Tiny living has captured the imagination of many Americans who want simpler lifestyles. What’s often overlooked, though, is how effortless it can be to turn a timber frame shed or cabin into a cozy and functional small home. At Post & Beam Barns by Country Carpenters, our building kits make it possible to enjoy timeless design in a compact space.
What to Know About Our Sheds and Cabins
Each kit is pre-engineered, pre-cut, and color-coded for easy assembly. Crafted from quality materials in the classic New England post and beam style, these buildings are built to last and are customizable.
- Even Pitch Shed – A versatile shed with a tall roofline and loft, perfect as a pool house, garden shed, studio, or craft space.
- Saltbox Shed – A compact design with loft storage and classic charm, great for gardens, seasonal storage, or small outdoor retreats.
- Country Cabin – A cozy cabin with a porch and loft, designed to comfortably fit up to four people, ideal for offices, guest space, or weekend getaways.
To help you choose the perfect fit, our cabins and sheds come in a variety of sizes:
- Cabin sizes: 12’ x 12’, 12’ x 16’, 12’ x 20’
- Shed sizes:
- 9’ series: 9’ x 11’, 9’ x 14’
- 12’ series: 12’ x 12’, 12’ x 16’, 12’ x 20’
We also offer three build options to suit your needs:
- Barn Raising: Our experienced carpenters work alongside your crew on the first day, guiding the initial setup to ensure everything starts off right.
- Frame Complete: Our carpenters handle the entire frame from start to finish, delivering a solid foundation for you to complete the remaining details.
- Barn Complete: We manage and complete the entire structure, providing a finished building that’s ready to use.
With the basics covered, let’s explore creative tiny house ideas for transforming these buildings into cozy, functional living spaces.
1. A Backyard Guest House
The Even Pitch Shed makes an excellent base for a guest house conversion. Its tall roofline and loft provide enough room for sleeping quarters upstairs and a sitting area or kitchenette below. Add insulation, electricity, and plumbing, and you’ll have a welcoming retreat for family and friends.
2. Poolside Cottage Retreat
Another creative use of the Even Pitch Shed is transforming it into a poolside cottage. The open floor plan can be finished with a cozy seating area and small refreshment space, while the loft is perfect for storage or an extra sleeping nook. It’s an inviting, space-saving option for entertaining and relaxing by the pool.
3. Compact Cabin Getaway
The Saltbox Shed features a traditional roofline that is both practical and inviting. With an interior equipped with fold-out furniture and a small kitchenette, it can be transformed into a comfortable micro-home. The loft provides an ideal sleeping area, leaving the main floor free for relaxation or dining.
4. Weekend Retreat with a Porch
For a more traditional cabin experience, the Country Cabin is a standout choice. Its front porch offers a welcoming entryway and a perfect spot for morning coffee. The loft and main level can comfortably accommodate up to four people. Whether used as a backyard office, guest space, or vacation retreat, this cabin combines rustic charm and functionality.
5. A Dedicated Office or Studio
Tiny homes aren’t just for overnight stays. Many homeowners are converting sheds into home offices, creative studios, or hobby spaces. The Saltbox Shed works well for a compact office, while the Even Pitch Shed provides extra ceiling height for a bright, open workspace. These conversions are a great way to create separation between home and work without leaving your property.
Bring Your Tiny House Ideas to Life
If these tiny house ideas have sparked your imagination, Post & Beam Barns by Country Carpenters can help bring them to life. Our customizable shed and cabin kits, which combine durability with classic New England design, are available across the United States and internationally. Contact us today to explore our small outdoor building kits collection and start planning your micro-home conversion.