Hi.  I'm looking for a shed/workshop kit that I can build in my
backyard here in Whittier, CA.  The shed  will be used as an art
studio and must be attractive such that it fits into my garden design.
 The primary criteria I have for this shed, is that it must be made of
wood planks) which is not treated in ANY way.  The wood cannot be
cedar or plywood (particle board etc.) either, as I have respiratory
problems which are aggravated by the offgassing of these materials.  I
have found kits such as these on the east coast so I know they exist,
but shipping is either too expensive from there or they do not even
ship to my location.  Ideally, I would like the building to be 10 x 12
ft (8 x 12, 10 x 10 would be ok...no larger than 120 sq ft), and I
would like it to have several screened windows which open, and a door.
 My budget is approx $2000.00.  I'm also open to steel buildings if
they are attractive and do not look like a shed.  I'm also open to
picking up the kit myself, as a last resort, and would travel up to
several hours from my home to do so.  Here is a link of a shed with an
acceptable appearance, so that you can get the idea of what I'm
looking for (note that this shed is made of cedar): 
http://www.backyardamerica.com/haida.htm  Thanks so much and I look
forward to hearing from you!

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Request for Question Clarification by kyrie26-ga on 05 Sep 2002 13:56 PDT

Hi nerv-ga,

You mentioned that the planks must not be treated in any way. Does
this include pressure treatment? Or are you only referring to chemical
treatment? Awaiting your clarification.

Thanks in advance,

kyrie26-ga

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Clarification of Question by nerv-ga on 05 Sep 2002 14:34 PDT

Hi kyrie26-ga,

I do not want pressure treated wood either.  There are compounds used
in that process which could aggravate my asthma.  Thanks for asking!

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Request for Question Clarification by kyrie26-ga on 06 Sep 2002 15:03 PDT

Hello again nerv-ga,

Another clarification needed on your definition of "treatment". Will
you accept siding that is pre-primed with latex paint on the exterior?
Do let me know.


Cheers,

kyrie26-ga

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Clarification of Question by nerv-ga on 06 Sep 2002 15:36 PDT

Hi kyrie26-ga,

Primed on the "outside only" would be acceptable.

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Request for Question Clarification by kyrie26-ga on 06 Sep 2002 16:02 PDT

Hello nerv-ga,

Thank you for your question! I had fun researching this and now I even
feel like getting a shed kit myself! My hunt started out with the more
common East Coast sites, until I narrowed down to California. I've
found an excellent supplier, Outback Wood Products, and have been in
touch with them on email. It sounds like they have what you're looking
for, and with regard to the treatment of their wood, this is the reply
I got :

" the only treated wood we use is the 2" x 6" 
runners which can be replaced with douglas fir. Our 
siding is pre-primed with latex paint on the exterior.

--
Michael Newton
outbackwoodproducts.com
San Diego,Ca
(800) 561-1193 "

I am still awaiting their information on their shipping charges, plus
more information. In the meantime, please have a look at their Photo
Gallery here :

Outback Wood Products : Photo Gallery
http://www.outbackwoodproducts.com/photo_gallery_storage_sheds.htm

... to let me know if their designs fit your taste.


Will post more information here as I find it. Let me know what you
think of this one and if we're on the right track!


Regards,

kyrie26-ga

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Clarification of Question by nerv-ga on 07 Sep 2002 19:14 PDT

Hi kyrie26-ga, 

Glad you're enjoying the search.  you should get a shed....it's nice
to have a little place of one's own!

I am familiar with outbackwoodproducts.com....I'm not real excited
about their styles....a bit too shed-y for me.  I guess they'd do if I
couldn't find anything else, but I'd prefer something a bit more
natural/rustic looking.

I'm about ready to give up...hard to find a suitable wood shed on the
west coast.  Maybe I should get more serious about looking for a steel
building!

Thanks....and good luck.  Let me know if you find anything!

Hello Nerv!

What an intriguing problem...!

I don't know if I can offer you a solution at this point, but this is
a free comment that may help you and the researcher get headed in the
right direction.

I used to live in Whittier, and your shed idea sounds great!  I might
have to look into it myself here in the Bay Area...

This place is in San Diego, and you may be able to convince them to
make the 2 hour drive to Whittier...
     http://www.outbackwoodproducts.com/

This place is in Fullerton, right down the road from you:
     http://www.patioroom.com/INDEX10.HTM
But their specialty would appear to be larger projects.  Nonetheless,
they may have smaller sheds that aren't on the site, or they may be
willing to order them for you.

This place makes cute structures:
     http://www.homesculptures.com/wsn4DB8.html
They're in Glendora, and list references from the LA area.  They can
be emailed at: storybookhomes@yahoo.com

My favorites are from this place, based in Fremont:
     http://www.shedshop.com/examples/example4.htm
Again, they are a bit of a distance from you, but they say they will
deliver to some other california locations for a $75 extra fee...
perhaps you could offer them $100? 
http://www.shedshop.com/faq.html#faq1

Good luck!

Hi robhansen-ga,

Thanks so much for your input. It certainly is an intriguing problem
isn't it!  I will definitily check out your leads and appreciate your
passing them on to me.

I actually thought I had this thing in the bag, as I had hired a steel
frame kit company (Western Building Systems) several months ago to
make my studio for me, but alas, they took my deposit and ran with it!
 So here I am, no studio, and $500 bucks poorer.  Now I have to find a
place to work, and go to court to try and get my money back!

I'm a fine art photographer who does process photography (kind of a
conceptual abstract sort of thing) and I really need a place to work,
as I'm falling way behind on my project.  I was very unhappy with the
studio I had leased in town and could not find anything else suitable,
so I decided to build my own little studio in my backyard.  Hopefully
I'll be able to achieve my goal soon.

Again, thanks for your input!