How One Texas Maker Turned a Heartland Shed into a Thriving Metal Workshop
For many of us, a backyard shed is a place to store garden tools or stow away holiday decorations. But for Ryan Powell of Caracara Metal, it became the launchpad for a small metalworking business—and a serious passion he can fulfill, right in his backyard.
Ryan didn’t set out to start a metalworking business. His journey began with a simple need: to create strength training equipment that didn’t exist or cost too much. “So I started building my own,” he explains. “One project led to another and eventually, that hobby became Caracara Metal.”
As the projects grew more complex, so did the need for a dedicated workspace. Renting a commercial shop didn’t make sense, so Ryan looked to his own backyard. He chose a Heartland Duluth garage shed—a structure that offered the square footage and flexibility he needed to bring his vision to life.
“I didn’t want something that felt temporary or thrown together. I wanted a blank canvas I could build into—something that felt like a natural extension of my home.”
And build he did.
Here are videos that cover the build process.
Backyard Workshop Shed Customizations
Ryan began by running a 100-amp electrical service to the shed to power heavy-duty tools: a welder, CNC plasma table, press brake, air compressor and more. To improve safety and comfort, he added overhead lighting, installed a wall-mounted exhaust fan and epoxy-coated the concrete slab for durability and easy cleanup. Inside, he outfitted the wood shed with workbenches, tool racks and wall outlets, maximizing every inch of the interior. Outside, he gave the structure a high-end finish with stonework, board and batten siding and paint to match his home—even adding outdoor sconces and custom planters to elevate the curb appeal.
Why Choose Heartland for Custom Shed Projects
“The Duluth stood out because it felt like a real building—not just a shed. The taller walls and wide footprint made it easy to move around with materials, and upgrading to a roll-up door was a no-brainer for getting large equipment in and out.”
The result? A fully functional fabrication workshop shed just steps from his back door. But beyond the tools and transformations, Ryan appreciates the impact on his day-to-day life.
“Before, I was welding in the garage or driveway. The kids had to dodge sparks and there were metal shavings everywhere. Now it’s safer, more efficient and way more comfortable—especially in the Texas heat.”
A dedicated metalworking shed has also helped Ryan achieve a healthier work-life balance. When the workday ends, he simply closes the door and steps back into family life—no more cleaning the driveway or packing up projects midstream.
Whether you're a weekend hobbyist or a growing entrepreneur, Ryan’s story shows how far a well-built custom backyard shed can take you.
We Can Make your Custom Backyard Shed Dreams a Reality
Have ideas to convert your wood shed into a backyard workshop? Let us know. Schedule a consultation to get your customized backyard shed project started.
