Archive for category: Storage

You’ve probably often seen piles of wooden pallets in the back of warehouses, large stores, factories and other large businesses. But, in recent years, reclaimed wood has exploded in popularity. DIY websites, craft shows, and decorating magazines are time and time again giving us ideas on what we can do with this shipping pallets. One idea is to use pallets to upgrade or update your storage structure. Additionally, we’ve even seen people build sheds completely with these wooden materials—but for this post, we’ll focus on sharing ideas for using them for your existing shed.

Shelving Units Made from Pallets

Break apart pallets to create sturdy shelves; you will likely need other wood for the walls or backing of your shelving unit. This example from NaturalBuildingBlog, found via Pinterest, will help you visualize how to make durable and functional shelving units for tools, pots, or supplies.

A Rack Made from a Pallet

If you have smaller garden tools, craft supplies, or other small items that could be nicely organized by hanging them, you might wish to hang a pallet outfitted with hooks (or two!) on the wall. Here’s an example from Woohome, found on Pinterest.

Pallet for Wood Storage

If you have a woodstove, fireplace, or firepit on premise, here’s a pallet project idea: Build a wood storage unit for inside your shed, or to put up alongside the unit. Katie Brown shared an example on Pinterest, which you can view here.

New Siding Made from Pallets

Side your interior walls with the wood from your pallets, then stain or paint to your liking; this can give a warm, rustic, and charming feel to the inside of your shed. It’s an inexpensive way to add personality and insulation.

The ideas are seemingly endless when it comes to repurposing pallets to update your storage shed. With a little creativity and effort, these humble wooden frames can add beauty, function, and character to your outdoor space.

This month, we’re dedicating our blog posts to a few of the many ways you can transform your storage shed from an empty shell usually meant for storage into something practical. In the last part of this three-part series we’ll talk about keeping chickens.

Today, many families are interested in self-sustaining lifestyles for health, environmental, or economic reasons. You don’t have to live on a farm to reap the benefits of fresh eggs or raising your own poultry.

Adding a chicken coop to your property is a bit easier when you start with a ready-made outdoor structure, such as a storage shed offered at Valley Structures. Here are some things to consider:

  • Each chicken will need about 4.5 square feet of space; think about your capacity! You don’t want overcrowding.
  • Install roost-shelving/nest boxes to give chickens a place to roost. Many coops use a 2×4 board as a roosting bar.
  • Consider a droppings board. Install it under the roosting bar.
  • Chickens share nests—three nests for every eight chickens is a good rule of measure.
  • Add in vents, windows, and doors. Vents and windows help with air circulation, and a door allows chickens to come out during the day for air and sun.
  • A need for more fresh air – depending on how hot it gets where you live, you might need more ventilation. Remove one or part of the wall panels and add in wire mesh.
  • Account for storage space for buckets, shovels, etc.

Once you have your coop set up, it’s time to get your flock!

This month, we’re dedicating our blog posts to a few of the many ways you can transform your storage shed from an empty shell into something practical. In the second installation of this three-part series we’ll look at how you can garden or create a potting room with a storage shed.

Backyard sheds aren’t limited to just being used for storing gardening equipment; they also can be a functional space for green thumbs.

Think about what you’ll be using the space for, and then plot out the interior accordingly. Think about your working surface as well as adequate storage space. What kind of potting table best suits you? Think about lighting: will you need to add more windows? And, of course, you’ll want to have a sink, so plumbing is another consideration.

Aside from creating a place for you to work, you can also make your new potting shed a bit of retreat. Add some comfortable seating and décor. Artfully arrange your tools—make good use of the ceilings and walls. What can you hang? What needs a shelf?

Don’t forget about the exterior. How can you paint, trim, or decorate your shed so that it blends in with the landscape? Add some character. Make it part of the art of your backyard!

2016 ROCKINGHAM COUNTY FAIR!

Look for us again this year at the 2016 Rockingham County Fair during the week of August 15-20. This event has grown to be one of the largest county fairs around with plenty of activities and events for the whole family… and don’t forget all of the delicious fair food! We hope to see you there. Be sure to stop by and say hi!

Here is a bit of info from www.rockinghamcountyfair.com. Check out their page for the event list and schedule.

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ABOUT

[Newspaper article from 1949.]

The first Rockingham County Fair was held at the Linville Ball Park, August 31 – September 3, 1949. Many smaller fairs were held before 1949 at Ed’s Park at Rawley Springs, in Harrisonburg, on the Whitesel-Sit lot, and at the present location of Memorial Stadium. From 1950 to 1951, the fair lasted four days; from 1952 to 1963, it lasted five days; and since 1964, it has run for six days.

The fair has been held at the present site on US Rt. 11 since 1980. The fairgrounds currently account for 111 acres of land, including a 21,000-square-foot exhibit hall.

It also features a barn complex with more than 80,000 square feet of roofed space. This accommodates hundreds of hogs, sheep, goats, beef cattle, and dairy cattle. Additionally, the facility features a farm museum, a building dedicated to horticulture, flowers, and farm crop displays. There’s also a building for poultry/rabbit exhibits. Plus, numerous food concessions are operated by local civic organizations.

There is also a 4,000-seat grandstand, which seats an additional 2,500 at ground level. There is parking on the grounds for over 7,000 vehicles, with parking capacity expanding in 2014.

Want to dress up your storage shed? From adding pops of color to finding news uses for your structure, here are a few ways you can upgrade your storage shed and make the most out of your outdoor space.

Give it a Paint Job

It’s seem so simple—just to slap on a new coat of paint. But don’t underestimate the power of color and how it can freshen up your shed and your entire yard. Choose a vibrant shade with a complementary trim color—maybe an accent shade for the doors.

Add Window Dressing

If your shed doesn’t already have shutters, consider adding some. They really can add to the look of your shed! While you’re at it, install some flower boxes and fill with colorful varieties. This literally adds some life to your outdoor structure.

Tack on Décor

A nice shade doesn’t have to be the only thing covering your exterior walls. Consider adding outdoor-safe adornments such as signs, barn stars or other decorative accents. An awning can be a nice touch, too.

Create a Functional Space

Have you ever thought of creating a small sitting area? The side of your shed can become a nice place to relax; just add on a small deck or patio and top with outdoor furniture.

Remodel or Install New Features

A few other ways to upgrade your storage shed including adding vinyl siding, which also adds more protection, or putting in skylights. There are plenty of things you can do to the interior, such as new storage options and other organizational projects.

Ready to upgrade your shed or find the perfect structure for your space? Valley Structures offers high-quality sheds built to last. Visit one of our locations or contact us today to explore styles, options, and custom features for your ideal space.

Fair time is upon us once again (it’s hard to believe how fast time flies)! We will have our buildings on location, so be sure to stop by and see us! We will have someone there who can help you determine what would work best for your farm or backyard storage.

Here is some information about the Rockingham County Fair from their website.

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The first Rockingham County Fair was held at the Linville Ball Park, August 31 – September 3, 1949. Many smaller fairs were held before 1949 at Ed’s Park at Rawley Springs, in Harrisonburg, on the Whitesel-Sit lot, and at the present location of Memorial Stadium. From 1950 to 1951, the fair lasted four days; from 1952 to 1963, it lasted five days; and since 1964, it has run for six days.

The fair has been held at the present site on US Rt. 11 since 1980. The fairgrounds currently account for 111 acres of land, including a 21,000-square-foot exhibit hall.

It also features a barn complex with more than 80,000 square feet of roofed space. This accommodates hundreds of hogs, sheep, goats, beef cattle, and dairy cattle. Additionally, the facility features a farm museum, a building dedicated to horticulture, flowers, and farm crop displays. There’s also a building for poultry/rabbit exhibits. Plus, numerous food concessions are operated by local civic organizations.

There is also a 4,000-seat grandstand, which seats an additional 2,500 at ground level. There is parking on the grounds for over 7,000 vehicles, with parking capacity expanding in 2014.