If you’re anything like, well, most Americans, your “to-do” list is a mile long and all of it has to be now NOW. Not to add to that soul crushing anxiety, but before winter hits is a perfect time to knock out a few easy, DIY friendly projects around your house. If you’re going to be cooped up inside your home for a few months during an Indiana winter, you want it to look good so you feel good, right?
Not to worry, we’ve pulled together three easy metal projects that you can absolutely tackle, even with that ever present “to-do” list. (and – spoiler – if you literally cannot deal with these, we got you – – we can help connect you with labor to get these lined up and completed fast!) Whether you’re building from scratch or just giving your space a glow-up, each project below is built to last, and every material comes straight from right here in Indiana.
1. Build a Winter-Ready Storage Barn or Shed
If you’re tripping over totes of holiday lights, extension cords, or that inflatable snowman again this year… it’s time.
A small post-frame barn or storage shed made with our MP36 panels and 26-gauge trim (yep — that thicker trim upgrade comes standard at Indiana Metal) is a total game changer.
It’s the ultimate winter prep move — dry storage for everything that doesn’t fit in the garage and a clean place to stash décor, mowers, or your future Christmas village collection.
Indiana Metal installs post frame builds from the ground up and would love to be part of your project, but we also are happy to supply material only if you’re a handyman (or woman!) who wants to build this the DIY route.
💡 Pro tip: Add a lean-to on the side – it’s so much easier to do when you build, just get it done and you’ll never be unhappy with extra storage!
2. Give Your Porch a Wood-Grain Steel Glow-Up
Nothing says cozy fall like a front porch that looks straight out of a home magazine. The secret? Wood-grain steel Board & Batten.
Swap out faded siding for the rich look of Warm Cedar or Natural Hickory steel — zero maintenance, zero rot, and 100% “that’s metal?!” reactions from the neighbors.
It’s one of those weekend projects that instantly ups your curb appeal and carries your home through every season looking polished.
💡 Pro tip: Pair your new siding with black hardware, a fresh light fixture, and some pine garland. You’ll be sipping cocoa out there like you’re filming a Hallmark movie.
3. Build a Firewood Fortress
Let’s be honest — wet wood for the fireplace kills the vibe fast.
This winter, build yourself a little firewood fortress: a simple, open-air shelter framed with 4x4s (which we can also supply!) and topped with MP36 panels.
It keeps your firewood dry, your patio tidy, and adds a surprisingly nice backdrop to your backyard setup.
Add a few string lights and you’ll have the coziest corner in town.
💡 Pro tip: Match your roof color to your home or barn for that “custom without even trying” look.
At Indiana Metal, we make it easy to build something that lasts, looks incredible, and actually feels like you.
From MP36 panels to wood-grain Board & Batten, every product we make is American steel, thicker 26-gauge trim, and Indiana proud.
Ready to get started? We’ve got your panels, your colors, and your back.
Jena Jackson
Marketing & Communications
I specialize in designing pretty things and writing the words – I bring creativity, clarity & a serious appreciation for US-made steel.