Month: February 2020

Effective Firewood Storage Ideas

Posted on February 27, 2020 by - ACI, Carports

If you use firewood frequently through the winter months, you’ll need a place to store it so that it stays safe and dry. Those who use a wood-burning fireplace as their main source of heat during the cold part of the year will use a significant amount of wood, so having a spacious storage option is desirable. Here, we’d like to highlight some helpful and effective firewood storage ideas that should make it easier for you to keep your firewood organized and ready to burn.

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Separate but Close

Storing firewood is a tricky task because you want to keep it close to your home for convenience, but not too close. Big piles of wood tend to attract a variety of critters, so you don’t want to store the wood right next to your house. Rather, it would be better to store it in a separate structure that is close enough to the house to still be convenient on those cold winter mornings.

A small metal outbuilding like a storage shed or carport is a perfect solution to this problem. These kinds of buildings are affordable to construct, can be placed in a variety of locations, and require very little in terms of maintenance. Also, by going with a metal building, you won’t have to worry about those critters doing any damage to the structure itself. The size of the building you select will depend on how much wood you need to store, of course, but this idea can work for a variety of needs.

It’s All About the Stack

There is an art to stacking firewood, so it’s beneficial for you to learn a little about the best methods to handle this task. Piling up your firewood in a messy heap in the middle of the floor is just asking for trouble. This causes the wood on the bottom to stay wet, and it gives small animals endless places to hide.

The right way to stack firewood is to give each piece as much room to breathe as possible. You want the wood to be dry when it comes time to burn it, and wood needs air circulation if it is going to dry out. Another key point is to make sure you resist the temptation to stack your pile too high without the right support. A tall stack of firewood could turn into a serious safety risk if it tips over at the wrong time. Consider using a firewood rack to keep your wood organized and in place.

Limit Other Uses

It might be tempting to get multiple uses out of your firewood storage building by adding other items to the space. However, it’s best to avoid this temptation and keep the area clear instead. There are a couple of problems with storing other things near your firewood, and the first is simple convenience. If you pile up other items in the space, it’s going to be hard to access the wood when you need it. Also, a pile of firewood is a potential fire hazard, so you don’t want to collect it next to anything that could be flammable or contribute to the ignition of a dangerous fire.

Only Bring in What You Need

On a winter day when the weather is good, you might be tempted to pull a weeks-worth of wood off of your pile and bring it into the house. That would save you work later on, but it would also come with some significant downsides. In addition to cluttering up your house, you’d certainly be bringing plenty of new guests in with you–and most of them have eight legs. Spiders love woodpiles, and some will come in with each load. By bringing in a big pile that is going to sit for a few days, those spiders will have a chance to dispense to various parts of your home.

The other concern with bringing in so much wood is that the wood won’t be able to dry out properly while inside. If you have green wood, that wood needs to dry in an environment that is not as warm and humid as your house. Leave it outside in covered storage until it’s ready to be used.

Work with American Carports, Inc. Today!

We hope these effective firewood storage ideas assist you! If you decide to add a new structure to your property to keep your firewood out of the elements, American Carports, Inc. would be happy to serve you. Our metal structures are a perfect choice for firewood storage, as they are affordable, durable, and can be installed quickly. Start customizing your structure with our Build & Price tool to get started!

Creative Pool Shed Ideas

Posted on February 12, 2020 by - ACI, Blog, Carports

If you have a pool on your property, you probably have—or would like to add—a pool shed to store the various supplies needed to use and maintain it. Pool sheds can range from small structures that house only the basics, to larger buildings that contain just about everything you could ever need. Optimizing your pool shed space can reduce clutter, make maintenance easier, and improve the overall pool experience. But, before you add a new structure to your yard, take a look at the creative pool shed ideas listed below.

We sell more than just carports at American Carports, Inc. Our fully customizable structures can be designed to fit your exact needs with our Build & Price tool. Try it today!

Function and Pleasure

One of the best ways to get value from your pool shed is to blend its basic functions with some “creative comforts” for your enjoyment of the space. For instance, you could create a shed that has storage in the back and a covered area in the front where people can relax and get a break from the sun. With some outdoor furniture placed under the covered portion, you would instantly have a great hangout spot near the pool for those who aren’t swimming. For instance, if placed properly, this could be a perfect place for parents to sit while keeping an eye on the kids who are in the pool.

Divided Storage Space

If you are going to use your pool shed for nothing more than storage, you might want to divide the space into two sides. This way, it can serve as both a pool shed and a garden shed. On one side of the shed, you will keep items like pool maintenance equipment and supplies, while the other side will house shovels, rakes, pots, and maybe even a lawnmower. This approach allows you to get all the storage you need in a single structure, saving space and money at the same time.

Add Modular Plastic Shelves

An empty shed structure isn’t going to be particularly effective for storage purposes. This setup will likely end with everything getting tossed onto the floor, and it will soon be a cluttered mess. So, to avoid that result, you will want to add some modular shelving right away.

Plastic is a great choice for this task for a couple of reasons. First, many items you’ll need to store for the pool are pretty light, so the plastic shelves should handle those items just fine. Heavier objects can stay on the ground. Also, plastic will hold up in the damp environment of a pool shed just fine, and it should last better in the long run over metal or wood options.

Utilize the Outside of the Shed

On the exterior of the shed, it might be possible to add a couple of extra touches that will make it even more useful. For instance, if the shed is within close proximity to the pool, you could add some hooks that can hold towels and extra clothes while people are swimming. This is just a small touch, but it makes the pool experience more convenient than having to toss things on the ground or find a chair that isn’t being used. Also, the exterior of the shed can be used to brighten up the space through the use of bold color choices. Even if your pool shed is about function more than anything else, you can still make it a valuable piece of the landscape design by picking the right colors and overall style.

Establish a Walkway

It’s bound to happen that you will be in the middle of a swim session when you realize that you forgot to get something out of the shed. In that case, you’ll have to walk with wet feet over to the shed to retrieve what you need. To prevent this, consider designing the space in such a way that the walk is as comfortable and convenient as possible.

You don’t want to put a stretch of dirt or gravel between the pool and the shed since those would be messy or uncomfortable with wet feet. Ideally, the ground surface will be finished all the way from the pool to wherever the shed is located, with something like concrete or patio pavers. Even walking across grass would be an acceptable solution, although that could get messy as well, depending on the weather.

Order a Metal Shed Today!

We hope you’ve been inspired by these creative pool shed ideas! A small metal building from American Carports, Inc. would make a great choice for your new pool shed. Our structures are durable, attractive, and affordable—everything you need for this project. And, thanks to our handy Build & Price tool, you can customize the structure to suit your needs perfectly. Start designing your pool shed now!