Thread: Oversized Props, not stored inside?

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I've been reading so many threads, and I have so many ideas, but I have no place to store some of the larger items (like Columns, etc).

I tried searching, but I couldn't find a good thread about this. How long would something like a column last if it was stored outside year-round? (A pink styrofoam one)?

Thanks in advance
Charles

This is a good question, and everyone will have different answers.

I store stuff in my attic, in my 6x6 shed, and this year I will also store larger props under a new addition I built off the back of the house. I removed our deck last fall and built a new sun room. The room is raised off the back of the house, so there's about a four foot clearance beneath. Should be good for the mausoleum and garden pillars.

I think the key is to keep it out of the wind and as dry as possible. I think my new counter is going under the deck this year as I have no idea where else to put him. Beyond that I do my best to plan ahead. Like structures that I can break down into several parts so it will fit up top the garage.

I've got a full sized attic, a 3 car garage, some closet space, and I store my 8x4ft facades behind the garage. KEEP THEM OUT OF THE ELEMENTS!

I built some huge columns several years ago when I lived with my in-laws (separate house on their property). I had NO indoor space to put them without renting a storage unit... decided to park them by the shed. They were ruined in a month. Rain isn't so bad, but it eventually warps wood... then you've got tree branches that fall (one went right through the middle)... and animals (had a dog that would chase something under the shed, but would make sure to run into the columns).

Anyway, there's just too much that could happen outside to risk such fragile decor. Unless the project can withstand some beating, find a spot inside, make it to where it can break down, or only make projects that you know will fit (example, my facades are all wood... right now they're wrapped in 2 layers of tarp and raised a foot off the ground - stay dry!)

Good luck.

I have a storage unit. Christmas and Halloween decorations are stored in it, with all the other "stuff" you accumulate after 23 years of marriage. Oh the kids are still in the house, ATM.

We have a problem with space as well. We try to make all our props so that they are easy to break down into smaller pieces after halloween.

MsM

Build a big shed....I built one for about 1/5th the price of a TuffShed. It's a lot cheaper than renting a storage unit if you have the space for the shed. Another thing I did was on the "unused" side of the house, was building a lean-to. Nothing, fancy, but it keeps the weather off stuff and the house and fence act as walls and provide added protection from the weather.

I have a 1/2 acre lot, with a 12'x24' shed currently (but it doesn't have that much space due to my car stuff...). My 2 car garage has ZERO space, I can't even park my daily drivers in there. I live in florida, so no basement, and my attic is a joke. I would add another shed if my HOA would let me, but since my current shed is slightly bigger than HOA reg's, I don;t want to push my luck.

A lean-to....hmmmm... that's a thought

cover them with a tarp...or wrap in plastic trash bag, tape up, then throw a tarp over it.

Decorate with broken washing machine in front...

Props made of styrofoam as mentioned will wear fine outside as long as you use proper adhesive. I don't recomend using wood studs for structure, because they are sure to warp. You will need to use a good primer and exterior paint. An even better option would be to use a foam coating or stucco finish. I posted an example of the cemetary walls and collumns that I built with no sub structure. (styrofoam only w/ paint).


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