Tuff Shed Pitches San Antonio on Ditching Paid Storage for Backyard Builds

In the first installment of the San Antonio Home and Garden Series on The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Richard Castellanos of Tuff Shed to explore a growing trend among South Texas homeowners: trading monthly storage unit fees for a backyard structure they own outright. The episode, recorded live at the San Antonio Home and Garden Show and published August 30, 2026, zeroes in on the practical and financial advantages of Tuff Shed's offerings.

Castellanos, a sales design consultant based at the company's display yard near Loop 410 and Bandera Road, explains that a majority of Tuff Shed's residential business is driven by a simple desire: "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." This shift is not just about convenience; it's about reclaiming garages and eliminating recurring expenses. For San Antonio homeowners, the process is streamlined, with most structures assembled on site in a single day and turnaround times from design to build slot typically running a week to 10 days.

The conversation also sheds light on important local considerations. Castellanos highlights San Antonio's 300-square-foot threshold for building without a permit, a key factor for many buyers. However, he cautions that municipalities like Castle Hills and Alamo Heights have their own regulations, making it essential to check local codes. Tuff Shed's structures are stick-built using 2x4s at 16 inches on center, with options for 2x6 or 2x8 upgrades on designs like the two-story barn, ensuring durability and customization.

Beyond residential use, Tuff Shed serves commercial clients, including school districts, government entities, and San Antonio Air Force bases. The company's Woodmaster division specializes in portable structures, such as popular chicken coops and greenhouses, appealing to hobbyists and small-scale farmers. This versatility underscores Tuff Shed's ability to meet a wide range of needs.

Central to the Tuff Shed story is its employee-ownership model, which Castellanos says directly benefits customers. "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," he tells McKenzie. This customer-centric approach is a cornerstone of the company's philosophy, which dates back 45 years to founder and CEO Tom Saurey. Under his leadership, Tuff Shed has grown to 74 factories across the United States, a testament to its stability and reach.

For San Antonio residents, Tuff Shed offers two South Side locations outside Loop 410, including the one at 410 and Bandera where Castellanos is based, and a newer site off I-35 in New Braunfels. Interested customers can also design their own shed online at toughshed.com before consulting with a representative. This blend of local accessibility and digital convenience makes the decision to ditch paid storage more practical than ever.

As homeowners look to maximize their property's potential, Tuff Shed's pitch is clear: invest once in a structure that adds value and accessibility, rather than pouring money into a rental with no return. The episode is now available wherever podcasts are heard, offering a deep dive for anyone considering a backyard build.