By ROB JONAS
Backyard Sheds is not a store where you go to purchase a cookie-cutter shed. It’s a company that prides itself in providing customers with high-quality, free-standing structures that are built right.
The family-based operation was started more than 20 years ago by Fred Becker in Selkirk. It has since grown to include a second store in Burnt Hills that is run by his son. There is also a display location at the corner of Route 9 and Peacedale Road in Schodack Landing, where people can see the various models Backyard Sheds has to offer.
Each item sold is crafted by Amish builders based in Pennsylvania. Smaller sheds are built in Pennsylvania and shipped to Capital Region homes. For larger projects, the builders travel to the customer’s home to build them on site. Most two-car garages are built in a three-day time frame.
Though the business got its start by selling sheds, it has expanded over the years to include a number of free-standing structures including garages, gazebos, animal structures {i.e. chicken coops), playsets, pool houses and cabins. Customers select the style they want and the specifications they would like to be included in the outward design, and the builders take it from there.
To assist homeowners with their choices, Backyard Sheds offer several guides on its website (www.backyardshedco.com). These guides can help customers decide how big of a structure they need based on what they want to use it for, what style they want for their structure. plot out an area for where the structure will go and make them aware of steps they will need to take to receive a permit from their township or municipality. There is bank financing available and a rent-to-own option, as well as the ability to buy the structure outright.
Backyard Sheds is located at 1208 Route 9W in Selkirk and 658 Route 50 in Burnt Hills. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 518-767-2671 or visit www.backyardshedco.com.
