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Posts Tagged ‘wooden sheds’

How Timber Garages Add Beauty And Function To A Home

December 10th, 2010 No comments

Timber garages make a wonderful way to add storage and protect a vehicle from the weather. Vehicles which are stored under the cover of a garage are more likely to retain their values than those parked outside where the sun may cause fading of paint and upholstery. In addition, the protection is a better option for the winter when snow and frost can slow the driver from getting to his or her destination on time. With the cover of the garage, frost does not form and snow cannot collect on the windows.

When looking to add the garage to a home, some homeowners may make the decision to add their own garage, while others may choose to hire contractors to complete the project. Either way, the building that is made of wood makes a great choice. The timbers are a more natural choice to blend with the wood of the home than those made of other materials. In addition, wood is often the most environmentally friendly choice that can be made by a homeowner.

New treatment methods for wood used in garages has helped to increase its durability. The treatments help to keep destruction by insects to a minimum and increases the strength and resistance to moisture of the wood. A properly maintained garage will last for many years, but when it needs to be removed from the property, the materials can often be recycled or allowed to naturally be composted back into the soil.

When checking out options for garages, many property owners may hear of all the praises being sung currently about metal buildings. However, they should also consider that these structures also have some disadvantages that are not often spoken of. For example, the thin metal can easily be bent out of shape. In addition, the material can begin to rust.

When garages are made of wood, they enjoy the insulation properties that are inherent in the material. Additionally, many people find that even unfinished, the wood product offers a more aesthetically appealing product than the metal building does.

Many handy persons will already have all the tools in their toolbox needed to construct a garage from timber. However, to construct the garage out of metal or concrete, the person would need special tools as well as knowledge. For the person wanting to install their own garage, this could be a real disadvantage.

In order to keep the wooden garage looking great, there will need to be some maintenance performed regularly. Regular maintenance can keep the building looking great for many years. While metal may not require such maintenance, damage that occurs to the metal building may be irreparable.

Wooden garages also offer the advantage of being able to be attached to the existing home. Use of this type construction lowers the building costs as one wall is already in existence. Regardless of the construction of the main home, wood can be made to match the home. Metal does not offer this type of advantage.

As property owners grow in their awareness of the environmental impact of the choices that they make, it is hoped that they will also make choices that align with this knowledge. Timber garages make much better choices for the environment but are also more pleasing aesthetically and offer a warmer structure in which to park the vehicles.

Add beauty to your home with top quality timber garages. Get the inside scoop on the best now in our overview of timber buildings United Kingdom.

Advantages Of Field Shelters Around The World

December 2nd, 2010 No comments

There are a number of uses for field shelters in both military functions and other applications. They can be established as permanent structures or be made quite mobile for a variety of reasons. If protection for livestock, hay or farm equipment is needed, both types can be very useful. In military practice, most of these would be of a short-lived nature, from days to a few years.

The designs and materials for building these habitats are as varied as are their uses. Tubular steel, treated timber and concrete are three kinds of materials utilized in the construction of many permanent shelters. Of course, the ones made of concrete are not likely to be mobile as are the other ones. Movable buildings are best built of lighter weight materials for ease in moving them.

Providing cover for livestock is an important use for these shelters but it is not the only one. On the farm, there will be many pieces of equipment, such as trucks, tractors and all the implements used with that for plowing and planting seed and also for cutting and baling hay. Then of course that hay needs to be covered, especially if they are not wrapped for protection form moisture.

A variety of uses for horse care can be found as well. At horse shows, there can be a need for temporary housing of the horses as they await their turn at performing. Quite possibly there could be companies that take these movable dwellings from event to event, placing them in the fields that require them. Then load them up and take them off to another function.

On the farm, field stables can be put to good use especially if they are built on skids, which enables the farmer to pull them from field to field as they are needed. Following the ripening grasses and so forth is easily done and shelter is still available to the horses.

Since there have been wars, mobile shelters have been found all around the world. These shelters were used for personnel housing because they could be put up and taken down in no time and the military men could be on their way quickly. These were also used as medical clinics, housing for the equipment and company supplies, storage of ammunition. Let us not forget a portable kitchen. These men and women did need to be fed and with proper configuration the kitchens worked wonderfully.

When the military uses shelters they must be very light weight so they will be easy to erect and take down. Even the kitchen and communications units must be very mobile so many times they are containerized. Trucks can then be used to move them to the next operation.

Many companies build field shelters because they have so many uses, and there is really not much competition. They can be used in camp grounds and other public places. They can even be used as a pavilion. There are many designs and are made of steel or timber or a little of each. One such design is the gazebo style building. You have probably seen at least one in your travels.

For those of you looking at field shelters, we have just what you are in need of. We even have some nice mobile field shelters that you might be interested in.

How Difficult Is It To Find Quality Horse Stables?

December 1st, 2010 No comments

Finding the right horse stables to board your horse is can be something of a challenge. The search can entail a great deal of work. Such as going a stable that is under consideration at a time that they do not expect so as to find out what is really going on there. Thus they will have no opportunity to put on a show for the benefit of one who is a potential customer.

One of the best times to visit the stables in question is to go when they feed the horses and clean out the stalls. In this way a person has first hand knowledge of how thorough the stable hands are when caring for the animals that are their responsibility. This also gives one an idea of how conscientious the manager is.

One important factor in the decision of whether or not to board one’s horse at the stable is the attitude of the manager. Does that person show genuine regard for a customer’s concern? Or are they viewed as just an annoyance? After all no one who truly values their horse wants their animal in the care of those who are only concerned with making money.

A few questions that one may submit for answers are to do with the conditions under which the animals currently in residence live. For example how often do the stalls get cleaned out? What kind of bedding is used? How deep is it spread on the floor of the stall? At what times of the day are the animals fed? What type of hay are they given? And is there an extra charge for grain to given in a horse’s meal?

Another factor to take into consideration is the size of the facilities, what is on offer there, and what other needs are provided. Are there trails to ride, pastures to turn the horses out in, and a practice arena for jumping and other events? One may also require a place to park one’s horse trailer as well? Thus it is a good idea to inspect the area where it will be parked.

Another thing that one can do to further protect themselves and their horse is to ask for customer references. That way one will know how well they treat their customers. These questions that one may ask involve how disputes are dealt with, how quickly they are solved, and if the solution is satisfactory to all parties involved.

Talking to one’s friends and neighbors will also help in finding good prospects to check out close to one’s residence. Doing research in the phone book and on the internet may also be of help for finding the information that is needed. Then it is just a matter of making the appropriate calls in order to get more specific data for making the best decision possible.

Finding the correct horse stables is more difficult than one may think. The doing of research is necessary to ensure that one’s animal is healthy, happy, and safe. After all nobody wish their much loved horse, or pony, to suffer through carelessness or other behavior that is much worse.

When you own a horse, you’ll need horse stables. We own some great equestrian buildings on the list that you’ll be sure to like.

How To Go About Building Your Own Wooden Shed

June 13th, 2010 No comments

Wooden sheds can provide many practical uses to a homeowner. Here we aim to explore the basics of its uses as well as later, building your own wooden shed. Of course, they are mainly used for storage but as you’ll soon see, they do have further uses.

Another common use is for them to act as garden sheds, either in or close to the garden. There are numerous other uses such as an artist studio, a woodworking shop, and a home office. Its use is limited only by your imagination.

Building a wooden shed is not the task you may think with one option available being constructing a shed making kit with a kit being available in a variety of shapes and styles from various manufacturers. You could even purchase a kit with pre-cut pieces so they only need to be pieced together. For even easier assembly, you can buy a kit with the walls and roof components pre built so you only have to bolt the pieces together.

If you are blessed with carpentry skills, you may decide to build one from scratch. In this case, you would need to get your hands on the appropriate set of shed plans. Along with these plans, you will need to purchase your tools and materials. If you have a decent set of plans, it will detail the materials you will need which will potentially save you a lot of time. The options available to you when constructing the shed are to build a frame from wood or to pour a concrete slab. The former has an advantage in that it is designed to be easily moved from one location to another. It acts as a sled and slides over to where you require it. The manufacturer usually has a floor frame that you have the option of buying with the main kit.

We’ve only touched upon the subject in order to get you started. Hopefully, you’re inspired enough to delve further and take action towards building your own wooden shed.

If you dont want to build your own wooden sheds then click here

Added Benefits Of Having A Wooden Shed

March 23rd, 2010 No comments

You know those tools you seldom use but you can’t bare to get rid of? Wooden sheds are a great place for storing them, but they can be used for SO MUCH MORE than just storage. They can also be made (or adapted) for several different purposes.

Using a shed for the garden is perhaps the most popular reason to have a shed. Its quite a convenient place for storing your garden tools and supplies so the natural location for a shed is right next to the garden. Plus, potting your plants is a snap with a proper workbench in your shed. Many of the garden sheds built today connect us to a simpler past just with their charm and character.

Sheds also serve other purposes as well. Locate your shed next to a pool and it serves the purpose of a pool cabana. These are particularly handy for storing pool chemicals that should be stored away from the main house anyway. Some cabanas are stocked with towels, pool toys and with snacks stored in a refrigerator. This helps to keep the kids from running into the house all wet.

Sheds are perfect for artists’ studios and for kids playhouses because of their size. And, with the addition of a few pieces of furniture and other accessories, a wooden shed makes a great little sanctuary.

If you are seriously considering building your own shed, there are a couple of alternatives for the kind of material you can build it with. If your shed is going to be in a highly visible place, I strongly recommend building it from wood for aesthetic reasons, if nothing else.

Other options include plastic (or vinyl) and metal (usually rolled aluminum). Plastic is virtually maintenance free and is going to be your least expensive option. While metal is durable, it can get really hot inside – especially in warmer climate zones.

Now, if you have decided upon a wooden shed, you need to figure out if you are going to build it yourself or hire someone else to build it. If you are fairly handy with tools (please be honest with yourself), then there are a LOT of shed kits out there for you to choose from. Wooden shed kits are much easier and faster to build than making one from scratch.

So, its important to step back from your project before you get too deep and evaluate what its purpose will be. The rest will fall right into place.

Terry Shaw enjoys everything about garden sheds. For more info, construction tips, and resources, visit his web site: BestWoodenSheds.com.

Choosing The Right Wooden Shed Kit

March 22nd, 2010 No comments

If you are about to spend your hard earned money on a wooden shed kit, there are a few important considerations to be aware of that can help you determine what kit would be best suited for your needs. Shed kits are a great way to have the extra storage space you are looking for without breaking your bank account.

Appropriate Size

Accessing your storage needs is a great starting point. If you are looking to make room in the garage so your car can fit, then a small wooden shed won’t work well for you if you just fill it so full that you can barely open the door. You should buy a wooden shed kit with extra room to grow. Another consideration is how much of a footprint your shed will take up on your property. You don’t want a large shed to fill up a small area.

Placement

If you don’t intend on using your wooden shed as a work shed, playhouse, pool cabana, etc., then you should locate your shed in a less visible location since it is probably going to be used strictly for storage. Storage sheds aren’t as attractive because they don’t usually have any windows or fancy details. You don’t want to make it easy for someone to break into.

But, let’s say your wooden shed will be used for another reason like a small guest house or retreat, then its definitely best to put an attractive shed in a spot that you’ll want to show it off to visitors. You’ll want to put it in plain view.

Foundation

The base or floor that you build your shed on is another consideration. You can build a floor that you frame from studs or just purchase this separately from the shed kit. Building a wooden frame for your base has several advantages. One of the best advantages is that you can build your foundation frame like a skid to make relocation of your shed easy (and possible).

Pouring a concrete slab as your foundation is another alternative for your wooden shed. This is the best option only if you know the location you picked out for your shed will be permanent.

So, with about two days of time, a strong desire, and some simple construction skills, you’ll find that a wooden shed kit is a great storage solution that won’t break your bank account.

Before deciding on wooden shed kits, make sure you visit www.BestWoodenSheds.com for more tips, information and products. A wooden shed should be attainable for everyone who wants to increase their storage or workshop needs.

Top 10 Tips For Building Wooden Sheds

March 22nd, 2010 No comments

If you are contemplating building a wooden shed for your backyard there are a few things you should consider. Wooden sheds can make a great and practical centerpiece or focal point that you will naturally be drawn to. Here are some tips to help you in the process of becoming a happy shed owner:

1. Choose a Purpose

Whether its going to be a nice place for you to relax, enjoy a favorite hobby, or simply store your pool equipment or chemicals, knowing how you will use your shed is an important starting point. Once you know this, all the rest will fall into place.

2. Its All About The Location

Do you want your shed to be able to move (just in case) or do you want it to be in a permanent spot? Determining this will affect how it is to be made. Keep in mind that tree branches over the shed will be messy with debris and bird droppings.

3. Prepare the Site

Take the time to make sure the site is properly prepared. It should be free of large debris, rocks and plants. Its best for the ground to be flat with a slight downward slope going towards the back for proper water drainage.

4. Choosing Shed Plans

Good plans provide photos of what the actual shed looks like when its completed. They also should have a materials list which helps when you go to purchase all your materials.

5. Purchase a Shed Kit

If you feel that you don’t have the time or skills to build a kit from scratch, order a shed kit online. They come in a wide variety of styles, they go together quickly and pretty precisely, and they don’t require too much skill to put together.

6. Cedar

Cedar is resistant to rot and insects which make it a great material to use for wooden sheds. And the overall appearance will make your shed a major focal point of your yard.

7. A Second Person Will Save the Day

Even if you CAN put a shed together by yourself, that doesn’t mean you SHOULD do it alone. An extra hand will make the easier and faster.

8. Plan Ahead

When you are building your shed, now is the time to prepare for electricity or plumbing that you may want to add in the future. Planning ahead makes things go a lot easier later on.

9. It’s the Little Things That Make the Difference

Don’t skimp on items such as hinges and door closures. It might be tempting to go with a less expensive hinge but you’ll be much happier with a higher quality one from the start.

10. Use the Small Spaces Wisely

By making shelves out of 2x4s, you will be able to place them between the studs. This makes for great places to hold small objects.

Before you start building your own backyard shed, visit Robert Iverson’s site: Best Wooden Sheds for more tips on planning, constructing and enjoying backyard sheds.

Building Wooden Sheds For Your Own Backyard

January 11th, 2010 No comments

Aside from the obvious that you can store just about any small to medium size object in a wooden shed out in your backyard, they really can be much more than a just storage building. The word “shed” can be used to describe a playhouse, a studio, workshop, guesthouse, cabana, etc.

The best part is, they can be converted fairly easily from one use to another. If done correctly, a wooden shed can be used for a couple of purposes at the same time. For example, a pool cabana is not only used to change into a swimsuit, but is also a great place to store the pool supplies and any chemicals that should be stored away from the main house.

You might be wondering why you should build one for yourself. Not only are wooden sheds fun to build, but for someone wanting to learn more about woodworking and building, they make a great starter project. And, usually it only requires one weekend of time from start to finish.

You know what you want a shed for, but WHY a wooden shed? Once you have built a wooden shed, you’ll notice right away the long-term value you have over a plastic or even a metal shed. They may cost more up front, but they are more pleasing to the eye and if you build from a set of good shed plans, you have way more options.

Plastic and metal sheds are actually harder to modify or add additional space to than wooden sheds. And, as far as repairs go, they are much quicker, easier and cost less for wooden sheds. If you have ever tried to fix a plastic shed, you know what I mean.

Cedar is, by far, the best type of wood to use for building sheds. Cedar has the benefit of being naturally resistant to rot (mold) and insects because of an oil in the wood.

Another option you have is to buy a wooden shed kit that comes already cut to size. And, depending on the manufacturer, a lot of the assembly is already done. This makes for a fast and easy way to get a shed put up in your backyard.

You’ll find more information and tips on construction and how to use garden sheds to their fullest potential at: BestWoodenSheds.com. Also included are shed plans, wooden shed kits, and more!

Precut Wooden Shed Kits – Is It Worth The Purchase?

January 7th, 2010 No comments

If you’ve decided to put a wooden shed in your backyard, there are quite a few considerations you should be aware of. One of these is whether you should construct it yourself from scratch or purchase a precut shed kit. Besides the costs, here are some pros and cons of these kits:

Pros

One of the biggest advantages to precut shed kits is the build time. They can be assembled in a fraction of the time it takes to make one from scratch since they come with step-by-step instructions and all the necessary materials. You don’t even need to be able to read a blueprint. And, since the pieces are already cut, you don’t need to measure the boards (that’s another time saver).

If you feel that you don’t have the necessary skills to build from scratch, then this is a great option. In most cases, all you need are a few basic tools. Having all the pieces precut helps in making everything straight and square. Manufacturers take great care in engineering their sheds to make sure everything fits correctly. An added benefit, by the way, is safety due to the fact that there is less cutting and less steps involved.

Cons

These kits aren’t for everyone. As an example, handymen or woodworkers would probably rather build their shed from scratch. And, although there are quite a few plans to choose from, you might not find the exact plan you had in mind or desire. Building from scratch does allow unlimited possibilities. In this case, you may already have plans you intend to use. Make sure your plans include a materials list. This will help save you the headache when it comes to shopping for all the pieces.

As you can see, there are a lot of advantages to building from a kit as opposed to building custom. In the end, your choice to purchase a precut shed kit or build one from scratch depends on your comfort level working with tools. But, even with minimal experience, a kit can be a great way to start learning.

Find out more on wooden sheds and shed plans by visiting BestWoodenSheds.com. You can also download a free eBook: Getting the Most Out of Your Shed. It contains over 100 tips to help you maximize your shed’s potential.

How To Build A Wooden Shed In Just One Weekend

December 28th, 2009 No comments

So you have all of this stuff (like tools) that’s piling up in a corner of your garage. You cant get rid of it – its IMPORTANT! Its gotta go somewhere so a wooden shed is the perfect solution. Here’s a quick overview of how you do it in two days (lets assume you’ve picked up the materials you’ll need from the local supply store).

Day 1 – Floor and Frame

Site preparation is the first item on the list. Its OK if the site isn’t perfectly level as a slight downward pitch towards the back of the shed is optimum for water runoff. Make sure you now remove all large rocks and debris from the site where the shed will rest. Since this is only a one weekend project, instead of pouring a concrete floor, you will need to make a wood floor. If you really want or need a concrete foundation, allow a couple extra days for drying. Not only is a wood floor faster to build, it requires less skill, is less expensive and even portable. For this shed, rest the frame of the floor on cinder (or patio) blocks – making sure they are level.

Now you can begin work on the actual building. Measure and cut your first floor joist and use this as a template for the rest of the joists – this saves time and effort. Another tip, using deck screws instead of nails adds strength to your structure. By using a power drill, you can make very quick work of your project. When you are finished with the frame, make sure its square by measuring the two opposing corners diagonally. The measurements should be equal. If they aren’t, take one of the corners with the longer measurement and push in towards the opposite corner until they measure the same. Now nail the plywood subfloor onto the frame making sure to stagger the pieces (in a brick pattern). This prevents four corners of plywood meeting in the center of the floor making a weak spot.

Start building the walls by using the same process used for building the frame for the floor. Frame any desired windows at this time. Use T1-11 plywood for the siding. It has vertical grooves cut into it which gives the appearance of tongue and groove siding. But since it comes in sheets, it has a huge time advantage over nailing individual boards. Now place a piece of T1-11 (outside facing up) on top of one of the wall frames. Make the wall frame square by using the same method used to make the floor. Start nailing the siding to the frame by working from one side to the other. Trim down the siding to the outside of the frame by using a router. Now that you have all the walls put together, attach them to the floor and temporarily brace them with 2x4s to hold them up until you have them firmly screwed together. Take your level and check the walls for plumb. They should be perfectly straight up and down. Now rest up for tomorrow.

Day 2 – A Roof Overhead And A Door To Pass Through

Building the trusses is the first item for today. Using your plans, cut and assemble the pieces of your first truss but don’t nail it together just yet. Once you have all the pieces fitting together correctly, use each piece as a template for the remaining pieces of the trusses. Now screw (or nail) all the trusses together. Attach the trusses to the top plate of the shed walls. The trusses are now ready for the plywood sheeting that makes the roof. Installation of asphalt shingles is exactly the same as installing them on a house by first putting down roofing felt (tar paper). Be sure to start at the bottom and overlap each row as you go up. The top ridge is made from a couple of layers to add strength. When applying the shingles the seams should be offset. Just like the tar paper, work your way up from the bottom. Cut down a length of shingle into single shingles to make ridge cap. Shingles usually come in a line of three per sheet. Nail these down overlapping one another.

A prefabricated door should be used on your shed to save on time. Attach it to the shed with hinges. And now finish the door and window with trim.

There are a few details that have been passed over in this short article but the intent is to show you how possible and simple it is to build a wooden shed in the matter of only a couple of days.

Find out more on wooden sheds and shed plans by visiting BestWoodenSheds.com. You can also download a free eBook: Getting the Most Out of Your Shed. It contains over 100 tips to help you maximize your shed’s potential.