Whether one is looking to clear out the garage, find a home for yard equipment and tools, or create a studio or a workshop, a shed can serve many needs. Sheds come in various sizes, ranging from small models for storing trash and recycling cans to huge sheds that are capable of sheltering a car. They also come in various material types, including metal, wood, and plastic resin.
With so many different styles, sizes, and types of sheds to choose from, making the right selection for one’s property can be overwhelming. This guide will look to shed some light on these small storage buildings by looking at what factors one should consider when shopping for the best shed.
- BEST OVERALL: Suncast Tremont 8 ft. x 10 ft. Resin Storage Shed
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Arrow 10-ft x 8-ft High Point Steel Storage Shed
- BEST UPGRADE: E-Z Fit Sheds Riverside 10 ft. W x 14 ft. D Shed
- BEST TEMPORARY: Abba Patio Outdoor Storage Shelter
- BEST CEDAR: Outdoor Living Today Cabana 6 ft. x 9 ft. Cedar Shed
- BEST FOR GARDENING TOOLS: Suncast Outdoor Plastic Vertical Tool Shed
- BEST LARGE: Heartland 12-ft x 16-ft Statesman Wood Storage Shed
- BEST FOR GARBAGE BINS: HOMSPARK Horizontal Storage Shed
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Shed
While finding the right size shed to serve the owner’s storage needs is certainly crucial, other factors are also important, including design, door size, and material. Ahead, learn more about these and other vital attributes to consider when shopping for a new shed.
Size
While an 8-foot by 10-foot shed may be the most common size, sheds can range dramatically in size from small 6-foot by 3-foot sheds to large 12-foot by 16-foot sheds. To determine what size is best, use cones or stakes to mark off the floor space of a prospective shed. Next, place bikes, lawn mowers, garden tools, and anything else that the shed needs to hold in that footprint, taking into account the clearance required to gain access to each item (burying a lawn mower behind a fleet of bikes and gardening tools isn’t practical).
When deciding on the size, it’s also important to consider where the shed will be placed in the yard. When choosing the shed’s location, keep in mind that many communities have size restrictions for sheds as well as rules regarding how close a shed can be placed to property lines.
Design
Sheds come in a variety of different designs, most of which are delineated by the shape of the shed’s roofline. Gable-style roofs consist of two sloping roof sections that meet at the roof’s peak. This creates a classic look that mimics the architecture of many homes. Barn-style roofs have a more rustic look with a gambrel roof that’s reminiscent of a barn, making them ideal for more rural neighborhoods. Slant roof sheds, which use two walls of different heights to create a slanted roof, look more modern, making them a good choice for urban settings.
In addition to roof shape, other architectural features add to the look of the shed, including window and door styles, as well as architectural features such as eave overhangs, window boxes, and cupolas.
Most wood sheds require that the user paint them, allowing the owner to choose whatever color they wish. Plastic and metal sheds typically come in either brown or gray earth tones already tinted into the material.
Shelves and Interior Features
Shelves and hooks on the interior of the shed make it easier to organize gardening equipment, tools, pots, bikes, and other supplies. When shopping for a shed, it’s important to keep in mind what the shed includes and what needs to be purchased aftermarket or built by the owner.
While it may be easy to add shelving or hooks to the framing of a wooden shed, plastic and metal sheds require special compatible shelving and hooks, which usually must be purchased from the shed manufacturer and can be pricey.
Other shed features to consider include windows. Some windows are nonfunctional and are intended to improve the look of the shed while providing natural light for the interior or make the shed a more welcoming work space if it’s being used as a studio, a remote office, or a workshop. Some garden sheds include functional windows that can also be used for ventilation. Others include skylights, which also help to illuminate the shed with natural light.
All sheds should have vents on or near the roof that allow moist air to escape the shed, preventing condensation that can lead to mold growth.
Access
Access to a shed is typically via a standard-size door that measures about 30 inches wide or through large double barn-style doors that are around 50 inches wide. Sheds that will serve as a home for a riding mower or other large pieces of equipment require a double door opening to allow these machines to be moved in and out of the shed. A shed with a door located in the middle of the wall versus on the end of a wall makes it easier to access equipment on all sides of a shed’s interior.
Material
Sheds come in three basic material types—wood, plastic resin, and metal.
- Wood: Wood is the strongest of three material options and therefore holds up better than metal or plastic to high winds or the weight of snow on the roof. Wood also has a natural look that better complements a home than plastic and metal. It’s more customizable, allowing the user to add shelving or hooks to the wood framing and can be painted any color. But unlike metal or resin sheds, wood is susceptible to rot and insect damage.
- Resin: Plastic resin is durable and impervious to damage from sun, water, or insects and requires very little maintenance. Although innovations such as steel reinforcement and double-thick walls have made plastic much stronger, it still isn’t quite as sturdy as wood. Resin sheds are easy to assemble, but they aren’t as easy to customize. Only compatible shelving and hooks can be added inside and the shed cannot be easily painted. Aesthetically, resin sheds have improved dramatically over the years thanks to molded designs that mimic the look of wood boards.
- Metal: Metal sheds aren’t susceptible to bug damage. While they are resistant to weather, they can eventually corrode and rust regardless. Metal sheds are sturdy, but they are prone to denting should one bang into it with an errant lawn mower or shovel. Metal sheds are the most affordably priced of the three shed options.
Climate
When purchasing a shed, it’s important to consider the climate it must endure. Those who live in areas that see a high amount of snowfall or experience high winds should consider a shed made of wood, which is better able to endure the weight of snow or windy conditions than metal or resin sheds. That said, resin sheds are a better option for warm humid areas that see a considerable amount of rainfall as they will not rot and are not susceptible to insect damage.
Installation
Before selecting a shed, it’s vital to consider building codes, zoning regulations, and homeowners association regulations. Many communities have stipulations on shed size as well as where they can be located in the yard in relation to the homeowner’s property lines. Some communities will only allow sheds made of certain materials.
Sheds come as kits, which makes them easy to install with just a few basic tools. Temporary tent-style sheds are designed to go up or down in an hour or less. Resin and metal sheds take the least time and can typically be assembled in 5 or 6 hours. Wooden shed kits have precut wood pieces, eliminating the need for a saw, but they are more complicated to assemble and will take a weekend to complete depending on the size.
Our Top Picks
The list below includes some of the best garden sheds for sale. Wood, resin, and metal sheds of various sizes and designs are listed across a broad range of needs typically searched for when shopping for sheds online.
Photo: homedepot.com
An attractive design, ample size, and plenty of windows and skylights that create natural lighting make the Tremont a worthy choice for most yards. The 8-foot-4½-inch by 10-foot-2¼-inch Tremont features heavy-duty resin construction that’s molded to resemble real wood. Unlike other plastic sheds, Suncast uses a double-layered wall and metal truss system, giving it added strength.
A gabled roof, carriage-house style doors, and a sophisticated earth tone color scheme gives it an attractive look that works in suburban or urban settings. Two windows on the doors and six skylights provide plenty of natural lighting for visibility inside the shed. Two corner shelves create storage space. A large hasp on the door for a standard padlock adds security.
Product Specs
- Size: 8-foot-4½-inch by 10-foot-2¼-inch
- Material: Resin
- Floor included: Yes
Pros
- Reinforced construction
- Attractive look
- Ample windows and skylights create natural light
- Easy assembly
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited shelf space
Get the Suncast shed at The Home Depot or at Lowe’s.
Photo: lowes.com
The large size and durable construction of this storage shed make it one of the best budget-friendly options on the market. Its 10-foot by 8-foot size gives it plenty of space for yard equipment. Its wide 4-foot 7-inch double door opening is wide enough to allow larger equipment, such as a riding lawn mower, to be stored in the shed. A gabled roof that rises to a peak of 6 feet 8 inches provides plenty of headroom for moving around inside.
The shed consists of galvanized steel panels that resist corrosion while providing durability against extreme weather. The Arrow High Point comes in two attractive color schemes—eggshell and coffee—and includes a hasp on the door handle that is compatible with a standard padlock.
Product Specs
- Size: 10 by 8 foot
- Material: Galvanized steel
- Floor included: No
Pros
- Ample storage space
- Wide doorway
- Two color options
- Padlock-compatible hasp
Cons
Get the Arrow shed at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Amazon.
Photo: wayfair.com
With design touches that make it look more like a cottage than a shed, the Riverside from E-Z Fit Sheds is an ideal choice for a studio, a remote office, or a workshop. Window boxes, shutters, a cupola on the roof, and paneled doors with black wrought-iron hinges give this gabled-roof shed a finished look that raises its aesthetics to a level beyond most storage sheds.
It’s functional, too, thanks to a set of carriage-style double doors that allow access for moving large equipment in and out and an additional single front door. Functional windows and a roof pitch that rises to nearly 10 feet add ventilation and create a roomy feel that makes this shed an ideal choice for a work space. Eaves that overhang the front and rear of the shed are a nice additional touch.
Product Specs
- Size: 10 by 14 foot
- Material: Resin
- Floor included: No
Pros
- Many attractive architectural features
- Five windows provide ample lighting
- Multiple entryways
Cons
Get the EZ-Fit shed at Wayfair.
Photo: amazon.com
With its sturdy construction, this 6-foot by 8-foot temporary storage shelter is large enough to protect a riding lawn mower, a motorcycle, or other machinery from the wind, rain, and snow. That’s because it uses a 1.5-inch-diameter rust-resistant galvanized steel framing and metal corner joints covered by a triple layer of heavy waterproof material. Footpads and anchors help keep it rooted to the ground, while a 5-foot-wide roll-up door allows for full access to the inside.
Setting up this temporary shed requires no tools, allowing the user to set it up or take it down in about an hour. Its heavy-duty construction does make it heavier than other temporary shelters at about 75 pounds.
Product Specs
- Size: 6 by 8 foot
- Material: Waterproof polyethylene
- Floor included: No
Pros
- Triple-layer cover
- Sturdy 1.5-inch steel framing
- Large roll-up opening
Cons
- Heavier than other temporary sheds
Get the Abba shed on Amazon.
Photo: homedepot.com
Two windows with window boxes and a barn-style double door give this cedar shed from Outdoor Living Today a rustic appeal in addition to its natural resistance to rot and insect damage. With its 6-foot by 9-foot dimensions, this shed is a good size for storing lawn and gardening equipment.
Eight-foot-tall ceilings provide ample headroom, while panel walls and shake-style shingles add to its appearance. Both aluminum windows are functional and include screens, allowing for excellent ventilation while keeping bugs out. Though more challenging to construct than other wood sheds, all pieces are precut and assembly requires only basic tools most DIYers have in their workshop.
Product Specs
- Size: 6 by 9 foot
- Material: Galvanized steel
- Floor included: Yes
Pros
- Weather-resistant cedar construction
- Functioning windows
- Attractive rustic look
- Shingles included
Cons
Get the Outdoor Living Today shed at The Home Depot, Wayfair, and Walmart.
Photo: wayfair.com
Those looking for a place to simply store gardening tools should consider this small tool shed from Suncast. It measures just under 3 feet wide and 2 feet deep, giving it a small footprint that makes it ideal for storage on the side of the home or even on a deck or a patio. With its 6-foot height and double doors, it’s well suited for storing rakes, shovels, hoes, and other gardening tools.
The shed consists of 1-3/16-inch thick plastic resin that’s sturdier than resin sheds with thinner walls. Slots molded into the walls create a place to install interior shelving. With its neutral earth- tone color scheme, this shed works in both suburban or urban settings.
Product Specs
- Size: 3 by 2 feet
- Material: Resin
- Floor included: Yes
Pros
- Compact size
- Tall profile for garden tools
- Sturdy construction
Cons
Get the Suncast shed at Wayfair or at The Home Depot.
Photo: lowes.com
With its 12-foot by 16-foot size, this shed has ample room for bikes, a lawn mower, gardening tools, and ladders. It can also serve as a workshop or a large gardening shed. Its wood frame construction and engineered wood siding make the Statesman sturdy enough to hold up to extreme weather without warping. A set of barn-style double doors make getting large equipment in and out of the shed easy.
Inside, the Statesman includes two shelves that run the entire width of the shed and a gable window that lets in natural light. Tall 7-foot walls provide ample headroom and additional loft storage. All pieces of this kit are precut, so the entire shed can be assembled with basic tools.
Product Specs
- Size: 12 by 16 feet
- Material: Wood
- Floor included: Yes
Pros
- Large size
- Two storage shelves
- Loft included
Cons
Get the Heartland shed at Lowe’s.
Photo: amazon.com
This compact shed is a great way to hide those unsightly trash and recycling cans or store bikes, a lawn mower, and other equipment. It measures 5 feet wide and 3 feet deep, making it large enough to handle 96-gallon trash and recycling cans, yet its low profile allows it to fit below a fence line. Thick resin walls create a sturdy shed while resisting water damage and keeping out pests that might try to get into the garbage.
Two doors on the front open to allow enough clearance to roll cans in and out of the shed. Gas shocks on the lid make it easy to open and close for placing bags in the garbage cans.
Product Specs
- Size: 5 by 3 feet
- Material: Resin
- Floor included: Yes
Pros
- Can fit two large trash cans
- Hydraulic lid
- Steel-reinforced construction
- Lockable
Cons
Get the HOMSPARK shed on Amazon.
Our Verdict
With its attractive looks, durable construction, and ample size, the Suncast Tremont 8 ft. x 10 ft. Resin Storage Shed is a great option for many backyards. Those looking for a more affordable option may want to consider the Arrow 10-ft x 8-ft High Point Steel Storage Shed.
How We Chose the Best Sheds
We used several criteria when making our selections of the top sheds on the market, including build quality, aesthetics, and functionality. A shed must be able to hold up to extreme weather and be useful for many years, so we chose only models with durable construction. While wood-frame sheds are inherently strong, we only chose resin sheds with thick walls or steel reinforcement, while the metal sheds we selected were required to have thick-gauge steel construction.
Functionality is important, so we favored sheds with large double doors and higher ceilings that provided additional storage as well as those with windows and skylights that provided natural light for visibility. Since sheds take up a noticeable spot on one’s property, we selected models that were attractive when possible, including those with interesting rooflines, appealing colors, and architectural features such as window boxes, cupolas, and eave overhangs.
FAQs
If you’re wondering what size shed you can put in your yard or if your shed comes with a floor, then read on for answers to these and other commonly asked questions about these structures.
Q. How big of a shed can I put in my backyard?
The maximum size shed you can put in your backyard varies depending on the city, county, and development in which you live. Check zoning ordinances and your homeowners association’s rules to determine what size shed you are allowed to have on your property.
Q. Do sheds need a foundation?
In general, smaller sheds that measure about 8 feet by 6 feet or smaller do not require a foundation and can use a base that consists of either treated wood or crushed stone. However, larger sheds require a sturdy foundation that consists of poured concrete or concrete blocks.
Q. Do I need a permit for a shed?
That depends on the jurisdiction. Many cities and states require you to have a permit for your shed for any single dimension (height, width, or length) that exceeds 12 feet.
Q. Do sheds need gutters?
Sheds do not need gutters; however, there are reasons you may want to add some. If you live in an area that sees a lot of annual precipitation, you may need gutters and downspouts to prevent rainwater from pooling around the base of the shed, potentially causing damage to its base or even causing water to leak inside of it.
Q. Do sheds need vents?
It’s a good idea to have vents in your shed to allow hot, moist air to escape. Vents prevent condensation from forming inside the shed, which could lead to mold growth.
Q. Do sheds come with floors?
That depends on the shed. Some come with floors, while others require you to purchase a floor kit to go with it. Most wooden sheds include floors, while most metal and plastic ones do not.
