Patrick has a question about affordable outdoor storage:
I have been trying to finding an attractive, affordable storage container for my relatively large deck/patio. Ideally it would be about 3-3.5 feet deep and about 5-6' wide and 5 feet tall. All I can find are very "suburban" plastic or wood things that look like either a miniature barn or plastic playground equipment. I haven't been able to find anything that is slightly more contemporary looking and would actually be an aesthetic asset to the deck.
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Patrick, we've noticed the very same thing each time we visit the local hardware store or lumber yard. Storage and tool sheds seem to be mostly relegated to Fisher Price themed plastic housing or barnyard chic in appearances...something we'd hide away far from view. And despite their simple appearances, these sheds don't come cheap, especially in the dimensions you've requested (a vertical shed can cost over 
I'd call in a local craftsman/builder to come in and create something that would be appropriate to the style of the house that it's sitting next to.
view bepsf's profile
I second the DIY suggestion. It's basic construction, and you can check out your local library for how-to books. If you have an architectural salvage yard in your area, it can be a great resource for lumber, doors & windows.
view dmh's profile
sears has a 5x4ft steel shed for $446.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07176081000P?keyword=shed
not sure if it's attractive enough though, but you could decorate it or paint it yourself later
a shed is a shed
view plumeria's profile
bepsf, you recommend this idea a lot, and I like it, but I'm a bit stumped where to find them. You mean like handyman.com, or servicemagic.com...that kind of thing?
view AZkathy's profile
we bought this
http://www.brookstone.com/store/product.asp?product_code=437590&search_type=search&search_words=shed&prodtemp=t2&cm_re=Result*R1C2*A
a bit barn-like, but at least made of wood and not outrageously expensive
you have to assemble it--but if we managed, anyone could.
view mrs yow's profile
Check out this recent AT post:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/gardening/showy-sheds-these-garden-hideaways-are-packed-with-creativitythe-oregonian-061808-054896
Some of these were really very cool, though undoubtedly costly.
view JoanneM's profile
"You mean like handyman.com, or servicemagic.com...that kind of thing?"
Absolutely - those are great resources.
I've also found craftspeople through Craigslist and even via Google search as so many folks now have basic business websites nowadays showing their work.
Then of course, there's word of mouth referrals. People who have had recently completed renovation projects often love to talk and share info about who they got to do their work for them - both the good and the bad - and if the person who installed their cabinets and did the trimwork for their new kitchen or built their new fence doesn't do exactly what you want, they often know someone who will be glad to take on the job.
view bepsf's profile
I agree, this is a situation where custom will really pay off. You'll get something that fits your needs just right and adds value to your property. Work with a carpenter to design something that's simple in order to keep costs down. If you can do some things yourself, like attaching doors, shingling or painting, do it. I've found that the best affordable craftpeople want nothing to do with managing websites and may not even have email (!), so I'd start talkin' to the neighbors first.
view farmhousemoderne's profile
If you're in LA, there's tons of carpenters around--since film production is so slow, people will design and built anything.
view Palmetto's profile