Initially intended for housing horses, cows and storing farm equipment, barns are enjoying a second heyday, as their creative owners are now thinking outside the box with new innovative uses.
America is steeped in agriculture history. Before the Industrial Revolution forever transformed the nation’s economic landscape, nearly every aspect of American culture had direct ties to farm life. But as mechanization and commercialization took hold, long-standing farming icons became relics and forgotten landmarks that dot our rural countryside. Without constant upkeep, they fell in disrepair.
Many barns have since succumbed to rot and fire, but today a generation of chic and trendy owners are revamping these cavernous outbuildings with new and innovative uses. At Elephant Structures, we are always thrilled to see a building find renewed life in the community. But these stories of transformation got us thinking, why should these old barns have all the fun? Buildings are a young man’s, or materials’ game, so we compiled a list of alternative uses for your metal barn that you have likely never considered.
Metal barn as a basketball gym
Basketball is a big deal in the Midwest. Nearly every budding superstar in the Hoosier state aspires to be the next Larry Bird or Reggie Miller. Countless evenings are spent in the dusty yard tickling the twine while perfecting their signature jump shots. In the colder months, the action doesn’t stop as barnyard pickup games move inside. A Mennonite family recently found renewed use for their old barn as it has become a neighborhood hotspot for hotly contested evening action. We think one of our metal barns or buildings would be perfect for such activities. With minimal upkeep, your metal barn could used as the next barnstorming stop for high flying basketball actions. All you need is a hoop and a level surface! Our metal barns also come with a variety of options for roofing and the bow.
Wedding venues and metal buildings
With rising costs at traditional wedding venues and churches outpricing many forthcoming nuptials, couples are seeking out alternative, cheaper options. Scenic overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway and even sporting events have emerged as impromptu wedding locals. Others have capitalized on the rustic appeal of a country wedding by transforming their decrepit barn into a captivating wedding venue. We think one of our metal barns would be perfect for this and would offer many advantages over a traditional wooden barn. For one, our barns are easier to heat and cool, so your guests are guaranteed to stay comfortable. There is virtually no upkeep of a metal building, so your funds can be focused on ensuring guests enjoy all the modern amenities of a traditional wedding.
Autobody repair in metal structures
Many people overlook one of the barn’s most obvious usages: a mechanic’s garage. While equine barns were originally built as a respite for animals, barns became makeshift garages in the early 20th century with the advent of the automobile. In fact, you may be surprised to learn the concept of a carport came from using a detached building, such as a barn, to store the family car. During the early days of the automotive industry, cars were prone to spontaneous combustion, prompting the creation of garages that were detached from the house.
Today, barns are seeing a return of automobiles, as these larges open areas make perfect auto-body repair shops. The beauty of transforming a barn into a repair shop is the simplicity. There is no reason to spruce up a dirty barn for the purpose of an installing a repair shop, as these facilities are typically loaded with grease, dirt and grime. You also have ample space and a large door to move in tools and equipment. If transforming an old decrepit barn into a fix-it shop is feasible, imagine what you can do with a steel metal barn. Our buildings offer ideal temperatures for operating such enterprises and can be easily cooled when welding activities begin to heat up.
Before you decide to re-purpose that old wooden barn as your next start-up, consider one of our metal structures to satisfy that creative it. We also offer flexible financing options. Be sure to check out our online catalog and if you can’t find something you like there, be sure to harness the power of our online builder. You can also check out our various trim options on interior and exterior barn features.
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