Today, we’re exploring the best outdoor storage sheds you can buy. After all, nobody wants an overflowing garage. If you want to park your car in the location that was custom-built for the purpose, something will have to move.
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Perhaps you’re just storing the lawnmower, your gardening tools and amendments, and some extra bags of compost. Maybe it’s the pile of bikes that the kids use every day. You might even be considering making a she-shed or man cave in the back yard.
Whatever the reason, you’ll want a quality shed. And we can help you find the right one!
10 Best Outdoor Storage Sheds
1. Keter Newton Resin Storage Shed
This shed looks great. The resin material really looks like wood and appeals to the eye, and would blend in seamlessly to a nicely landscaped yard. If you want a stylish storage option, you can’t beat the Keter Newton line.
- DIMENSIONS: Exterior: 138 in. L x 89. 9 in. W x…IDEAL SIZE: Generous extra large storage capacity…RESIN CONSTRUCTION: Made from polypropylene resin…
But it’s also built like a tank. Double-walled construction is designed to keep the elements out. Steel reinforcements ensure it’s able to withstand all weather conditions, from high winds to heavy snow loads. Resin double doors provide easy access, but can be locked up tight using the included stainless steel bar lock.
Carefully-positioned vents at the roof peak allow hot air to freely escape, reducing the heat buildup inside. Two door windows and a skylight are included to provide access to natural light during the daytime. Inside, the composite material can easily be drilled into to add shelving or storage hooks for your tools.
2. Suncast Tremont Storage Shed
With blow-molded resin construction, this sturdy resin plastic shed has durability in mind. Its design is simple but appealing, and it’s easy to assemble.
- OUTDOOR STORAGE: A beautiful shed to store and…DURABLE: Multi-walled polypropylene resin panels…REINFORCED FLOOR: Heavy-duty floor is designed to…
Meant for a medium to large-sized backyard space, its 8’x10′ size provides ample storage space. You’ll need to prepare a site for it in advance – a wood or concrete foundation is ideal. Once installed, its heavy-duty resin floor will provide a nice, smooth surface that resists abuse. Six skylights and windows in each of the doors allow plenty of light during the daytime. The padlock hasp on the door provides security as well.
Only limited tools are required for assembly. At 574 cubic feet of storage space, you’ll find this to be a great option for most of your home improvement gear!
3. Arrow Newburgh Steel Storage Shed
Electro-galvanized, UV-resistant steel makes up the exterior of this solid outdoor storage shed. Its low-gable reinforced roof provides protection from rain and most other weather conditions. Sliding double doors meet in the middle where they can be padlocked to prevent unwanted entry.
- ELECTRO GALVANIZED STEEL: Treated with zinc and…UV RESISTANT STEEL PANELS: Treated to protect…LOW GABLE ROOF: Designed with a low gable…
Pre-cut and drilled parts makes DIY asssembly easy and painless. An anchoring kit is not included but recommended by its manufacturer. There is no floor for this shed, so you will need to build a foundation with flooring. There are floor kits and roof kits available separately as well.
This shed’s design pairs well with many home styles and will blend well into the average yard. A 12-year limited warranty provides added protection, just in case of the rare chance of a problem. All in all, it’s a great value.
4. Rowlinson Secure Storage Shed
This wooden English garden shed brings a little of Britain to your location. The shed may require more than one person to assemble, and a little professional know-how may come in handy. It’s large enough and tall enough to hold virtually all garden tools and equipment with room to spare.
- Small apex window allows light into the shed…Ideal for keeping all of your valuable tools and…Solid board roof with mineral roofing felt; Built…
I particularly like the tongue and groove flooring, which is solid and will fit perfectly on your constructed foundation. Be aware, the wood does need to be finished, and you’ll have to supply your own shingles for the roof as it comes without those. But it’s a lovely little thing, and meets our criteria for the best wooden shed on our list.
5. Rubbermaid Outdoor Vertical Storage Shed
Are you limited on space? Looking for one of the best sheds, but just can’t afford to give up much of your yard? This Rubbermaid vertical shed may be just what the doctor ordered. 18 cubic feet of interior space gives you a surprising amount of storage capacity. It comes with five shelves to keep your tools and stuff organized, and it’s very easy to assemble.
- SENSIBLE STORAGE: Preserves essential yard or…SLIM DESIGN: Safely store gardening supplies such…UNMATCHED DURABILITY: Tough, double-wall resin…
This model has a metal locking tab that goes through one of the doors to keep it closed. This provides a decent security feature, but only if you’re willing to put in a bit more work while assembling it. As it isn’t bolted together, it can be disassembled to remove its contents. A few well-placed screws will prevent this from happening.
If you’ve got the space for a larger shed, you may still find this useful as a locking garage storage unit. The price is good, too. So don’t pass it up just because it’s more compact… it may still be one of the best sheds you’ll find!
6. Suncast Glidetop Slide Lid Shed
If you need a small storage shed that can still house a lot of bulkier items like large tools, lawnmowers, bicycles, or maybe a generator, this shed might be right up your alley. While you must build it on a very flat surface to ensure maximum stability, it is designed for easy access to all of your goods. It’s fast and simple to assemble.
- Exterior Dimensions: 4 ft. 9-1/2 in. W x 6 ft….OUTDOOR STORAGE: A beautiful shed to store and…DURABLE: Multi-walled polypropylene resin panels…
The glide top lid slides back to allow walk-in access to the items at the back of the shed, and it has a three-door locking system that ensures the lid is locked at the same time that the paired front doors are. You can opt to leave the lid closed to access items at the front of the shed, which is great in inclement weather. It has a heavy-duty floor that is able to handle heavy things with ease, even smaller seated lawnmowers.
While it’s not insulated, this shed is by and large one of the most useful options available for a small or medium outdoor storage building, and will do quite well in most residential yards.
7. The Yardstash IV
This is an interesting pop-up solution… literally!
- MULTIPURPOSE - This 74" x 32" x 68" tent offers…EASY TO ASSEMBLE - A versatile alternative to…STABLE - Every outdoor bike storage tent includes…
The YardStash IV is a tent-like storage option that easily is put in place in a matter of minutes, and can hold a couple of adult-sized bikes with ease. As it’s obviously not a permanent structure, there are few issues with zoning, although pickier HOA’s might not like that there’s a tent in your yard. And with vinyl tarpaulin as the siding, it protects well against rain or sun damage.
Here, the problem is its longevity. If you need a short-term storage option, this is fantastic. But it’s not meant for permanent placement, although it’s more durable than its predecessors in the YardStash line.
As it’s constructed of vinyl, it’s not as durable in high-wind or snow conditions. It also isn’t as security-minded as it can be easily cut through. But it comes with a storage bag, and it rolls into a very small parcel that’s easy to tuck away during the worst weather.
8. ShelterLogic Shed-In-A-Box
While this isn’t what everyone thinks of as a shed, you’ll get some good functionality out of this. This home carport can be used as an effective storage space for larger equipment and tools. Owners of large ride-on mowers, rejoice – you’ll probably consider this one of your best storage methods!
- DURABLE FRAME: Made from an all-steel metal 12 x…MADE TO LAST: Bonded with a premium powder-coated…WATERPROOF COVERAGE: Grey cover is durable and…
Straight out of the box, you’ll find a durable and waterproof rip-stop fabric comprised of three layers. It’s UV-protected to hold up to the sun’s intensity, too. You’ll also find powder-coated steel poles including slide crossrails, a ratchet tensioning system to ensure a snug fit, and stabilizers to give it added durability against weather conditions.
So whether you’re storing toys like your ATV, or just need a short-term storage solution, this shed-in-a-box is something to get.
9. Hanover Steel Shed With Firewood Storage
When considering sheds, it’s not always just tool and equipment storage that needs to be taken into consideration. Dry firewood storage can be a real benefit to anyone who uses it for winter warmth.
- 2-in-1 multi-purpose shed with lockable storage…Durable, galvanized steel construction is…Sloped roof with exterior gutters allows quick…
That’s why we’re highlighting this lovely Hanover firewood shed. Incorporating a small shed space with a larger firewood rack, you’re able to keep everything all in one organized area. Placing this near your home guarantees you quick access to the wood you’ll need. Plus, you’ll still have ample shed space for tucking away the wood axe or log splitter.
Constructed of powder-coated, galvanized steel, this firewood shed will provide functionality and utility while looking good year-round. It’s well worth the money spent.
Why Should You Get A Shed?
There are a whole lot of reasons to get a shed, but the primary one is right in the name. Storage sheds provide ample storage for all of the necessities.
However, a storage shed offers other options as well. You can use it as a potting station for your plants, or with the addition of a grow light it can act in lieu of a greenhouse. It can be used by kids as a possible rainy-day play area, or as a man-cave if you just want to get out of the house for a while.
It can add appeal to your yard while acting as an extension of your home. There are even storage sheds that have attached porches where you can place some chairs to relax in.
Overall, an outdoor shed is a great investment for most people who spend lots of time outdoors.
What To Consider When Getting A Shed
There’s a lot of things to take into consideration before you ever spend a dime on building an outdoor storage shed, so let’s take a look at some of those things.
Size
Nobody wants to get a shed, only to realize it’s too big or too small. A little planning is required.
Decide what you plan on putting in the shed in advance. Gauge your size from that, while leaving enough room for easy access and unexpected new items in the future.
If you’re looking for a combined work/storage space, you’ll need to gauge how much room you need to work in. Add extra space to easily move around without bumping into stored items. You won’t want to be straddling your lawnmower as you’re trying to use your potting bench!
Features
There are a few things you should think about when choosing your shed’s features:
- Is it completely waterproofed?Does it have windows, and if so, are they fixed or can they be opened to allow in ventilation?Is the door handle sturdy and does it lock securely?Does it have a built-in floor or do you need to construct flooring for it?Is the roof sloped to allow runoff of rainwater adequately?Does it have one door or a double door?
Building Codes / Zoning
With any structure you’re building, it may fall under local building or zoning regulations. As an example, there may be a limitation on how close to a fence line the shed can be. Homeowner associations may have requirements on the maximum size or how it looks, as well as placement requirements. Be sure of any regulations before you start your build process so that you don’t find yourself fighting fines and fees.
Foundation
A level foundation will help protect your shed and its contents from the elements, helping prevent moisture from seeping in under the doors and walls. It may also be required, as some models don’t come with floors.
A sturdy foundation will prolong the life of most storage sheds. You can do a compacted dirt foundation, a gravel foundation, a wooden deck-style foundation, or even pour a concrete slab.
Types of Shed Materials
While sheds can be constructed of nearly anything (and I do mean that – I once saw someone who’d used an old VW Bus body as a shed in their yard!), most sheds fall into one of the four categories listed here.
Wood
Wood is one of the most popular shed materials because it looks great and is readily available. In addition, it’s easy to add shelving or insulation if it’s necessary. And, should you decide to add on more space, you can! But it does come with some downsides.
Untreated wood is at risk from the elements. Paint or stain can be applied to reduce the risk of rot or termite infestation, but will also need maintenance. Pressure-treated lumber can be used, but still should get a coat of paint and a good sealer.
Composite materials that use resin-injected wood can provide the look of wood with less of a risk. These cost more but provide a lot of longevity over traditional wood.
Resin
Many storage sheds are created out of a dense resin that’s a lot more heavy-duty than standard plastic. These lightweight, easy-to-assemble options are suited for DIYers or people looking for an out-of-the-box option.
Seams between resin panels may leak. Add silicone caulking along seams or at joints to ensure your shed’s watertight. Also, plastic is not well-insulated and may heat up during the peak of the summer months.
On the bright side, resin sheds are usually not subject to construction or zoning requirements, and they can go up in less than a day. This is a great option for many homeowners.
Steel
Steel sheds will last for years without much upkeep at all. There are many steel shed models are out there, ready to go – but they may require professional installation.
The downside of steel sheds are potentially-sharp edges and summer heat. A metal shed often requires additional ventilation to keep it cool during the summer. Corner joints can be hazardous if they aren’t rounded or covered.
Most metal sheds also do not come with a floor, and you’ll have to provide your own. A level concrete slab can handle the metal’s weight and support your shed for its entire lifetime.
Vinyl/Fabric
Finally, we come to the last options: vinyl or fabric. These are generally considered “temporary” or “portable” sheds, and because of that, they tend to be accepted without question by most residential areas where a more rigid steel, wood or resin structure is not.
But they’re not without drawbacks. Most of these are not as good at keeping the elements out. They offer little in terms of security, as well. For a short-term solution, these are fantastic. But if you want a year-round option, something a bit more rigid is recommended.
