LP Smart Side is one of the most popular siding types for outdoor storage buildings at Pine Creek Structures. But what is it? Let us explain…
Like T1-11 siding, LP Smart Side siding features a cedar wood texture. It can be painted in a variety of colors so your building can match the color of you home or other outbuildings.
While it has the outer appearance of the T1-11 siding you may know, the similarities stop there. T1-11 siding is typically made of Plywood or OSB. LP Smart Side is an engineered wood siding product, meaning its is designed for superior durability.
T1-11 siding is susceptible to water damage, which can cause warping, swelling, delamination, and rot in T1-11 siding. Regular maintenance is required to prevent these issues. It is also highly susceptible to damage from insects (like termites). LP Smart Side siding resists moisture because of the advanced binders and wax that are used to treat each wood strand individually. Every panel of LP Smart Side goes through their SmartGuard® zinc borate-based process to help resist fungal decay and termite damage. LP Building Products tests their sidings in the harsh jungle environment in Hilo, Hawaii with over 170″ of rain annually, high humidity, and a large termite population. LP Smart Side is proven to be a durable siding choice.
LP Smart Side siding not only makes the exterior of your new storage shed beautiful, but also the inside! It features LP Building Products’ Smart Finish. This durable overlay provides a clean look inside your building.
LP Smart Side Features:
✔ Treated with SmartGuard Process* ✔ Free of Knots, Patches, and Face Voids ✔ Comprehensive 5/50-year Limited Warranty** ✔ Resists Fungal Decay ✔ Resists Termites ✔ Resists Face Splitting and Cracking ✔ Rich Cedar Grain Exterior Texture ✔ SmartFinish Interior Finish ✔ Superior Dent Resistance***
At Pine Creek Structures, we also offer a board ‘n’ batten style siding made for LP products. LP Board ‘N’ Batten siding provides the rustic and charming look of traditional pine boards, with the strength and durability of LP’s products. The only minor difference is LP Board ‘N’ Batten siding does not feature the SmartFinish interior. We recommend choosing a polyurethane color for buildings with LP Board ‘N’ Batten siding for an even more beautiful natural wood look.
LP Board and Batten is one choice for your building’s siding at Pine Creek Structures. But what is it? Let us explain…
Board and batten siding is characterized by vertical siding boards with a narrow piece of board (called battens) placed over the seams. These battens are meant create better weatherproofing by covering any gaps between the boards (especially as natural wood shrinks/expands in the changing weather). This siding originated using natural wood boards. While this type of siding is beautiful with a rustic look, it can require a lot of maintenance to keep it on top condition. To maintain it’s beautiful stained look, it will require staining every few years. You will also have to be diligent about checking for any damage to to age, hail, and pests.
LP Board and Batten siding is the answer to these issues! It offers the look of traditional wood board and batten siding, with the superior strength and durability of LP siding products.
LP siding features a cedar wood texture and can be painted in a variety of colors so your building can match the color of you home or other outbuildings. At Pine Creek Structures, we also offer six polyurethane colors. These polyurethane color options give a ‘wood’ look to the LP siding.
LP Board and Batten siding is an engineered wood siding product, meaning its is designed for superior durability. LP siding resists moisture because of the advanced binders and wax that are used to treat each wood strand individually. Every panel of LP siding is treated with their SmartGuard® process: a zinc borate-based process to help resist fungal decay and termite damage. LP Building Products tests their sidings in the harsh jungle environment in Hilo, Hawaii with over 170″ of rain annually, high humidity, and a large termite population.
At Pine Creek Structures, LP Board and Batten siding is also more affordable than traditional pine board and batten siding!
LP Board ‘N’ Batten Siding Features:
✔ Rustic Charm of Board and Batten with the Strength of LP Engineering ✔ Treated with SmartGuard Process* (an advanced formula of adhesive resins, water- resistant waxes, and zinc borate) ✔ Free of Knots, Patches, and Face Voids ✔ Comprehensive 5/50-year Limited Warranty** ✔ Resists Fungal Decay ✔ Resists Termites ✔ Resists Face Splitting and Cracking ✔ Rich Cedar Grain Exterior Texture ✔ Superior Dent Resistance***
When it comes to choosing the right roofing material for your shed, several factors come into play. This includes durability, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness. In this blog post, we’ll compare the three options from Pine Creek Structures: Tamko Titan XT Premium Architectural Shingles, standard corrugated metal roofing, and standing seam metal roofing. Each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Tamko Titan XT Premium Architectural Shingles
Pros:
► Aesthetics: Architectural shingles mimic the look of traditional home roofing materials, providing a more polished and residential appearance to your shed.
► Durability: Tamko Titan XT shingles are known for their durability and resistance to wind, rain, and hail damage, making them a reliable choice for long-term protection.
► Noise: Some homeowners prefer the sound dampening qualities of shingles compared to metal roofing, especially during rain or hail storms. This can create a quieter indoor environment.
► No Added Fee: The choice of six colors of shingles for your storage shed or garage is included in the price of your building! Added fees only apply to optional and custom colors.
Cons:
► Environmental Impact: Shingles contribute to more landfill waste when they need to be replaced compared to metal roofing, which is often recyclable at the end of its lifespan.
► Maintenance: While durable, architectural shingles may require periodic maintenance such as cleaning and inspections to ensure longevity.
Standard Corrugated Metal Roofing
Pros:
► Durability: Metal roofing materials are inherently more durable and resistant to weathering compared to asphalt shingles. Metal roofs are designed to be highly resistant to fire, mildew, insects, and rot, which are common issues that can affect the longevity of shingle roofs over time.
► Cooler Temperatures: Metal roofing often comes with reflective coatings that reduce heat absorption, keeping the inside of your shed cooler.
► Longevity: The materials used in metal roofing have a longer natural lifespan compared to asphalt shingles, which are more susceptible to UV radiation and thermal cycling that can cause them to degrade and break down over time.
► Environmental Impact: When metal roofing is at the end of its lifespan, it often can be recycled. This makes it a more sustainable choice compared to shingles, which contribute significantly to landfill waste.
► Low Maintenance: Metal roofing is low maintenance compared to shingles. It requires minimal upkeep beyond occasional inspections and cleaning to remove debris. This can save both time and money over the life of the roof.
Cons:
► Aesthetics: Some homeowners may find corrugated metal roofing less visually appealing compared to architectural shingles or standing seam metal roofing.
► Noise: Rain or hail hitting corrugated metal is often noisier compared to other roofing materials, which may be a consideration depending on the shed’s use and proximity to your home.
► Condensation: Without insulation and ventilation, condensation can sometimes form underneath corrugated metal roofing. We recommend adding double bubble insulation with your metal roof, however does come with an small added cost.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing
Pros:
► Aesthetics: Offers a sleek, modern appearance that complements contemporary architecture and can enhance the overall curb appeal of your property.
► Durability: Known for its strength and resistance to extreme weather conditions, standing seam metal roofing is highly durable and long-lasting.
► Cooler Temperatures: Metal roofing reduces heat absorption from the hot sun. Shed interiors with metal roofing are often cooler than those with shingle roofs.
► Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep once installed, withstanding rust, corrosion, and UV exposure without needing regular maintenance.
► Longevity: Metal roofing materials naturally outlast asphalt shingles, which are susceptible to degradation from UV radiation and thermal cycling, leading to eventual breakdown.
Cons:
► Cost: Due to the more advanced production and installed required, standing seam metal is more expensive than traditional corrugated metal roofing.
► Noise: Metal roofs in general can be noisier than other roofing materials during heavy rain, hail, or other weather events. Some homeowners may find this bothersome, espcially if their shed is near their bedroom windows.
► Condensation: Without insulation and ventilation, condensation can sometimes form underneath corrugated metal roofing. We recommend adding double bubble insulation with your metal roof, however does come with an small added cost.
Choosing the right roofing material for your shed involves weighing the pros and cons of each option based on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and climate considerations. Tamko Titan XT Premium Architectural Shingles offer a residential look to your shed with no added cost. Standard corrugated metal roofing cost at a higher cost, but offers longevity and reduced heat absorption. Standing seam metal roofing combines modern aesthetics with exceptional durability and energy efficiency, albeit at a higher cost.
Consider your priorities (including, cost-effectiveness, visual appeal, or long-term durability) when selecting the roofing material that best suits your shed and enhances its functionality and aesthetic appeal. By making an informed choice, you can ensure your shed’s roof provides reliable protection and complements the overall design of your property for years to come.
A storage shed can turn into a cabin with a few adjustments and upgrades! At Pine Creek Structures, cabins are custom built for you. You can specify exactly the details you need and want. You choose the size, colors, layout, and all the upgrades. You may choose to opt from a shell and finish the inside yourself OR you may choose to have the interior completely finished.
When turning one of our buildings into a cabin, we recommend considering the following upgrades:
Upgrade from a plain shed door to a fiberglass house door. This upgrade really helps turn a shed into a cabin! A fiberglass house door with windows allow extra natural light inside and let you see who’s outside when you hear a knock on the door.
Add a porch. This helps make your building look more like a home. Porches provide a covered area outside to gather and enjoy nature together as a family. By adding a porch, you can also create a loft area inside for extra storage or sleeping space. Porches are available with or without railing.
Add venting. This is an important upgrade we recommend for every cabin! Venting allows air to circulate properly. A ridge vent and gable end vents allow warm, humid air to leave your cabin. Vented eaves provide a source of fresh, cooler air to help push warm humid air out ridge and gable vents. Without proper ventilation, your building will sweat trying to get the moisture out of the air. The humid air will create condensation inside your building. Humidity and condensation is problematic, especially so when you wish to have a finished interior!
Insulate the walls, floor, and/or roof and choose insulated windows and doors. Insulation helps keep the warm air from your heater inside and prevent the cold air from outside from sneaking in during the fall and winter. Several insulation options are available for the walls, flooring, and roofing. Insulated doors and windows are also available in a variety of style and sizes.
Increase the wall height. Depending on the size and style of the base shed you are customizing into a cabin, you may want to increase the wall height. This may be necessary for the upgrades you choose or simply for comfort.
Add extra doors and windows. Depending on the size of the cabin you choose, you may want more than one entrance/exit. Additional windows add natural light and create cool breezes on a warm days. They can be placed in almost any layout you desire!
Separate the space into rooms. In large cabins, you may want to split up the the space into separate areas, rather than have one huge common area. You may want rooms, closets, etc. We can frame out these rooms so they are ready for the interior finishing you choose to proceed with.
Choose a finished interior. While specialize in cabin shells, some fully finished interior options may be available in your area. If you desire interior finishing, discuss your options with you local store manager. Please note: Interior finishes often increase your building’s production time significantly (compared to a standard shed build).
Ask about electrical packages. Some DIY-ers feel confident finishing the interior themselves, but don’t have electrical skills. We have a variety of electrical packages available and can be customized with lights, light switches, receptacles, ceiling fans, baseboard heaters, mini splits, and more. Exterior light options may also be available.
Pro-Tip: Before placing your order, make sure to check any regulations and codes set by your state, county, or township. Once your cabin is in production, changes are often costly and delay delivery. Make sure to communicate any state, county, or township requirements when designing your cabin with your local store manager. Due to varying policies, we are not responsible for making sure that your cabin meets your local regulations ourselves, but will gladly help you design a cabin that meets the requirements you inform us of.
A backyard storage shed can be a lifesaver, providing much-needed space for tools, garden equipment, and seasonal items. However, it can quickly become cluttered and chaotic without proper organization! A well-organized shed not only makes it easier to find what you need but also maximizes the available space. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you organize the content of your backyard storage shed effectively.
Step 1: Empty The Shed
Start by removing everything from your shed. This will give you a blank canvas to work with and allow you to see everything you have. Once the shed is empty, clean it thoroughly. Sweep out debris, remove cobwebs, and wipe down surfaces.
Step 2: Sort and Purge
Sort your items into categories such as gardening tools, sports equipment, seasonal decorations, kids items, and power tools. Within each category, group similar items together to make the organization process easier. Group items by when you use them or how you use them. Get rid of anything you no longer need or use. Donate these items if they are still in a safe and usable condition. Recycle or dispose of any broken, unsafe, outdated, overly worn, or unusable items. This will free up valuable space and make organizing simpler!
Step 3: Make A Plan And Get Any Needed Supplies
Look at the layout of your shed and decide how you can best utilize the available space. Consider the height, width, and depth of the shed and the contents that need to go back inside when planning your storage solutions. What are the biggest items you need to store? Where is the best spot to place them so that they are accessible and don’t block your path other items. Based on the items you need to store, choose appropriate storage systems such as shelves, pegboards, hooks, and bins. Shelves to keep items off the floor and maximize vertical space. Pegboards are super versatile for hanging items on hooks. Clear stack able bins (in various sizes) may be needed to keep items organized by category or use. Investing in the right storage solutions can make a significant difference in keeping your shed organized.
Step 4: Implement Your Plan And Get Organized
Remember to place items use regularly use (such as gardening tools, everyday hardware, and kids toys) in easily accessible locations. Store seasonal items, like holiday decorations and seasonal sports equipment, in harder-to-reach places since they don’t need to be accessed frequently. If you have a loft installed, store away items that you don’t need to access often up in the loft. Organize small items and bins on shelves. Tools can be organized in tool boxes to grab and go easily. If you need access to specific tools often, keep them handy by organizing them on hooks on pegboard. Shovels, rakes, and ladders can also be organized on the walls with hooks. Use small, medium, and large containers to keep like-items together. Remember to label each container to be able to find items easily later. Clear containers are great because they allow you to see what’s inside! Choose bins that stack to stay space efficient.
Step 5: Stay Organized!
This may be the last step, but it can be the most important! Make it a habit to return items to their designated spots after each use. This simple practice can prevent clutter from accumulating and needing to constantly reorganize. Set a schedule for regular cleanups and reorganizations. This could be seasonal or yearly, depending on how often you use the shed and store away new items.
By following these steps and tips, you can transform your backyard storage shed into an organized and efficient space that makes it easy to find and access everything you need. A well-organized shed not only enhances functionality but also adds to the overall enjoyment of your outdoor projects and hobbies. Happy organizing!
Pine Creek Structures is excited to announce three new standard models to choose from when shopping for a play set for your kids! Our manufacturer, Adventrue World Play Sets has developed these three new models based off their clients feedback and previous orders. Introducing the Busy Base Camp Package #B44-8, the Discovery Depot Package #D48-2, and the Happy Hideout Package #H68-5.
Busy Base Camp Package #B44-8
The Busy Base Camp Package #B44-8 standard model offers a basic play set with a unique two tower design design. This vinyl play set model includes two 4′ x 4′ towers (5′ Deck Height), Vinyl Roofs, two Entrance Ladders, two 5’ Rock Walls, 2-Position Single Beam, two Belt Swings, and two Wonder Wave Slides.
Shown above with standard almond vinyl, red roof, red railings and brackets, red slide, and red swings.
Discovery Depot Package #D48-2
The Discovery Depot Package #D48-2 standard model offers unique compact design for yards with limited space. It does not include swings, but features a two level tower and two slides. This vinyl play set model includes: 4′ x 8′ Split Level Tower (3′ & 5′ Deck Heights), Vinyl Roof, Entrance Ladder, Rock Wall, Ripple Rush Slide, Super Spiral Slide, and a Tic-Tac-Toe Panel.
Shown above with premium white vinyl, green roof, green railings and brackets, and green slides.
Happy Hideout Package #H68-5
The Happy Hideout Package #H68-5standard model is a compact design without swings is great for small spaces! It does not include swings, but features a play house and slide. This vinyl play set model includes: 6′ x 5′ Playhouse on 6′ x 8′ Deck Tower (5′ Deck Height), Grand Stairway, Rock Wall, Super Spiral Slide, 6×5 Picnic Table on 6×8 Lower Deck, Shutters and Flower Boxes, PLUS Your Free Item Choice (Detached Sandbox, Steering Wheel, Ship’s Wheel, Telescope, Megaphone, or Binoculars)
Shown with premium white vinyl, black railings and brackets, and pink slide.
These new standard swing set models are just 3 of the 28 standard packages available to choose from for your new play set! Every standard package is completely customizable… choose the colors, change the slides, swap out the swings for another style, and more! You can also build your play set from scratch and choose every component to meet your needs.
