Best Storage Sheds

Buying guide for Best storage sheds

Whether or not you have a garage, it can be tough to find room to store all of your outdoor tools and accessories. If you’re tired of cluttering your yard, garage, or basement with supplies or tools that you only use outside, a storage shed could be the ideal addition to your backyard.

But with so many different storage sheds on the market, finding the right one for your home can be tricky. You have to choose the proper size, material, accessories, and other features that will provide the most effective storage for your yard. Considering all of the available options, shopping for a storage shed can definitely get overwhelming.

Here at BestReviews, our goal is to make shopping as easy as possible. We want to make sure you have all the information you need to choose the right items for your home. Our specific recommendations can help take the guesswork out of shopping.

Some storage sheds have a loft space, so you can fit in a large piece of equipment, like a riding lawn mower, and still have more storage above.

Why buy a storage shed?

A storage shed is very useful for storing outdoor tools, equipment, and accessories. Items like your lawn mower, rake, shovels, gardening tools, flower pots, outdoor furniture, cushions, pool toys and supplies, grilling accessories, and sports equipment are ideal items to keep in a shed. But you needn’t stop there. Storage sheds are also ideal for power tools, motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, and outdoor toys.

But a storage shed can do more than store items. You can use a larger structure as a workshop for woodworking, gardening, crafting, or other hobbies. You can also convert a shed into a playhouse for children.

Storage shed location

You can put a storage shed in any convenient spot in your yard, but it’s important to check local ordinances first because there could be restrictions on size or where you can place it. In some areas, you might need to position the shed a certain distance from your fence or property line.

Also, consider what you want to use the shed for when you’re selecting a spot for it, so you don’t have to carry items too far to use them.

• Gardening hoses

• Pool toys and equipment

• Tools

• Bikes, motorcycles

• General storage

Storage shed features to consider

Size

When you’re choosing a storage shed, size is usually the most important feature, both in terms of how much space it provides and how much space it will take up in your yard.

• Small: Small storage sheds (under 80 square feet) work best as basic storage for items like a lawn mower, gardening supplies, or hanging tools.

• Medium: Medium storage sheds (80 to 120 square feet) can usually accommodate larger items like a riding lawn mower, bicycles, snowblower, or other bulky tools.

• Large: Large storage sheds (140 to 290 square feet) can not only store large items like a motorcycle but they’re also ideal to use as a workshop or playhouse.

Lock

Many people store valuable bicycles, equipment, or tools in their storage shed, so it’s important to make sure the shed is secure. Look for one with a lock on the door or a latch for a padlock to keep your items safe.

Accessories

Some storage sheds include accessories to help make them even more functional.

• Storage shelves or hooks: Many storage sheds include shelves or hooks to make organizing items inside a little easier.

• Ramp: If you’re storing large equipment like a lawn mower or snowblower, it’s easier to get them inside with a ramp.

• Workbench: Some larger storage sheds include a workbench, making it very easy to convert the space to a workshop.

Material

Storage sheds are typically made of either wood, resin, metal, or vinyl. Each material can be an effective option depending on your preferences.

Wood

• Attractive, natural design

• Can be painted to customize look

• Fairly durable

• Prone to rot and insect damage (unless it’s a hardier wood like cedar)

• Requires regular maintenance

• Usually the most expensive option
   

Resin

• Available in attractive neutral and faux wood finishes

• Lightweight but durable

• Resists stains

• Resists fading

• Resists rotting and cracking

• No maintenance

• Can’t be painted

• Less expensive than wood sheds
   

Metal

• Highly durable

• Lightweight

• Easy to assemble

• Resists weather and insect damage

• Resists rust (aluminum or galvanized steel)

• Not the most attractive look

• Less expensive than wood or resin sheds
   

Vinyl

• Highly durable

• Resists weather and insect damage

• Requires almost no maintenance

• Not always the most attractive look

• Least expensive option

Design

While many storage sheds have a fairly utilitarian design that prioritizes function over form, some incorporate architectural features to give them a more house-like appearance. They may have one or more of the following.

• Windows

• Skylights

• Decorative siding

• Decorative trim
   

If you opt for this type of shed, it’s best to match it your home’s architectural style to give your property a consistent look. For example, if your home has arched windows, look for a shed with windows in a similar shape.

Storage shed prices

Storage shed prices vary based mainly on size, but other factors, such as the material and included accessories, can also affect the price. In most cases, storage sheds range from $125 to $4,000.

Small vinyl storage sheds typically run from $125 to $300. Small resin storage sheds typically run from $175 to $400.

Medium vinyl or metal storage sheds typically run from $300 to $600. Medium resin storage sheds typically run from $400 to $1,100. Medium wooden storage sheds typically run from $600 to $1,400.

Large vinyl or metal storage sheds usually run from $1,000 to $2,000. Large resin storage sheds typically run from $1,100 to $3,000. Large wooden storage sheds usually run from $1,400 to $4,000.

Tips

Measure the space needed for your tools and equipment. If you’re not sure how large your shed should be, gather all the items you plan to store in it. Arrange them as you would in the shed, and then measure the width and length of the spot, adding a foot or two to each dimension to estimate the size shed you’ll need.

Check local zoning restrictions first. If you’re thinking about purchasing a large storage shed, check your local zoning ordinances to determine if there are any restrictions regarding the size or placement of a structure.

Choose a corner shed for a small yard. If your yard is small, it’s often best to opt for a storage shed that is designed specifically to fit in a corner to maximize yard space.

Plant flowers or shrubs around your storage shed to help it blend in with your landscaping.

FAQ

Q. Do I have to prepare my yard in any way before setting up a storage shed?

A. It’s best to set up a storage shed on completely level ground. If the area you’ve chosen for the shed is uneven, use a shovel to level it out as best you can. Some manufacturers may also recommend setting down cinder blocks, a concrete slab, or crushed stone to provide support for the floor or bottom of the storage shed.

Q. Can I paint my storage shed to match my house?

A. It depends on the shed material. Wooden storage sheds are ideal candidates for painting. In fact, it’s best to seal an unfinished wooden shed to help it last longer. Metal storage sheds are usually paintable as long as you use an exterior paint that’s meant for use on metal. Resin and vinyl storage sheds usually aren’t good candidates for painting because the surfaces are too slick for paint to adhere. Consult the manufacturer's specifications to see if you can paint the surface.

Q. Can I put together a storage shed by myself?

A. Most small, simple storage sheds are easy to put together by yourself. Larger sheds with more complicated designs might require two or more people to put together.