The latest episode of The Building Texas Show, recorded live at the San Antonio Home and Garden Show, spotlights a growing trend among South Texas homeowners: replacing monthly storage unit fees with permanent backyard structures. Host Justin McKenzie sat down with Richard Castellanos of Tuff Shed to discuss how the employee-owned American manufacturer is helping residents reclaim their garages and gain 24/7 access to their belongings. The episode, titled "No Storage Unit. Still 24/7 Access: Tuff Shed," was published August 30, 2026, and offers practical advice for those considering a shed purchase.
Castellanos emphasized the financial and logistical benefits of owning a Tuff Shed. "A majority of our business is residential, obviously, but they want to get out of their storage unit that they're paying for, get something on their property that they can access 24/7," he told McKenzie. The conversation also highlighted the company's employee-ownership model as a key differentiator. "It's not just me as a sales design consultant trying to sell you a product. It's actually me trying to get you an experience that one, you're going to recommend to your friends and two, is going to keepsake your valuables, your memorables that you're storing in your shed," Castellanos explained.
Listeners gained insights into the technical aspects of shed construction, including stick-built framing using 2x4s at 16 inches on center, with options for 2x6 or 2x8 upgrades on larger models like the two-story barn. Castellanos also clarified San Antonio's 300-square-foot threshold for building without a permit, noting differences in municipalities like Castle Hills and Alamo Heights. This local knowledge is crucial for homeowners navigating city regulations.
The episode covered a range of use cases, from residential studios and workspaces to garage overflow, as well as commercial projects for school districts, government entities, and San Antonio Air Force bases. The Woodmaster's division offers truly portable structures, including popular chicken coops and greenhouses, expanding the product line beyond traditional storage.
Tuff Shed's national footprint was traced back to founder and CEO Tom Saurey, who started the company 45 years ago and has grown it to 74 factories across the United States. In the San Antonio area, customers can visit two South Side locations outside Loop 410, a display yard at 410 and Bandera, and a new location off I-35 in New Braunfels. Castellanos noted that turnaround currently runs a week to 10 days from design to build slot, with assembly often completed in a single day. For those who prefer to plan ahead, customers can self-design at tuffshed.com before contacting a consultant.
The Building Texas Show, hosted by Justin McKenzie, profiles the operators, tradespeople, and entrepreneurs shaping how Texas gets built. Episode 1 of the San Antonio Home and Garden Series is available now wherever podcasts are heard.
