About Our Company

Craftsmanship Rooted in Appalachian Heritage

Edwin Shackelford’s story begins in Appalachia, where he was raised by his grandparents and immersed in traditional building methods. From an early age, he learned that true craftsmanship means patience, precision, and pride in every detail—principles that remain the foundation of his work today.


A Proven Background in Building

Edwin brings a unique combination of education, military service, and professional experience to every project:

  • 🎓 Education: Degree in Construction Management with advanced training in Civil Engineering.

  • 🎖️ Military Service: Served in the Far East, where he developed leadership, discipline, and project management skills.

  • 🏗️ Career Experience: 30+ years managing large commercial construction projects across the Cincinnati region, consistently delivering on time and within budget.

In 2024, Edwin shifted from commercial construction to his lifelong passion—founding Blackridge Structures of Cincinnati, a veteran and family-owned business that specializes in premium Appalachian-inspired backyard buildings.


What We Build

Working alongside his two sons, Edwin designs and builds functional, handcrafted structures that elevate both lifestyle and property value. Projects include:

  • Garden sheds and custom storage solutions

  • Backyard offices and creative studios

  • Saunas and porch enclosures

  • Barns, carriage houses, and bunkies

  • Pool houses and guest spaces

  • ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units)

Each project is built on-site—not delivered from a truck—and tailored to the homeowner’s vision.


Why Choose Blackridge Structures

When discerning homeowners invest in a backyard building, they deserve more than generic options. Blackridge Structures sets itself apart through:

  • Direct Oversight – All work is managed in-house by our team, eliminating subcontractor gaps and ensuring consistent quality.

  • Budget & Timeline Guarantees – Written commitments on both cost and schedule—no hidden charges, no endless delays.

  • Appalachian Design with Modern Functionality – Structures that capture the authenticity of Appalachian style while meeting today’s practical needs.

  • Generational Knowledge – A family tradition of building expertise spanning decades, now applied to modern backyard living.

  • Local Accountability – Veteran and family-owned, serving the Cincinnati tri-state region with transparency and trust.


Our Approach

Edwin views each project as a partnership. Homeowners bring their vision; he brings decades of experience to ensure the result is functional, durable, and timeless. The outcome is more than just a shed—it’s a structure that blends heritage with purpose, designed to last for generations.


Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to invest in a backyard structure that enhances your home and lifestyle, let’s start with a conversation.

👉 [Explore Our Models] | 👉 [Schedule a Consultation]

Beautiful Eastern Kentucky- 2025

 

Blackridge Structures of Cincinnati vs. Big-Box Sheds in Cincinnati

See why on-site, Appalachian-built sheds outperform mass-produced alternatives in strength, style, and warranty—then get your exact price in seconds

Serving Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky • Veteran-led • 30-Year Structural Coverage

What Discerning Homeowners Understand: Shed vs. Structure

A shed is something you buy. A structure is something you trust.

Big-box sheds are commodities—thin floors, loose tolerances, and warranties written for the seller. They keep things out of the rain.

A Blackridge Structure is different. Built on-site in Cincinnati by veteran carpenters, it starts with 2×6 floor framing, kiln-dried framing 16″ O.C., steel-plated trusses, hurricane ties, and full drip edge—residential standards, not hobby-grade shortcuts. It isn’t just storage; it’s usable space—a studio, office, gym, or heirloom garden building that raises property value and daily quality of life.

You also get instant, transparent pricing and a 30-year structural warranty—so decisions are simple and ownership is calm. If a shed is a box, a structure is a room you’re proud to walk into. That’s the Appalachian Difference—built right the first time, and built to last.

Serving Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky • Veteran-led • On-site builds

At-a-Glance: Why Blackridge Structures Wins

Foundation Strength

Blackridge

 

4×4 YellaWood® PT beams; leveling & support blocks included

Competitor

 

Untreated beams; leveling by customer

Floor System

Blackridge

 

2×6 PT joists, 16″ O.C. + double center beam; 3/4″ 7-ply exterior plywood

Competitor

 

2×4 joists, 24″ O.C.; 1/2″ OSB

Wall Construction

Blackridge

 

2×4 kiln-dried studs, 16″ O.C.; interlocking double top plate

Competitor

 

Green lumber, 24″ O.C.; single plate

Roof System

Blackridge

 

2×6 steel-plated engineered trusses; hurricane ties; 1/2″ plywood; full drip edge

Competitor

 

2×4 gusseted trusses; OSB; no ties; partial drip edge

Doors

Blackridge

 

Fiberglass entry (keyed); Craftsman triple-ply wood doors

Competitor

 

Thin panel doors; surface clasp lock

Windows

Blackridge

 

Vinyl single-hung; screens & locks; multiple sizes

Competitor

 

Fixed plexi or limited vinyl choices

Ventilation

Blackridge

 

Aluminum screened louvered vents standard

Competitor

 

Often omitted or single gable vent

Exterior Accents

Blackridge

 

Decorative shutters (louvered/raised panel) in 14 colors

Competitor

 

Few or no options

Roofing

Blackridge

 

Architectural shingles; 8 colors; 25–30 yr warranty

Competitor

 

3-tab shingles; limited colors

Siding Choices

Blackridge

 

LP SmartSide® Vertical; DuraTemp® T1-11; LP Board & Batten; Pine T&G; GP Vinyl Clapboard; LP Clapboard

Competitor

 

2–3 basic options (T1-11 or vinyl)

Customization

Blackridge

 

Wide upgrades menu; on-site adjustments available

Competitor

 

Minimal or no choices

Schedule & Budget

Blackridge

 

Guaranteed on-time & on-budget; built in days (often hours)

Competitor

 

Delays and cost overruns common

Warranty

Blackridge

 

30-year structural; shingles 25–30 yrs; doors/windows 1 yr; lifetime vinyl

Competitor

 

10–15 yrs structural; limited/prorated

Exclusions / Conditions

Blackridge

 

Clear written terms; excludes site prep issues, neglect, extreme weather

Competitor

 

Vague fine-print exclusions

Craftsmanship & Design

Blackridge

 

Appalachian heritage styling; heirloom quality; residential standards

Competitor

 

Generic, mass-produced look

Transparency

Blackridge

 

Instant pricing with complete transparency—no sales calls required, no hidden fees

Competitor

 

 Request-based pricing with potential undisclosed costs

Notice: “Competitor” values are generalized from mass-produced/big-box shed offerings and are not endorsements or statements about any specific brand. Actual competitor specifications—including materials, features, and warranties—can differ by seller, SKU, and geography.
Warranty context: competitor warranties commonly follow big-box patterns and may be prorated or limited; always verify current terms with the seller.

 

Last updated: October 2025
Edwin Shackelford, founder of Blackridge Structures of Cincinnati®, seated outdoors at sunset, representing Appalachian craftsmanship and leadership

Ed Shackelford, Founder & Veteran Builder

30+ Years Commercial Construction Leadership – Now Building for Your Backyard

U.S. Military Veteran | Construction Management Degree | Civil Engineering  | Family-Owned & Operated

New Company? That’s Actually Your Advantage.

After three decades managing $30M+ commercial projects—from hospitals to corporate facilities—
Ed Shackelford decided to bring that same precision home. Today, he builds
premium Appalachian-inspired backyard structures across Greater Cincinnati with the same discipline and care
he brought to every large-scale build.

What “New” Really Means for You:

🔹 Full Attention — Not Volume.
You’re not project #1,847. You’re the project. Every shed, studio, and backyard building receives Ed’s
personal oversight—from site preparation to final walkthrough.

🔹 No Corporate Shortcuts.
There are no shareholders, quotas, or rushed crews here. Just a veteran- and family-owned team that answers
to one standard: excellence, every time.

🔹 Direct Accountability.
Questions? Call Ed. Concerns? He’s on-site. You’ll never deal with middlemen, call centers, or excuses—just
results from someone who truly cares.

🔹 Proven Expertise.
New to homeowners, yes. But backed by 30 years of verifiable commercial experience.
Professional references are always available upon request.

Big-box shed brands have volume. Blackridge Structures has Ed—on your property,
protecting your investment like it’s his own.

 30+ Years of Proven Expertise

Decades leading $30M+ commercial projects—now building premium backyard structures with that same precision.

 Veteran & Family Owned

Local father-and-sons team serving Cincinnati with integrity, craftsmanship, and Appalachian character.

 Hands-On Oversight

Ed is on site daily—overseeing site prep, framing, and finish details personally. No middlemen. No shortcuts.

 Verifiable References

Proven track record in construction management. Professional references available upon request.

 Built On-Site, Built to Last

Every structure is handcrafted on your property with engineered precision and Appalachian craftsmanship.

Meet the Builder Behind the Promise

Born in Eastern Kentucky, Ed Shackelford brings 30+ years of commercial construction leadership, military discipline, and Appalachian craftsmanship to every project. As a veteran and founder of Blackridge Structures of Cincinnati, Ed oversees each build personally—from site prep to final walkthrough. His guiding principle?
Appalachian character, executed with precision, delivered with a veteran’s integrity.

Meet Ed →