I found a company with over 15 years of experience that sources from more than 30 Amish manufacturers in PA, OH, and IN while searching for honest pinecraft shed reviews. The DIY bug bit me and I bought their most popular model—the EZ-Fit Riverside Outdoor Shed Kit.
The quality of pinecraft sheds caught my attention, and I loved the company’s charitable side. They’ve partnered with Make-A-Wish® to help fulfill over 50 wishes for children nationwide. These pinecraft amish sheds aren’t cheap—my Riverside kit set me back $3,499.00. The real value of these shed kits became clear during construction. Even with my basic carpentry skills, the preassembled walls made the build process surprisingly easy. My finished shed has turned into quite the attraction. Neighbors stop by day and night to admire how great it looks.
Let me walk you through my experience building and using this Amish-made shed kit. I’ll tell you what worked, what didn’t, and help you decide if it’s worth adding to your property.
Pinecraft Shed Kit Specs and Who It’s For
I bought a Pinecraft Shed Kit and it really stands out with its versatility and quality that shows true Amish woodworking traditions. After looking at several options, I picked the EZ-Fit Riverside model because it had the right specs and a flexible design.
Size Options and Materials Used
The EZ-Fit Riverside kit comes in different sizes that fit various space needs. My 8×10 model hits the sweet spot between storage space and yard size, though you can choose anything from 8×8 to 12×16 versions. Each model gives you 6’3″ of interior wall height, so there’s plenty of headroom if you’re tall.
These pinecraft shed kits really shine when it comes to material quality. The walls use 5/8″ LP SmartSide panels – engineered wood that handles moisture better than regular plywood. On top of that, it has pressure-treated 2×4 lumber for floor joists, so you get great durability and protection from pests. The wide double doors (56″) make it easy to move big items in and out.
Ideal Use Cases: Garden, Storage, Pets
These pinecraft amish sheds can handle just about anything. Gardeners will love the roomy interior that fits potting benches, tools, and maybe even a small greenhouse setup. My neighbor’s Riverside model looks great with added windows that turned it into a bright potting shed.
The shed works perfectly as a storage space for holiday decorations and sports gear. Its solid build keeps everything safe from weather all year long. You can even add insulation to make cozy pet spaces – it works great if you have small farm animals or need a quality dog kennel.
Who Should Consider This Kit
This Pinecraft shed makes sense if you value quality craftsmanship but want to cut labor costs. While it costs more than some other options, you get your money’s worth with quality materials and pre-cut pieces.
The kit works best if you have simple DIY skills and some friends to help. New builders will like the pre-assembled wall sections and clear instructions. Experienced DIYers save time since they don’t have to cut everything themselves. The project needs a weekend and some muscle, making it great if you want something between ready-made and building from scratch.
Assembly Process: How Easy Is It to Build?
My first look at the Pinecraft shed kit left me impressed by how well-organized everything was. This assembly would show if these Amish-made kits really lived up to their promise of DIY-friendly construction.
Precut and Preassembled Parts
The EZ-Fit Riverside kit came with prebuilt panelized wall sections that made the building process much easier. Unlike other brands that make you cut every piece, this kit has precut rafters and roof sheathing that fit together with very few adjustments. You’ll find each part clearly labeled, but I suggest sorting all pieces before you start—it saves a lot of time down the road. The preassembled doors also come pre-hung, which takes care of one of the hardest parts of building a shed.
Instruction Manual and Setup Time
The instruction manual was mostly clear and easy to follow, with detailed step-by-step directions. My 8×10 model needed basic tools: a cordless drill, tape measure, step-ladder, skilsaw, chalkline, speed square, level, and hammer. My two friends and I finished the project in about 12 hours over two days. People with experience usually finish 25-50% faster than first-timers. Reading the entire manual before starting helped me avoid many mistakes.
Beginner-Friendly or Not?
The kit markets itself as beginner-friendly, but I’d say it’s moderately challenging. The manufacturer designed these kits with newcomers in mind, yet some building knowledge really helped. Safety and efficiency demand at least two people—doing it alone would be too difficult. Someone needs to hold the wall panels steady during securing, and putting up rafters needs several hands.
The Pinecraft shed assembly process balances convenience and challenge well. Preassembled components saved us hours compared to starting from scratch, and we felt proud when we finished. DIY enthusiasts with simple tools and helpful friends will find these kits perfect for a weekend project.
Customer Feedback and Long-Term Impressions
Customer feedback tells us a lot about Pinecraft’s market reputation. I wanted to learn how these sheds hold up for other owners beyond my own experience.
What Real Buyers Are Saying
Pinecraft shed kits have earned remarkable ratings. The EZ-Fit Riverside model boasts a perfect 5-star rating (100%) from 3 reviews. Their Heritage model maintains an impressive 4.9-star rating (98%) from 3 reviewers. The sample size runs small, but these high scores show genuine customer satisfaction.
A Reddit user who built a 12×12 DIY shed shared, “I was able to build it this summer with no problems without experience”. All the same, the same thread points out a key detail about extra costs. Many kits don’t include flooring materials, roofing supplies (drip edge, tar paper, shingles), paint, and hardware.
Photos and Testimonials from Owners
A Pacific Northwest couple shared the most compelling story after they turned their Pinecraft shed into a winter greenhouse: “The kit was well laid out and easy to assemble. Once we prepped the site it took us two days total to assemble, maybe 12 hours total with three of us helping”. They added interior walls, lighting, heaters, fans, and insulation later.
A HomeAdvisor customer praised both the installation and cleanup: “The men were great, their clean up was as if they were never there… Top quality work for a fair price”.
Common Praise and Complaints
Customer feedback highlights these key advantages:
- Exceptional craftsmanship reflecting authentic Amish quality
- Simple assembly with complete instructions
- Durability and weather resistance over time
The notable drawbacks include:
- Extra costs beyond the original purchase price
- Need for multiple helpers during assembly
- Limited customization options once construction begins
A Reddit commenter suggested buyers should think about building from scratch instead of buying kits. They mentioned concerns about lumber and hardware quality in some prefabricated options.
Price Breakdown and Competitive Comparison
Price plays a huge role in the final decision when buying a shed. That’s why I took time to compare my Pinecraft Riverside kit’s costs with other options to see if it’s worth the money.
Cost of the EZ-fit Riverside Kit
The Pinecraft EZ-Fit Riverside shed kit starts at $3,499 for the 8’W x 12’L x 9’H model. You’ll pay more for bigger sizes, with the 12’W x 24’L x 9’H version costing $6,299. The base price doesn’t tell the whole story though. The floor kit costs extra – anywhere from $790 for the 8’x12′ size to $1,440 for the 12’x16′ option.
My mid-sized shed with flooring came to about $4,300 after adding everything up. The kit has pre-panelized wall sections, precut rafters, pre-hung doors, windows with shutters, and all the basic hardware you need.
How It Compares to Other Amish Shed Kits
The Riverside kit costs about the same as Pinecraft’s Heritage model ($3,499) but more than their Homestead series ($2,899). The Little Cottage Co. Value Workshop, another Amish-made option, starts at just $1,749. This is by a lot cheaper.
The numbers show that most shed kits cost between $1,500-$3,000, while pre-built structures run $3,000-$6,000. Pinecraft might be on the pricier side of kits, but you still save 30-50% compared to fully assembled sheds.
Is It a Good Investment?
The original cost is higher than what you’d find at hardware stores, but the quality difference really shows. Amish-built sheds typically last two decades or longer, while cheaper options only last “a handful of years”.
LP SmartSide panels come with a 50-year warranty, and the craftsmanship is top-notch. The math works in your favor over time. Break it down yearly, and it costs about $215 – that’s cheaper than renting a storage unit for a month.
Conclusion
My Pinecraft shed’s experience over several months proves these Amish-made kits are worth every penny of their premium price. The original cost of $3,499 plus extra flooring expenses made me think twice. The quality materials, precise pre-cut components, and the finished structure’s sturdiness justify the investment.
A weekend and some friends were all it took to put everything together – much easier than building from scratch. The preassembled wall panels saved hours of work and frustration. Thanks to the well-laid-out kit and complete instructions, my modest carpentry skills were enough.
Pinecraft’s durability makes it stand out from cheaper options. My shed has stood strong through multiple storms, and based on other customers’ experiences, it should last at least 20 years. This brings the yearly cost to about $215 – nowhere near the cost of a storage unit.
The shed serves as both a practical storage space and something I’m proud of. My neighbors often praise its looks, and its smart design makes organizing garden tools and seasonal items easy.
Should you get a Pinecraft shed? Yes, with a few things to consider. You’ll just need some simple tools, helpful friends, and money for both the kit and extras like roofing materials. The project takes patience and planning, but you’ll love the results. These Amish-made kits offer the perfect balance between budget options and custom builds to homeowners who want quality craftsmanship they can build themselves.
FAQs
Q1. Are Pinecraft sheds worth the investment? While Pinecraft sheds are more expensive than some alternatives, they offer excellent value due to their high-quality materials and craftsmanship. With proper maintenance, these sheds can last 20+ years, making them a cost-effective long-term storage solution.
Q2. How difficult is it to assemble a Pinecraft shed kit? Assembly is moderately challenging but manageable for those with basic DIY skills. The kits come with pre-assembled wall panels and comprehensive instructions, significantly simplifying the process. However, it’s recommended to have at least one helper and dedicate a full weekend to the project.
Q3. What sizes are available for Pinecraft shed kits? Pinecraft offers a range of sizes to suit different needs. The popular EZ-Fit Riverside model comes in dimensions from 8×8 feet up to 12×16 feet, with various options in between to accommodate different space requirements and storage needs.
Q4. Do Pinecraft sheds require additional materials beyond the kit? Yes, some additional materials are typically needed. While the kit includes most major components, you may need to purchase items like flooring materials, roofing supplies (such as shingles and tar paper), paint, and some hardware separately.
Q5. How do Pinecraft sheds compare to other pre-built structures? Pinecraft sheds are generally 30-50% less expensive than comparable fully assembled structures while maintaining high quality. They offer a middle ground between budget options and custom builds, providing authentic Amish craftsmanship with the cost savings of DIY assembly.
