Barn Roof Design

Posted on April 12, 2012 by MetalBarns

A factor to consider that many people overlook when they’re designing a metal barn for their property is the all-important barn roof. At Elephant Barns we offer three models of barns with three distinct barn roof styles. Each style has its advantages, and depending on what function and look you’re going for, each roof style could potentially be a great choice for you!

Above is an A-Frame Valley Barn Roof by Elephant Barns.

The A-frame barn roof is the standard roof style that comes paired with our Valley Barn models. It is very traditional, allowing rain, snow, and debris to easily slide off the sides of the roof rather than collecting. There is a point at the top of the roof

Our Ridgeline Barn model comes outfitted with our Angled style barn roof, which basically consists of an A-frame roof with two separate side-slanting lean-to roofs over each of the wings of the barn. If you’re looking for function, but a little something more than the standard A-Frame, the Angled roof is the choice for you.

The County Barn is built with our Rounded Corner roof style, which is a whimsical play on the classic barn roof. Aesthetically, it is a very stylized option and would be a good choice for those wanting a modern appearance for their barn roof.

No matter what barn roof style you choose, you’re sure to be happy with your Elephant Barns steel barn. It comes delivered to you and installed by a crew of professional installers for FREE! And, because they are made completely of galvanized steel, you’ll never have problems with rotting, warping, weakening or cracking like you might have had in the past with wooden barns. There are no downsides!

Make sure to run through our barn builder tool to learn more about barn and barn roof styles (and to see pictures and rendered images of each of the examples listed above!) and to get instant quotes on barns that you design yourself! If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at 855-CAR-PORT!

Steel Barn Placement

Posted on April 11, 2012 by MetalBarns

Picking a place to install your new steel barn is both tricky and incredibly important. You want to pick a spot that is convenient, but also surrounded by enough space so as not to dwarf your other buildings or make your land seem smaller than it is. Depending on the size and intended use of your new steel barn, you might even want to pave a driveway leading up to the space, especially if you’re going to park multiple vehicles, boats, golf carts or farming equipment inside. Because of the permanence of cement and paving, this makes choosing the right location even more crucial.

Picking an Installation Site for Your Steel Barn

First, decide what the primary use of your steel barn will be. If you’re focusing mainly on livestock, agricultural equipment or storage of industrial materials and accessories, you will want to place your barn far away from your home or place of business. This is both a noise-related courtesy to inhabitants and visitors as well as a safety issue, so you’re covering your bases by placing it at a distance. On the other hand, if you’re storing cars, over-sized children’s toys, a simple workshop, or a gardening area for a garden, it might make sense to install your steel barn close by, both for convenience and accessibility.

Next, you will want to make sure that the ground level of the land that you’ve chosen is level within 3 to four inches. Our installers will not be able to work with land that is any more uneven than that, so plan accordingly. You will want to make sure that there are no power lines or big trees taking up the air-space above where your steel barn will be located, as that could also potentially challenge the installation team’s ability to build your structure. Finally, make sure if you are going to lay a concrete pad down for your steel barn, make sure you do so before our crew comes to install your building, as they will not be able to work with wet concrete, and you will not be able to install the pad after the structure has been installed.

If you’re interested in purchasing a steel barn or other metal building, or if you’d like more information on picking and preparing installation sites, give us a call at 855-CAR-PORT. Our customer service reps can help answer any questions that you might have, and they can also help you place your order for a steel barn if you’re ready.

Metal Barn Frames Stand Up To It All!

Posted on April 9, 2012 by MetalBarns

Its spring time, and that means rain storms, wind, and a good old-fashioned beat down from the elements on to you barn. The question is: can your barn handle it? Traditional wooden barns rot, warp, and weaken over time, especially as they are susceptible to termite and water damage. But if not a wooden barn, then where should you turn?

The Strength of an Elephant Barns Metal Barn is Unmatched!

An Elephant metal barn is made of the highest quality 12 or 14 gauge (your choice!) steel available. Because our steel is galvanized, you won’t have to worry about your structure rotting, warping, or weakening and you will never have water damage or termite problems again! We have twelve great color options to choose from (and you can mix-and-match your trim, walls, roof, and end-panel colors!) and a host of other customization options like gables, auger anchors, garage doors, windows, and more!

An Elephant metal barn is great for anything from storing agricultural equipment to housing livestock and other animals. Best of all, when you order a metal barn from Elephant Barns, the delivery and installation is absolutely free! No more slaving over a kit from a big box store; our team of professional installers will arrive at your installation site ready to go, and in most cases, have your metal barn up within the same day!

If you’re ready to place an order for your new metal barn, give us a call. 855-CAR-PORT will put you in touch with a customer service representative that is more than happy to help you design, build, price, and purchase your new metal barn. If you’ve already tried out our barn builder tool and have a buildID of the building you’re hoping to buy, even better! Just let them know the number and the buying process will be expedited!

Outdoor Building Options

Posted on March 27, 2012 by MetalBarns

Although you’re currently reading the blog of a website that has a primary focus of steel barns, Elephant Structures has the ability to custom create all sorts of metal buildings for you. When you’re shopping for an outdoor building, sometimes the least important thing you should be looking for is the “name” of the building. Whether a company calls a structure a “barn” or a “garage” or a “shed” probably has little to do with the quality and size of the structure, or materials used to build it.

Build an Outdoor Building to Meet Your Needs.

Let’s say that you are in need of a “garage”. Perhaps one of the greatest disservices that you could do yourself is to ONLY research companies that advertise that they sell “garages”. There are hundreds of places to buy an outdoor building out there, but depending on the organization, they may not officially classify their buildings as “garages” (although you may argue that the structures they sell qualify as “garages” in your mind). Conversely, they may overgeneralize and call an outdoor building of theirs a “garage” when it is, in fact, a wooden shed that would not be ideal to store a car or other vehicle inside.

The best way to ensure that you get the sort of outdoor building that you’re looking for is to research everything. Google til you can’t Google anymore. Search each and every keyword that is important to you, and look at all the viable options that show up. If you want your building to be made of steel, don’t settle for something made of wood. If you’re interested in a certain gauge of steel or size of the outdoor building, don’t lower your standards just because the company classifies their buildings a certain way. Build the outdoor structure that best suits your needs, and forget all the hype.

To learn more about ordering an outdoor building from Elephant Structures, look over our website (or This one or This one!), then give us a call at 855-CAR-PORT. We’d love to answer your questions and place your order when you’re ready.

Metal Structure Sizing

Posted on March 26, 2012 by MetalBarns

When you’re getting ready to order a metal structure, one of the most important things that you should do is size-out your desired building and prepare the site for installation. Because installation often occurs more quickly than we anticipate and quote you, it is important to have your site ready ahead of time so that the installers can get right to the installation when they arrive.

Metal Structure Sizing Can Make a Difference When It’s Installation Time!

Start by thinking about where you want to put your structure. How much space is available to you? Is this amount of space going to be adequate for what you’re looking to store in your metal structure? If the answer is yes, think about how tall you want to build your building. Are there trees that may need to be cut back or cleared away in order to create enough vertical space for the desired height of your metal structure?

Next, think about the ground that your structure will be installed on. Is it level within three to four inches? (You do want a not-crooked building, don’t you?) Are you okay with having your metal structure installed into the earth, or do you think it would be better to lay concrete slab down to install your structure into? If so, make sure this is done far in advance of your installation, as our installers cannot work around wet slab. If you do lay slab, make sure that it is the right size to suit your metal structure in order to avoid any installation snafus when the installers get there.

If you’ve properly sized and prepared your metal structure space and are ready to place an order, or if you’re ready to speak with a Metal Barns expert, give us a call at 855-CAR-PORT. Remember, if you have any questions, we’re here to help!

Pole Barn Problems

Posted on March 21, 2012 by MetalBarns

If you recall, a while back we wrote a blog on the definition of a pole barn and how a pole barn is different from our Elephant Barns (you can see that blog here). In case you’re not in the mood to follow the link, the blog basically states that a pole barn is usually made mostly of wood, is a permanent structure that can never be moved, and has the potential to rot, get termites, and not stand up to the same degree of weather that Elephant Barns are able to.

Pole Barn Problems are NOT Elephant Barn Problems!

Elephant Barns are made completely of galvanized steel and DO NOT get termites.

Because they’re made of steel, Elephant Barns DO NOT rot, warp, weaken, or split.

Elephant Barns are easy to change, customize, and change again. They are made-to-order structures that can be re-purposed if their original purpose ever no longer calls for their utilization.

Elephant Barns are movable! Unlike pole barn poles, which are stuck incredibly deep into the ground, Elephant Barn anchors are attached much closer to the surface and still provide just as much security against wind and other jarring forces.

If all these reasons aren’t enough to ditch your pole barn plans and go with an Elephant Barn, know that Elephant Barns offers free delivery and installation with every single purchase made. That means no truck rentals, trips to pick up your structure, or long hours labored in the hot sun to put your barn together. Our team of professionally trained installers will bring your barn to your property and install in your predetermined area; you don’t even have to be there if you don’t want to!

Give us a call at 855-CAr-PORT. After only a few minutes of talking to one of our incredibly KNOWLEDGEABLE, helpful metal shelters experts, you’ll be sold on the Elephant difference and ditch your plans for a pole barn (if you haven’t already!).

Prefab Steel Barn: What does it mean?

Posted on March 20, 2012 by MetalBarns

The term “prefabricated” or “prefab” can be a confusing one. Often, people associate the phrase “prefab steel barn” with the sort of structures that you find in chain home improvement stores. This is sort of true, but there are different levels of prefabrication, and different reasons that a structure might be prefabbed. A prefab steel barn has an unfairly negative connotation, and we’re here to explain why.

Do I Have/Am I Receiving a Prefab Steel Barn?

Prefabricated, by definition, means “manufactured in standard sizes to be shipped and assembled elsewhere.” This directly applies to the sort of prefab steel barn that you might see in a home improvement chain store. Elephant Structures’ buildings are a little different. When you order a custom steel structure from Elephant Barns, Carport.com or Metal Shelters, it really is created especially for you. We manufacture each piece individually for your building, and then we pack them together for our installation team to deliver to you and install for you at your location. By this alone, our structures are determined to be “prefab” (i.e. “to be shipped and assembled elsewhere”). Think about it though; would you really want your barn to be assembled elsewhere and *then* transported to you? It seems like there would be a lot of unknowns in-transit and things could happen to your structure without anyone knowing about it until it was dropped off. It seems as though a prefab steel barn is the more acceptable choice for home and business installations.

If you would like to learn more about purchasing an Elephant Barns’ highly customizable prefab steel barn, give us a call at 855-CAR-PORT. One of our metal shelters experts will field your call and answer any questions that you might have about prefabrication, our manufacturing and installation processes, or anything else.

Horse Barn Options

Posted on March 19, 2012 by MetalBarns

A horse barn has a pretty obvious function: shelter horses, horse food, or other horse accessories. For such a self-explanatory building title, you’d think that the building itself would be pretty self-explanatory too, right? Wrong. A horse barn is an important structure for any horse owner and should be built to custom specifications, every time. There are a host of options that may be chosen depending on the amount of storage space/animal living space/open space that is desired, and it is really up to you, as the future horse barn owner, to do a needs-assessment to figure out what it is you really want.

Make Your Horse Barn Your Own

How many stalls are you going to need? What sorts of doors or frame-outs (door shapes cut into the wall with no physical moving door) are you interested in getting? Are you going to want windows, a different roof-style, auger anchors, or extras like that? Do you need space for a utility closet, or are you going to store your horse gear out in the open space of your horse barn? Be sure to find out if you need a permit to build in your area, because you will need to purchase a certified structure if that is the case.

We offer a choice of 12 mix-and-match colors for you to choose for your horse barn. Don’t be afraid to customize to your liking! We have had all sorts of combinations of colors; customers have chosen red, white and blue barns in a tribute to America, the colors of their favorite sports teams, or colors that go well with the landscape in their area.

If you need help choosing horse barn options, or if you’re ready to receive your free quote on a personalized steel structure, give us a call at 855-CAR-PORT. We’re excited to help you build the newest addition to your property!

Metal Garage Organization

Posted on March 16, 2012 by MetalBarns

Having a metal garage can get overwhelming if you’re not the best at organizing. What once started as a well-intentioned creation of space to park your car can easily become an overflowing area, filled to the top with boxes, tools, and last month’s garage sale leftovers.

Get Your Metal Garage Organized!

Start by emptying your steel garage out completely. This may seem like you’re making even more of a mess, but this way you can see exactly what you have and can determine what belongs in your garage and what does not. Make a list of things that you want to store there (i.e. car, tools, lawnmower) and stick to it! Anything that does not belong needs to find another home ASAP. You should also consider donating things that you don’t need or use anymore (chances are if you’re just stuffing it into your metal garage, it’s probably not top of your “important things” list…).

Before you put anything back into your metal garage, decide if there are any organizational fixtures that you might want to install (a pegboard for tools and small garage accessories, a workbench with drawers and work space, etc). Sometimes just having the tools for organization is enough to get someone excited about keeping their space neat.

Finally, go ahead and put everything back into its place in your metal garage. If everything still doesn’t have a place, or if you are still feeling as though your space is over-crowded, repeat this process. Consider putting things in other places (attics, sheds, utility closets, etc.) Stick to your list of things that will and won’t go in the garage, and you should be enjoying your clutter-free find-it-when-you-need-it space in no time.

If you don’t have a metal garage yet, give the metal shelters experts at Elephant Structures a call! A toll-free call to 855-CAR-PORT will get you a professional, informative conversation and quote on the metal garage or other steel structure of your dreams!

Barn Shed – Perfect For Overflow Storage

Posted on March 15, 2012 by MetalBarns

Need More Barn Space? Try a Barn Shed!

If your barn has been around for awhile, you might be noticing that you’re running out of (or already ran out of!) storage space! In every building, space is limited, that’s just how it is. So what can you do when you’re in need of more space and not willing to put up a whole new barn? Get a barn shed!

Elephant Barn Sheds can be customized to match you existing barn(s) and are durable enough to handle just about anything you want to put them through! With 12 different colors to choose from, 3 different barn styles, and all kinds of customization options (windows, doors, gables, you name it!) you can get your barn shed looking exactly like you want it, all hassle free! Check out our buildID system and play around, seeing just how much barn you can get for your buck! With buildID, you can customize all you want and then save your buildID number to come back to later! Just type it in again when you want to return to the page, or give it to one of our Metal Barn Experts when you call in to purchase or discuss a barn shed order and we’ll be able to pull it up instantly!

The great thing about a barn shed is that it can be re-purposed later on if you ever decide you don’t need the extra barn storage space! We’ve had customers use barn sheds for potting sheds, a home for their rabbit enclosures, a tack area for their horses, fruit and vegetable canning area, and more! The possibilities for your barn shed really are endless!

Explore the idea of a barn shed a little bit, see if it is the right choice for you. When you’re ready, give Elephant Structures a call. We’re here for you, and we’re ready to help you choose the right barn shed for your unique space and situation!

Build a Barn with Elephant Barns!

Posted on March 14, 2012 by MetalBarns

Build a Barn with Elephant Barns!

If you’ve been working on farms or around barns for a long time, you’ll understand that a lot of work goes into the choice to build a barn. Not only do you have to make key decisions like what building materials to use, but you also have to design the floor plan, decide what is going to go where inside the barn, and then you have to gather the people and supplies to actually build a barn!

With Elephant Barns, we make the process of building a barn simple. We start off by giving you the most quality barn for your buck. Using our buildID system, you can get a quote (instantly!) on how much it’s going to cost to build a barn on your property. All you have to do is save your buildID number, and then you’re ready to order. Elephant Structures offers you free delivery and installation on any barn or other building purchased through us, so you don’t have to worry about gathering the team or supplies to get it standing. Heck, you don’t even have to be HOME! All you have to do is mark the space where your barn is to be built, and voila. Its there when you get home. It really *is* that simple. Of course you’re more than welcome to oversee the building process, and if you’d rather build a barn yourself, we have a steel barn kit option available!

Call us at 855-CAR-PORT, or shoot us an email at info@elephantbarns.com to learn more about how you can build a barn with Elephant Barns. Make sure you check out our patented buildID system if you’re more hands on; you can build a barn and price it out instantly! A free, instant quote could be just what you need to kick-start your barn building process!

Pole Barn – What is it, exactly?

Posted on March 13, 2012 by MetalBarns

Pole barn is a tricky term. Lots of times people *think* they know what a pole barn is, or perhaps someone told them that their barn was a pole barn, but in reality it could be something totally different. Here at Elephant Barns, we have people call in all the times asking if we can sell them a pole barn, but really what they’re looking for is something sturdy, long-term, and made of our high quality steel.

So, what is a Pole Barn?

A pole barn (also called post-frame construction) is a low-rise barn that has a wooden framework supported by wooden “poles” set six to eight feet deep in the ground. The roof is supported by similar poles, set off with an exterior that is generally made from shingles or high-gauge (thin) steel. Sometimes these barns are anchored to the ground by concrete slab, but they do not have to be as no foundation is required with its roots buried deep in the ground. Other optional features include a finished floor, walls, and the choice between wooden and high gauge thin metal siding.

A pole barn is not the choice for someone that wishes to ever be able to move their barn. Even though there is no foundation on a pole barn, the poles are anchored so deep in the ground that it is impossible to move without deconstructing a great portion of the barn. A pole barn is not entirely weather-proof. As these barns are made from wood, they are subject to extreme weathering, rotting, termites, splitting, bowing, and a host of other issues that are unique to wooden structures. Even if the wood is treated, it will still need to be replaced and worked on frequently to keep the barn at its optimal functionality.

And what are the metal barns at Elephant Barns like?

Elephant Barns offers a wide range of completely customizable metal barns for a variety of purposes. Our barns can be anchored to the ground using auger anchors, which are incredibly sturdy, but can still be removed without deconstruction of the building if a need to move the building arises. Our barns are made 100% of 12 or 14 gauge galvanized steel, providing our customers with a completely weatherproof, sun-damage proof barn that can stand up to the elements like a champion. Because they are made of steel, Elephant Barns are impervious to termites, rotting, warping, splitting, and other common issues that you may find in wooden structures.

If you’re still confused about the definition of a pole barn and would like to talk to someone that could explain it to you over the phone, give us a toll-free call at 855-CAR-PORT. One of our knowledgeable Metal Shelters Experts will field your call and would be glad to talk to you more about pole barns, horse barns, or any other barn or metal structure.

Barn Kit Assembly – Great for the DIYer

Posted on March 12, 2012 by MetalBarns

Barn kit packages are a great option for individuals that are interested in purchasing a quality steel barn, but also have the drive and desire to assemble it themselves. We get it, there’s nothing like a job well done. Lots of people have properties where they’ve built every building out there, and that’s a source of pride for them. A barn kit offers the best of both worlds, ensuring that the materials you’re buying are of the highest quality, but also allowing you the freedom to put it together yourself (or not! Our kits are sold with free delivery and installation if you want it!).

Buy a barn kit from Elephant Barns!

There are all kinds of things that you can do with an Elephant Structures metal barn kit. From grain storage to livestock, from farm equipment to leisure space, an Elephant Barn is as versatile as it is strong. We have certified 12-gauge steel options, which are ultra durable and ready to stand up to wind rating or snow load requirements. With our assortment of 12 colors to mix and match, you’re sure to find a color or combination that works well for you!

If you’re considering buying a barn kit to install yourself, remember that there is a reason they’re sold with delivery and installation! All the screws, bolts, and tiny accessories do not always come with the kits, they are something that the installers usually have on hand to aid in the barn’s construction. You will need all your own tools, and you will need the know-how to get it standing on your own! If you still feel like a barn kit is the right option for you, that’s great! We sell every no-install barn kit at a discount of 5% from our normal barns since we do not have to send our installation crew out to you.

If you think a barn kit might be right for you, or if you’re interested in hearing more about some of our other great barns (which are always sold with a free delivery and installation option!), give us a call at 855-CAR-PORT.

Barn Roof Selection: A How-To Guide

Posted on March 8, 2012 by MetalBarns

Barn roof selection may seem like a small and potentially thoughtless process, but that really shouldn’t be the case! A barn roof serves a very important purpose, in that it is the primary shield between the elements and the contents of your barn or other steel building.

The picture above features a vertical barn roof by Elephant Barns.

Elephant Structures and Elephant Barns offer three distinctively different barn roof styles to meet the needs and specifications of our customers.

Regular Roof: Our regular barn roof features horizontal panels which run from front to back. Because this roof style does not have very construction, it is our most affordable choice. As an aside, we recommend that buildings longer than 36 feet upgrade to a vertical roof for increased durability.

Boxed-Eave/A-Frame Roof: The A-Frame style barn roof consists of horizontal panels that run from front-to-back as well as a boxed-eave trim which covers the interior eave-side of the truss for a finished look. This gives your metal barn sharper angles and a more aesthetically pleasing look.

Vertical Roof: The vertical barn roof is similar to the A-Frame style roof, but the vertical roof is our premium offering. The vertical option includes additional framing for added strength and durability. The roof panels are vertically oriented and run from the ridge cap (or peak) down to the eave-side. This is the best roof option that we offer as it allows snow, water, leaves, and other debris to easily run off of your building. The vertical roof is recommended on all metal barns that have excessive snow load requirements and especially on buildings over 36’ long.

For more information on barn roof selection, the types of roofs listed, or other barn features, give one of our metal shelters experts a call at 855-CAR-PORT. We’d be happy to talk you through all your options or place your order for you if you’re ready!

Horse Barns CAN be Low Maintenance!

Posted on March 6, 2012 by MetalBarns

Horse barns don’t have to cost an arm and a leg! Traditional wooden horse barns are made completely of wood, making them susceptible to rot, splintering, extreme sun damage, and weakening over time. Wood is incredibly expensive and time-consuming to maintain; why would you choose to subject yourself to that? Choose a steel horse barn instead!

Metal Horse Barns are a Great Wood Alternative!

At Elephant Barns, all of our horse barns are made of 100% galvanized steel. This means you are ensured a rust-free, rot-free structure with an incredibly lengthy life span (don’t be surprised if you find yourself passing your horse barn along to your grandchildren someday!). A simple spray of the hose will clean your barn easily, as our barns do not trap dirt and stains the way that wood often does.

Our horse barns are able to be completely customized to meet your needs. Whether you want to store just your horses, your horses and other livestock, grain and supplies, or whatever else, there is a barn for you! Length, width, height, sides, windows, doors (both walk-in and garage-style!), roof, anchors, etc; the customization options are endless! We have a variety of 12 colors to choose from and you can mix and match the trim and walls to match the specific look that you’re going for. Whatever your barn needs and wants may be, Elephant Structures can help!

If you are in the market for a new barn and aren’t sure where to turn, get the most barn for your buck; order your horse barns from Elephant Barns today!

If you’d like to learn more about the advantages that steel horse barns have over wood ones, you can visit our steel facts site. You can also call 855-CAR-PORT to speak toll-free with one of our metal structures experts!

Affordable Metal Buildings

Posted on March 2, 2012 by MetalBarns

Money talks — affordable is king.

We totally get it – an affordable price plays a big part in choosing a carport, garage, barn, or metal building for your home or business. That is why our goal is to help you understand what you’re paying for, and why our prices (when paired with our quality) are the best around. Take a moment and read through our websites (Elephant Barns, Metal Shelters, and Carport.com) as well as our other blogs (Carport.com blog, Metal Shelters blog) and learn about the Elephant difference! We’re sure you’ll be excited and encouraged by what you find.

We realize that our customers have a need and desire to know the price of their barn or other metal building up front. Personally, we’re not fans of forms that demand all your information right away (who really needs more spam in their inbox anyway?!). We created our patented buildID system to help you determine the price of your affordable structure BEFORE you buy, or even give us your information. The buildID system is available for use on each of our sites, and allows you to build, customize and price your ideal structure. You can even jot down the buildID number that the system gives you so you don’t have to build it over and over again. It is a great reference when you’re discussing an order with one of our affordable metal shelters experts over the phone or email. Knowledge is power, and we want you to be well armed!

Our parent company Elephant Structures is committed to bringing you the most quality, affordable (and we actually mean affordable!) metal buildings possible.

If you’d like more information on our affordable metal structures, pricing, building options or other subjects, feel free to call us at 855-CAR-PORT — our metal shelters experts are just a phone call away!

Storage Building Solution

Posted on February 29, 2012 by MetalBarns

Everyone could use more space to put their “stuff”. Whether your method is packing your closet, stuffing your attic, or stacking in your garage, chances are that there is a place in your home that holds more “stuff” than it is intended to. Renting a storage unit can be costly in the long run, and it physically separates you from your belongings. How can you keep your belongings close and your money closer?

Consider an Elephant Structures storage building!

Installing a steel storage building on your property is a long-term investment that will pay for itself over time. Aside from the obvious increase to your property value, a metal storage building will provide value through an out-of-the-way storage space that can change functions at the drop of a hat. Need a place to put your extra car during a hail storm? A place to work on your children’s science project without the worry of making a mess? A place to can your veggies, pot your plants, hide holiday gifts, or train the dog? A storage building can provide space of all these functions and more, leaving you with a valuable space that changes functions based on your needs.

A storage building can take the burden off of your closets and garage, allowing you more space to park your car, store more sensitive items indoors, or just feel as though your home is more open and less cluttered. A storage building is a wonderful option for families, individuals involved in agricultural activities, or even the person who just has too much stuff. Whatever your needs, Elephant Structures has a carport, barn, garage, or other steel shelter or storage building that can serve you well.

If you know what you’re looking for in a storage building, or even if you’ve got an idea and still need to flesh it out, give one of our metal building experts a toll-free call at 855-CAR-PORT. They’d be more than happy to talk you through the buying process, the options available to you, and ultimately place your order for you, if and when you’re ready.

Barn Feature Selection

Posted on February 27, 2012 by MetalBarns

One of the great things about ordering a barn from Elephant Structures is the amount of customization that is available to you during the buying process. Not only do we have pre-designed options available for each of our three barn styles (County, Ridgeline, and Valley), but we also allow you to stray from those pre-made options and pick out those little details that are necessary to meet your exact needs. When you’re shopping around for barns, make sure to ask if these customization options are available and at what price.

Colors

Ridgeline Horse Barn

Whether you’re interested in matching your barn to your home, an existing structure (like a carport or garage), or just looking to brighten up your property, our range of 12 colors can suit most any need. You also have the option of choosing different colors for roof, trim, and walls, so the possibilities for color-customization are vast.

Size

The size of your barn is one of the most important customization options in the buying process. You have a certain amount of space available for your barn, and you probably have specific things that have to fit inside your barn, so measurements are crucial. Width, length and height are all able to be customized to fit your needs, so be sure to have those figures (or approximations) in mind when you’re placing your order or speaking with one of our representatives.

Walls

Are you looking to have an open or closed structure? Using our barn builder, your wall options and placements are completely up to you. We offer full walls, half-walls or no walls, as well as the ability to mix and match. We also offer a choice of vertical or horizontal siding orientation, so be sure to think about what would look or function best in your situation.

Other Options

There are lots of other options available to you as well. Are you interested in windows? If so, how many would you like? We have the ability to install walk-in doors, garage doors (both manual and electric) as well as frame-outs if you’re more interested in an open-air barn. Do you need a permit for your structure? If so, we have the option of upgrading to a 12-gauge certified structure (our barns typically come standard with a 14-gauge frame). We also recommend having auger anchors installed if you are installing your barn on dirt, ground or gravel, but the choice is up to you!

Whatever you’re looking for, Elephant Structures has a steel building option to meet your need. All of our structures come with free delivery and installation, although we do have a self-installation option available. You can get started building your barn, or you can give us a toll-free call at 855-CAR-PORT if you’d prefer to speak directly with one of our metal building experts. We’re happy to help you design your ideal barn or other steel structure in any way we can!

Barns and Farms

Posted on January 23, 2012 by ElephantBarns

In 2012 Elephant Structures is looking forward to providing landowner’s with even more solutions for their building needs. Check out www.ElephantBarns.com for metal barns, www.metalshelters.com for commercial metal buildings, and www.carport.com for metal carports, metal garages, metal covers, and metal shelters. Getting a quote is easy… simply fill out a custom quote request form or use Elephant’s BuildID system to get a quote in real-time online for your custom metal structure.

And, all prices include free installation and free delivery. If you want to save even more money, use the kit option and we’ll deliver the building to your lot for you to self-install.

Give our barns sales department a call at (855) CAR-PORT or (336) 793-8337.

An Elephant Structure is an affordable solution for a steel barn, metal barn, and farm barn to store your most prized possessions including your cars, trucks, farm tractors, boats, RVs, and equipment. Elephant Barns has open and fully-enclosed structures available.

Keep Your Barn Free of Unwanted Pests

Posted on January 20, 2012 by ElephantBarns

So often we talk about reasons to get a barn or specific purposes that a barn could serve, but what if you already own a barn? Because they are outdoor structures, many people often assume there will be various bugs, mice, and other pests inhabiting their barns. This does not have to be the case!

One obvious solution would be to get a barn cat. Cats are born hunters, and the more feral the cat, the more stealthy and effective its hunting will be. Most animal shelters will give feral cats away to barn owners for free (check with your local shelter for area-specific policies), so this is certainly a cost-effective way to keep the pests out.

If you have an open-air barn, or a barn where the doors are consistently left open, consider using mothballs as a pest preventive. Mothballs deter more than just moths! They will keep bugs of all types out of your barn, and they work on mice, rats and other small pests as well! Warning: do not use them in a constantly enclosed barn as the fumes from the mothballs can cause sickness and lingering odors are incredibly unpleasant.

If you don’t already own a barn, what are you waiting for?! Give one of our metal structures experts a toll-free call at (855) CAR-PORT and they’ll be happy to help you design a custom barn to meet your specific needs!

Barns = BIG Toy Boxes for BIG Toys!

Posted on January 20, 2012 by ElephantBarns

When you think of the word “barn,” you probably think of a farm, maybe horses or hay. Barns have evolved over time from the old Amish-style wood buildings and now have functions far beyond the stereotypical “Old McDonald” train of thought (think recreation rather than work!).

Big person toys need big person toy boxes! Whether you have a boat that you bring ashore for the winter, a snowmobile that needs a home for the summer, a four-wheeler that needs shelter from the elements, or a golf cart that you want to keep safe and dry, a barn is the perfect solution to your storage needs. Customizable barn doors (or a purposeful lack-thereof) make it easy to address specific requirements – manual vs. electric, walk-in door vs. garage door, from 6×7 all the way up to 10×10.

A good barn can provide you with the peace of mind that your vehicles are safe, protected, and available when you need them! Installing a *customized* barn gives you the added benefit of being able to cater to every preference or need that you may have.

Elephant Barns are installed in all 48 continental United States, and all purchases come with free delivery and installation. Consider giving an Elephant Barns metal building expert a toll-free call at (855) CAR-PORT to get a quote on the perfect barn that’s made just for you. You can also head over to our builder page to design and receive a custom quote online instantly– no forms to fill out, unless you want to!

Hibernating Your Boat for the Winter

Posted on January 13, 2012 by ElephantBarns

If you own a boat, you’re well aware of the decisions that await you at the end of every boating season. Do I leave my boat in the water, or do I bring it ashore to store it until next year? Leaving your boat in the water presents its own set of problems (possibility of sinking, being vandalized, water damage, etc.) and is not a viable option in colder climates. If you do choose to pull your boat out of the water, where will you store it? Shrink wrapping your boat in the marina means that you won’t be able to work on your boat in the off-season. Hauling your vessel into your backyard with a fitted cover means that it will still be exposed to the elements (wind, snow, animals, falling branches or trees). So what’s a boater to do?

Elephant Structures installs customized metal shelters, garages, carports, barns, and other metal structures in 48 states nationwide. Imagine being able to keep your boat close to home and having the peace of mind that it is safe and protected until next season. You could work on your boat whenever you liked, and with a myriad of customization options, you could have your storage shelter look EXACTLY how you want it!

Consider giving an Elephant Structures metal shelter expert a call at (855) CAR-PORT and discussing your options. Or if you’d prefer to do a little more independent research, go online to metalshelters.com to build your structure and receive a quote instantly (and we actually mean instantly, you don’t have to fill out a form unless you want to!). There is a metal structure available for most any need!

If you own a boat, you’re well aware of the decisions that await you at the end of every boating season. Do I leave my boat in the water, or do I bring it ashore to store it until next year? Leaving your boat in the water presents its own set of problems (possibility of sinking, being vandalized, water damage, etc.) and is not a viable option in colder climates. If you do choose to pull your boat out of the water, where will you store it? Shrink wrapping your boat in the marina means that you won’t be able to work on your boat in the off-season. Hauling your vessel into your backyard with a fitted cover means that it will still be exposed to the elements (wind, snow, animals, falling branches or trees). So what’s a boater to do?

Consider giving an Elephant Structures metal shelter expert a call at (855) CAR-PORT and discussing your options. Or if you’d prefer to do a little more independent research, go online to metalshelters.com to build your structure and receive a quote instantly (and we actually mean instantly, you don’t have to fill out a form unless you want to!). There is a metal structure available for most any need!

From Bikes to Hogs, Barns Are Great Storage Solutions

Posted on January 11, 2012 by ElephantBarns

Whether you are going through a mid-life crisis or just love the gas mileage of your motorcycle, it’s important to protect your bike from seasonal weather conditions including hail, rain, snow, strong winds, and damaging sun rays. As you already know, there is nothing like riding a bike on a crisp day in the Fall as the leaves are changing colors. And, if you are anything like me, there is nothing like stopping at your favorite restaurant to grab a bite to eat and sitting there looking out the window admiring your motorcycle and the miles you are about to ride. Of course, if the paint is damaged or small chips are visible because you failed to protect it during those storms, then the view and experience of riding isn’t as nice.

Consider a structure by Elephant Barns as a viable option to shelter your prized vehicle.

Learn more about barns, metal buildings, covers and how affordable they are. From under $1,000 for a metal carport cover to a large fully-enclosed metal barn, Elephant Structures can provide you with an real-time quote online or over the phone. The Elephant Barns sales team is no pressure and they will be happy to help answer all of your questions. Visit Elephant Structures at www.elephantstructures.com. Make sure to use Elephant’s BuildID system, the easy way to design a metal building online with instant pricing including free delivery and free installation. Use the BuildID system at www.carport.com, www.metalshelters.com, or www.elephantbarns.com. Barns, or other metal buildings are a wonderful investment and can maintain the value of your other investments, like motorcycles, antique and classic cars and trucks, and farm equipment.

Of course, a metal structure is not limited to vehicles. Metal and steel barns are ideal to use as farm and horse barns (to store the other kind of hogs), picnic shelters, as a workshop, for extra storage, or even for a business building.

Call Elephant Barns at (855) 227-7678 for more information.

Red Barn, White Barn or Blue Barn?

Posted on January 9, 2012 by ElephantBarns

The All-American Barn is a great addition to any farm or large property. For some, an American barn is red, for others it is white, and others it is blue.

However, what if you could have all three colors on your metal barn?

Well now you can.

With Elephant Structures at ElephantBarns.com, you can use the online BuildID system to design your own combination of colors on your metal building. Choose a blue roof, red sides, and white trim. Or, choose a red roof, blue sides, and a white trim. Or, choose a blue roof, white sides, and blue trim. There are 27 different color combinations available for the All-American Barn. Of course, if you don’t like those colors, there are 10 more to choose from including brown, clay, tan, beige, gray, dark gray, black, green, burgundy, and galvalume (silver). So if you are in the market for a metal building for a horse barn, an agricultural barn, a farm barn, or just a large building to store stuff, visit www.elephantbarns.com for an instant quote online.

If you have any questions or would like to place a barn order over the phone, simply give us a call at (855) 227-7678. Thanks for considering Elephant Structures for all of your metal building needs.

Steel Frames: 14 Gauge vs. 12 Gauge

Posted on January 7, 2012 by ElephantBarns

Elephant Structures offers customers the standard 14 gauge galvanized steel frame and an optional 12 gauge upgrade, which is approximately 30% thicker steel, on all metal carports, metal garages, metal barns, and metal buildings sold from Carport.com, MetalShelters.com, and ElephantBarns.com. The standard (14 ga) steel frame has an exterior dimension of 2.5″ x 2.5″. The 12 gauge steel frame has an exterior dimension of 2.25″ x 2.25″. Despite the smaller square tubing, the 12 ga is heavier in weight.

Give a steel barns sales representative a call to learn more about the differences. Elephant may be reached at (855) 227-7678 or via email at questions@elephantstructures.com.

Prefabricated Metal Barns, Carports, Shelters, & Garages

Posted on January 4, 2012 by ElephantBarns

Elephant Structures sells prefabricated metal barns, prefabricated metal carports, prefabricated metal shelters, and prefabricated metal garages in 48 states and has significant experience dealing with government and military sales.

For quick quotes and real-time pricing, visit www.carport.com, www.metalshelters.com, or www.elephantbarns.com. Real-time pricing is available using Elephant’s BuildID™ system, a revolutionary online tool to build and price metal buildings online.

If you would like to speak to a sales representative, please contact us at (336) 793-8337 or toll-free at (855) 227-7678. Of course, if you prefer email communication, please send your information to quotes@elephantstructures.com. A prefab metal structure is economical, virtually maintenance-free, provides for a quick installation, and looks terrific. In addition to free delivery, Elephant Structures offers free installation or a discount on self-installation metal building kits.

Farm Life: Make it Easy with a Metal Barn!

Posted on January 4, 2012 by ElephantBarns

Thousands and thousands of people a year achieve their goal in life to retire to their farm. Whether it is a 5 acre retreat or 10,000 acres of fields, the feeling is the same and the sense of ownership is unmatched. Waking up every morning to the sounds of roosters, pigs, cattle, and birds enjoying the sunrise is a dream come true. And while a farm is hard-work, it is also a lot of fun. That’s why it is so important to make sure that you have the right equipment and buildings to keep it that way. Think about your grandparent’s farm when a couple of times a year you worked on replacing wood planks and painting the exterior of the barn; it was frustrating work! Wouldn’t you have preferred to be riding the horses or sitting down with your grandmother on a porch overlooking the farm to enjoy a glass of lemonade or sweet tea?

Well, Elephant Structures wants to make sure that you can enjoy those extra moments with your grandkids. Elephant Structures sells durable, affordable, and attractive metal barns for your farm that are virtually maintenance-free. All barns have strong galvanized steel frames and metal panels with a baked enamel finish to eliminate the need of painting; a metal barn will have the same beautiful appearance for years to come. No need to worry about rotting wood often seen with traditional wood pole barns.

While a metal barn may not be traditional, it has a traditional appearance and options that allow you to customize the look and feel. From horse barns to farm equipment storage buildings, Elephant Structures has the farm buildings to meet your needs and budget. Choose from 12 colors for the roof, side panels and trim. Of course, if you would like traditional galvalume roofing, we have that too and at no additional charge.

Visit www.ElephantBarns.com for an instant-quote, in real-time, on the barn or metal building you are looking for. If you would prefer to speak to a sales associate, contact Elephant Structures at (336) 793-8337 or toll-free at (855) 227-7678.

For simple carports, check out Carport.com! Metal carports, metal garages, and steel barns are economical and look great on the farm too!

Price of a Carport?

Posted on December 30, 2011 by ElephantBarns

Over the past few years, a number of homeowners have set their sights on metal car ports to cover their cars, trucks, minivans, RVs, motorhomes, ATVs, lawn tractors, boats, farm equipment, hay, firewood, picnic table, patio, and so much more. A carport is economical, affordable, and looks great in your yard. Elephant Structures makes it easy to purchase car ports online at www.carport.com. Choose from 12 colors for the metal roof, metal sides, and metal trim. Choose free delivery and free installation or visit Elephant’s carport kit pricing at www.carport.com/kits/.

Call a sales representative toll-free at (855) CAR-PORT, that’s 855-227-7678. Or, ask for a carport quote via email at quotes@elephantstructures.com. Remember to include your zip code and any details about your structure (dimensions, roof style, siding).

Get your site ready for your new metal carport

Posted on December 28, 2011 by ElephantBarns

Want the highest quality installation of your new metal carport? Visit http://www.carport.com/installation-info/. Remember to (1) make sure that any electrical wires less than 15 feet above the intended height of the structure are moved out of the way for the safety of the installation crew, (2) verify that no underground utilities will be impacted by concrete, rebar pins, asphalt, or auger anchors, and (3) if you have an electrical outlet on the property, please let the crew know when they arrive. In some cases the crew may need access to electric for their power tools.

The installation of a basic metal carport may take as little as 1 hour. The installation of a fully-enclosed metal barn may take a day. If you have any questions, please give a customer service representative a call at Elephant Structures. You may contact Elephant Structures toll-free at (855) CAR PORT, that’s 855-227-7678 or 336-793-8337. You may get an instant-quote online at www.carport.com for carports and fully-enclosed garages.

If you are in the market for a steel barn, visit www.elephantbarns.com.

Affordable Clubhouses and Hunting Sheds

Posted on December 28, 2011 by ElephantBarns

Are you an avid hunter or fisherman and in need of a clubhouse or hunting shed? Maybe you are part of a gun club and need a new building to store supplies or to hold meetings? If any of this is true, you may want to consider purchasing an affordable metal or steel barn from Elephant Structures. The pricing is affordable, the buildings are durable, and purchasing has never been so easy. Simply visit www.elephantbarns.com and start customizing your building today. You will get an instant quote with free delivery and free installation included. Of course, if you prefer to install the structure yourself, the company offers a self-installation kit discount (but since it is free, why not let our seasoned professional crews install for you?). Choose from 12 different colors for the metal roof, metal sides, and metal trim. You can also choose from 3 different roof styles including the county horse barn (regular roof), the Ridgeline barn (traditional barn style a-frame boxed-eave roof), and the Valley barn (a-frame vertical roof). Choose from 32′ wide to 54′ wide and as long as needed to fit the space you want to work with. Elephant’s affordable metal buildings have roll-up garage door options (electric, in some areas), windows, walk-in doors, and frameouts.

Contact a sales representative today at (855) CAR-PORT, that’s 855-227-7678. If you want something more simple, Elephant Structures has affordable carport covers that are great for shooting ranges, and fully-enclosed garages for cars, trucks, supplies, and farm and lawn tractor storage. Actually, Elephant has buildings to meet the needs and budgets of most customers. Visit www.elephantstructures.com to learn more about the company and it’s various metal building options.

Your affordable metal building will last for years!

Canvas Shelters are Temporary Solution

Posted on December 27, 2011 by ElephantBarns

If you are considering a canvas shelter to use as a carport or cover to protect your vehicles, you may want to take a look at a metal carport. While a metal carport may be slightly more expensive today than its canvas counterpart, the benefits of metal will save you significant money for years to come. That’s because canvas shelters are temporary solutions. A canvas cover will show significant wear-and-tear in only a few weeks or months; whereas a metal carport is built to last. In most cases, a metal carport has a significantly stronger metal frame (a lower gauge is actually thicker steel) and the roofing material is metal with a baked enamel finish for brillant colors that won’t fade in the sun. A metal carport is built to meet or exceed engineered building requirements in every state. A metal carport is built to specific wind and snow load requirements. A metal carport is attractive and is installed by professional crews free of charge.

Why buy a canvas cover from the large box chains that won’t last?

It’s a great time to consider a metal structure from companies like Elephant Structures. Visit Elephant Structures at www.carport.com or www.elephantbarns.com for instant quotes and free delivery and free installation. Or, if you need some professional advice, give them a call at (855) CAR-PORT, that’s 855-227-7678. Toss the canvas to the curb today!

Get 5% off this week only at Elephant Structures at Carport.com

Posted on December 27, 2011 by ElephantBarns

There are only a few days left for holiday savings at Elephant Structures. Visit www.carport.com to take advantage of 5% off any size metal carport, metal cover, metal garage, or metal shelter over $1,200. Build your metal building online and get an instant price using Elephant’s BuildID system (what you see is what you get). Pricing includes free delivery and free installation on your level lot. If you want to talk to a person, simply give Elephant a call at (855) CARPORT, that’s 855-227-7678, or send an email to quotes@elephantstructures.com; you will need to provide your dimensions and zip code to get the most accurate pricing. Remember, metal carports last years, not months. An Elephant metal carport is maintenance-free, rust and rot resistant, attractive, and will provide years of enjoyment. This is an investment that will make your neighbors jealous.

Give Elephant Structures a call today and get 5% off your carport, garage, or other steel building. If you are looking for a metal barn, please visit www.elephantbarns.com.

Canvas Shelter: Worth the Cheap Price?

Posted on December 27, 2011 by ElephantBarns

Is a canvas shelter worth the cheap price? Not really! Logic would dictate that a canvas shelter could be a good solution for people on a budget looking for a simple carport cover to protect their cars and trucks. However, canvas shelters are typically made with a much lower gauge steel or aluminum frame and the canvas top is definitely subject to wear and tear. Canvas tops are not typically suitable for areas of the country subject to snow, wind, or heavy rains. The truth is there is a reason canvas tops are sold separately, they need to be replaced every year or two. That’s why a metal carport with a strong, durable, and dependable metal roof is worth the additional cost. Check out www.metalshelters.com for a great deal on a metal shelter that will last years, not months.

Elephant Structures Metal Barns, Garages, and Carports

Posted on December 26, 2011 by ElephantBarns

At Elephant Structures, we have a number of customer calls per day looking to “buy a metal building.” Well, there are a number of different building styles to meet the needs and expectations of every buyer. To start, let’s take a look at Elephant Structures’ Carport.com:

Carport.com offers metal structures online from 10′ wide to 30′ wide and up to 51′ long with a 12′ side leg height. Many customers purchase carports or metal covers and add 1/2 sides for added protection from the sun and various weather conditions throughout the United States. A metal carport may also be fully-enclosed and transformed into an attractive garage with walk-in doors, windows, and various roll-up garage door sizes. You may purchase up to a 10′ x 10′ garage door online; however, Elephant Structures offers many custom sizes or even frameouts if you wish to add your own garage door to match your existing home.

MetalShelters.com takes carport.com and expands its offering including up to 99′ long and 14′ side leg heights. In addition to purchasing carport covers, carports, metal garages, and steel sheds online, Elephant Structures accepts corporate purchase orders through this site. Many corporate buyers trust the open pricing and ability to place an order without jumping through hoops. If you are looking for covers to protect employees from the rain or snow, or need a building to store excess inventory and raw materials, Elephant has the building to meet your budget.

ElephantBarns.com focuses on agricultural buildings and offers metal barns that are virtually maintenance-free. A metal barn gives the appearance of a traditional horse barn but at a fraction of the cost. Check out Elephant Barns for a quick price quote. Elephant offers barns up to 54′ wide and 151′ long with 14′ side leg heights to fit large tractors and farm equipment.

In all cases, Elephant Structures has the ability to price, deliver, and install buildings up to 100′ clearspan and as long as your budget takes you. Elephant prides itself on providing customers with instant quotes and great customer service. If you have any questions or wish to talk to a sales representative to learn more, please give us a call at (855) CAR-PORT, (855) 227-7678, or (336) 793-8337.

The team at Elephant Structures looks forward to having you as a customer. ALL PRICES INCLUDE FREE DELIVERY AND FREE INSTALLATION OF YOUR METAL BUILDING.

Galvanized Metal: The Perfect Roof for your Barn

Posted on December 26, 2011 by ElephantBarns

If you are in the market to retrofit your existing barn with a galvanized metal roof, check out www.elephantbarns.com for a price on a new metal barn. Metal barns are virtually maintenance-free, rot resistant, come in a variety of color and custom size options, and look great on any property or farm. When you visit ElephantBarns.com, you can build exactly what you want with real-time pricing. If you would prefer a custom quote on a steel barn over the phone, give the experts a call at (855) 227-7678 or (336) 793-8337. Please note, galvanized metal must be ordered over the phone. Representatives are available most days starting at 9:00 am on weekdays and noon on weekends.

Galvanized metal is great for horse barns, for farm sheds, and equipment storage garages.

Installer? Work for Elephant Structures!

Posted on December 23, 2011 by ElephantBarns

As a growing company, Elephant Structures is constantly looking for good people to grow with us.

Are you currently an installer? Always hoped to become one? We are currently looking to add metal building, metal carport, metal barn, and metal shelter installers to our team across the US. If you are interested, please click here to learn more.

Thanks for your interest in becoming an Elephant Structures Installer!

Metal Barn Kits

Posted on December 23, 2011 by ElephantBarns

While Elephant Structures’ pricing includes free delivery and free installation, the company has a number of customers who would prefer to erect their own metal buildings, carports, covers, barns, shelters, and garages. For those customers Elephant Structures offers discounted metal building kit pricing. Simply select the metal barn kits option on the buildID system at www.elephantbarns.com or www.metalshelters.com and the price will immediately reflect the price change. The galvanized metal frame, metal roofing, metal sides and screws will be delivered directly to your installation address in one convenient drop-off. Metal Barn Kits are available in three different roof styles including regular, A-frame, and Vertical A-frame.

To learn more about purchasing metal barn kits, contact Elephant Structures toll-free at (855) 227-7678 or (336) 793-8337.

Metal Buildings in North Dakota (ND) & South Dakota (SD)

Posted on December 21, 2011 by ElephantBarns

Need a price on a metal structure in South Dakota? Looking for a price on a metal building in North Dakota?

Design your structure and get real-time pricing online at www.metalshelters.com for fully enclosed buildings or simple metal covers up to 30′ wide x 99′ long (2,970 square feet). If you are looking for a metal barn with multiple rooms or storage areas, visit www.elephantbarns.com; Elephant Barns offers buildings 54′ wide x 151′ long (8,154 square feet). If you need a larger building, simply call Elephant Structures directly at (855) 227-7678 or (336) 793-8337 or get a custom quote online at http://www.metalshelters.com/custom-metal-building-quote/.

If you need a building in North or South Dakota in a hurry, ask a representative about our FastTrack Installation Program only from Elephant Structures.

Farms Continue to Grow Across the US

Posted on December 20, 2011 by ElephantBarns

According to 2010 data, the number of farms across the United States grew from 2,167,000 to 2,201,000; however, the number of farmed acres and acreage per farm dropped from 945 million acres to 920 million acres and 436 acres to 418 acres, respectively. A couple of states including Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington showed the most growth in the number of operating farms while states like Nebraska, Tennessee, and Virginia saw a slight decline in farms. In terms of acreage, Wyoming had the largest drop in the number of acres farmed.

In terms of farm ownership, there has been a number of significant shifts in how farms are owned. Since 1978 the number of corporations that own farms has nearly doubled while cooperatives, trusts, estates, and institutional ownership has nearly quadrupled. The emergence of trusts can be attributed to State and Federal tax laws which have made the transfer of family assets and farms very difficult.

With more farms across the country, farmers and owners are continuing to look for innovations that help drive costs down to make them more competitive. One solution has been the emergence of metal barns and steel barns. Steel barns are an ideal, economical, and maintenance-free option that provide a similar appearance to traditional stick built barns but at a fraction of the price.

Metal barns come in a variety of colors, siding orientation, and roof style options. Elephant Structures, a national player in metal structures, currently markets three different barns including the County Barn (horse barn), the Ridgeline Barn (traditional barn), and the Valley Barn (seneca barn). Pricing includes free delivery and free installation on your farm. To learn more about Elephant Structures, check out www.elephantbarns.com and build & price a metal barn in less than 2 minutes.

If you prefer, check out Elephant Barns for your state:

You may reach Elephant Structures toll-free at (855) 227-7678 or via email at customerservice@elephantstructures.com.

Data compiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Agricultural Statistic Service, Farm Numbers and Land in Farms, Final Estimates, 1998-2002 and Farms, Land in Farms, and Livestock Operations 2010 Summary, February 2011.

Christmas Presents by Elephant Barns and Elephant Structures

Posted on December 15, 2011 by ElephantBarns

Elephant Structures has the perfect gift for the last-minute shopper… why not buy your family a metal structure to put in the backyard to protect a new car or truck you’re getting for Christmas or to store new sports equipment, new bikes, a new lawnmower, lawn furniture in the winter and Christmas decorations in the summer, a new pool generator, or anything else you want covered? Elephant Structures offers 12′ wide x 21′ long carports starting at $595*, 36′ wide x 21′ long horse barns starting at $2,530*, and 12′ wide x 21′ long all steel garages starting at $2,460* with a garage door. Prices shown are for Southern states. Pricing in your specific region may vary due to snow load and wind rating requirements.

It’s a great present that the whole family will enjoy. Give Elephant Structures a call and the experts will be happy to assist you with the various sizes, options, and colors. Representatives are standing-by at (855) CAR-PORT or (336) 793-8337. Or, if you would like, visit www.carport.com, www.elephantbarns.com, or www.metalshelters.com and get an instant quote using Elephant’s BuildID system.

Have a great holiday season… and enjoy your new toys! When you are ready for new space to store your Christmas or other holiday gifts, just give us a call. We’ll be happy to help!

Steel Barn vs. Metal Barn: What is the Difference?

Posted on December 15, 2011 by ElephantBarns

What’s the difference between a steel barn and a metal barn? Well, most people use the words interchangeably. Some buyers are looking for a steel metal barn, others a metal barn, and some just looking for a steel barn. According to Dictionary.com, the definition of “metal” is “… 4. an object made of metal. 5. formative material; stuff.” whereas the definition of “steel” is “… 2. a thing or things made of this metal.” Confused? Don’t worry! The truth is a steel barn and a metal barn are both the same when buying metal carports, metal garages, metal buildings, and metal barns. Or, if you prefer, the same when buying steel carports, steel garages, steel buildings, and steel barns.

The best bet when looking to buy a solid, durable, and long-lasting structure is to find a company that carries metal or steel buildings with 12 or 14 gauge galvanized metal frames for strength and to prevent rust. The legs should made of square tubing for proper support and better appearance. The roofing panels should be 26 to 29 gauge steel with a baked enamel finish to protect the color from fading from exposure to the sun and to support snow loads and wind ratings. While some canvas carport covers are acceptable, canvas tops will need to be replaced often due to tearing and fading; make sure to figure that into the cost of ownership.

You will find a steel structure to be the best and most economical choice.

So, as you continue to research steel, make sure to visit Elephant Structures, a terrific source of metal and steel covers, carports, garages, barns, and buildings. You may visit Elephant Structures at www.elephantstructures.com or visit their individual websites including www.carport.com, www.elephantbarns.com, and www.metalshelters.com.

Blue Metal Roof for a Carport, Garage or Barn.

Posted on December 10, 2011 by ElephantBarns

One of the most popular metal roof colors is blue. Whether the color is on a metal carport, a fully enclosed metal garage, or on a metal barn, blue metal has been a popular selection by metal building customers everywhere. Of course, a red roof or galvalume roof is very traditional for steel barns; however, people like to customize their structures to their individual tastes and preferences. The good thing is ElephantBarns.com and Carport.com gives customers the ability to build, price, and see exactly what they are getting. So you can try out the red roof, the blue roof, a brown roof, a black roof, or from a list of 12 premium colors to see your favorite design combination.

Want to build and price a blue metal building? Then visit the experts at Elephant Structures. Give them a call at 855-227-7678 or visit www.elephantbarns.com or www.carport.com to get an instant quote.

Do I Need Auger Anchors to Hold Down my Carport?

Posted on December 9, 2011 by ElephantBarns

Do I need auger anchors to hold down my carport? Well, that answer actually depends on the installation surface, whether a permit is required, and the type of soil. Auger anchors are not needed on concrete or cement installations; however, mobile home anchors, also referred to as mobile home anchors, are always recommended when metal carports, metal barns, or metal garages are installed over sandy soil conditions. If you have sandy soil and plan to have the metal structure installed on the ground or dirt, make sure to add auger anchors to your order.

Give Elephant Structures a call at (855) 227-7678 or (336) 793-8337. You can also visit www.elephantbarns.com or www.carport.com for more information on auger anchors and other common carport and barn questions.

What Makes a Good Potting Shed?

Posted on December 8, 2011 by ElephantBarns

A metal building is an affordable solution for a good potting shed. Here are just a few benefits of owning a metal shed verse traditional wood sheds:

Metal structures use maintenance-free materials including 26 or 29 gauge metal panels with a baked enamel finish and 12 or 14 gauge galvanized steel framing.
No need to worry about TERMITES with a metal building!
Installation is simple! Buy a kit or get free installation from Elephant Structures; quick installation time is less than a day. You’ll be able to use your new potting shed ASAP!
Metal sheds can be customized to your taste… there are 12 premium colors at no extra cost that may be mixed-and-matched. Choose a roof color, choose up to two side colors (ends and sides), and choose a trim color to complement your selections.
Pick your own size (width, length, height) to accommodate your potting needs. Sheds start at 80 square feet (8′ wide x 10′ long) and for commercial purposes may be purchased up to 100′ wide x 1,000′ long or more.

There are a lot of advantages buying metal vs. wood for your potting shed. Give a metal sheds expert a call at (855) 227-7678 or visit www.elephantstructures.com, www.carport.com, www.metalshelters.com, or www.elephantbarns.com. Elephant Structures can help you with your options to meet your individual budget.

Metal Structures Add Value to Your Bottom Line

Posted on December 8, 2011 by ElephantBarns

From a corporate perspective, now is a great time to purchase metal structures or a cover to use for inventory and equipment storage. And, if you have money to spend from your budget before the end of your fiscal quarter, give us a call and we will work with you to get your structure installed, on-time and on-budget. A lot of customers use metal covers for employee smoking area covers or to keep picnic tables out of the rain and snow. If you need large fully-enclosed metal structures, visit Elephant Structures MetalShelters.com website to get an instant quote for a metal building online. Quotes include free delivery and free installation; however, taxes are applicable unless a buyer is tax-exempt.

Prices vary by State due to engineering requirements and some localities require permits. For regions requiring permits, Elephant Structures requires that the buyer purchases a certified structure. Certified metal structures include additional bracing and engineered drawings that may be used to get your permit.

If you are interested in a simple carport, visit www.carport.com. If you want a steel barn, check out www.elephantbarns.com. For metal garages, shelters and other metal structures, visit www.metalshelters.com.

Ordering and Installing a Metal Barn

Posted on December 7, 2011 by ElephantBarns

Ordering a durable, maintenance-free, metal barn will not only save you money over a wooden barn due to lower upfront costs, but it will also save you time. A metal barn is constructed on your lot usually in only one-day as a result of the manufacturing and easy-to-assemble construction process. From a distance, it’s hard to tell the difference between wood and metal. However, overtime, the metal barn will continue to look great with minimal maintenance. And best of all, you never have to repaint! If you are considering a metal barn, fully enclosed metal garage, or a carport cover, please give Elephant Structures a call for a quick, over the phone, quote (855-CAR-PORT, 855-227-7678). Or visit www.elephantstructures.com to learn more about the company and it’s online tools to customize your structure.

Our other metal barn and building websites include www.carport.com, www.elephantbarns.com, or www.metalshelters.com.

Li’l Red Barn – Maintenance-free, affordable, & really good looking!

Posted on December 7, 2011 by ElephantBarns

The Little Red Barn from Elephant Structures at ElephantBarns.com is maintenance-free and rust resistant, fits most budgets, and has the look and feel of traditional stick built barns. A metal barn can add-value to your home. We hear a lot of customers say, “What is the cost of a metal barn?” or “I’ve been renting a storage unit and want to buy a metal building to save money.” Well, Elephant Structures can help you with your metal building needs. If you have space in your yard, adding a metal structure is simple. Our pricing includes free delivery and free installation to 48 states.

Give us a call for a hassle-free barn quote at (855) 227-7678 or email us at sales@elephantbarns.com.

Check out a snapshot of a map showing our metal building installations in the Southeast US in September 2011.

Barns for Gentleman’s Farm

Posted on December 6, 2011 by ElephantBarns

A lot of people put owning a Gentleman’s Farm on their bucket list. Well, if you already have a farm or are about to buy land to start a farm, you may want to learn more about metal barns from Elephant Structures. A metal barn provides the look and feel of traditional barns at a fraction of the cost of stick built construction. Elephant has three barn styles to choose from including the County Barn (Horse Barn), the Ridgeline Barn (Carolina Barn), and the Valley Barn (Seneca Barn). Elephant Barns are often used as horse stables, tack barns, agricultural barns, hay sheds, farm equipment storage, garage storage for cars, trucks, and antique vehicles, storage sheds, feed sheds, potting sheds, equipment sheds, workshops, and so much more. The affordability of a metal barn from ElephantBarns.com will allow you to put multiple barns up for multiple uses. And, a metal barn is almost 100% maintenance-free… no need to worry about termintes or rot! Elephant Barns have galvanized steel frames for strength and to prevent rust, baked enamel metal panels to prevent color fade, and are built to wind and snow-load requirements for your state. Get the peace of mind you deserve, buy an Elephant Structure at ElephantBarns.com.

When you use Elephant’s BuildID system, you can build all the barns you want online and get instant pricing. Of course, if you prefer to talk to a live person who can review the various options available, simply call the experts at Elephant Structures at (855) 227-7678.

Metal Structures: A BIG Family Gift for the Holiday!

Posted on December 4, 2011 by ElephantBarns

Non-traditional, yes. Unexpected, of course. The best Christmas gift for the family ever?… you betcha! What family wouldn’t want a little extra space to park cars, to use as a workshop, or to use for storing stuff. A metal barn from Elephant Structures provides you with a multipurpose building. Use one section as a potting shed for mom, another as a garage for dad, and a third to store the lawn mower for the kids. Okay, not too many kids like to help with yard work, so maybe use the third section to store sports equipment or even as an indoor basketball court. Elephant Structures is one of the most economical solutions for outbuildings, metal garages, steel barns, metal shelters, metal structures, or metal cover. Visit Elephant Structures at ElephantBarns.com or Carport.com to build and price a building online and in real-time.

If you want to speak to a human, give Elephant Structures a call at (855) 227-7678 to learn more about metal structures or discuss a possible order!

Steel Barns with 12 different color options

Posted on December 4, 2011 by ElephantBarns

When many people think about steel barns, the first color that comes to mind is red. However, at Elephant Structures, we want to provide our customers with as many options as possible. That’s why we offer 12 stock colors on our metal barns including blue, white, tan, beige, dark gray, gray, clay, green, burgundy, brown, black, and red. Our steel barns have sides and roofs that use 29 gauge baked enamel metal panels on top of our standard 14 gauge galvanized metal frames. A 12 gauge upgrade is available on the frame at a nominal cost.

Above is an A-Frame Valley Barn Roof by Elephant Barns.

Picking an Installation Site for Your Steel Barn

The Strength of an Elephant Barns Metal Barn is Unmatched!

Build an Outdoor Building to Meet Your Needs.

To learn more about ordering an outdoor building from Elephant Structures, look over our website (or This one or This one!), then give us a call at 855-CAR-PORT. We’d love to answer your questions and place your order when you’re ready.

Metal Structure Sizing Can Make a Difference When It’s Installation Time!

If you’ve properly sized and prepared your metal structure space and are ready to place an order, or if you’re ready to speak with a Metal Barns expert, give us a call at 855-CAR-PORT. Remember, if you have any questions, we’re here to help!

Pole Barn Problems are NOT Elephant Barn Problems!

Give us a call at 855-CAr-PORT. After only a few minutes of talking to one of our incredibly KNOWLEDGEABLE, helpful metal shelters experts, you’ll be sold on the Elephant difference and ditch your plans for a pole barn (if you haven’t already!).

Do I Have/Am I Receiving a Prefab Steel Barn?

Make Your Horse Barn Your Own

If you need help choosing horse barn options, or if you’re ready to receive your free quote on a personalized steel structure, give us a call at 855-CAR-PORT. We’re excited to help you build the newest addition to your property!

Get Your Metal Garage Organized!

If you don’t have a metal garage yet, give the metal shelters experts at Elephant Structures a call! A toll-free call to 855-CAR-PORT will get you a professional, informative conversation and quote on the metal garage or other steel structure of your dreams!

Need More Barn Space? Try a Barn Shed!

Explore the idea of a barn shed a little bit, see if it is the right choice for you. When you’re ready, give Elephant Structures a call. We’re here for you, and we’re ready to help you choose the right barn shed for your unique space and situation!

Build a Barn with Elephant Barns!

So, what is a Pole Barn?

And what are the metal barns at Elephant Barns like?

Buy a barn kit from Elephant Barns!

If you think a barn kit might be right for you, or if you’re interested in hearing more about some of our other great barns (which are always sold with a free delivery and installation option!), give us a call at 855-CAR-PORT.

The picture above features a vertical barn roof by Elephant Barns.

For more information on barn roof selection, the types of roofs listed, or other barn features, give one of our metal shelters experts a call at 855-CAR-PORT. We’d be happy to talk you through all your options or place your order for you if you’re ready!

Metal Horse Barns are a Great Wood Alternative!

If you’d like to learn more about the advantages that steel horse barns have over wood ones, you can visit our steel facts site. You can also call 855-CAR-PORT to speak toll-free with one of our metal structures experts!

Money talks — affordable is king.

If you’d like more information on our affordable metal structures, pricing, building options or other subjects, feel free to call us at 855-CAR-PORT — our metal shelters experts are just a phone call away!

Consider an Elephant Structures storage building!

Give our barns sales department a call at (855) CAR-PORT or (336) 793-8337.

If you *don’t* already own a barn, what are you waiting for?! Give one of our metal structures experts a toll-free call at (855) CAR-PORT and they’ll be happy to help you design a custom barn to meet your specific needs!

Consider a structure by Elephant Barns as a viable option to shelter your prized vehicle.

Call Elephant Barns at (855) 227-7678 for more information.

However, what if you could have all three colors on your metal barn?

If you have any questions or would like to place a barn order over the phone, simply give us a call at (855) 227-7678. Thanks for considering Elephant Structures for all of your metal building needs.

Give a steel barns sales representative a call to learn more about the differences. Elephant may be reached at (855) 227-7678 or via email at questions@elephantstructures.com.

Call a sales representative toll-free at (855) CAR-PORT, that’s 855-227-7678. Or, ask for a carport quote via email at quotes@elephantstructures.com. Remember to include your zip code and any details about your structure (dimensions, roof style, siding).

Your affordable metal building will last for years!

Why buy a canvas cover from the large box chains that won’t last?

Give Elephant Structures a call today and get 5% off your carport, garage, or other steel building. If you are looking for a metal barn, please visit www.elephantbarns.com.

The team at Elephant Structures looks forward to having you as a customer. ALL PRICES INCLUDE FREE DELIVERY AND FREE INSTALLATION OF YOUR METAL BUILDING.

Galvanized metal is great for horse barns, for farm sheds, and equipment storage garages.

Thanks for your interest in becoming an Elephant Structures Installer!

To learn more about purchasing metal barn kits, contact Elephant Structures toll-free at (855) 227-7678 or (336) 793-8337.

Need a price on a metal structure in South Dakota? Looking for a price on a metal building in North Dakota?

If you need a building in North or South Dakota in a hurry, ask a representative about our FastTrack Installation Program only from Elephant Structures.

Data compiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Agricultural Statistic Service, Farm Numbers and Land in Farms, Final Estimates, 1998-2002 and Farms, Land in Farms, and Livestock Operations 2010 Summary, February 2011.

Have a great holiday season… and enjoy your new toys! When you are ready for new space to store your Christmas or other holiday gifts, just give us a call. We’ll be happy to help!

You will find a steel structure to be the best and most economical choice.

Want to build and price a blue metal building? Then visit the experts at Elephant Structures. Give them a call at 855-227-7678 or visit www.elephantbarns.com or www.carport.com to get an instant quote.

Give Elephant Structures a call at (855) 227-7678 or (336) 793-8337. You can also visit www.elephantbarns.com or www.carport.com for more information on auger anchors and other common carport and barn questions.

If you are interested in a simple carport, visit www.carport.com. If you want a steel barn, check out www.elephantbarns.com. For metal garages, shelters and other metal structures, visit www.metalshelters.com.

Our other metal barn and building websites include www.carport.com, www.elephantbarns.com, or www.metalshelters.com.

Give us a call for a hassle-free barn quote at (855) 227-7678 or email us at sales@elephantbarns.com.

When you use Elephant’s BuildID system, you can build all the barns you want online and get instant pricing. Of course, if you prefer to talk to a live person who can review the various options available, simply call the experts at Elephant Structures at (855) 227-7678.

If you want to speak to a human, give Elephant Structures a call at (855) 227-7678 to learn more about metal structures or discuss a possible order!

Call one of our steel barns experts at (855) 227-7678 to learn more or to get answers to your questions.

If you don’t already own a barn, what are you waiting for?! Give one of our metal structures experts a toll-free call at (855) CAR-PORT and they’ll be happy to help you design a custom barn to meet your specific needs!