Often, when we feel that there’s too much stuff lying around our homes, we sort, donate, and recycle. This is a great process, but once you’ve completed it, if storage space within your home is still difficult, additional outdoor storage is the perfect option. Utilizing your garage or mudroom for storage might seem like the right idea, but having a less-cluttered and more easily accessible living space can make your home look and feel much better.
That’s why an outdoor storage shed is the ideal key for allowing you declutter and take back areas like your garage, mudroom, or even sloppy areas around your home. Why the best storage shed? Let’s talk more about it.
Kinds of Storage Sheds
In this guide, you’ll learn about the various kinds of sheds and the specific advantages of each. We’ll also emphasize key elements to consider when selecting a shed, such as size and intended use, to help you find the best choice:
- Garden sheds are any shed designed to store gardening stores such as seeds, soil, rakes, stakes, shovels, hoses, and standard lawnmowers. Some larger garden sheds may have a drive-in ramp suitable for lawn mower storage.
- Tool sheds are designed to organize and store power and other hand tools. They are generally not as spacious as other types of sheds and are not designed to be used as workshops.
- Corner sheds are tool sheds or garden sheds designed to fit in the corner of your yard. This design works well for fenced yards.
- Upright sheds, sometimes called outdoor storage cabinets, are small tool sheds, typically 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide. They are more elevated than they are broad or deep. Horizontal sheds are small tool sheds, typically 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide. They are wider than they are tall or deep.
- Lean-to sheds are tool sheds with a sloping roof. They are designed so that their back wall faces another building, giving the appearance of «leaning» against it. If you need even more outdoor storage area, install a lean-to shed against another more extensive shed.
- Protected sheds are any type of shed that has insulation to allow control the interior temperature. An insulated shed is a good option for workshops or storing temperature-sensitive items like flooring or other building materials.
- Garage sheds serve double duty as storage sheds and detached garages.
- Barns or farms are large sheds that store farm equipment such as tractors and animal implements.
Before You Buy a Outdoor Storage Shed
Consider the gazebo’s design, size, and price. Most ready-to-assemble gazebos fall short of the ideal, reflected in their modest price. These gazebos, while easy to set up, often lack the durability and features of a permanent outdoor canopy. The best outdoor gazebos tend to be custom-made, though prices start at $5000. Before buying, ensure your chosen gazebo fits your space and aesthetic. If you’re seeking a sturdy, lasting structure, investing in a well-made tent-style gazebo might be worthwhile.
View on Amazon
Cheapest option, does not require a perfect base, difficult to assemble, cheap materials, poor quality.
VENTILATION AND WATERPROOF: The metal storage shed is ingeniously designed with vents and a sloped roof; these features work together to reduce indoor humidity and encourage airflow, preventing the build-up of water and dampness that could potentially damage your equipment
GALVANISED STEEL CONSTRUCTION: The base of our outdoor storage shed is high-quality galvanized steel, reinforced with 0.25mm thick panels; this combination provides superior resistance to corrosion, water and wind, making it a durable choice for withstanding the harsh conditions of the outdoors over time.
Wood Sheds
Design- Value for money
- Space
- Ease of build
- Wood quality
Rework- Warp resistance
One of the most expensive options, best quality, requires additional base, paint, purchase of additional materials. Can match roof and shed color to house color for a harmonious look.
Not available in Florida due to weather restrictions
Pre-hung, 56″ wide x 6′ high, double doors with built-in transom windows are mounted on galvanized steel hinges throughout the length
Extra-large sidewalls are 7′ high x 10′ peak; extended roof overhangs
Includes all wood flooring with floor framing and OSB flooring
Factory primed sheathing ready for paint (paint sold separately)
Plastic Sheds
- Build quality
- Appearance
- Ease of assembly
- Value for money
- Size
- Labeling
- Fit
- Door closing
The most popular solution. Requires a level base. Quick to assemble. Maintenance-free. Doors do not always close perfectly, but this is perhaps the only downside.
- Attractive appearance and design; UV protection to help prevent fading and cracking. Stain-resistant exterior never needs painting
- Double-walled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) construction; Durable steel-reinforced construction
- Heavy-duty steel trusses provide additional roof strength
A slightly different design than the plastic shed. But all the same benefits. It is a little more difficult to assemble.
Practical design — the sloping roof prevents water accumulation, and the enlarged windows provide natural light and ventilation. Double doors provide easy access and safety, and the fixed floor keeps the contents dry and stable.
Faux wood grain — This storage shed has an attractive wood grain design that offers the aesthetic appeal of wood without the maintenance. Unlike wood, it does not rot or peel, ensuring durability all year round.
Resin sheds
- Easy Cleaning
- Rot, Insect, and Rust Resistant
- Easy To Move
- Less Sturdy
- Less Customizable
Resin sheds are weather-resistant against rotting, peeling, rusting, insects, warping, and fading. They are also easier to maintain and assemble. If appearance is important to you, resin and wood will offer you the same standard wood appearance. This is an analogy of a plastic shed, a quality product.
Integrated gutter helps control water for year-round protection. Lockable for added security. Lock sold separately
50% MORE VENTILATION: Improved ventilation provides better circulation and airflow throughout the shed compared to other Rubbermaid 7×7 models.
Shed Sizes
Sheds come in various sizes, from not much larger than a small closet to a space large enough to store all sorts of things, including recreational vehicles or lawnmowers. If you're considering buying a new shed, you're probably wondering what size you need. Below, we'll look at your options to help you make the best decision as you look to make the right investment.
Small sheds
People use small sheds to store garden tools, lawnmowers, and supplies. They are great for keeping things dry and pest-free.
● Size: For example, 6 x 8 or 8 x 10
● Square feet: Less than 80 square feet
● Maximum height.
● Maximum area.
Medium Sheds
People tend to use a slightly larger shed in their backyards to store equipment such as large garden tools, bikes, lawn mowers, patio furniture, and snow blowers.
● Size: For example, 8 x 12 or 9 x 12
● Square feet: 90 to 120 square feet
● Maximum height.
● Maximum area.
Large Shed
Large sheds can store almost anything, including recreational vehicles and storage containers. A big storage structure can look like a barn or a small house, making it ideal as an additional living space, home office, fitness room, playhouse, or art studio.
● Size: Barn sizes range from 9 x 12 and up
● Square Feet: Up to 288 square feet or more
● Maximum Height.
● Maximum Area.
Design Options
A shed can be a great addition to your home if you need a place to store equipment, tools, vehicles, a workspace, or a unique space for your business. However, choosing the perfect and most suitable design can be challenging given the different shed styles and customization options. Here are some tips to help you select the ideal design for your shed.
Consider the style of your property
Your shed should complete the type of your home or other buildings on your property. For example, a classic barn-style shed may suit a classic home, while a sleek modern shed may suit a contemporary home better. Ensuring your shed matches your home’s aesthetics will create a cohesive and attractive look.
Identify your storage needs
Determine what you need to store. Will it be mainly for instruments, or will you also use it as a workspace? Will there need to be space for your car? Consider whether you need shelves, a workspace, or other particular areas. Understanding what storage, you need can help you choose the right shed design.
Consider the space you have
Check out your available outdoor space. Make sure the shed will fit well with your landscaping and existing structures. Choosing a shed that maximizes your property’s potential will improve the general look of your outdoor space.
Customize Your Shed Design
Many shed manufacturers offer customization options. To improve functionality and aesthetic appeal, you can add features like windows, skylights, lofts, or extra shelving. Customizing your shed permits you to tailor it to your requirements and tastes.
Is it Better to Buy or Build a Shed?
If you are looking to buy the best outdoor storage shed, whether it is your first shed or a replacement, one of the most significant aspects to consider is cost, as it is an investment that can cost a lot.
Having your shed gives you advantages. You can store your tools, equipment, and anything else you don’t want to hold in your home. Before you purchase, you should decide whether to make a custom shed or purchase a pre-built one. Both have many advantages and disadvantages, and it all comes down to preference.
What Type of Shed Lasts the Longest?
All sheds will last longer if you maintain them. Steel sheds require much less maintenance than wooden sheds.
However, vinyl sheds are more durable than wood or metal sheds. They don’t crack as quickly and are generally more weather-resistant. They also hold up better in extreme temperatures.
- 500+ fulfilled projects
- 15+ years of experience
- 4.9 stars average rating
