Jeff Doubét shares construction photos + how-to tips for designing a high quality Spanish shed. Go behind-the-scenes to see how this beautiful red tile roofed Santa Barbara shed was built.

If you are new to my blog, be sure to check out other Jeff Doubét Spanish shed designs for additional photos and inspiration!

This project was developed during a Summer + Fall season in beautiful Santa Barbara, CA.

BEFORE Photo: This is the backyard space where the Spanish shed would be built. It was a nice flat area, and the new shed would be seen from many different vantage points from inside the main house.

AFTER Photo: A few months later, the Spanish shed was completed with landscaping installed.

The History Behind Jeff Doubét Spanish-style Shed Design 1

Just a little background on the shed before I share the construction photos.

I never thought a couple of design sketches would turn into a built project garnering so much worldwide attention.

I had originally proposed the custom shed design to a local Montecito real estate investor/builder. It was just a creative thought in time.

The developer planned to upgrade a fixer home he had recently purchased. Once renovations were complete, he would resell it.

Looking back, it was an amazing experience working with guys I know, like and trust.

The main house + property were relatively modest. The shed was an idea to help the investor increase the perceived value of the entire project.

It would also provide additional space for the new homeowner- and dramatically improve the landscaping, as well.

The shed was built just like a custom Santa Barbara Spanish-style home. Deeply recessed windows and door, integral color exterior plaster and a red tile clay roof and the Spanish outdoor light are just a few design features tying it in with the house.

A direct link to Amazon and the Spanish style outdoor lighting we incorporated into the shed and the main house.

THE EASY BUTTON TO VIEW ALL PROJECTS ON SITE

PLANNING YOUR SPANISH SHED LAYOUT

When designing and building your own Spanish style shed project, carefully consider the ideal placement for it.

Think about the location as a new focal point on your property. Pick a spot where it will be fully enjoyed. High quality Spanish sheds are expensive to build, so you will want to get the most out of your investment.

Construction Photos: Jeff Doubét Spanish Shed

Scroll to see a variety of behind-the-scenes Spanish shed construction photos. Jeff Doubét shares design insights on the construction project.

The Spanish-style shed was built on a Post and Pier foundation. Wood floor beams were anchored to concrete pad footings, and then a structural plywood floor was built on top.

*NOTE: A concrete perimeter foundation, or a concrete slab foundation are next level up (improved) foundations for custom Spanish-style shed designs. Check with your architect and local building department for your specific project requirements.

Each foundation type has their pros and cons, which I will get into in future blog posts.

This series of photos show how the Spanish shed was framed. Just like a standard home, the shed was stick framed with 2 x 4 lumber, king and trim studs for supporting headers above windows and doors, etc.

ABOVE: the first stage of weatherproofing at a newly installed wood window has taken place. The arched doorway is framed and in the early process of being weatherproofed, as well.

Above: This close-up photo shows how the arched opening for the reclaimed wood round top door was framed. To deeply recess the door, additional framing was built inside the shed.

A stone threshold for the door was handcut, and a stone landing was hand chiseled from two or three local sandstone boulders.

After the framing stage, the exterior plastering crew began weatherproofing the exterior in preparation for stucco. Here, they are using Line Wire and 60 minute building paper.

On page 124 – 125 of my 240 page book, I share my original design drawing and additional photos of this custom shed build.

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases. There is no extra cost to you.

More Spanish Shed Construction Photos + Design Advice by Jeff Doubét

In this photo the custom framing for the Spanish-style cupola is taking place. This special design element was hand-built on site using traditional 2 x 4 lumber and structural plywood.

To save construction costs on the shed and main house, an “S-tile” red clay roof was installed. Here, a stack of S-tile being loaded onto the roof of the house.

In my article Spanish Roofing Collection 2, I share professional tips and tricks for making an S-tile Spanish roof look great.

When money is not a main concern and you want the best Spanish-style roof installed, I recommend a 2 piece Mission tile roof. Learn more at blog post: Spanish Roofing: How to Achieve a Santa Barbara Style Roof.

More Spanish-style Details Built Into a High Quality Shed

Scroll to see and learn more about custom design elements you can build into your own Spanish shed.

Here a talented artisan applies the first (scratch) coat of stucco to the custom Spanish cupola.

A stock cast iron finial was purchased, and a piece of rebar was welded to the bottom of it. To support this finial assembly, a short piece of 4 x 4 lumber was drilled and incorporated into the early framing of the cupola.

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases. There is no extra cost to you.

In this series of photos, you can see how the first (scratch) coat of plaster is being applied to the exterior of the shed.

This close-up photo shows how 6 inch clay drain pipe was cut in half, and then into 4 inch sections to create the decorative detail above the wood plank front door.

ABOVE: Learn more about how a cement coated foam eave detail was adhered to the scratch coat of the plaster. After the brown coat (second coat of plaster), a final coat of integral color plaster was applied.

Now the painters are using paper to protect the new plaster finish. They are finishing up the sealing and staining of the wood window and door jamb.

Here you can better see how the first course of Spanish roofing on the shed was accomplished using two-piece Mission barrel tiles. Also, how the installed rake tiles on the eaves receive the shadow lines in plaster.

Spanish-style products on Amazon, and my project overviews where they were installed.

More SPanish Shed Photo Resources

A few more favorite photos of this completed Spanish shed and landscaped garden.

Once the shed was completed, a drought tolerant landscape was installed. Oklahoma flagstone was used as stepping stones, and local Sandstone was chiseled into curbing as an accent detail.

Other custom shed resources: I am proud of designing sheds that have been featured on Oprah.com and in Santa Barbara Magazine (page 80). Also: see additional Jeff Doubét custom sheds, HERE.

Well friend, this wraps another site visit episode in beautiful Santa Barbara, CA. I hope you enjoyed learning how to infuse more Santa Barbara Style into your own Spanish home design project with a shed. Scroll to explore more helpful links and resources for designing and building your own Spanish-style home and landscape.