Author: clickgiant

Sometimes, there just isn’t enough space in the house for your personal projects. And, even if you do have a room to set aside for yourself, it may not be far enough away from everyday distractions to truly escape. Luckily, a she shed provides the perfect solution to this dilemma! Take a look at the top she shed ideas for your backyard getaway to create a space that’s truly your own.

Consider ordering a new, affordable structure from American Carports, Inc.for this exciting project! Use our Build & Price Tool to fully customize your structure, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instant quote!

What’s a She Shed?

As the name suggests, this is ashed, often placed in the backyard, to be used for whatever “she” would like to do. Maybe you’re a mom hoping for some quiet time to work on projects that have been put on the back burner. Maybe you’re a wife who would simply like a peaceful place to read a great book. Whatever it may be, having a dedicated she shed will make it much easier to enjoy some time for yourself.

Select Your Building

You can’t have a she shed without a shed, and it all starts with the right structure to bring this idea to life! When selecting your building, keep the following in mind:

• Where will it go? The first step in creating a she shed is picking a location for it. It’s important to assess how much space you have available before you can plan your building. Picking a site that is already level will make things easier, but you can do some site prep to level the ground if necessary.
• Bigger isn’t always better. It’s natural to think about creating the biggest possible structure when you start planning your shed, but don’t fall into that trap. Part of the appeal of this project is to have a cozy space all your own,and that space doesn’t need to be huge.
• Material matters. Wood is certainly a traditional shed building material, but don’t overlook the advantages of metal. With a metal building,you’ll keep your costs down and shorten the timeline of the project from start to finish.

An Integrated Design

Simply dropping a shed right in the middle of your backyard isn’t going to look very appealing, and it probably won’t feel cozy or comfortable. Instead, take time to think about how you can integrate the shed with the rest of your landscaping. If your shed is surrounded by plants and other landscaping features, it will look and feel like an inviting place to spend your time.

Make It Uniquely Yours

Perhaps above all else, the key to a successful she shed project is basing the design on your specific needs. This is where you’ll discover some of the top she shed ideas for your backyard getaway! It’s important that you really hone in on what you plan to do in your shed and what you’ll need to do it.

Even in a small space, there will be design choices that affect the way the shed functions. If you bring in a couple of pieces of furniture like a couch and table, you will have a comfortable space to relax, but you may not have enough room to actively work on projects. Is that what you want? Only you’ll know the answer to that question.

In addition to the function of the space, you should also base the decorating touches on your personal preferences. Some people will take their shed in a rustic direction, while others are drawn by modern, minimalist spaces. Select an overall theme for your shed and get to work on finding everything you need to bring your concept to life.

The Logistics

While it’s fun to daydream about what your shed could become, the reality of this project is that you need to handle a variety of logistical points along the way. For instance, do you want electricity in your shed? If so, you will need the appropriate permitting and inspections in addition to having someone qualified do the work. Remember, if you are adding a structure to your property, you’ll need to comply with all of the relevant building codes and regulations that govern your area.

Another logistical point to note is the time that it will take to build your shed. If you live in a climate with harsh winter weather, you’ll want to make sure there is enough time to get the job done before the cold temperatures and snow move in. That being said, if you decide to use a metal building instead of a wood shed, you should be able to dramatically cut down on the construction timeline.

Order from American Carports, Inc.!

Creating a she shed is easy thanks to the structures offered by American Carports, Inc. Don’t be fooled by our name—we offer far more than just carports, and our product line includes small metal sheds that would be perfect for this kind of project. You can even design your own custom structure with our Build & Price Tool.We’re ready to help you create the she shed you’ve been dreaming of.

It seems that people are always on the lookout for more storage room. When your garage or attic space is packed full, it’s time to find some alternative solutions. By turning to your backyard for potential storage space, you may be able to create a home for all those items that are currently in your way. Explore these top backyard storage ideas for some inspiration!

Upgrade Your Old Tool Shed

You may already have a tool shed in place on your property, but that small structure doesn’t always live up to its potential. If all of your landscaping tools are piled up in the middle of the shed, you’re wasting space that could be better utilized.

Take some time to organize your tool shed and add elements like hooks, shelves, and bars that can hold items and open up even more room. Of course, if you don’t currently have a tool shed or your current version is on its last legs, turn to American Carports, Inc.for an affordable solution that you will love! Use our Build& Price Tool to create a custom metal storage building that’s perfect for your tools and other equipment.

Add Another Garage

You may already have a garage attached to your home. If you do, there’s a good chance that your garage is filled with vehicles, bicycles, camping equipment, and countless other items.Fortunately, adding another garage to your property may not be as difficult—or as expensive—as you think.

If you have a large backyard and there are no building restrictions in place, consider adding a metal garage from American Carports, Inc. By going with a metal structure,you’ll save on costs as compared to wood, and you will shorten the timeline to completion as well. Before you write off this idea as something that you can’t afford to do, get in touch with a member of our team for more information. You just might be surprised to find how easy and affordable this project could be!

Storage Under Your Table

Those who love spending time in their backyard often view it as a place to enjoy a quiet breakfast, a quick lunch, or a relaxing dinner. While that’s a great way to use your space, your table may be taking up more than its share of room without providing any storage capability. By adding storage underneath your table, you can collect some of your outdoor dining pieces in a central location.

There are two ways to obtain a table that can store various items—you can build it or buy it. Those who are handy may be able to construct a table that looks great and serves a practical purpose at the same time. Of course, if you don’t like to take on DIY projects,shopping for a table with included storage is a quick and easy task.

Storage in Seating

This is another idea along the same lines as adding storage to your table. If you’re planning on including benches in your backyard, turn them into a storage option by using tops that flip up on a hinge. You might choose to store outdoor pillows, blankets, or a variety of other items within.

Hide the Garden Hose

While it doesn’t seem like a large item, an unruly garden hose can take up a lot of space. If you leave your hose uncoiled and laying across the lawn after watering your plants, it will be in the way when you need to mow or when the kids want to play. Buy or build a container for your garden hose to keep it out of the way when not in use. Some designs even include a planter box on top, so this storage solution can add to the appeal of your landscaping.

Tuck Away the Trash

Many people are forced to store their trash and recycling cans in the backyard, for lack of a better option. If this sounds like your situation, consider building can storage into the design of your backyard layout. Depending on the size of the cans, you may be able to conceal them in something you construct behind or to the side of your shed.This will not only give the cans a dedicated place to live, but it will also add to your property’s visual appeal.

Rely on American Carports, Inc.

If you would like to add a durable and affordable carport, garage, or storage shed to your backyard, contact American Carports, Inc. today. Our sturdy, reliable metal structures will make a great home for all your items. Not only will you love the storage space you add with one of our structures, but you’ll be impressed by the look of the building, as well.

Use our Build & Price Tool to create a custom metal structure that meets your exact backyard storage needs!

An open carport has many advantages over a closed garage. Open carports are easy to get in and out of, their construction and maintenance costs are lower, and they can be built in just a few days. With all of these positives, it’s easy to see why so many people have open carports on their properties. However, one minor disadvantage is that it is easier for birds to make their way into this kind of structure. Luckily, we have a few simple solutions and tips on how to keep birds out of your carport!

If you’re looking to purchase a carport, view all of our high-quality, affordable options from American Carports, Inc. You can also use our Build & Price tool to fully customize your structure, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instant quote!

Main Attractors

There are two primary motivations that are likely to bring birds into your carport—food and a place to build a nest. If either of these attractions are in place, it’s likely that a few birds will hang around. If you want to prevent them from coming in, you need to both identify and adjust these two elements.

Food Sources

Removing the availability of food is simple—it essentially comes down to keeping your carport clean. But, you should keep in mind that what looks like food to a bird doesn’t look like food to you.

It might not be obvious that a feeding opportunity is present. Birds like to pick through leaves and debris to find little bites, so sweeping out your carport regularly is a good step. This is particularly important in the fall season when leaves are falling from trees. A clean carport won’t offer much of anything in the way of food, so that issue will be instantly eliminated.

Protect Your Rafters

Any bird hoping to build a nest in your carport will likely move into the rafters. The points where structural pieces come together often provide a nice landing spot for a nest. To keep birds from setting up shop under your roof, consider the following two options:

• Bird netting. To create a physical barrier between the rafters and the birds, you will want to use netting. It should be easy to find this netting at a hardware or home goods store. The netting is also pretty easy to install. You will need to get up to the height of the rafters to put it in place, so hire a contractor to do the job if you are not comfortable with heights.
• Methyl Anthranilate. As an alternative, you can also use a substance called methyl anthranilate to keep the birds away. This is not a chemical, but rather a derivative of grapes that just happens to repel birds. Unlike harsh chemical pest control agents, this option smells good and is kind to the environment. Just like bird netting, it should be easy to find methyl anthranilate, as it is stocked at many garden stores.

Additional Preventative Measures

Once you’ve adjusted or eliminated the main bird attractors, there are a few other ways that you can repel birds from your carport:

Get a Fake Predator

If you don’t yet have a problem with birds in your carport, and you would like to keep it that way, consider purchasing a fake predator to scare them off. An artificial owl is a great choice for this job. Place the owl somewhere on or near the carport, and move it every few days. The sight of the owl should be enough to scare off the birds.

Show Them a Reflection

Another option for keeping birds away is to use something that will show them their reflection. That could be a mirror, or even just some strips of foil tape. When the bird sees itself in the reflection, it may think that the carport is already occupied, so it will move on.

In addition, the reflective surface will bounce light around the area, which is also a repellent for birds. Using reflective materials in a couple of strategic places around the carport could solve the problem for good.

Purchase a New Carport

American Carports, Inc. is proud to offer high-quality steel carports that come in many shapes and sizes. Now that you know how to keep birds out of your carport, use our Build & Price tool to create a new carport you’ll love. Whether you need an open carport or a more traditional enclosed metal structure, we have you covered. Shop with us today!

A carport will only be useful to you if it can endure severe weather conditions. Will your new carport hold up properly during a heavy downpour? What about during a snowstorm? And, perhaps most importantly, will it stand up to the test of strong winds? In order to get years of reliable service from your new structure, you especially need to know howto protect a carport from the wind.

If you’re looking for a new carport, we offer plenty of strong, durable products at American Carports, Inc. Use our Build & Price Tool to customize your structure, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instant quote!

How to Protect a Carport from Wind

Here are some basic steps to help you keep your carport protected from wind:

Anchor It to the Ground

Metal carports are not heavy structures, which is a large part of their appeal (along with their affordability and ability to be constructed on a short timeline). However, with that said, the lightweight nature of metal carports can make them susceptible to high winds. To ensure that yours stays firmly in place, it’s imperative to anchor it to the ground.

If you construct your carport on a concrete pad, this is a particularly powerful step, if not the most important. The concrete anchors that are used to tie it down will give the structure a firm, secure grip on the ground.

Place It Strategically

Carports are frequently constructed close to other existing buildings. If this is the case for your new carport, think about the prevailing wind patterns in your area. Then, place your carport in a spot that is likely to be protected from storms between or beside buildings. Setting your carport next to an existing building isn’t going to keep all of the wind away, of course, but it may reduce its force.

If you’re not planning to build your carport near another structure, don’t worry. You may still be able to find wind protection by using your property’s terrain to your advantage. For instance, if you have a hill on your property, placing your carport on the protected side of that hill can keep the worst of the winds away. You can determine which side will provide you with the most protection by examining your local wind patterns.

Get the Correct Carport Design

The design of your carport can make a big difference in how well it holds up in high winds. Providing the wind away out can help to protect your carport.

For instance, carports with only one wall that goes down to the ground may not be the best choice in a windy location. This is especially true if the open side of the carport is facing the prevailing wind. However, leaving both sides open would simply allow the wind to blow through one side and out of the other.

If you live in a windy destination and aren’t sure how to design your carport to minimize risk, contact American Carports, Inc. right away for help.

Buy a Quality Product

This point should not be overlooked. Simply put, a quality carport is far more likely to make it through a windstorm than one that is not made from high-quality materials. Every single component of the structure will be tested during high winds, so any weak points are sure to be exposed.

When you buy from American Carports, Inc., you’ll be impressed with the quality of our products as soon as they arrive on your property. Here are just a few reasons to order from us:

• 90-MPH Wind Warranty
• Engineer Certified
• 20 Year Rust Warranty (on our 12-gauge galvanize tubing)
• Shipping & Installation Included
• 360 Degree Roof Bracing
• 4 Season Workmanship Warranty

Proper Assembly and Installation

Durable components are only useful if they are put together properly from the start. When your carport is installed by our team at American Carports, Inc., you can expect the work to be done thoroughly and correctly by experienced professionals. You can feel confident that your carport will hold in even the toughest of storms when you work with our team.

Purchase a Reliable Carport from American Carports, Inc.

If you want a carport that you can trust to stand up to the elements, browse through our selection at American Carports, Inc. You can fully customize your carport using our Build & Price Tool to create exactly what you need. We have been providing our customers with quality products for more than 20 years, and we look forward to serving you as well!