If there’s one thing we have a lot of, it’s wood.
So, Ryan has been working on using some of that barn wood (and other upcycled materials) to create some outdoor covered storage for firewood and other “stuff” that didn’t make the cut in the barn.
This wasn’t really top priority, but it’s nice to have it done before we start building our house this spring and all other projects go out the window. Now there’s a place for firewood and other junk important stuff.
It is such a huge improvement over the junkyard-chic aesthetic we had going on in the yard before. At least things have found a home now.
Ryan started by making the frame from barn wood and metal pallet racks that the past owners left behind. The metal pallet racks provide a super solid base once they were drilled into the wood frame.
The sides were finished with staggered barn boards (with spacing to let air through).
Ryan and my brother finished off the roof with metal roofing material.
In addition to firewood, the left side holds some old machinery. It would be ideal to have indoor storage for these, but this provides a little more security. And once we build, they may find a home inside the barn.
Next up, a similar structure (but smaller) for composting.
You may be asking, why would you wait until winter in Illinois to finish this?
The answer. We be crazy.
But seriously, projects simply get done when there’s time. Sort of like putting a roof on in December.
The snow can’t keep us down.
(Edit: The snow can’t keep Ryan and Kyle down. Henry and I were cozied up inside when all this was happening.)
You guys rock. But ya, I can’t believe you built that in winter. Amazed
I’m always just so impressed by how you just build stuff. Need a firewood shelter? Let’s build it. I’m inspired.
I agree!!! I wish I had that know-how!
We had almost an identical firewood storage like that at a camp I worked at one summer. I was a camp counselor, and it was the rainiest summer EVER. After 2 weeks of soaking wet wood we rallied around to figure out a solution. Seems like great minds think alike 🙂
Looks awesome. Great idea and awesome that you have such a good handyman to complete projects.
ah–it makes me happy to look at all the wood–cozy fires! We are not having an actual winter here, and it makes me sad 🙁
Great project! Just curious – have you started planning for your new house yet? I’m curious about the process of plans, etc, and didn’t know if you were going to share those things. Like how you’re choosing where on the land to put it, who’s drawing up the plans, etc. So thought I’d just ask – thanks!
This is a really good question – we have our plans designed and are working on getting quotes/vendors in order for starting it.
I really do mean to start posting about the process of building, but it’s a bit overwhelming and will take some time to get it together. But you’ve inspired me to start working on it.
ha! your edit is so me! yes- it got done while i was cozy inside under the guise of “taking care of the kids”.
Haha, yeah you guys are crazy to wait until winter but it’s awesome