These DIY outdoor sheds storage ideas will show you how you can find a place for everything you want to store outside but still keep at reach. Whether you're looking to store gardening tools, cushions, cooking utensils, or toys, these storage solutions will give you a ton of inspiration on how to store them.
You'll find free plans that go along with each of the DIY outdoor sheds storage solutions so you can build a bench, coffee table, grill island, firewood shed, toy chests, and more. These are all basic woodworking projects that the beginner woodworker will have no trouble in tackling.
For the DIYers out there, this kit lets you build your own shed from the ground up. It comes with 55 strong 24-gauge galvanized steel connector brackets, plus a list of the materials you’ll need, and, most importantly, instructions on how to build it. You don’t have to be a master carpenter, as the plans are easy enough to follow, even for beginners.
One kit contains enough connectors to build a 7' x 8' shed, but there are instructions included to build one that’s 10' x 22' long as well (the purchase of two extra kits is required to do so). All that work can pay off too. The manufacturer claims you can save 50 percent or more over the cost of pre-built sheds. So, if you’re up for the challenge, this kit may be the way to go.
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A storage box is the most obvious solution for creating DIY outdoor sheds storage and this free plan will show you just how to build one. While the inside is perfect for storage, the outside is elevated with trim, making it look like a nice piece of furniture that you might purchase. The top can be used as a bench to sit on or as a coffee table.
Kids can collect a lot of bikes, trikes, scooters, and other ride-on toys that make sense to keep outside. A lot of these can really get to be an eyesore so having a place to store all of them is a great idea. This bike storage shed is the perfect solution. Kids will love that their bikes have a place to "park" and you'll love that everything is picked up and put in its place.
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Part shed, part tent, this one requires little commitment. Not only is it relatively inexpensive, it’s also easy to set up (10 minutes or less, no tools required), move and store. Made of tough vinyl tarpaulin with a patented snow-shedding roof design, it’s tough enough to withstand weather of all sorts, but it’s also lightweight and extremely versatile compared to other metal or wooden sheds.
It’s great for storing bikes, tools, lawnmowers, toys and more, and it also includes a carrying bag, so you can take it on the go or store it easily when it’s not in use. It’s big enough to hold a considerable amount of stuff (74" x 32" x 68"), but it can also fit in small spaces. If you’re looking for temporary storage from time to time or don’t want the commitment of a more permanent shed, this one may just be right for you.
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For a mid-range, solid storage shed choice, this one checks all of the boxes. It doesn’t have a lot of fancy extras, but it’s built with sturdy, double-wall resin, which won’t rust or rot. It also has a metal-reinforced roof and a durable floor to keep your things safe and protected from the elements.
There are lockable metal handles for security, windows on the doors for light and a functional vent to keep air flowing. The shed measures 7' 4-1/2" x 3' 11-3/4" x 8' 6-1/2", so it’s spacious enough to hold quite a bit of gear, and the double doors make it easy to access it anytime. Extra shelving and hook and basket accessories are available for purchase separately.
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For something on a smaller scale, this rubber shed from Rubbermaid is simple and sturdy. It’s great for small spaces (it measures 36" x 55" x 28") and is perfect for keeping garden tools, pool toys and other outdoor sheds items protected from rain and other elements.
Made of tough rubber, you don’t have to worry about rotting or rusting, and assembly is quick and easy. For more organizational options you can add a shelf or a lock (both sold separately) for security. The beige and grey color scheme blend in anywhere you want to place it for convenient access to your items.
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This one is as tough as steel…actually, it is made of vinyl-coated steel, so it’s strong, sturdy and ready to protect your things. The 10' x 12' building contains 734 cubic feet of space for storing lawn equipment, snow blowers, sleds, gardening tools and anything else. The wide door opening accommodates riding lawn mowers and other such equipment, and the ceiling is extra high 6' 8" at the peak) for more headroom and a comfortable workspace.
It’s easy to assemble with “drop-in-place” panels, and the parts are pre-cut and pre-drilled. It’s built to last and comes with a 15-year limited warranty to prove it.
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If portability is a plus when it comes to choosing your storage shed, this might be the right pick for you. It’s like an instant garage for your bikes, ATVs, motorcycles, tractors, grills, lawn equipment or anything else you need to store.
The all-steel frame is topped with a tough, waterproof tarpaulin cover, and there’s a double zipper door that provides both protection and easy access to your things. It measures 10' x 10' x 8', so there’s plenty of room storage. When it’s time to change things up, it’s easy to pick up and pack up for storage or to move to wherever else you may need it. It’s a nice affordable option as an all-purpose storage shed.
Browse our large selection of Lifetime outdoor storage sheds at our online Lifetime store. These plastic sheds have double-lined shed wall panels with steel reinforcements and roof trusses. With Lifetime sheds, you not only get a heavy duty outdoor storage building, you get an attractive garden shed that will complement your yard. A variety of optional shed accessories are available as well. These sheds are very low maintenance, and best of all, there is no painting required!
Whether for a shed, gazebo, fence, deck or patio, the preservation of wood in the outdoors is of vital importance to any homeowner or Do-It-Yourselfer. Without proper protection, pests, moisture, salt, sun, rain, frost and everything in-between can have dramatic effects –none of them good—on the stability and appearance of lumber-based structures.
Although no wooden creation can last forever, by diligently adhering to a few basic precautions even the most amateur craftsman can safely shield his investment from the normal toils of element exposure.
This guide will highlight and explore the basic fundamentals of exterior wood preservation, fundamentals that –if assiduously followed—will ensure lasting looks and full functionality.
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The old cliché “you get what you pay for” may not apply to everything, but it certainly applies to wood, as nothing dooms an outdoor project faster than the use of inadequate, low-quality lumber.
Your shed will face the weathering effects of the sun, wind, rain and temperature on a daily basis, not to mention the constant threat of insects, molds and general detritus, so plan accordingly.
If unsure what the greatest hazards in your specific region might be, talk to the professionals at your local lumberyard. Any decent purveyor should have a wide selection wood and a surplus of applicable knowledge for any project big or small.
Untreated: Though it comes at an additional cost, a number of builders don’t mind paying for quality, untreated wood.
Aim for varieties resistant to the adverse effects of warping, fading, moisture and pests. Generally speaking, try to purchase heartwood –the older, darker, innermost wood of a tree—rather than sapwood. Ask someone at your local lumberyard for an example between the two types; being able to physically compare the two helps clarify the difference.
Aim for the following species: Redwood, Cyprus and Cedar.
Make sure that the wood has been thoroughly dried to prevent post-purchase shrinkage. If there is any indication that the wood may be green, save yourself the headache and do not purchase it.
Treated: By far, the most commonly used type of outdoor wood is treated, specifically pressure treated, pine or fir.
Though cheaper and more readily available than untreated Redwood or Cedar, treated wood (specifically pressure treated) does have some drawbacks.
It’s still expensive
The wood tends to acquire an unnatural hue (usually a green sheen) as a result of the chemicals in the treatment process, though this hue can be dyed out.
Health concerns surrounding the safety of said chemicals have increased in recent years.
Still, pressure treated lumber will likely find its way into your project in one way or another, so take these three drawbacks with a grain of salt.
Aim for the following species: Pine* and Douglas Fir*
Avoid: Gum, Hemlock, Ash and Poplar
* Though not suggested as an untreated lumber, Pine and Fir are widely used and generally recommended if they have been pressure-treated. The pressure treatment will greatly increase their resistance to moisture and rot, commonly considered their two biggest shortcomings.
One more thing – note that pressure treated wood come in two varieties: above ground and ground contact. For any part of your shed, deck, etc. that will be in direct contact with the ground below, be sure to use ground contact lumber. Everything else can be above ground if you prefer.
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In case we haven’t made it clear enough, outdoor wood –whether on a deck, shed or fence—will get serious exposure to the elements.
The elements lead to decay and decay leads to destruction.
Assuming the best wood available (see above) has been chosen for the job, take care to install a proper drainage system for your structure and treat the wood with additional preservatives.
Drainage: Standing water is the enemy!
Even if your lumber has been treated with a water-repellent, it’s only a semi-permanent/effective deterrent. Take reasonable care to avoid pools, puddles and otherwise constant exposure to dampness.
For roofs, properly installed gutter systems, tarring/shingling and gradient implementation will help water run away from any shed, greenhouse or gazebo.
For decks, fences and other wooden structures, find ways of encouraging drainage (like the gaps between deck floor planking) without compromising the aesthetic integrity of the structure.
Preservation: Once again, it’s important to reiterative that nothing beats pressure treatment for effectiveness. Due to its higher cost, it may not be reasonable to expect that the entire structure consists of pressure treated lumber, but try to ensure that all load bearing pieces (joints, posts, beams) and all ground-contact pieces receive full pressure treatment.
Requiring a great deal of industrial equipment and know-how, Do-It-Yourself-ers cannot perform pressure-treatment. Only non-pressure wood treatments can be done at home, and of the various non-pressure options, spray or brushed solutions are far and away the most common.
For the fiscally frugal, keep in mind non-pressure treatment still offers surprisingly adequate protection, especially when coupled with higher quality woods. In many cases, it’s fair to think of the difference between non-pressure treated and pressure treated as the same difference between “good” and “great”, so don’t get discouraged.
To apply a brush or spray treatment, adhere to the following steps:
1: Wear latex or rubber gloves, eye-protection and (if spraying) a mask, as well as ruin-able clothing to fully protect both arms and legs.
2: Prepare the wood. Try to sand down any ridges or inconsistencies in the lumber, smoothing out knots and end-cuts.
3: Liberally apply the liquid treatment in at least two coats, taking care to allow the first coat to completely dry before applying the second. By liberally, it is meant the solution should permeate every square inch of surface area, especially around natural cracks, end cuts and nail/screw holes.
At this stage, an important distinction requires attention: the difference between “Preservative Treatment” and “Water Treatment”.
Preservative Treatment refers to the application of chemicals (typically pesticides) that deter insects as well as the growth of fungi and bacteria. A diluted solution of borate would be a perfect example of an at-home preservative treatment.
Water Treatment (repellant) is the most common form of at-home treatment. They can consist of an oil or water-based liquid (Thompson’s Water Seal for example). By repelling water, this method of treatment also naturally discourages the growth of molds and fungi that could jeopardise the structural integrity of the wood—though it doesn’t do much for pests like termites.
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With wood selection and treatment out of the way, it’s finally time to talk finishes, of which there are two main varieties: Natural and Unnatural. Though distinct in their own ways, both options require minimal effort to initially apply and equally little in the way of maintenance.
Natural: If your shed uses an expensive wood –like redwood—this will be the finish used. These stains are designed to enhance rather than overpower the natural beauty of the wood, with the pigments ranging from transparent to semi-colored. Pending annual weather patterns, expect to reapply a natural finish every 1-2 years for optimum results.
Unnatural: When building anything from rough or cheap lumber (like pine or plywood), preserving “beauty” generally isn’t a high priority. As such, don’t shy away from using unnatural finish. It not only lasts longer than the natural variety, but it will improve the aesthetics of whatever you’ve built because of its heavy pigment.
For those who haven’t already guessed it, exterior-paint is the most common unnatural finish applied on basic-use outdoor wood. To obtain the best results, apply at least two coats of primer taking care to make certain the first coat has completely dried before applying the second. Once finished with the primer add a third, final coat of paint, this time of exterior-finish in whatever color preferred. Done properly, unnatural finish has rock-solid longevity lasting anywhere from 5 to 8 years.
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Live in a city that sits right on the sea? Have a great ocean-front summer home? Take extra precautions to protect the livelihood of your wood.
Not only do coastal regions tend to have higher concentrations of moisture in the air than their inland counterparts, but they also have to deal with salt (NaCl) in the air.
Those who’ve picked up a piece of driftwood before have likely noticed how soft and almost fuzzy the wood feels. That consistency is a direct result of the salt water and salt spray which eats away at the cellular structure of the wood leaving it seriously weakened.
Though not a major concern unless living within a few hundred yards of the water, anyone working on a seaside shed or deck should practice pronounced vigilance in making sure their wood has been adequately treated against chemical contaminants like NaCl.
Wrapping it all up, remember that proper wood preservation consists of three keys:
Lumber selection: Choosing the right material for your project is the all important first step.
Treatment selection: Always apply a water treatment. Also consider a preservative treatment, unless your wood was pressure treated in advance.
Finish selection: Find a finish that suits the needs and aesthetics of the wood. Don’t overpower the natural look of the lumber unless it’s necessary.
Whether you always wanted the ultimate man cave or need a place to secure that expensive lawn mower, a shed is an excellent solution for storage problems. Should you, however, buy a pre-fabricated model or build your own? Every situation is unique, and every budget different.
For me, I found it a lot less expensive to build my own shed. I got exactly what I wanted, with all the extra bells and whistles. However, while I found it cheaper to build, you may find it more advantageous to buy a pre-built model.
I put together this guide exploring the advantages and disadvantages of building and buying, and why I found building the cost-effective option.
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Time
A huge advantage of buying a pre-built shed is time. It’s already built! All you have to do is prepare a foundation for it to sit on, schedule delivery and fill it up. It may be ready to deliver the day you buy it, or it could take a couple of weeks.
Tools
Purchasing a pre-built shed means not buying power tools. The delivery guys usually ensure your shed is level on its foundation. You may need a screwdriver to attach a lock hasp. That’s it.
No Skills Necessary
It’s crucial to understand you need the proper skills to finish the task. Taking on a building project of this size requires carpentry skills, and you should feel comfortable using whatever knowledge you have on the topic.
However, when you buy a shed, you don’t need to worry about knowing how to design a roof or use certain tools. Even if you need to put it together, pre-built models usually only require a basic set of tools such as a hammer and screwdriver that just about everyone already has around the house.
Professional Designs
A prebuilt has already been designed for you. You don’t need to worry about where to place the window, the dimensions of the floor, and similar details.
Warranty
If there is a defect in a shed you buy at your local Lowes, Home Depot, or online, the manufacturer’s warranty will pay for either repair or replace the entire shed for free.
When you build your own, correcting any defects are your responsibility.
Price
The prices for pre-built shed vary considerably. However, the adage “you get what you pay for” applies. If you want a quality shed, it can get expensive quickly.
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Time
A kit may have all the pieces pre-cut and drilled which saves time. How big and fancy the shed is, adds time. How experienced a DIYer you are, affects time. Expect the kit to take a whole weekend to put together or it could even take a couple of weeks.
You Get What You Pay for
Kits are probably one of the poorest and least cost-effective option if you are not the DIY type. I like to putter around, but my first shed kit took me twice as long as expected and I had to get a friend to assist me.
Quality sheds may require an additional expense: Hiring someone handy who can follow the directions and help you put it together.
Quality
You have much better control over the quality of your shed if you build it yourself. You don’t have to tolerate the shoddy timber or cheaper cuts of wood, for example, which often come with the pre-fabricated models.
You also don’t need to worry about the sturdiness of the shed or the quality of the extras. By building your own, you don’t have to compromise on materials or the workmanship or final details.
Budget Control
The budget when you build your own remains under your complete control. You can determine how much you want to spend and where that money goes. You can scrimp a little bit on the shed insulation, for example, and add an extra window. Or you can make it a little smaller, add something else like extra outlets, and remain within budget.
Personal Satisfaction
There is considerable satisfaction in being able to say you built the shed yourself. It’s much more rewarding than purchasing a pre-fabricated building.
Cheaper
When you buy a shed, you’re paying for someone else’s labor and skills. When you build your own shed, you can save between 40% and 60% since you don’t normally charge yourself. However, you may have to pay your helpers or provide food and beverages.
You can build something unique
When you build your shed, you make the decisions. You pick the size and shape. You decide on 3 sides or 4, shed roof or gable, 1 story or two, even lofts. You choose the finishes, trim, and colors. Your shed will be unique.
Built something of your own design
When you design your own shed, you can plan it with the use and location in mind. You are not limited to the standard box shed. Your imagination and skills can run free. Not only will it be unique, but it will also be uniquely yours.
You can build exactly what you want
One of the benefits of building your own shed, is you build exactly what you want. You can take advantage of rafter space, underfloor storage, placement of windows and doors, even reinforce for pulleys and a hoist. It doesn’t have to be a box.
You can use much better materials
Your materials list is your choice. You select the grade and dimension of lumber you want and even pick it out. Screws or nails for fasteners, not staples, plywood or OSB, shingles or steel, all are your decisions. But remember, you’re to blame for warps, twists and curves in your materials.
You can customize as you want
Having built many sheds, I know you can do a lot of customizing. You can plan it ahead, or customize as you go. Remember to watch your budget. The cost tends to go up as you customize; even doing your own work!
Limited space – you may not find shed of that size
How much space between your house and your neighbors? Depending on the access to your shed site a pre-built shed may not work. The space you have available may not be fit any pre-built or kit sheds. Building your own shed to fit your space may be the only answer.
No one will take as much care of building it as you will
Building something yourself is a matter of pride. The care and precision taken in building your shed are all yours. Even if you build a kit shed yourself, the care and accuracy of the cuts, the quality of the materials, will be someone else’s. You may make mistakes, but they will still be yours.
Family activity – strengthening family ties
Everyone enjoys building something. Don’t be shy about asking for help. Ask your parents, siblings, even other relatives. Children are great gophers and can help hold or steady things; it can even be a learning experience for them. More hands make work go faster. Don’t forget to give your spouse an important task.
Flexibility
You have a great deal of flexibility when you design and build your own shed. You determine where you want the windows and doors, and their sizes. If you want a shed roof or cottage style, a gable window, you choose. The roof height and style aren’t set by the manufacturer. If you fancy hanging rails and shelves, put them in. Add gutters to fill rain barrels for the garden. If you build, you can include or attach extras.
It’s a lot of fun!
Every time you build something, you feel a sense of accomplishment. You may even learn something. But the greatest enjoyment is watching something you’ve designed and worked on, being completed. A big real life puzzle you get to finish. It’s a lot of fun!
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Time
Time can be a disadvantage if you want to build your own shed. While you have more creative control, building your own shed requires a considerable amount of time and effort. It took me
4 months(!) the first time I built my own shed, although my second shed took 6 weeks.
Careful planning and organization are important, so you can’t expect to have your dream shed overnight.
If you buy a prefabricated shed, you can probably have it delivered and in place within an afternoon.
Tools
If you don’t have a standard DIY set of tools already, you may need to spend some cash to buy the right tools for the job. During the planning phase, including a tool list.
Helper
You likely will need help when building your own shed. You can enlist the help of a friend (or two like I did). It may require you to trade labor or spring for a six-pack or dinner.
You will, however, be at the mercy of when he or she is available to help you out, adding to the time it takes to complete the project.
Personal Life
Your personal life is the next factor to consider. How will a long project affect your life and how does the rest of your household feel about you working on an extended project?
My wife was probably more pleased than I was when I completed my first shed.
Before discussing costs related to building or buying a shed, let’s discuss what materials you can use.
Plain Wood
Probably the most popular material used either by manufacturers or home do-it-yourselfers, wood always has great visual appeal. However, wood needs regular inspection and treatment to keep out rot, insects, and wear and tear due to the weather.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood has been treated to seal out moisture, insects and is more resistant to weather. It can, however, be much more expensive than regular wood. Ensure you check on what type of engineered wood it is and that you are not buying a cheaper cut.
Plastic
Plastic is extremely durable and probably one of the least expensive materials you can decide on for a shed. Plastic requires no maintenance, and you don’t have to worry about insect damage.
Plastic, however, does not look particularly nice and seems to “exude cheap” as my wife likes to say in perhaps an otherwise nice yard.
Metal
Metal sheds, except for rust, resist almost all traditional things that can damage a shed. If you want corrosion-resistance, you will have to upgrade to aluminum or a higher-grade of steel, which can be costly.
Vinyl
Vinyl is not cheap, which is why a pre-built vinyl shed can be one of the most expensive options available. Not only is vinyl more durable than metal or plastic, but it is also much more aesthetically pleasing.
If you are building your own shed vinyl will cost more than most other materials, but it is less expensive than buying a pre-fabrication vinyl shed at a store.
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Since we really want to make a cost comparison, let’s look closer at the numbers.
Most construction projects boil down to square-foot cost. Contractors calculate the materials needed and the labor required, as well as business overhead.
DIY shed construction usually runs $17-$24 per square foot – my two averaged $19.00/sq. ft. Constructing an 8×12 shed yourself costs around $2,050. One that is 12×28 can be built for approximately $4,800. A 15×30 square-foot building can be around $7,500.
My friend just completed a 24X38 shed/workshop for $16,300; that’s concrete floor, 6 windows, steel roofing, doors, wiring, and all delivery charges. He still have to insulate, drywall, and do the hydro connection.
A prebuilt wooden shed is usually more expensive, while a steel or plastic shed is usually less expensive. An 8×12 wooden shed can cost between $2400 and $4800, or more.
The largest prebuilt wooden shed I could find was 12×32, it has to fit on a highway trailer. It has a base price of $16,628 (upgrades can add thousands), plus delivery. A plastic 8×10 shed is between $900 and $1,400, and an 8×6 high wall shed sells between $250 and $800.
Prebuilt sheds may also have delivery as an extra cost. You’re paying for someone else’s labor, and you get what you pay for.
Kit sheds are a good bit more expensive than DIY. An 8×8 OSB gable roof shed is $1,600, plus delivery, and an 8×10 kit costs $1,900 to $2,900.
Shed contractors cost even more to hire to build a custom shed. A 12×24 wood shed with a floor is between $6,500 and $10,000; depending on windows and door sizes and finishes. They can take up to a month for delivery and some have added delivery charges.
Homeadvisor estimates that the average to build a shed is anywhere from $800-$4,000 depending on factors like adding electricity. If you must hire professional help, that may cost an added $50-$100 per hour, which is not budget friendly.
Sheds are an invaluable storage solution, and can be used to tidy away everything from plant pots and tools to the lawnmower. They can also be used as a workshop, for all those garden DIY projects.
There’s a huge variety of sheds available in different styles and materials and at a range of prices, so to help you choose the right shed for you, we’ve put together a list of some of the best garden sheds available.
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There are a number of things to think about before you buy a new garden shed. Some of the most important considerations are:
What do you need the shed for?
How much space do you have for a shed?
How big do you need it to be?
Which style of roof would you like?
What material is right for your shed?
Follow our guide, to help you choose the right shed.
The first thing to consider is what you want to use your shed for. If it’s just a garden storage solution, how much stuff do you need to store and how valuable is it? If you need to store large, high-value power tools, you’ll need a bigger and more secure shed than if you’re storing some hand tools and pots.
If you’re planning to use the shed as a workshop for DIY projects, check the dimensions of the shed, so you know if you’ll have enough headroom and enough room to work and move around. You’ll also need better lighting – consider windows, double doors and electric lighting. If you plan to spend a lot of time working in the shed, you may also want to invest in insulation and some form of heating.
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One of the most important factors is how much space you have available for the shed. Measure and mark out the space, making sure you allow room for the door to open and access in and out.
Take note of overhanging trees, or other obstacles, that might affect how tall the shed can be. If space is limited, corner sheds fit neatly into right-angled spaces and lean-to styles are great for fitting snugly along a wall.
There are two main shapes of shed roof. How you plan to use the shed and how much space you have available will determine which shape is right for you.
Apex
This is the traditional triangular-shaped roof, with two sloping sides meeting in a peak in the middle. Inside, the centre of the shed offers the most headroom, and it’s lower at either side.
Pent
A pent roof slopes in just one direction. Usually the roof is higher at the front and slopes away to the back of the shed. Internally, the most headroom is at the front of the shed, where the door is.
Smaller and lean-to sheds often have pent roofs that slope to one side.
Wood
The most traditional material for a garden shed, wood is a popular choice with the most variety in style and shape available. It’s a natural material, so wooden sheds blend into their surroundings well and are reasonably durable. Wood may warp over time, but there are various treatments to help you care for your garden shed. The roof is usually covered in felt, but some have tile-effect shingles.
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We’ve rounded up a selection of some of the best sheds available to buy in the UK.
All sheds featured below come with the flooring included or with the option to add it as an extra, unless stated otherwise. If you don’t already have a solid base for your shed, such as concrete or paving slabs, you will need to lay one or you can buy a purpose-made shed base.
The measurements featured below are a guide and list the widest, highest or deepest measurements of each shed’s dimensions. Further details such as exact door widths and heights at different points of the roof can be found on the sellers’ websites.
The sheds in our list are all made from either wood or metal. In the interest of reducing plastic usage in the garden, we have not recommended any plastic sheds here, although they are widely available.
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This barn-style shed has robust tongue and groove cladding and a window fitted with toughened glass. It’s easy to get bulky items in and out of the shed, thanks to the double doors, which lock with a key. The barn-style design offers slightly more headroom at the sides than an average apex roofed shed.
Measurements: 2.4m (height) x 2.4m (width) x 3.4m (depth)
Price: £1,940
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A classic apex shed, crafted by hand from Nordic White Spruce with a felt roof that’s reinforced with high-grade polyester for additional protection. The tongue and groove cladding makes it more weatherproof than an overlap shed, so it’s a good choice if you want to store items that need to be kept dry, or if you’re planning to use it as a workshop. Installation is included and it comes with a 15 year guarantee.
Measurements: 2.184m (height) x 2.4m (width) x 1.82m (depth)
Price: £719.99
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This characterful shed provides two types of storage – an enclosed apex shed for storing items that need protection from the elements and a lean-to for easy access to items that can be kept outside. It features overlap cladding and a window to let in natural light. The eaves are approximately six inches higher than most apex sheds, to give you a little extra headroom.
Measurements: 2.043m (height) x 2.07m (width) x 1.815m (depth)
Price: £269.99
I purchased this garden shed about 8 years ago from Home Depot for about $800. I think the model number is 18276-1. It is 8X8 and is attached to the cement pad below. I couldn't find my original paperwork, so I'm using my best guess on this.
My son, my brother and I put it together. It was pretty easy with clear instructions and pictures. Everything was included. We used screwdrivers, hammers and a robo-wrench. It took us about 5 hours total excluding the cement pad, which my brother laid about 10 days before.
I use it for my gardening supplies and outdoor holiday decorations. I have been very happy with the shed - it has held up well. I want to add some kind of lighting and I want to change the shelving units I have, but I haven't gotten around to that yet. Right now I only have one shelf unit along the back wall. I would like to put shelves around all three walls with baskets or bins to hold small items. That would help with organization since I tend to lose things.
The only issue I have is that the color of the doors has weathered differently than the body of the shed. I’m not sure why. So, my next project is to embellish the doors somehow. I was just going to paint the centers, maybe white, but now I think I might stencil them. I have two options I am considering – I love roosters, so maybe I can find some stencils with large roosters, otherwise I might do some kind of quilt squares, a different one on each door.
I would recommend this shed if you have a small yard and need some extra space. It’s compact and it looks cute in the landscape.
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This is my shed that I bought from Home Depot a couple of summers ago. It’s the “Classic” version of their sheds that they have available. The size of the shed is 11’x20’. The great thing about Home Depot sheds is that they give you the option to either have them installed by their professional installers… aka… local contractors or you can build them yourself with the “kit.”
Well, let’s just say that I didn’t take the easy way – or as my wife would call it, the smart way.
We decided for me to put it up ourselves.
I got some friends to come over and we went at it. The thing about these are that it comes with all the wood and what not, but it doesn’t come with the nails and what not. You have to buy those, but I have a good collection of tools and what not around, so I had all the things that I needed.
The instructions were as clear as most things that you’re going to put together. Although, I would say that you’re going to need a bit of skill in building things or you’re really going to have a hard time. It took my friends and myself the good portion of the weekend to put it together, but that doesn’t include us slacking off.
We used hammer, screwdrivers, drills… not to mention all the tools required to put in a cement foundation. We didn’t really have any problems other than a couple of my friends being horrible at using a level, lol.
We use our shed to keep the lawnmower and other various tools and equipment in. We keep more bigger things in there because we have a room in the garage where the tools and what not are placed.
The shed is pretty great. We went for the optional windows instead of the regular windows because we thought that maybe it would help keep the rain out so that we can get some air through there during the summer.
We haven’t had any problems with it. It’s a pretty solid shed and I have to say that it’s part in good work from Home Depot and good work from me putting it together, lol.
This is a great shed for someone looking for one, but if you’re not all the best at hardware or building, you might want to have other people put it together or go the route of Home Depot and have them build it for you.
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I'd probably say this Home Depot Storage shed is best for its value and accessibility. The shed was pretty much straightforward and easy to put together as the instructions were very clear. In terms of any parts missing, I did have to buy some bolts which were not included in the shed assembly kit. I had some help putting together the shed but I was able to have it prepped and finished in approximately 8 hours done over a two-day span.
I used pressure treated 2 by 4's, piers of concrete, a hammer, nails, a tape measure and saw to build the shed. They were not supplied with the assembly kit. The only problem which I came across were the missing parts, but after informing Home Depot, I was given the said parts for free.
I use this shed for mostly tools and some dry foods. I found the shed to be more than satisfactory and it hasn't sprung a leak just yet (although I've only had it for approximately a year now).
The asphalt roof is extremely durable and the wood itself is of good quality. I haven't had any problems with the shed just yet and I would definitely recommend it to others.
Read some storage shed reviews written by visitors to this site who have built the model and experienced how it works in practice.
It can be great to read the experience of someone who has used the shed you are considering before you make the plunge and buy the model that sounds so great in the catalogue description.
You are welcome to add a review of your own storage shed. Use the form below to add your story......
Try to be as complete to as possible to make your review really count. Some pointers to include in your review would be:
i) Where you bought your shed and the approximate cost.
What is the brand and model?
What is the size of the shed?
ii) Details about building the shed.
Was it easy to put together?
Were the instructions clear?
Any parts missing?
How long did it take?
Did you do it by yourself or did you have some assistance?
What tools you used, were they supplied?
What problems you encountered and how you overcame them?
iii) In service performance of the shed
What do you use the shed for?
Has the shed performed satisfactorily?
Does it leak?
Is it durable? (If it is metal, has it dented? If it is plastic, has it become brittle due to UV? etc)
Any other problems that you have encountered.
Would you recommend the shed to others?
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Handy Home Products 10 Ft. X 8 Ft. Phoenix Solar Shed Kit with Floor. I have had my solar shed for a couple months now and I am very happy with it. It's solid, very roomy, and goes together easily.
One nice feature is that the rafters all have a 1/2" hole in their gussets for you to run a copper or plastic pipe through to hang plants (the pipe isn't included.) You can't really add this after it's built, so pick up eight feet of 1/2" pipe with the kit.
I only ran into a couple of small problems: The 2x6 short wall header was 1/2 inch shorter then it was supposed to be and one of the joist spacers was cut crooked. Luckily I had some spare wood pieces laying around to fix that. Also, the description doesn't mention that you need to order your own drip edges - you need 60 feet worth (6 pcs.) You need to install the drip edges before installing the windows so don't put off buying the drip edges until you get the rest of the roofing material like I did - order them along with the kit.
Some other tips: The end walls (the 10' sides) have their footer plates split into two pieces (page 11 of the instructions.) The join of these two pieces doesn't meet on a stud and thus is pretty flimsy until you get the wall nailed to the sill plate. Use a scrap piece of 1x4 or 2x4 to bridge the footer to help stiffen it up.
The instructions mention that glue is optional on the rafter gussets - in my option it should be mandatory. It will easily double the strength of those trusses. One tube of liquid nails or an 8 oz bottle of wood glue is all you need. If you want to glue all of the panelling to the studs for additional strength like I did, plan on getting a total of 5 tubes of liquid nail adhesive.
The roof trusses are only tied to the tall wall with two screws. If you live in a high wind area pick up three rafter ties (search for "H2.5 Hurricane Tie") for 30 cents each for extra peace of mind. Grab an extra 2 pieces per 4' extension you buy as well.
Lastly, do your elbow a favour and rent a nail gun and air compressor. Hammering close to 800 nails by hand is very tiring. A box of 500 2" galvanized ring shank nails, and 500 galvanized 3 1/2" nails is what you'll need.
This kit is delivered in a 4' x 8' x 2' bundle on a skid and weighs about 1000 lbs. I also ordered the 4' windowed extension with it and they strapped it to the top of the main kit. That added 4' x 8' x 6" of height and weighed about 200 lbs more.
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My husband and I bought a Kingston storage shed a few years back. We bought it online at Home Depot for $899. The price was great and the shipping was free. The shed measures 8 ft. X 8 ft.
My son came down to visit for a couple of days and helped my husband build the shed. It was quick and easy to put together. The instructions they said were well laid out. No parts were missing and it took them only a few days to complete...with many breaks throughout!
Most of the material was pre-cut and/or preassembled so only very common tools which we had on hand were necessary.
The only problems we encountered was the choice of color to paint the shed. My husband wanted red but I preferred gray to match the house.
We used the shed at first to store lawn/yard equipment. We found it to be larger than we expected though so we moved all of our seasonal decorations and tools to the shed also.
The shed withstood rain, sun, wind and almost freezing temperatures with no problems in Sacramento, California. It is highly durable with no visible marks or wear. We sold our house in California last year and we were unable to take it with us, although the shed increased the value of our home.
We hope to buy a new storage shed from Handy Homes this summer. We have already recommended this shed to our neighbors and they have bought one themselves...they love it.
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Our house does not have a garage and there is very little storage space as it is. So buying a shed was a no brainer. I needed a place where I could hang my power tools, shovels and Scag lawn mower. I have another shed but it is a small little rubber thing that is used for my kids bikes. I purchased this shed at Home Depot for under 700 dollars. The shed itself is 8' x 12'. It did not come with a door though. I was able to take measurements and find a steel door.
I love building things. I thought the shed was pretty easy to put together. I was able to build it all in about a weeks time. I built the shelf all by myself without any assistance. I used the basic nails and screws that came with the shed. Those were more than enough to keep the actual structure itself intact. The main part of the floor (the platform) was pretty simple however I did add my own foundation. I used four columns of vertical cement blocks to keep the shed raised off the ground. If I ever need to move it in the future this would allow for a much easier way.
Also when it came to the doors, I did have to do a little measuring and some power cutting. I also had to buy some hinges and steel siding to connect the door.
The shed does what it is supposed to do. I don't have any complaints about it. The pre-primed siding has kept the insects out and mildew from building up. I guess the only thing I wished that the shed had come with was skylights. I might invest in one eventually. I also plan on painting the plywood a light blue color. The durability of this shed is excellent. I would most certainly recommend this shed to people that like building things.
If you aren't really into building, I would go with something simpler. This specific shed will require that you craft your own door. The only thing left that I need to do with my shed is insert a ramp and paint it.