You’re in the market for a small shed but you just don’t know where to start. Today, we would love to share with you a few tips on what you should be asking yourself before purchasing a portable shed.

Here are a few questions you might ask.

Who do I trust to build it?

That’ s a great question. Choose a company that is reputable and that has been in the business for awhile. Check online for reviews and their warranty information. Quality Buildings has been in  business for over 10 years. We love what we do and we care about our customers and their needs.

Why do I need a shed?

Before you start looking at portable buildings, decide exactly why you are needing a shed in the first place. Whether it was to store your mower out of the elements, or to organize some of your things. Determine what you will use it for and what it could also potentially house.

What size will fulfill my needs?

So, you now have decided why you need this shed. Onward to what size would best work for you? Do you need space for a lawn mower and your dirt bike? Or just a few tubs of things and gardening tools. This will determine the size you will need. The smallest shed we have is 8x8 and the largest we have is a 14x42.

Where should my portable building go?

Finding the perfect location for your shed is definitely one of the most important things you should think about.

1. Flat Level Ground is a must to properly set the building. It's possible that you might have to have some dirt work done.
2. Keep in mind the best location that is convenient for you. You don't want you shed on the back 2.5 acres of your yard if your gardening equipment is in the front half of your yard.
3. One of our customer's top favorite features is the portability of  our sheds. It's a great thing to have the option of moving your portable barn if the need arises.

When would be the best time to order?

That's up to each individual person. Typical delivery time is 10-15 days weather permitting.

How Will This Shed Help?

There are many ways that a shed can be useful. Protecting larger valuables such as lawnmowers from the elements, Storing all your tackle , and a place to neatly house your camping equipment would fall under the top three reasons not to delay in procuring a storage barn.  You should also consider options available to add on to the building. For instance, would It benefit you to purchase the light package? Would shelving benefit your needs?

Have more questions? Leave them in the comment section. 

Hungry for More Ideas on what to do with your portable building? Read more on that here and here.

Though the cooler temperatures are here to stay, it’s never too early to start planning your spring backyard makeover. Pergolas are a simple backyard addition that's filled with so much potential. Here are a few ways that you can dress up your pergola to transform your backyard. 

• To give your pergola a more intimate and private feel, plant Wisteria or another leafy vine to create a natural covering. This canopy will offer a shady spot in your backyard, but will also be a beautiful focal point of your landscape. 
• If you're looking to utilize your pergola as an outdoor dining area, simply move your outdoor table and chairs off of your patio and under the pergola. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can move your grill underneath the pergola as well to create an outdoor kitchen feel.  
• Wrapping twinkle lights around the beams of your pergola can create a dreamy atmosphere. Snag some Christmas lights while they’re on sale and dress your pergola up. 
• Create a cozy living area by adding a fire pit and outdoor chairs. The pergola will soon feel like a second living room. 
• Are you a reader or a nature-inspired worker? Design an outdoor reading nook or work space by adding a couple of comfortable chairs and tables. Enjoy the fresh air and the serenity of your yard while doing what you love!
• One way to make your above-ground hot tub look nicer is to install a pergola over it. By adding the pergola over the tub, you are creating a cozy, comfortable atmosphere for your guests. 

Decorating a pergola can look different for each person because they are versatile pieces. They can become formal living or dining spaces or they can serve as a second gardening space. How will you use your pergola this spring? We would love to hear your ideas! 

FROM UNITED WAY NORMAN, OK

We can't wait for the 2019 Day of Caring on September 20, 2019! Day of Caring is a one-day event that sends hundreds of volunteers out into our community to perform much-needed projects at nonprofit organizations.

COMPANIES

If your company would like to put together a volunteer team to tackle some projects, click here to sign up.

AGENCIES

If your agency would, like volunteers to come work on projects at your organization, click here to sign up.

QUESTIONS?

Email Jed Dembowski or call 405.329.2025

There are certainly many benefits to having a swing set for your children. In order to continue each year with a beautiful swing set, there are a few things that will need upkeep.

Here are 10  ways to keep your swing set in top-notch shape from year to year

Perform a Annual Inspection

In order to keep your wooden swing set in proper working order, mark your calendar to give it a once-over each year.  Check each area carefully for anything that might be out of order.

Tighten Bolts

Tightening bolts is essential for safety. Check every single bolt on the swing set to make sure it is tightened. 

Swing Chains

Over time, swing chains may become stiff and squeaky. A simple solution would be to use an aerosol oil that would lubricate the chain. If you do this, be sure to wipe down the chains so they are not slippery.

Replace Rotten Wood

Be sure and check every piece of wood. The rock climbing ramp and the legs often are the first to weather. Replacing them is a simple task.

Surfaces

While your cedar swing set is weather resistant, you will need to check all the wood surfaces for rough patches. If any were to be found, sand the rough patches down with a heavy grit sandpaper.

Stain

Staining the wood will bring beautiful color back to the wood and refresh the look. 

Seal

Sealing the cedar ensures many more years of use. By sealing your swing set, you are protecting it from erosion, bugs, and weatherproofing it.  Sealing will need to be performed every 1-2 years.

Play Area

Ground cover is imperative for the safety of your little ones.  If you don't have ground cover, consider mulch, pea gravel, or sand. Rubber mulch is the winner in our books. It also lasts far longer than other alternatives.

Replacement Parts

Did you know you can order replacement parts for your wooden swing set? If you ever need a part replaced, contact us on our WARRANTY page.

Cleaning

Sometimes you just got to get in there and roll up your sleeves. Cleaning your swing set is fairly easy and can be done with soap, a rag, and a water hose or power washer. This is great to do because face it, our little ones don't need any help finding dirt.

We hope that you’ve learned a bit about maintaining your swing set. If you have any tips, leave them in the comment section.

If you’re interested in learning more about our selection of cedar swing sets, CLICK HERE.

If you have expanded your outdoor living space with the addition of an outdoor kitchen, pool or garden, space for storage might be a challenge. Keeping investments in a water-tight, rodent-free space is important to ensure the longevity of life of your outdoor investments.

Fall is quickly approaching, and so is hunting season. Why wouldn’t you camp in comfort if you could?  After a long day of trapping about in the woods, how relaxing to come back to deer camp to this beautiful portable cabin. Free from rain, mosquitoes, and the bone chilling air that a tent brings. Here are the 5 top things that can make deer camp more enjoyable.

5.  Luxurious Deer Camp: Why would you choose sleeping in a cold wet tent over the comforts of a beautiful portable cabin? After a long day of trapping about in the woods, how relaxing to come back to deer camp to this beautiful portable cabin. Free from rain, mosquitoes, and the bone chilling air that a tent brings.

4. Tasty Vittles: Yes, some think the only true camping experience is heating cans of cold beans for dinner. Why not spice it up a bit? Fajitas? Sure. Steak and potato? Mnn…..hmmm….  shrimp boil? Yes! If you’re finishing out your portable shed, you could add a small kitchenette and cook all those tasty wonders in the comfort of your deer camp cabin.

3. Enjoyable Hunting Buddies: Let’s face it. You are going to deer camp to prop your feet up, sit around the fire, and tell outrageous hunting fables. Only bring along the guys who truly enjoy the hunting experience as much as you do.

2. Plenty of Game: Checking those trail cams, putting out that salt lick, pounds and pounds of corn. Sometimes, game just don’t show up no matter how hard you prep or what the cams picked up last week. You’re not seeing tracks, sheds, or any sign of wildlife. When times are like that, hey, at least you have your deer camp cabin.

1. Agreeable Attitude: Keeping a great attitude is key when you haven’t filled a tag. Nothing will ruin a great hunting trip for your pals than for you to sulkaround complaining. Focus on other aspects of the trip such as spending time with great friends, scrumptious food, and fun stories around the fire.

What other things would you add to our top 5 list? Let us know in the comments.

Explore this additional blog post which includes a delicious burger recipe

At Quality Buildings we take pride in being a locally owned and operated business, right here in Central Oklahoma. Studies show that for every $100 spent, $68 stays in the community. That’s more than twice the amount national chains reinvest. Keeping our roots firmly grounded in Oklahoma will ensure that our employees, customers, neighbors and families will reap the benefits of our good business practices.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a national brand, or a local company for your next storage building:

Grown Local

Quality Buildings, Inc. started as an idea between a couple of small families in Bethany, Oklahoma. Now, 12 years later, we employ over 20 Oklahomans, and work with a group over nearly 20 local construction contractors. Our employees and their families all benefit from other Oklahomans buying local, and strive to buy local themselves.

© 2020 Quality Buildings, All Rights Reserved

As the cooler weather rolls in, we know you will be spending more time outside. Check out these 10 ways to make your backyard awesome this fall.

Clean up the Yard

Fall is a great time for yard work because the temperatures are finally starting to drop! Spend the weekend cleaning up your yard before winter hits. Rake the leaves to make the yard appear a little less cluttered. For easy transportation, rake the leaves onto a plastic tarp. Fertilize the grass so that the roots will continue to receive the nutrients that they need to stay healthy and grow over the winter. Trimming back dead limbs now will prevent unexpected breakage during the first winter freeze or snow of the year. Make sure to bring houseplants inside, too. Place them by a window so that they continue to receive sunlight and spray them with water to keep the soil moist.

Colorful Pots and Planters

Add some color and design to your green landscape by using colorful planters and pots for your plants. These pots are a great way to continue the color scheme or decorations that you have in your sitting or dining area of your backyard as well, making your backyard a complete masterpiece.

Yard Games

Oversized yard games are the coolest toy on the shelves right now. Life size Jenga, foot-long dominos and rope and wood tic-tac-toe are just a few of the game-night activities that have been enlarged to be the centerpiece of your tailgates and weekend barbecues. You can also find simple DIY tutorials to make your favorite game at home. All of the kids in your neighborhood will be wishing that they had your backyard.

Outdoor Furniture

Weekend game nights are now at your house because you have the coolest DIY yard games your friends have seen, but where are your guests going to sit during your gathering? Make your backyard a luxurious hangout area with outdoor furniture including sofas or chairs, or a traditional dining area with a table and chairs.

Fire Pit

Fall means cooler weather and cooler weather means it's time to be warmed up by the fire. Fire pits are an easy way to make your backyard look elegant and are relatively low maintenance. Place some chairs around your fire pit for late night conversations with friends or for roasting s'mores with the kids. You don't have to build a fire from scratch to have the campfire feeling anymore!

Portable Storage

Hide all of the kids' pool toys and the summer mosquito lamps in portable outdoor buildings. Storage containers are also perfect for hiding all of the little things that you need to have on hand but tend to be eyesores when you have company over.

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor string lights are an inexpensive and practical way to simply dress up your backyard or to make your backyard ready for late nights by the fire. Outdoor string lights come in a variety of shapes and sizes so that you can find one that fits your backyard's personality. They make for magical nights!

Outdoor Rugs

Sometimes your yard may need an extra splash of color and that's where outdoor rugs come in. Find a rug for your patio that matches your outdoor furniture and watch the space come to life. Adding a rug to your outdoor kitchen area or outdoor living space will tie it all together.

Hammocks and Swings

Lazy Saturday mornings call for your favorite coffee, a good book and fresh air. Hang a hammock in between two of your trees to make a space for your afternoon naps or add a porch swing to your back patio to relax on and enjoy a glass of wine while you unwind from a busy week. It will also add some dimension to your landscape.

Gazebos and Pergolas

Expand your home's living space by adding a gazebo or pergola to your backyard. These freestanding structures add a sense of community to the otherwise bare space in your yard and add an attractive focal point to your landscape. These structures can house a dining or living area, regardless of the weather.

If you’re like most Americans, our toys, tools and valuable collections have outgrown our living spaces. Despite recent ups and downs in overall U.S. economy, the number of storage facilities like self-storage lockers have significantly increased over the last 10 years. One in 11 American pays an average of $91.14 per month to use a self-storage facility, that is over $1,000 a year!

Today commercial real estate investors are spending less on storage facilities than in previous years. As a result, fewer new storage facilities being built will lead to fewer business options and higher prices in the long term. Long term storage users will need to reassess their monthly expenses and make an adjustment.