Backyard Barn With Flair

We built a shed. We call it our Barn. Instead of just a flimsy metal storage building, we decided to build something long lasting and nice to look at in our back yard to store bikes and tools. The shed kit cost $1000 at Lowes. After shopping around for wood sheds, this 10x10 with a loft was clearly the best deal. We had to buy about $400 worth of extras to make it complete. We are super happy with it and we know it will last for decades.

The first and most important thing we had to do was create the foundation and floor. Of course none of the base materials came with the kit, neither did instructions. There are various ways to make a foundation, many surfaces and conditions, we searched and decided on a cinder block foundation. We leveled the area, set the blocks and built this foundation, leveling and squaring as we went. YouTube has many videos for the various ways to construct foundations, I won't try to repeat those here because each site is different and climates and conditions dictate which foundation is best for your project. Choose treated wood and the best flooring you can afford.

By following the kit directions carefully, we framed, walled, roofed and shingled this barn. It took much longer than the 2-3 days estimated by the kit, about 2 weeks. Shingles, nails and roof paper didn't come with the kit. We chose sand colored shingles because they seemed like they would be the coolest for summer. We love how they turned out. The construction of this shed was not beginner level, it was hard work, but the sturdiness will pay off.

We carefully considered what color to paint our new barn. Red? Too
traditional. Brown? Too drab. Grass green? Too bright. Spring green? Perfect! It blends into the back yard and adds a bit of color in winter. Not too boring, not too bright. The kit came primed, but we put on 2 coats of a good exterior paint to preserve it. We picked a neutral trim to set the tone for our unique details to come.

We wanted to add wrought iron hinges for an old world look and for some decorative detail. However, plain ones started at about $45 each and we needed 4. We decided to fake it and paint them on for the same look without the cost. We searched for fancy hinge images on the internet and printed out a few we liked. Then we drew out a few versions on craft paper until we had some we liked and cut them out.

This was the fun part. After cutting out the design, we traced it onto the barn with pencil, measuring to ensure the hinges were even and equal on both doors. Using an acrylic, we painted them solid black.

We added a wrought iron flourish piece to the top of the barn to finish the look. Voila! Our barn has style.

Those big doors only blew open once before we knew we needed to protect our investment. Not only did they bend the corner shingle, they could have ripped at the hinges. We purchased $2.50 hooks and attached them at an angle to the backs of the doors to prevent a windy mishap. Now they are held open and secure.

We also added a heavier duty locking hasp for more security than the little hook that came with the kit. Of course we had to extend the lock with a bit of painted on flair.

Adding these small touches to our sturdy barn makes it that much better. Thanks for looking :)