Do you need somewhere to store your gardening tools, bicycles, pool furniture, or lawnmower? Is your home full of clutter and you need somewhere safe and secure to store those ever-increasing belongings that you cannot bear to part with? If your answer is “Yes!” then a storage shed is your ultimate outdoor storage solution.
The 5 Best Storage Sheds
- Suncast Horizontal Stow-Away Storage Shed
- Rubbermaid Outdoor Garden Storage Shed
- Lifetime Outdoor Storage Shed
- The YardStash IV: Outdoor Storage Shed Tent (Our Top Pick)
- KETER Newton Outdoor Storage Shed Kit
Our Top Pick for the Best Storage Shed
Our top pick for the best storage shed is The YardStash IV: Outdoor Storage Shed Tent.
Besides its heavy-duty vinyl tarpaulin material that will keep all of your tools, bikes, garden furniture, or camping gear safe and secure, the YardStash is compact, easy to set up and it is low maintenance. Whether you are looking for a compact storage shed at home or need extra storage space while you are camping, the high-quality YardStash is the perfect storage shed solution.
Check the price on AmazonHow to Choose the Best Storage Shed
There are many different types of storage sheds available with a range of sizes, made out of different materials, and they have different price tags. Before you begin your search for a new storage shed, here are 6 features that can help you to find the shed that can accommodate your storage needs.
1. Storage Shed Construction
The first thing to consider is the material that a storage shed can be made out of such as metal, double-wall resin, or double-paneled wood-plastic. There are even portable storage sheds that are made out of tough vinyl tarpaulin.
– Metal
Metal sheds can be made out of steel or galvanized aluminum. They are a good choice for people who do not want to spend a lot of money. However, they may not be the best option as they can be quite flimsy. They also do not last very long in harsh weather conditions as they can rust and blow over in wild winds if they are not placed in a sheltered position.
– Double-Wall Resin Storage Sheds
Double-wall resin or plastic storage sheds get their name from their twin-wall construction, which is made from durable high-density polyethylene PVC and the attractive wood grain texture gives the shed a very stylish appearance.
A double-wall resin storage shed is built to last with strong steel trusses that provide additional strength and support and the shed’s material can endure harsh weather conditions. Regardless of the weather, this type of shed will never rust or rot such as metal or wood, and will not require any maintenance.
Double-wall sheds come in a range of sizes: small, medium, and large, so you are sure to find one that will be just the right fit for your garden or property. Although you cannot customize the outside of the shed, double-wall sheds allow you to customize the inside, by adding extra shelving or hooks. The only downside of a resin shed is that you may not be able to hang heavy items on the walls.
– Double-paneled Wood-plastic Composite Storage Shed
If you like the look of varnished wood, why not invest in a double-paneled wood-plastic or composite shed. This new revolutionary design uses a combination of wood fiber and thermoplastics to create a durable shed that will last for years.
Unlike traditional wooden sheds, the double-paneled weather-resistant material resists rot, decay, and damage from rodents and extreme weather elements, which can quickly reduce the functionality and appearance of a shed. The major feature of this shed is that you can customize its exterior and interior to fit your garden’s decor and your storage needs.
As well as featuring a superior construction with integrated steel beams that provide structural support and stability, a composite wood-plastic shed looks just like real wood with an attractive mahogany finish.
– Vinyl Tarpaulin
A vinyl tarpaulin storage shed is a unique type of storage shed that looks just like a tent. The walls are made out of a thick heavy-duty weatherproof, tear-proof, and UV-resistant, industrial-grade vinyl tarpaulin material, which is designed to withstand all weather conditions.
Vinyl tarpaulin tents such as The YardStash IV: Outdoor Storage Shed Tent is very compact. However, it has a lot of room for all sorts of items such as garden furniture and bicycles.
The best feature of this type of storage facility is that it is super easy to assemble and disassemble. It is also very portable, so you can even pack it into your car and take it away on a camping trip, to store your camping gear and accessories, which can free up extra space in your camping tent.
2. Size
The first feature you need to consider when thinking about the right size of the storage shed is what do you want to store in it? Do you want to store a few bicycles and gardening tools such as a snowblower, a string trimmer, and a leaf blower?
Maybe you need to store your small zero-turn mower? You might have moved to a smaller house and need somewhere to store furniture. Or maybe you have just demolished an old barn and need a new sturdy shed where you can store animal feed, bales of hay, or farming tools?
You also have to consider the size of your garden. Do you have a small, medium, or large garden or yard? Do you want a compact shed that easily fits into a corner of your garden or is your garden large enough to accommodate a medium or larger-sized storage shed?
3. Storage Shed Capacity
Once you have decided what you want to store in the shed and where you will be setting the shed up in your garden or around your property, you need to know the shed’s capacity to store small or large items or both. It can be incredibly frustrating to buy a shed only to find that it is not big enough to hold all of your stuff.
Manufacturers use cubic feet, square feet, or inches to describe the external and internal dimensions of their sheds.
Helpful storage shed tip: If you have a space in your garden already assigned for the shed, it is a good idea to measure the space to make sure that it can accommodate the shed.
A small shed that measures 52 x 58 x 80-inches would be ideal for the storing of a wheelbarrow and some garden tools, bags of fertilizer, and 2 garden chairs. A medium-sized shed that measures 79 x 103 x 97-inches gives you a generous amount of storage space for small and bulky items such as a lawnmower, small and long-handled gardening tools, ladders, camping gear, and garden furniture.
A large vertical shed such as the Rubbermaid Outdoor Garden Storage Shed has 53-cubic-feet of storage space and 72-inches of vertical storage space, so you can store ladders and other long-handled gardening tools and few small gardening supplies
The YardStash IV: Outdoor Storage Shed Tent measures 74 x 32 x 68-inches, and although it is very compact, it can easily fit 2 adult’s sized bikes, long-handled garden tools, furniture cushions, lawnmowers, or pool toys.
For larger storage capacity, consider the Lifetime Outdoor Storage Shed which measures 96 x 33 x 32-inches and it has an extra high ceiling. It gives you all the space you need to store small and large items, such as gardening tools, bicycles, and the tough floor can support bulkier machinery such as a lawnmower or a small ride-on mower.
4. Assembly
In a world where DIY house and garden maintenance is king, many people are bypassing skilled and sometimes very expensive tradesmen and are learning how to do their own maintenance or product assembly. However, one of the most important things to consider is how easy or complex the setup process will be for a storage shed.
Most sheds will require some work to set the structure up. Some sheds may come pre-assembled and have pre-cut and pre-drilled tongue and groove panels, which makes them relatively easy to assemble. Double-wall resin sheds may only require minimal tools and can be set up within a few hours. However, if it is a larger-sized plastic shed, it can take up to 7 hours and may require 2 or 3 people.
If you are not a DIY enthusiast, some manufacturers offer you a relatively affordable expert assembly service, which is a great idea as they will make sure that your shed is set up and ready to go quickly.
5. Extra Features
Extra features such as windows and shelves are essential for a complete storage solution. However, not all sheds come with these extras, so make sure that you tick these boxes if you want a shed that can give you extra storage flexibility. Additional shelves or hooks are a great idea for storing small items and they can free up the floor space for larger items. Windows and vents provide extra light and ventilation.
Another very important feature to consider is whether the shed comes with a floor or if you have to purchase it separately. The best type of storage shed is one that includes a floor and not just any floor, but one that is strong enough to hold heavy and bulky equipment such as lawn motors, and the floor is slip-resistant and is protected against any oil or solvent stains that can leak out from machinery or cleaning products.
Storage sheds may have single or double-hinged doors, which are important if you want to store large items or equipment. The shed might have a sliding lid for easier access, or it may be a tent-style shed with heavy-duty zippers or a handy carry bag so that you can take the storage shed tent when you go camping.
6. Security
Whether you are storing gardening tools such as a string trimmer, snow blower, or bulkier machinery such as a ride-on mower, you need to keep them safe from being damaged or stolen. So look for a storage shed that has lockable steel-reinforced doors or a stainless steel locking system to ensure maximum security and greater peace of mind.
5 Best Storage Sheds – Reviews
1. Suncast Horizontal Stow-Away Storage Shed
Suncast is well-known for its innovative storage solutions and its Horizontal Stow-Away Storage Shed is extremely durable and affordable and it will last you for years. This shed might be small, measuring 44.25 x 70.5 x 53-inches, but it has a spacious 70-cubic-feet capacity which makes it a great choice for people who have limited storage and can be used to store all kinds of things, like bikes, a wheelbarrow, or patio furniture.
The Suncast shed has ultra-tough multi-wall polypropylene resin panels and the hinged lid makes it easy to walk in and access your gardening tools or bicycles. Its heavy-duty reinforced floor is strong enough to hold heavy and bulky equipment like lawn motors.
The highlight of this storage shed is its relatively flat roof which makes it the perfect choice for those properties that have to adhere to strict building guides, where any structure is not allowed to be visible over the fence level. Incredibly easy to assemble, the Suncast shed requires minimal tools to set up and the assembly can be completed within 1-2 hours. The shed also features a 3-door locking system and a padlock hasp, so you can keep everything safe and secure.
Pros
- Easy to maintain, and lasts for years
- Durable multi-wall resin structure
- Easy assembly with minimal tools
- Heavy-duty reinforced floor
- Three-door locking system and a padlock hasp
Cons
- Needs to be assembled on a level surface
- Not ideal for a lot of storage items
2. Rubbermaid Outdoor Garden Storage Shed
If you need a compact shed to store gardening tools, ladders, bags of fertilizer, or small children’s toys, the Rubbermaid Outdoor Garden Storage Shed has 53-cubic-feet of storage space.
The shed’s main feature is its 72-inches vertical storage space, which means you can keep long garden tools like string trimmers or ladders safely tucked away along with other gardening supplies. The shed is made from heavy-duty double-wall plastic that has an attractive beige color and the double-wall plastic is weather-resistant and will not leak, rust, or rot like other materials such as metal or wood, and the shed has impact-resistant flooring.
One of the other major highlights of the Rubbermaid storage shed is that you can customize the space according to your needs, with the range of shelves, hooks, and locking equipment, sold separately though. The shed is well-built and it is very easy to set up, but it will require a 2-person assembly and common household tools.
If you purchase the shed and find that the instructions have gone astray, there are detailed assembly instructions available on the Rubbermaid website. Rubbermaid also makes 96-cubit-feet storage shed as well as other sizes.
Pros
- Very good storage space
- Good value for money
- Durable plastic never rusts or rots
- Easy to assemble
- Can be customized to fit your storage needs
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Not as stylish as wooden sheds
- Not suitable for large equipment
3. Lifetime 6402 Outdoor Storage Shed
Just like its name, the Lifetime 6402 Outdoor Storage Shed is built to last and its simple but attractive design makes it the ideal storage solution for your garden. The Lifetime shed features a dual-wall high-density polyethylene panel construction and the heavy-duty steel trusses give the roof that much-needed strength and support.
No matter what the weather is, the shed’s durable walls have an extra UV protective coating that ensures the material will never fade or rust and the high-pitched steel-reinforced roof allows for quick drainage of rain and snow. The 2 shatterproof polycarbonate windows on either side of the shed and the 2 skylights allow natural light in so that you can easily find your tools or equipment and the 2 screened vents provide the shed with ventilation.
If you want to store ladders or building materials, the height of the shed from the floor to the peak of the roof is 8-feet. The Lifetime shed’s interior measures 90 x 144 x 70 x 94-inches, so there is a generous amount of room for small and large items like gardening tools, bicycles, and the tough slip-resistant chemical, oil, and solvent-resistant flooring can support bulkier machinery like a lawnmower or small ride-on mower.
One of the special features of the Lifetime storage shed is that you can customize the inside storage space to fit your individual storage needs with a variety of storage shelves that are included with the shed. The lockable steel-reinforced doors provide that much-needed security for added peace of mind.
All of the installation hardware and flooring are included. The shed is relatively easy to install, but it can take up to 7 hours and will require 2 people. The shed is covered by a 10-year warranty and it comes at a reasonable price, and with everything included, it is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- High-quality construction
- Generous amount of storage space
- Slip, chemical, oil, and solvent resistant flooring
- Two windows
- Two air vents
- Plenty of headroom and height for storing tall items
- Customizable
- Additional accessory kit
- Lockable steel-reinforced doors
Cons
- Needs to be installed on a flat surface
- Installation can take some time
- Instructions are not very clear
4. The YardStash IV: Outdoor Storage Shed Tent
The YardStash IV: Outdoor Storage Shed Tent is an innovative, portable approach to the traditional plastic, wood, or metal style storage shed and it is very affordable. The compact shed tent is perfect for outdoor storage as it is constructed from thick heavy-duty weatherproof, tear-proof, and UV-resistant, industrial-grade vinyl tarpaulin material, which is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.
It has a rugged large rubber tabbed top and bottom zippers with storm flaps that you can open, and the sealed seams, new snow-shedding roof design, and the extra PVC lined polyester body, will give your belongings a 4-season level of protection against rain, snow, dust, and pests. If you want to lock the shed tent, it can be easily secured by attaching a suitcase lock to the zipper.
The storm flaps are easy to open and there is a front mesh vent to eliminate any buildup of condensation.
With a space-saving footprint of 74 x 30 x 65-inches, the YardStash shed can easily fit 2 adult bikes with room to spare, long-handled gardening tools, and other small-sized outdoor stuff that you need to store. Its compact size means it is ideal for smaller yards that do not have a lot of space, and you can even take it away with you when you are camping as an extra storage space.
There is also an outside Velcro panel if you want to lock your bicycles to a fence or pole and the bottom and back eyelets can be attached to the ground or a fence to give the storage tent more protection in windy conditions.
Although the YardStash can only accommodate a few bulky items, it comes at an extremely affordable price, so you may want to consider buying 2, to accommodate all of your outdoor storage needs. The YardStash is one of the easiest storage sheds to assemble and disassemble and there are no tools required, but YardStash offers an expert assembly service and the tent shed comes with a free carry bag.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Very affordable price
- High-quality construction
- Heavy-duty vinyl tarpaulin
- Ideal for small storage needs
- Compact and portable
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Expert assembly available
Cons
- Not ideal for large storage needs
5. KETER Newton Outdoor Storage Shed Kit
A beautifully rugged-looking shed, the KETER Newton Outdoor Storage Shed Kit is the world’s first DIY shed that looks like it has been crafted from strong, sturdy, and natural wood, but it is constructed from durable rust-resistant steel and weather-resistant, fade-free polypropylene resin plastic.
The result is an intelligently built storage shed that is built to last and requires no maintenance and it is easy to clean. One of the major features of this shed is its rich mahogany wood grain appearance so it will make a very attractive addition to your garden.
If you want to customize the shed to suit your own garden décor, the double-paneled wood-plastic composite material can be painted in any color you like. You can also customize the interior of the shed to free up the floor space, as the walls are drillable, so you can mount hangers, racks, slot walls or pegboards, for quick and easy access to all of your tools and equipment.
The strong double-wall doors provide easy access to the shed’s interior and there are integrated air vents to prevent dampness and odor, while the small windows on the door and the skylight that runs along the top of the steel-reinforced tile roof, allow plenty of natural light and extra ventilation.
Even if you are not an experienced DIY’er, the KETER shed is very easy to assemble.
A very versatile shed, the KETER Newton can accommodate all of your storage needs, even bulky and long-handled gardening tools, as the 7.5 x 9-feet shed has a very generous internal space measuring 103 x 79 x 92.2-inches. The heavy-duty reinforced floor can withstand gardening machines like a small ride-on mower.
The shed is very compact and it will suit most gardens, but it may not be ideal for very small yards, and its peaked roof may make it unsuitable for gardens that have fences that are subject to height restrictions.
To keep all your tools, equipment, and other storage items safe, the Keter Fusion storage shed has a stainless steel locking system, but the lock is not included. Keter recommends that you install the shed on a level surface and it will need a concrete base for a sturdier foundation.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- Good quality construction
- Solid and sturdy
- Innovative design
- Weather-resistant resin plastic and rust-proof steel
- Beautiful mahogany wood grain appearance
- Easy to assemble
- Customizable
Cons
- Not ideal for a small garden
- Needs to be erected on a level surface
- Requires a concrete foundation for heavier gardening equipment
- Doors can come loose
Our Top Pick for the Best Storage Shed
Our top pick for the best storage shed is The YardStash IV: Outdoor Storage Shed Tent.
Besides its heavy-duty vinyl tarpaulin material that will keep all of your tools, bikes, garden furniture, or camping gear safe and secure, the YardStash is compact, easy to set up and it is low maintenance. Whether you are looking for a compact storage shed at home or need extra storage space while you are camping, the high-quality YardStash is the perfect storage shed solution.
Check the price on Amazon
