Month: August 2020

7 Creative Backyard Shed Ideas

One of the most common uses for a shed is the storage of items that don’t fit in the house or garage. But what if you don’t necessarily need more storage? Here, we’ll explore seven creative backyard shed ideas to demonstrate the other exciting ways you can put this structure to use on your property!

American Steel Carports, Inc. has a variety of metal shed options that are affordable, durable, and fully customizable. Use our Build & Price Tool to explore the many possibilities for your new structure, and receive an instant quote!

An Office Outside the Home

With more people working from home than ever before, it has become necessary to get creative when looking for a comfortable office space. If you don’t have a room in your house that is suitable for such a role, consider using a backyard shed. Not only does this provide a cheap alternative to adding a new room to your house, but it also has the advantage of being detached for some peace and quiet.

There are a couple of important considerations to keep in mind if you go in this direction. First, you will need to have power supplied to your shed so you can run a computer, lights, and more. Also, you will want to think about how you can secure the shed at night. You might not feel the need to lock up a shed that only contains some garden tools, but the story is different when it houses expensive pieces of technology.

Potting Shed

At first, this might sound like just another term for a garden storage shed, but the idea here is a little different. This is not just going to be a place to stash your shovels, rakes, and more (although some of those things will live here). Instead, it is going to be designed as a working space where you can pot plants and get them ready for the garden. Think about adding a small table on one side where you can work, along with some storage for your pots, soil, and hand tools. A big part of enjoying the gardening experience comes down to being organized, and a dedicated potting shed can help you reach that goal.

Home Gym

Just as with a home office, it can be hard to find space in your house for a gym. The garage is a natural choice for setting up a workout area, but you may have yours filled with cars and other storage. Fortunately, a metal backyard shed can work just as well for housing a home gym. All you really need to get started is your shed and some basic equipment, but you can choose to add features like lighting and even plumbing if you want to elevate the experience.

Backyard Bar

If you are waiting for the idea on our list that is simply more fun than the rest, look no further. Turning your backyard shed into a private bar for family and friends is easier than you might think. The key to executing this idea is to think about your design when using our Build & Price tool. You’ll likely want relatively open access on one side of the bar, while also having enough space inside to add some storage. Location is also an important point if you will be using your shed as a hangout. You won’t want to place it in a hard-to-reach area of your property—instead, keep it near the high traffic areas so it will be easy to use and fun for all.

Crafting

Do you love taking on new DIY crafting projects? If you seem to always be making something new—but your home turns into a mess each time you do—try turning a backyard shed into a crafting space. The design of this space is going to depend on the kinds of crafts you love to create. You’ll probably need power regardless, and you might want a large table and some storage if you have a significant collection of supplies.

Kids Play Space

For those with kids, a backyard shed is a perfect opportunity to give them a space to call their own. One of the great things about this idea is that it can evolve as the kids get older. The features you include when they are quite young can be removed and replaced with items suitable for an older kid as the years go by. Ask your kids for input to create a space that they will love.

A Pool House

This last idea comes with one important caveat – you need to have a pool! If you do have a pool in your backyard, adding a “pool house” will help you manage everything that comes along with pool ownership. You could use this as nothing more than a storage space, or you could keep your supplies elsewhere and turn your shed into a hangout space for those who need a break from the water.

Purchase a Metal Shed from American Steel Carports, Inc.

We hope these creative backyard shed ideas have provided you with some inspiration for your new structure! Your imagination is the only limit when it comes to what can be accomplished with a backyard shed from American Steel Carports, Inc. Start designing your shed today with our Build & Price Tool, and receive an instant quote!

 

Metal vs Wood Shed: Pros & Cons

When planning to build a new shed, you’ll have plenty of decisions to make. In addition to choices like size, location, and design, you’ll also need to pick an appropriate building material. In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of the two most popular kinds of structures on the market today—metal and wood sheds.

American Steel Carports, Inc. has a variety of metal shed options that are affordable, durable, and fully customizable. Use our Build & Price Tool to explore the many possibilities for your new structure, and receive an instant quote!

Setting Aside Tradition

To make the best choice for your needs, it’s important to set aside tradition and look at this issue from a neutral point of view. Yes, wooden sheds were built for many years before metal was a viable option—but that doesn’t mean you should automatically opt for wood as the default winner. Instead, look at the pros and cons of each material and how those points line up with the requirements of your project.

Starting with Cost

When it comes to your budget, a metal shed is going to be more affordable than a wooden alternative. There are a couple of reasons for this lower cost. First, metal sheds can be created using fewer materials overall as compared to wood, which will help keep the price down. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, metal sheds are easier to build. That means a shorter project timeline and reduced labor costs. If you are primarily concerned with keeping the cost of your new shed as low as possible, using metal is an easy decision.

Looking Ahead to Maintenance

Anytime you add a new structure to your property, you need to think about the maintenance requirements that will come with the building. While maintenance doesn’t cost you anything upfront, it’s important to keep in mind, because it is a cost that will continue to impact your budget for years down the line.

Again, we see a decided advantage here to opting for metal. There just isn’t much that needs to be done to a metal shed from a maintenance perspective, which is not true for wood. Buying a good metal shed from a reliable supplier like American Steel Carports, Inc. will leave you with a lengthy warranty and the comfort that comes from knowing very little maintenance needs to be performed year in and year out.

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Risk of Fire

This is a particularly important point if you live in a hot climate where long summers can significantly raise the risk of fire. Since metal doesn’t burn, you won’t have to worry about a fire affecting your shed. Wood, of course, is at great risk of being involved in a fire given the right conditions, so extra care will need to be taken to prevent such an event.

Considering Aesthetics

Anytime you talk about the way something looks, you are inevitably going to get into personal, subjective territory. It’s impossible to make a blanket statement saying that one type of shed looks better than another, because that is a personal choice. What’s important here, however, is to note that metal sheds have come a long way from their early days. If you are picturing cheap, flimsy-looking buildings that will take away from the look of your property as a whole, think again. Modern metal sheds can be ordered in many different colors and provide an appearance that you will be happy to display.

The Risk of Critters

Your shed will not be alone outside on your property. There are always critters around, from tiny insects to furry friends like mice, rats, raccoons, and more. Since wood is an organic material, it will tend to attract critters—and some may even snack on the wood itself. This is obviously not the case with metal. Not only will the critters on your property not be able to eat the metal, but it won’t tend to draw them in like wood. Instead of having to periodically have animals removed from your shed, start by choosing a material that won’t attract them in the first place.

Purchase a Metal Shed from American Steel Carports, Inc.

As you can see from the pros and cons, a metal shed is truly a better choice than a wood shed. If you’re ready to start designing a new metal shed for your property, check out our Build & Price Tool to customize your shed, view a 3-D rendering and receive an instant quote!

Hay Storage Ideas

In order to have hay available all year long, you’ll need to store it in a dry, safe place. Losing hay due to improper storage is an expensive mistake that you simply can’t afford to make—that’s why we’ve created a list of the best hay storage ideas. Explore your top options below!

At American Steel Carports, Inc., we offer a selection of affordable metal structures that are perfect for hay storage and other items. Design your structure with our Build & Price Tool, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instant quote!

Three Key Considerations

Before you can make any decisions on where you will store your hay, you need to keep three key points in mind:

  • Flammability. Always remember the safety aspect of storing hay on your property. Hay is highly flammable as it dries out—especially during the middle of a hot summer—so it should not be stored near items that could be dangerous in a fire, such as tanks of gasoline. While wood barns have traditionally been used for hay storage, they are sure to be a casualty if a fire breaks out. On the other hand, metal structures like those offered by American Steel Carports, Inc. are not flammable and can work to reduce your overall risk.
  • Size of the bales. How large are your hay bales going to be once they’re bundled? The answer to this question depends on the size of your farm and the capabilities of your equipment. If you’re going to be storing large bales that weigh 1,000 pounds or more, your storage building will need a big enough door for heavy-duty equipment to come and go. On the other hand, small square bales are light enough to be loaded and unloaded by hand.
  • The right location. Before selecting a new storage building, look around your property to determine where that building will live. The ideal spot will be on higher ground to stay away from flooding issues after heavy rains. It should also be easily accessed by your vehicles so that retrieving bales doesn’t become an unnecessary hassle.

Water is the Enemy

Your main goal when storing hay is to keep it dry. That starts by keeping it under a roof, such as a metal carport or farm shed. With the hay protected from above, you then need to think about how to keep water away from below.

There is always some amount of water in or on the ground, and it can seep into the hay, which destroys the lower bales. To avoid this outcome, keep the hay just slightly above ground level. You can build a simple platform using materials you may already have on your property, such as old tires or wood pallets.

Create a Storage System

You’ll want to use your oldest hay first when pulling a bale out of your storage building. With that in mind, make life easier on yourself by placing the new bales in the back so the bales in the front will be the old ones.

In addition, as you design and order your new hay storage structure, keep this system in mind when placing the doors. For instance, if you have a large garage door on both sides of the new metal barn, it will be easy to put new bales in on one side and pull old bales from the other.

Think About Weather Patterns

As you place your hay in storage or plan the construction of a new building, you’ll want to think about how the weather behaves in your area. This is particularly important when the bales won’t be stored completely indoors, even if they do have a roof for protection. A metal carport makes for a nice storage facility, but it may be open on the sides and exposed to some rain or snow.

If that’s the case, use tarps to protect the hay from the elements. A quality tarp that’s free from holes and tied down firmly will do an excellent job of blocking out unwanted water.

A Long-Term Investment

Producing quality hay is an expensive endeavor. Growing, harvesting, and storing your hay requires both time and money, so you want to preserve as much of it as possible. When you purchase a sturdy metal structure from American Steel Carports, Inc., you’ll be investing in the long-term well-being of your farm. Keeping your hay inside and dry should dramatically reduce how much is wasted as compared to storing the hay outside.

Purchase a Metal Structure from American Steel Carports, Inc.

We hope you consider these hay storage ideas! To get started creating your new metal structure, explore our many customizable options with our Build & Price. If you have any questions about our products, give us a call right away for assistance. We look forward to serving you!

Top Kayak Storage Ideas

A kayak is a great way to explore the rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water near your home. Of course, once you purchase a kayak, you’ll need somewhere to store it when it’s not in use. Leaving it outside can cause the condition of the craft to degrade quickly, so we recommend that you look for other alternatives. Here, we’ll provide you with some convenient and cost-effective kayak storage ideas.

At American Steel Carports, Inc., we offer a selection of affordable metal structures that are perfect for kayak storage and other items. Design your structure with our Build & Price tool, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instant quote! 

Build a Storage Shed

Dedicating a shed to kayak storage will help keep your craft in top shape for years to come. As you design your storage space, keep the shape of the kayak in mind. Since kayaks are long and narrow, storing them along a wall is often a good bet. Plus, you can store accessories like your paddle and life jacket right in the kayak, keeping them organized and out of the way.

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Invest in a Rack – Or Build One

Perhaps the easiest way to store your kayak is simply to set it on the ground when it is not in use. That’s an option, but it might not be good for the condition of the kayak over the long run. When left to rest on its hull, the kayak may develop a flat spot and may even lead to a hole in the hull!

To protect your boat in storage, consider purchasing a kayak rack. This is a freestanding rack that uses arms to hold the boat in an appropriate position for storage. Before buying a rack, consider both the size of your kayak and the amount of storage space you have available. There are many different models on the market at a variety of price levels, so there’s sure to be an option that’s right for you.

If you have already shopped around and can’t find a rack that’s quite right, you could build one yourself. This will take some basic tools and DIY ability, of course, but you’ll be able to customize it to perfectly fit your requirements. Whether you buy or build, storing your kayak off the ground should help you get a much longer life out of the boat.

Foam Is Your Friend

If you can’t build a rack and don’t have room in the budget for one, you can use foam to provide your kayak with supportive padding before you set it on the ground. Foam pool noodles actually work nicely in this application—just cut them to the right size and allow your kayak to rest on them rather than directly on the ground. For even better results, invest in foam blocks that have been designed specifically for the purpose of kayak storage.

Does a Kayak Have to Be Stored Indoors?

While American Steel Carports, Inc. is proud to offer a selection of enclosed steel structures at great prices, we understand that an enclosed building won’t work for everyone. An open-sided carport is also a viable kayak storage solution. While a carport may not offer the same degree of protection as keeping the kayak inside a shed or garage, the roof of the carport will go a long way to help protect the boat’s condition—certainly far more than storing your kayak out in the open. Of course, you can still use a rack in an open carport, and doing so will help protect the kayak from anything that may be crawling along the ground.

Pre-Storage Care

Storing your kayak properly is a big part of successful ownership. That’s not your only job, however. Before you put the boat back in its storage spot, make sure it is as clean as possible. You’ll probably wind up with some kind of dirt and/or debris on the boat after each outing, so simply wiping the boat off can help to protect its condition. After a particularly dirty trip, wash the entire boat with water and mild soap, and let it dry before you put it away. Given the cost of some quality kayaks on the market today, this simple step is well worth your time.

American Steel Carports is Ready to Serve You!

We hope you consider these kayak storage ideas. With a custom metal building from American Steel Carports, Inc., you can add great indoor storage space for a fraction of the cost of other types of structures. If you have any questions about our product offerings, please contact us right away for assistance. Or, begin building a custom structure to meet your exact needs with our Build & Price tool now!