Anyone using a portable structure for a shop?

Serf Life

Serf Life

Been here much more than a while
Location
Maine Island
We’ll be moving to our new spot early summer and a barn isn’t in the immediate budget. Looking at ShelterLogic pipe-type structures large enough to pull a chiptruck or chipper into to work out of the elements. 4-6k depending on size and tarp thickness. Code enforcement are sticklers so has to be movable without any concrete foundations. What do you folks use?
 
I used one of those for a couple years when I first started out. We pounded rebar spikes four feet long into the ground and tied the frame of the “tent” to it. It held up pretty well, lasted a couple years before it broke in a big snowstorm.

A couple tips if you go that way - cover the tarp edges where they meet the ground, to keep the wind out, that will make a huge difference in the longevity of the tent. Also, don’t let snow accumulate on top, the tubing and tarp can’t handle a real heavy snow load.
 
Good point. Critters are one of the main issues with any structure there, pretty much right in a field. Planning on those ultra sonic noise makers and scent deterrents but rodents are tenacious. What size was yours Reach? I’m thinking 18’x24’ and tallest possible.
 
Serf Life said:
Good point. Critters are one of the main issues with any structure there, pretty much right in a field. Planning on those ultra sonic noise makers and scent deterrents but rodents are tenacious. What size was yours Reach? I’m thinking 18’x24’ and tallest possible.
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I don’t remember for sure what size mine was, but I think it was around 12x24, and had a door only about 7’ tall. It’s been a long time. A friend of mine had a tall one, I put it together for him when he bought it and it lasted him at least a few years. He had it up against a row of trees though which probably helped with wind.
 
Neat idea to get some work done and keep the weather off yourself and larger equipment. Security and theft prevention would be my big concern then. Need a harder structure to store saws and other high dollar gear that’s easy to walk away with.
Shipping containers look excellent.
 
Jonny said:
Neat idea to get some work done and keep the weather off yourself and larger equipment. Security and theft prevention would be my big concern then. Need a harder structure to store saws and other high dollar gear that’s easy to walk away with.
Shipping containers look excellent.
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Shipping containers are great off smaller things, durable, cheap, and watertight. Unfortunately they’re also only 8’ wide and typically only 8’ high, so you can’t put anything big inside.
 
southsoundtree said:
I'd look into a shipping container... and consider insulation to prevent sweating, as well as the thermal benefit.

My friend put a snow-rated Shelter Logic shelter on top of two, with a loft built in.

He's in Truckee, CA, in the Sierra Nevada mountains where snow is plentiful.
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This.

High Cube shipping containers are 9’6”.

Lockable & co side red temporary around here.


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How far can you push the 'temporary' definition? With two shipping containers you can do things like this. Tons of companies make these covers in all shapes and sizes. Or you can build your own trusses and stretch reinforced plastic sheeting over it to maybe save money.

Grade the site, spread a bunch of crushed rock, level the two containers and bridge it with the roof. It's probably over your 4-6k budget, but its something you can resell when you are ready to build. And if you place it where the barn will eventually go, some of the sitework is already done.

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That shipping container roof setup is really cool. Some lockable storage and keep the weather off your equipment. I've been wanting to do something pull through to keep the water and sun off my bucket truck, chipper, mini skid, F550 and crane. That might do the trick and give me a good place to kinda consolidate all my tree stuff in one place. It's found homes in 3 different buildings and my house.
 
Thats a good setup and an option down the line, a stretch with codes for sure. Shipping containers are amazing for barn structures though, two containers and a day with trusses and crane makes for a fast and cheap shop. Wives love the look too...
 
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