyard presence that steals the show, the Cabin takes home the crown. But hey — no matter which one fits your life best, we’re here to help you bring it to life.

🛠️ Ready to Build Your Champion?

👉 Start designing your perfect structure now
👉 Browse available buildings
👉 Or stop by one of our West Virginia locations and chat with a real human (we promise we’re friendly)