Grain Bin Gazebos: An Attractive And Cost-effective Outdoor Addition

Are you dreaming of enhancing your backyard with a unique and functional structure? You envision a cozy patio, a covered outdoor kitchen, or an entertainment space that captures the spirit of farm hospitality. If so, a grain bin gazebo might be the perfect solution. These eye-catching structures repurpose the iconic grain bins of America’s heartland into beautiful and practical additions to any property.

At Creative Backyards, we’re committed to offering top-of-the-line product lines that breathe new life into your outdoor space. Whether you need durable chicken coops, portable sheds, cozy cabins, prefab garages, a portable greenhouse, or a simple carport, Creative Backyards has everything you need to create a genuinely creative backyard. With a commitment to delivering the highest-quality products, Creative Backyards ensures that your outdoor haven will be functional and visually stunning. One of these creative backyard structures is the grain bin gazebo.

Grain bin gazebos add charm and country flair to any backyard, providing a practical, sturdy structure perfect for many uses. Let’s take a closer look at these fun little structures.

Ready? Let’s go!

Table Of Contents:

1. What is a Grain Bin Gazebo?
2. Differences Between Buying & Repurposing a Grain Bin Gazebo
3. Popular Sizes of Grain Bin Gazebos
4. Options for Grain Bin Gazebos
5. Eight Different Uses for Grain Bin Gazebos
6. Creative Ways to Decorate a Grain Bin Gazebo
7. Considerations Before Purchasing a Grain Bin Gazebo
8. Maintenance for Grain Bin Gazebos

What is a Grain Bin Gazebo?

Grain bin gazebos are a growing trend among homeowners and farmers. These structures are created by converting grain bins into recreational gazebos for outdoor patios, covered swimming pools, outdoor kitchens, barbeque areas, jacuzzi enclosures, and more. The possibilities are endless; some people have even used grain bins to build homes. Grain bin gazebos are a popular and cost-effective way to add outdoor space to homes and farms. They offer a unique way to relax in style, throw a party, or even say your vows. 

Repurposing grain bins into gazebos is an environmentally conscious choice that blends farmhouse chic with environmental stewardship. Farmers often upgrade or replace their grain bins to increase capacity, leaving the old ones to be repurposed. Instead of letting these bins sit in a field and rot away, they can be converted into a structure with character.

Differences Between Buying & Repurposing a Grain Bin Gazebo

When adding a grain bin gazebo to your property, you have two main options: purchasing a new kit or repurposing an old grain bin. Both routes offer unique advantages and considerations.

Purchasing a Grain Bin Gazebo Kit

• Designed for Gazebo Use: Grain bin gazebo kits are intended to be gazebos. They have an extra-heavy top ring, normally found at the bin’s bottom, and legs designed to handle 10 tons each.
• Quality Materials: The quality is top-notch, and the finish is excellent. The posts from kits offered at Creative Backyards are made of steel.
• Easy Construction: These kits are ready for easy do-it-yourself construction.
• Specific Design: The roof is steeper than most, allowing for more space above.
• Superior Strength: The trapezoidal design offers exceptional strength as opposed to the standard corrugated style of other grain bin gazebo designs and used grain bins. This is extremely important, especially in an area with high winds.
• Steel Posts: All gazebo kits come standard with pre-formed steel posts, again designed for maximum strength.
• New Materials: Purchasing a kit ensures that all materials are new and in excellent condition.
• Warranty: New kits often come with a warranty, providing peace of mind.

Repurposing a Used Grain Bin

• Cost Savings: An old grain bin can often be acquired for free or next to nothing if a farmer has decided to upgrade or replace it.
• Unique Character: Repurposed grain bins have a weathered appearance that gives them character. The patina gives it a rustic look.
• Environmental Stewardship: Repurposing a grain bin is an environmentally friendly choice.
• Customization: Repurposing allows for a high degree of customization.

Popular Sizes of Grain Bin Gazebos

Grain bins come in various sizes, with diameters generally in increments of 3 feet. The bin size you need will vary based on the available space in your yard and the crowd you want to accommodate. Here are some popular sizes:

• 12-foot: The smallest bins are 12 feet.
• 15-foot: A 15-foot bin will have a circumference of 47 feet.
• 18-foot: An 18-foot bin has a circumference of 56 feet and will comfortably seat around 15 people around the perimeter.
• 21-foot: A 21-foot bin will have a circumference of 66 feet. The 21-foot is a popular size.
• 45-foot: The 45-foot is also a popular size.

The 18-foot and 21-foot models are the most popular because they can handle a large crowd, but they still feel cozy if it is just you and your significant other.

When deciding what size to buy, consider the following:

1. How much space do I have available for this project?
2. What will be going into the gazebo?
3. On average, how many people will be at the gazebo?

Options for Grain Bin Gazebos

When designing your grain bin gazebo, you have several options to consider:

• Open or Closed: Your gazebo can be left entirely open, or you can install a ring around the bottom. You can also create a “wall” between any two posts or across multiple posts, giving you extra protection from wind and rain.
• Posts: You can use steel posts, sturdy wood poles, or beams for support, though we highly recommend steel posts for durability and strength.
• Bottom Sheets: These can be purchased separately to create a ring around the bottom of the gazebo.
• Logo: You can order your grain bin gazebo without the Golden Grain Logo if you want to paint it another color and are afraid the logo might show through.

8 Different Uses for Grain Bin Gazebos

Grain bin gazebos are versatile structures that can be used for a variety of purposes:

1. Outdoor Patios: Convert grain bins into patios.
2. Pool House: Create covered pool houses using grain bins.
3. Outdoor Kitchens: Add kitchens to grain bins for outdoor cooking.
4. Barbecues: Use grain bins for outdoor grilling.
5. Hot Tub Enclosures: Create enclosures for hot tubs using grain bins.
6. Fire Pits: Add fire pits to grain bins for outdoor gatherings.
7. Bars: Add bars to grain bins for entertaining.
8. Family Gatherings: Use grain bins for guest houses or Airbnbs.

Creative Ways to Decorate a Grain Bin Gazebo

Once your grain bin gazebo is set up, you can work on decorating the interior. Here are some design inspirations:

• Lighting: Add electric lights to complete the aesthetics day or night.
• Landscaping: Add lush landscaping.
• Furniture: Add comfortable seating.
• Personal Touches: Personalize it any way you want.

Considerations Before Purchasing a Grain Bin Gazebo

Before purchasing or building a grain bin gazebo, consider the following:

• Safety: Always follow proper precautions to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the construction and those who use the grain bin gazebo later.
• Electricity and Plumbing: If your grain bin gazebo has electricity or plumbing, a qualified professional should install it.
• Structural Strength: Make sure you inspect the structural strength of the roof and support beams.
• Weather Patterns: Consider the weather patterns for your area before installing a grain bin gazebo.
• Concrete Pad: A concrete pad is required for all grain bin gazebo kits.

Maintenance for Grain Bin Gazebos

Grain bin gazebos are designed to be durable and long-lasting, but some maintenance is required to keep them in good condition. Here are some considerations to help ensure the longevity of your grain bin gazebo:

• Regular Inspection: Routinely check the structural strength of the roof and support beams. Ensure the support beams are anchored to the ground and cannot move or wobble.
• Address Rust Promptly: Grain bins are typically made from galvanized steel, which can resist rust for many years. However, if rust does appear, it should be addressed promptly to prevent further corrosion.
• Proper Electricity and Plumbing Installation: Ensure a qualified professional does the work if your grain bin gazebo has electricity or plumbing. Improperly configured electrical lines and plumbing can be dangerous.
• Account for Weather Patterns: Consider the weather patterns in your area. Grain bin gazebos are similar to open umbrellas, and wind gusts can lift the grain bin roof. To prevent wind build-up, consider adding air outlets along the roof. Consider roll-up tarp coverings if you live in an area with cold or rainy weather.
• Concrete Pad: Ensure that the concrete pad is well-maintained. The pad should be 18″ larger to give ample room for anchoring down the posts and help catch the roof drip, keeping your landscaping intact.

Conclusion

Grain bin gazebos are a fantastic way to add something special to your backyard. They’re fun, they’re unique, and they’re incredibly useful. Whether you go for a new kit or give an old bin a makeover, you’re going to end up with an amazing space.

At Creative Backyards, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you need durable chicken coops, portable sheds, cozy cabins, prefab garages, a portable greenhouse, or a simple carport, Creative Backyards has everything you need to create a genuinely creative backyard. 

Creative Backyards’ team is here to answer your questions and help you find the best structure for your goals. For more information, you can get a free quote or visit our primary main sales lot at 9510 Renee Ave, Plattsmouth, NE 68048. Our display models are always open, so stop in and take a look even if we aren’t there! Contact us today, and we’ll build your grain bin gazebo together!