From lawnmowers and bulky garden tools to flowerpots and garden chairs, finding homes for gardening equipment can be a real challenge. If you face this constant struggle, the best solution is to invest in a garden shed.
Garden sheds have a ton of different uses and come in plenty of different shapes and sizes. There are apex sheds, reverse apex sheds, pent sheds, lean-to sheds and even corner sheds.
With so many options available, it can be tough to siphon through and find the best one. I’ve compiled a list of the best garden sheds to help you find the shed that’s best suited to your needs.
Our TOP Garden Shed Picks
Best Garden Sheds to Buy
- Keter Store it Out Nova
- Keter Store it Out Midi
- Duramax WoodSide Plastic Garden Shed
- UDPATIO Metal Outdoor Storage Shed
- Duramax Top Shed
- Pinelap quality fully T&G wooden euro apex garden shed
Keter Store it Out Nova
Key features:
- External dimensions – 132 x 71.5 x 113.5cm (WxDxH)
- Internal dimensions – 122 x 61 x 108.8cm (WxDxH)
- 880L Capacity
- Ventilated
- Lockable features
- Made from resin
- 18.5 kg
- Wood effect panels
- Hydraulic lid system
- Suitable for two 120L wheelie bins
- Colour options available
Winning our pick of the best overall garden shed, the Keter Store it Out Nova has a host of great features. This garden shed is capable of holding up to two 120L wheelie bins, or it could be used to store your gardening equipment, tools, a barbeque or just about any other items you wish to store.
This shed has a capacity of up to 880L, giving you ample space to work with. Not only that, but it also comes fitted with a heavy-duty floor, along with built-in shelving support. Garden sheds with bases are always a winner.
This garden shed opens up from the front as well as the top, with the lid featuring piston assistance. This makes it easy to use. The size and the way it opens make this one of the best sheds for bikes.
Given the size and features of the shed, it is also one of the best sentry sheds.
Pros:
- Weather resistant
- Doesn’t require maintenance
- Easy to assemble
- Built-in ventilation
- Lockable feature
- Sturdy
- Includes hydraulic system for lid
- Built-in floor
- Built-in shelf support
Cons:
- May require two people for assembly
Keter Store it Out Midi
Key features:
- Assembled dimensions – 130 x 74 x 110cm (LxWxH)
- Internal dimensions – 121 x 64 x 100cm (LxWxH)
- 845L capacity
- Ventilated
- Lockable
- 19.9kg
- Made from plastic
- Suitable for two 120L wheelie bins
- Wood effect panels
- Opens from the front and the top
- Sloped threshold
A close runner-up to our first pick is the Keter Store-It-Out Midi. This garden storage shed is a great second choice as it has many similar features to our top pick.
The Keter Store-It-Out Midi is also capable of holding two 120L wheelie bins but only offers an overall 845L capacity.
It’s durable, weather-resistant and lockable. It’s not only good for storing your wheelie bins though, it can also be used to store tools, cushions, gardening equipment and much more! The storage space is accessible from both the front and the top.
Pros:
- Weather resistant
- Durable
- Sturdy
- No maintenance is required
- Won’t fade
- Lockable feature
- Built-in ventilation
- Heavy duty floor
- Built-in shelving support
Cons:
- Only one colour
Lifetime Heavy Duty Low Plastic Shed
Key features:
- Assembled Dimensions – 100 x 130 x 42cm (LxWxH)
- 70kg
- 561-gallon capacity
- Lockable doors
- External latching system
- High-density Polyethylene
- Holds two garbage cans
- Weather resistant
- Stain resistant
- UV protected
- Spring-hinge lid
- Weather-resistant steel hinges
The Lifetime Heavy Duty Low Plastic Shed is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a product with more than one size option. This garden shed is available in a wide range of dimensions so you are bound to find a size to suit your outdoor space.
Not only is this garden shed all weather-resistant, but it is also treated for UV protection to prevent fading and is guaranteed not to crack, chip or peel
Pros:
- Various size options
- UV-protected plastic
- Stain resistant
- Weather resistant
- Lockable doors
- Spring-hinge lid
- Can hold two garbage cans
- Won’t crack, chip, or peel
- 561-gallon capacity
Cons:
- Only one colour option
- Heavy
Duramax WoodSide Plastic Garden Shed
Key features:
- External dimensions – 324.8 x 247 x 233.2cm (WxDxH)
- Internal dimensions – 313.3 x 234.3 x 215cm (WxDxH)
- Three windows
- Wide double doors
- Metal structure
- Foundation kit
- Door handles with padlock eyes
- 127 kg
- Won’t require painting
- Won’t dent, mildew, rust or rot
This tall, walk-in garden shed features windows and double doors. It is made from durable vinyl and includes a strong, metal structure that has been tested to hold up to 20 pounds per square foot of snow load. It is one of the best-insulated sheds available and one of the best plastic sheds on our list.
As a large garden shed, it is perfect for those with a larger space available. Not only can it be used for storage, but it can even be used as a kid’s outdoor play area, hobby room or even an activity room due to its size. It also makes one of the best home office sheds.
The other great thing about this shed is that it won’t rust, dent or rot, making it one of the better weatherproof sheds.
Pros:
- Two colour options
- Maintenance free
- All weather resistant
- Metal structure
- Three windows
- Wide double doors
- Various uses
- Includes a foundation kit
- Smaller size models available
Cons:
- Costly
UDPATIO Metal Outdoor Storage Shed
Key features:
- Dimensions – 152 x 94 x 181cm
- 37 kg
- Durable electroplated vulcanised steel
- Pad-lockable doors
- Anti-collision protection and screw protection shell
- Waterproof
- UV resistant
- Groove and slope design
- Rustproof
- Air vents
The UDPATIO Metal Outdoor Storage Shed is the ideal all-purpose storage unit and one of the best storage sheds on the market. It can be used to store a range of different items from a lawnmower and gardening tools to a gazebo and wheelie bins, or even pet toys and accessories.
This garden shed is made from high-quality electroplated vulcanised steel and features a pad-lockable door. It is waterproof and UV resistant and features a groove and slope design to allow for water runoff, preventing pooling. This makes it one of the best waterproof sheds.
Additionally, this garden shed has built-in vents to allow for airflow. The lockable doors make it one of the best secure garden sheds.
Pros:
- Spacious
- Sloped roof to prevent water build-up or pooling
- Waterproof
- UV resistant
- Multi-purpose
- Lockable
- Sturdy and durable
- High-quality materials
Cons:
- Requires two people for assembly
- Only one colour option
Duramax Top Shed
Key features:
- External dimensions – 322 x 243 x 209cm (WxDxH)
- Internal dimensions – 304 x 222 x 204cm (WxDxH)
- 75 kg
- Made from metal
- Two colour options
- Weatherproof
- Sliding doors
- Lockable
- Built-in ventilation
- Reinforced structure
If you’re looking for an excellent garden shed made from metal, the Duramax Top Shed is a great choice. This wood-look shed is designed to look sleek and presentable whilst still being purposeful. It features sliding doors and lockable door handles. It is one of the best storage sheds on our list.
The Duramax top shed also has a ventilation system, a reinforced metal structure and roof truss support. This garden shed is great for all your storage needs as it can accommodate items such as a lawnmower, garden tools, a bicycle, garden furniture and any other equipment.
This shed is among the best potting sheds available as well as one of the best 6×4 sheds. It is also available in other size options.
Pros:
- Weatherproof
- Multi-purpose
- Sliding doors
- Lockable door handles
- Ventilation system
- Reinforced structure and roof truss to hold snow build-up
Cons:
- Heavy
Pinelap quality fully T&G wooden euro apex garden shed
Key features
- 5FT 7” internal eaves height
- Made from quality redwood
- 45mm x 27mm quality PSE framing
- Ledge and braced door
- Factory fitted door
- Factory fitted lock
- Includes key fixing kit
- Includes roof felt
Last but not least is a classic wooden garden shed that looks fantastic in any space. It is one of the best-looking sheds as well as one of the best wooden sheds.
Pinelap tongue and groove wooden sheds are made using quality redwood. The floor and the roof of this garden shed are made using tongue and groove panels, ensuring strength and longevity.
The wood is treated with a protective anti-fungal preservative base coat. Additionally, it has a factory-fitted door and shed lock.
Pros:
- Quality materials
- Tongue and groove construction for ensured strength and longevity
- Treated wood
- Factory-fitted door and shed lock
Cons:
- May require more than one person to assemble
How to Buy the Best Garden Shed
Garden sheds are the ultimate solution to the age-old problem of finding a place to store all your garden equipment, but buying the right garden shed can be tricky. There are a few things you should consider before purchasing a garden shed. Some things to consider include:
Purpose
The first thing to consider is what you will be using the garden shed for, this will help you to decide on other factors too. For example, if you need a shed to store your gardening equipment along with your lawn mower, you will need a moderately sized shed.
Space or place
Consider where you will put the garden shed. Make sure you have enough space for one.
Size
Once you know what you need the garden shed for and you have considered the space you have available, you can decide what size garden shed will best suit your needs and requirements.
Quality
Always look for quality products, especially when purchasing an item that will be exposed to the weather. Make sure the garden shed will hold up to being exposed to the elements and will last you a lifetime, not just a few months.
The best heavy duty sheds are relatively expensive and take up more space than cheaper alternatives.
Price
Cost is always a factor. While you want a good-looking shed that is practical and durable, you don’t want to spend a fortune. While many modern garden sheds, especially luxury garden sheds, are expensive, there are still many affordable options that will serve the purpose and not be an eyesore.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sheds can I have in my garden?
You can have as many gardens sheds as you would like. The only rule is that they (as well as extensions and outhouses) do not exceed 50% of the total garden space. The other limitation is that the height is no more than 2.5 metres.
Do garden sheds need planning permission?
The average garden shed will need no planning permission, that is, provided you follow a few basic rules. The first is that it cannot be used as a living space. If it is simply for storage and gardening, no permission is necessary. The other rule, as stated above, is that the sheds are no higher than 2.5 metres and do not exceed more than half of the property surrounding the house.
What size garden shed should I buy?
The size of garden shed you should invest in depends on your requirements. The best way to determine what size shed is needed is to consider what you will be storing in it or using it for. If you are wanting to store your outdoor furniture, you will need a considerably bigger garden shed than if you were just storing your wheelie bin.
What type of garden shed lasts the longest?
The most durable type of garden shed is one that is made from resin. However, a good quality wooden shed, if properly treated and looked after could last you as many as thirty years, if not more!
What should I look for in a garden shed?
Some things to consider when looking for a garden shed include floor strength, durability, security, material and size. It’s always a good idea to have a garden shed that can be locked for that extra bit of security. You also need to pay close attention to the durability of the garden shed or the material it is made from. You don’t want to buy a shed that is only going to last a few months before needing to be replaced.
Should my garden shed be raised off the ground?
Ideally, your garden shed should be raised slightly off of the ground to allow for water drainage and proper ventilation underneath it. For larger garden sheds or ones that will be placed permanently in one location, you can consider laying a foundation or concrete slab to place your garden shed on.
Is it worth it to buy a garden shed?
Garden sheds are a great investment. Even if you no longer need them for the purpose you bought them for, you can still use them to store a multitude of items. You may even be able to repurpose your garden shed into a games room or activity shed for you or your kids if it is large enough.
Do garden sheds need a foundation?
Generally, smaller sheds, such as 8×6 and below do not need to sit on a foundation or concrete slab. While not specifically required, it is recommended that larger sheds be placed on a foundation to support them properly.
What are the qualities of a good garden shed?
A good shed should be waterproof or water-resistant, weather-resistant, durable, cost-effective, visually appealing and low maintenance. Other qualities that are beneficial but not absolutely necessary are ventilation and UV protection to prevent cracking, peeling, chipping or fading.
What are the cons of garden sheds?
The biggest cons of garden sheds are their cost. While it may seem like a lot to lay out for something to store your garden equipment or your wheelie bins in, sheds are generally made from high-quality materials which result in a higher price. The other con, although it is a necessary evil, is that they may require some maintenance. However, you can get garden sheds that require little to no maintenance!
Conclusion
Garden sheds are an excellent investment as they can be used for a multitude of things. While choosing the right garden shed for you may seem like a daunting task, we hope that with this buying guide, you can make an informed choice. Consider sharing this with someone who may find it helpful or comment your thoughts on garden sheds below!
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Charl is a full-time writer with a range of passions and expertise in lawn mowers and other garden power tools. After many years in the corporate rat race, he decided to follow these passions. When not writing, Charl can be found in his garden, tending to or propagating plants, keeping the lawn near perfect, and enjoying the outdoors with his dogs. He is also fascinated by emerging technology and tries to squeeze in a round of golf as often as possible.
