By Metal Sheds • Metal Storage Buildings • Sheds • Storage Sheds 0 Comments

How to Level the Ground for an Outdoor Shed

Our outdoor storage sheds were designed to be easy to construct and install, and in order to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible you need to start with a good foundation. When you are selecting the location for your shed, you should first choose a site that is already comparatively level (to minimize the amount of digging) and avoid places that often have standing water.

There are a number of ways to level the ground for your shed, and the instructions for your building will come with specific recommendations for the most effective method. In general, though, there are a couple common ways to quickly and easily create a level and reliable place for the shed.

Method One

One method involves covering the entire space under the shed with gravel. To accomplish this, you must first mark off the area for the shed and make sure it is completely square. You may also want to extend this area a few inches longer than the dimensions of the shed to avoid mud and debris splashing up onto the nice siding during a heavy rain storm.

Once you’ve settled on the proper dimensions, you can remove about four inches of dirt and grass. Try to keep the bottom surface as level as possible and then fill the entire area with crushed rock or pea gravel. Fill the base until it is even with the ground and then compact the gravel with a metal roller. Again, make sure that it is completely level and then cover the entire surface with dry sand, working it in between the rocks with a rake. Once this is finished you can lay the paving slabs, level them out with a hammer, and then you’re ready to start building the floor.

Method Two

There’s another common method that isn’t quite so involved. Once again, you begin by marking off the area with stakes and strings – making sure that it is completely square. Once this is done you can mark spots on the string for the spacer (see your instructions for the exact layout), and then place some masonry blocks along those lines.

Place the 4×4 spacers across the stones and start leveling at the highest block. Dig down beneath each block and fill the hole with pea gravel. If the spacers are still not level, you can add or remove the gravel to even it back out. Never add gravel above the hole, though, because that could let the shed shift over time. You can add more blocks if you need to make big adjustments or use a shingle as a shiv if you just need a little more contact with the spacers.

A good foundation will help you get the most out of your sheds and other outdoor storage. Always follow the recommendations in your instructions and take the time to pay attention to all the little details. Some of them may require a full, concrete foundation, while others are fine with these methods. If you’re not sure what each structure will require, talk to one of our specialists and find out more.

By Carports • Enclosed Garages • Enclosed Steel Garages • Metal Buildings • Metal Carports • Metal Garages • Metal Sheds • Metal Storage Buildings • Sheds • Steel Carports • Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

10 Uses for a Steel Garages and Storage Sheds

The first thought of many people considering purchasing a steel garage or storage shed is that it can only be used to store cars or to house garden tools but we’ve made a list of 10 (and believe us there are many more) uses for a storage shed or steel garage to help open your eyes to all that a steel storage shed can be.

You can use your storage shed as a…

1.  Animal shelter

Several people use storage sheds and steel garages as a place to keep animals such as bunnies, guinea pigs, and other crated or cages animals. The sheds can be custom made with shelving units to house such animals and are convenient and close to home to care for these animals that may not be allowed in the house. Other people use large steel garages to offer outdoor animals such as dogs, cats, horses, goats or other farm animal’s protection from the extreme weather elements of rain, snow, cold and heat.

2. Place of Business

Renting and paying utilities on a place of business can be difficult for a small business just starting out but to keep your operating costs and over head low, you may want to consider using a storage shed as your place of business until you feel ready for a piece of business reality
3.  Hobby Shop

Many steel garage owners use their sheds as a place to do hobbies that there may not be room for in the home. Whether it is being used for quilting, sewing, or crafting, storage sheds are the perfect place to store all craft and hobby material as well as the best place to step away and enjoy your hobbies.

4. Game Room/Man Cave

Every man deserves a place to go hang out with his buddies and play poker, pool or just to watch the big game. Using a storage shed as a man cave and game rooms gives the man of the house a place to escape to and enjoy.

5. Workshop

Larger hobbies such as welding or wood working can take up a lot of space in a home and cause unnecessary dust and dirt. To combat this, many wives are suggesting their husbands do these hobbies out in the steel garage. This gives men a place to work that they won’t have to clean up every time they step away and keeps dust and dirt away from the house.

6. Place for Home Storage

Old couches, Christmas décor and old toys can all be stored out of the way in a dry and protected place when they are stored in a metal storage shed or garage. These storage buildings can house all the extra home items you don’t have room for, don’t need to be used at the moment and don’t want to get rid of.

7. Pool House

Storage sheds as a pool house offers a place to change for the outdoor pool can house a Jacuzzi or even just store the pool supplies out of the way but close to your outdoor pool.

8.  At-Home Gym

Going to a gym can be time consuming and expensive but using your storage shed as a workout area allows for easy access, no travel time, no membership fees and complete work out privacy.

9.  Mediation Area

Steel garages can easily be turned into a place of relaxation and mediation that can be accessed year round. A storage shed is the perfect place to perform morning mediation, yoga and pray and also offers a secluded place to relax and study.

10. Guest House

If you need some extra space for those guests on the way, convert the steel storage shed. With a few modifications, these metal garages can transform in to a spacious temporary living quarters for visiting family and friends.

By Aluminum Storage Buildings • Carports • Enclosed Garages • Enclosed Steel Garages • Keen's Reputation • Metal Buildings • Metal Garages • Metal Sheds • Metal Storage Buildings • Sheds • Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Storage Shed Accessories and Features to Purchase with Your Metal Garage

Purchasing a storage shed is a wise choice and there are several uses and reasons to buy a metal storage garage. Whether for storage or used for a woodworking shop, the accessories to storage sheds are just as important. There several accessories to go inside of or customize your storage garage to fit your specific needs and we’ve created a short list of the most used customizable shed accessories.

Benches

Benches are perfect for the gardener who is storing gardening supplies in her storage shed or using it as greenhouse in the winter. Benches make good resting spots as well as storage places for smaller items like gloves and hand shoves. Benches are also nice if the garage has been converted to a man cave and requires extra seating.

Ramps

Ramps are a great addition to metal garages that are housing RVs, cars, four wheelers, and other motorized vehicles. They allow for smooth pulling into a metal storage garage and reduce the risks of injury when stepping into the shed.

Lofts

Lofts in a metal storage shed offer owners extended overhead space for more storage of items they may not use regularly. Christmas décor, old children’s toys, etc… all could be stored in overheard lofts and the storage shed protects them from the elements while providing extra space below for larger or more used items.

Windows

When storage sheds are used as play or hobby areas, some owners like to have a window to look out of or to peek in on the children at play. Windows can be installed in custom sheds and are also great in metal garages used to house large animals like livestock and horses.

Skylights

Skylights are also a custom option that is great for air circulation in the hot summers and for light in the winter months. Some owners like them for when they use their storage shed as a greenhouse to provide natural light for the plants.

Shelves

Adding a shelving unit to your shed is a great idea when the metal garage is being used for storage, as a hobby area or as a car shop. Shelves that are accessories to metal garages can be built in to prevent falling over and the ruining of other property so if you think you may want shelves, purchase them with your metal storage shed.

Work Benches

Work benches provide work areas for the gardener, mechanic, woodworker and toy train maker among many others. Adding a work bench to your metal storage shed is a smart choice if you plan on using your garage for activities that could benefit from a stable and flat working area.

Security & Temperature Control

For valuable items, being stored in a metal garage, it may be wise to get a custom accessory of security cameras. For items that are temperature sensitive, another accessory to consider is the option of temperature control.  Both of these options may be good considerations if you are using your storage garage as a play place for children. It keeps them safe from heat stroke or being too cold and allows you as a caring adult to keep an eye on them without needing to be in the shed with them.

Storage Shed Accessories

No matter your reason for owning a metal storage shed, be sure to check out the accessory options they come with so all your needs can be met.

By Carports • Keen's Buildings • Metal Buildings • Metal Garages • Metal Sheds • Steel Carports • Storage Buildings • • • 0 Comments

High Quality Storage Buildings

Storage buildings that are made out of high quality materials are your best choice when it comes to finding an outdoor storage solution. Metal or steel storage buildings will last much longer and provide you with more protection against the outdoor elements than typical wooden storage sheds are able to. And even though these quality storage buildings can cost much more than those made out of lesser quality materials, it is still highly recommended that you invest in one of these buildings if you want to keep the valuables that you have stored inside safe all year long.

Many times high quality storage buildings will be much larger than other types of storage sheds which will allow you to store away larger items or more boxes full of seasonal items and equipment. If you can find a storage building that is large enough to hold all of your outdoor equipment such as a riding lawn mower, or water sports equipment, then purchasing a high quality storage building will be a lifetime investment. Storage buildings of this type will protect your tools and machinery much better than standard quality sheds normally do.

A wooden storage building is prone to draw in moisture when it is extremely hot outside, this will cause any clothing or soft material items to accumulate mildew or mold. There is also a higher chance of rodents and pests such as ants and other harmful insects building nests inside of a wooden storage building or other type of building that is not completely secured. A high quality building that has been made out of high quality steel or other metal materials will be secure, stable and durable enough to keep out most pests and hold up against strong winds and rains.

By Enclosed Steel Garages • Metal Garages • Metal Sheds • Steel Carports 0 Comments

Customer Service is Everything at Keens Buildings

n our industry, customer service is everything and at Keens Buildings we take our dedication to our customers seriously.  We have dedicated professionals who will help you throughout every step of the design and purchase process.  Do you have a special type of property you are looking to fit a steel structure on?  No problem. We will design and deliver one straight to your site that fits all of the specifications you need.  Our reps are available through multiple channels of communication and are hear to answer any and all questions you may have.

We find that a big reason why people so not look into getting a steel structure on their property is because they are worried about the cost associated with it.  We find, with the security it gives the expensive items you house within it, it almost pays for itself.  As far as paying for the structure specifically, we are admired in the industry for the financing packages we offer.  Your rep can walk you through your options, and some of those options will even involve zero down financing.  Interested in finding out more?  Either give us a call at the number above or reach us through our website at keensbuildings.com.  We look forward to educating you on our industry as a whole, so please do not hesitate asking us any and all questions.

By Aluminum Buildings • Enclosed Steel Garages • Metal Buildings • Metal Carports • Metal Garages • Metal Sheds • Steel Carports • Steel Garage • • • • 0 Comments

Metal Structures are Just Easier to Maintain

Sometimes we will ask our customers are Keens Buildings why they made the decision to switch to a steel building to house their possessions.  The answer we most commonly get is the fact that they are easier to maintain then other types of structures that may be made of wood for instance.  Have you ever owned a structure that was made from wood?  Did it eventually start to rot and suffer the effects of deterioration?  Those effects are natural in wood based products and come as a result of wear and tear.  There is literally nothing you can do about it.  A metal garage or carport will give you the piece of mind to know that you will not have to deal with that rotting or insect damage that wood structures are often known for.

When is the last time you have seen a steel or metal structure have some kind of mold or mildew issue?  Probably not too often and this is why we are seeing more and more people coming over to the side of metal structures.  People in the past balked at carports or other steel structures because the cost was high.  This is simply not the case anymore.  In fact we find we can almost best the price of our wood-based competitors almost every time.  A more durable product as a comparable if not cheaper price sounds like a no brainer to us.

Are you new to even the concept of a metal carport?  If so, then let us know and we will be able to educate in whatever aspect of the industry you are curious about.  At Keens Buildings this is what we do. We specialize in all things carports and metal structures and our goal is a 100% positive experience for you.

By Metal Buildings • Metal Carports • Metal Garages • Metal Sheds • Portable Buildings • Steel Carports • Steel Garage • Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds 0 Comments

Steel Buildings are for Neat Freaks

Do you consider yourself a neat freak? Do you have a low tolerance for clutter? Is your attic and basement packed to the brim with decorations, old clothes, and mementos of the past? Would you love to retain things for sentimental and practical value but would love to rid them from your immediate sight? A steel building is a product just for you.

Steel buildings act as your own personal storage facility. Commercial storage is growing in popularity, yet it can be inconvenient to travel to and from the facility. In addition, monthly fees become just another bill eating away at your income. Steel buildings are a practical and economical solution for you.

People often try to find ready solutions. It is not uncommon to designate a portion or an area in its entirety to storage. People, who once had a spacious basement, attic, or garage, may now find themselves with spaces overflowing with stuff that has accumulated over the years. How do you feel about paying rent or mortgage for rooms that merely house your stuff? Don’t you feel like you can better utilize the space? Take action and get yourself a steel building; it can fit right in the backyard. You won’t have to travel far to get your items when you need them.

Are you a mom or dad that loves your children, yet can’t stand to see toys cluttering every room in the house? Turn a steel building into a huge toy chest. Keep all of your children’s toys out of the way until kids want to use them. This way, kids stay satisfied and you can maintain order and your sanity.

Steel buildings are a great solution for neat freaks. Talk to one of our representatives today about our huge selection of models. We guarantee we have something that is perfect for you. Don’t see anything you love? Talk to our specialists about getting a steel building custom built to your exact specifications!

By Enclosed Garages • Metal Buildings • Metal Garages • Metal Sheds • Portable Buildings • Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds 0 Comments

Get a Garden Shed in Time for Spring

Shed – Storage Sheds – Get a Garden Shed in Time for Spring

Spring is quickly approaching. Are you looking forward to tending to your garden? Are you looking forward to facing the clutter that resides in your garage? It is common for people to move things around in the garage according to immediate need. Garden equipment and materials get lodged somewhere in back crevices to make way for snow blowers, seasonal decorations, outdoor furniture, and other items related to seasons aside from spring. If you are tired of dealing with the clutter, the time is right for a garden shed.

Cost is the first thing you might be thinking about. We have rent-to-own with no money down options when you buy a shed from us. We have financing available as an alternative. Fill out the financing sheet on our Web site or give us a call to discuss the details. Bad credit is not a problem when you buy a shed from Keens Buildings. We think everyone deserves the convenience of a garden shed.

We supply sheds of different materials. We have wood-based or steel siding available to our customers. Our garden sheds come standard with hurricane clips, computer-stamped trusses, 2×6 floor joists on 16-inch centers, 4×6 pressure-treated skids, and ¾” pressure-treated flooring. In addition, we use screws to attach your garden shed to the floor rather than nails like other manufacturers, resulting in increased durability and efficiency.

Our valued customers have a few options when it comes to the siding of their garden shed. T1-11 siding is wood-based and very popular. It has a wood-grained look and very appealing to customers who prefer their garden shed have a natural look. We also offer Hardi-Plank; it is a ‘green choice’ because it saves endangered trees and does not release toxic chemicals into the environment. Those who seek the best in durability and want a garden shed that lasts a lifetime should consider our 29-gauge steel panels. Steel sheds can be purchased as certified or non-certified for wind speed and snow load. Vinyl siding is another option Keen’s Buildings offers. Vinyl siding is valued for its low maintenance and competitive prices.

With dozens of models and choices available, we think we have something that is right for you. Don’t let another spring pass you by without the aid of a garden shed. We have dozens of color choices and other options available to you. Give us a call today and get the process underway. We can have a new garden shed installed on your property within weeks of your order. Call today!

By Carports • Enclosed Garages • Enclosed Steel Garages • Gazebos • Metal Buildings • Metal Carports • Metal Garages • Metal Sheds • Portable Buildings • Steel Carports 0 Comments

Necessary Information Regarding a Storage Shed Purchase

We want to provide our customers with the best products and service possible.  In order to do so, we urge our clients to read the following information about a storage shed or carport purchase.

Survey the land mass where you would like your storage shed situated.  If the ground is not completely leveled then you may experience dissatisfaction.  A labor charge will be implemented if the crew has to do additional work aside from what is agreed upon before the first work day.

Let the work crew know about wires, gas lines, or utility lines that may exist underneath the ground near or on the work area.  Our installers are not responsible for any damages if they are unaware of underground objects and obstacles.

We do instate a return trip fee if our installers return to upgrade your storage shed or carport.  The total cost must be a minimum of $795.00 or there will be a $50.00 return trip fee added.

A deposit is warranted on your storage shed or carport when ordered.  If 100% financing was established then there is no deposit required.

The total balance of your storage shed or carport is required at the time of installation.  If your product is financed, the dealer will address the balance after installation.

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, money orders, checks, or cash at the time of installation.

There is no refund policy on storage sheds or carports which are specially ordered.

The frame of your storage shed or carport will be one foot shorter than the roof in length. This is to prevent rain from coming in the end of your product.

We are more than happy to address any questions or concerns for our customers.  Give our customer support number a call at 1 888 620 0004.  We know we can provide you with a quality storage shed or carport that exceeds your expectations!  Thank you for choosing Keen’s.

By Enclosed Steel Garages • Metal Buildings • Metal Garages • Metal Sheds • Steel Garage • Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds 0 Comments

Store Your Valuables in a Metal Shed, Storage Building or Garage

Important documents, Grandma’s antique armoire, family photos – These are all things that anyone would want to save and protect. To make sure your favorite memories and critical documents are safe for years to come, consider a metal shed, storage building or garage from Keen’s Portable Buildings.

There are multiple safety advantages to metal structures. They are highly resistant to damage by exposure to the sun, snow and rain and resulting moisture damage, such as mold. Certified metal sheds, storage buildings, garages are guaranteed to meet city, county and state permitting and code regulations and can be engineered to withstand heavy snow loads and, because metal sways, wind speeds of 110 mph, 130 mph and 150 mph. Steel and metal also are resistant to fire damage and pests such as termites.

Keen’s Portable Buildings offers metal sheds, metal storage buildings and metal garages in dozens of different sizes, configurations, roof styles and colors to fit your specific needs and match your home’s style. Financing is available and damaged credit is no problem. Professional installation is no extra charge and can be completed within days. Call Keen’s Portable Buildings at 386-364-7995 to find out how you can affordably and effectively protect all your family’s most important and beloved items.