Grain Bin Tiny Homes
Grain bins or grain silos are made of durable galvanized steel. They can be up-cycled into interesting tiny homes, but you would really need to get in touch with your artistic side. Grain bins can be found abandoned all over the county.
Used grain bins, like the one shown in the photo, might be might become available on eBay® from time to time. The description said it has already been disassembled. It’s 40′ in diameter and the owner wanted $14,875.00*. This has sold but keep an eye out for other listings.
eBay® offers financing.
New grain bins are available from Sukup Manufacturing Co.
Converting a Grain Bin Right Where It Sits
Like the couple in the video below, the folks at Abbey Road Farm purchased the whole farm and turned the grain silos into a cute bed & breakfast. Then they renovated the farmhouse, revitalized the existing cherry orchard and ranch land, and added a winery.
“Abbey Road Farm’s mission is to celebrate the bounty of Yamhill County, be stewards of the land and bring Abbey Road Farm to its fullest potential. Our intent is to use organic practices in all farmable acreage (vineyard & produce), utilize sustainable energy when we can and educate and inspire our guests to appreciate the land where their food comes from and create an association between celebration, hospitality, and a connection to the land.”
Daniel & Sandra Wilkens – Owners
Converting a Grain Bin/Silo Takes Some Unique Know-How
A grain bin/silo is dual-walled and freestanding, able to withstand immense load pressures. Check with the local code enforcement officers. What can be done and what is prohibited as far as building codes go will be at their discretion.
I was unable to find any books specifically about converting a grain bin/silo to a tiny home, but construction will be much like working with shipping containers.
The video at the bottom of this page is full of good construction information: the cost of the 36′ diameter grain bin was about $7,000.00*. The cement floor/foundation was about $8,000.00*. They used a professional grain bin assembly company which had the know-how and special equipment necessary for construction. It was purchased new from Sukup and included a door, roof hatch, and access ladder. They used the “drying floor” for the loft. The outside access stairs were used on the inside to access the loft.
The grain bin is 34′ tall. This creates a huge temperature difference from the main level to the loft. Fans are used to keep the air circulating.
Sukup designed a bin called a habitat hut for use in Haiti (shown here). These micro-shelters can be assembled by hand in just a few hours. They were the only structures standing after the last hurricane. Here’s more info on that project.
Jump to my Pinterest board to see a collection of grain bins converted to tiny homes.
What’s the difference between a grain bin and a grain silo?
A silo is taller and more slender than a grain bin. They usually hold grass or corn plants that are still damp. Silage is used for dairy cattle feed. Silos can be metal, but are usually cement.
Bins are vented, shorter than a silo, and usually made of corrugated steel. They are used to store grain like corn or soy beans in a dry state.
YouTube® video showing a grain bin conversion
Here is a YouTube® video about Christoph Kaiser and Shauna. An architect and stylist, Chris converted a 366-square-foot grain silo into their first home near Phoenix, Arizona.
Here’s another great YouTube® video about a grain silo home that delves into the actual construction methods and costs involved in the project. This bin with loft is about 1,500 sq. ft.