Choosing the right type of shed for your garden is dependent on a few key factors – what size do you need? What will you be using the shed for? How much time do you want to spend on maintenance?
Along with the budget, these are the most important considerations – and they will inform your decision about which material you want your shed to be built from. In this article, we’ll give an overview of the three main shed materials (wood, plastic and metal) along with some pros and cons for each.
Wood
Wooden sheds are the classic type – the frame, walls and flooring are all manufactured from wood, with a felt covering typically used on the roof for weather protection.
These sheds are considered to be the most aesthetically pleasing. They are particularly strong and stable with good durability, and they can be customized with windows and skylights if you’re looking for more than just simple storage space. On the downside, the wood will need periodic staining/painting to protect it from the elements, the shed can be susceptible to insect damage and it can lack security if poorly manufactured or constructed.
Wooden sheds are also the most expensive option out of the three.
Metal
A metal shed is a good, durable option – although you’ll need to watch out for rust and leaks. Metal is the mid-priced option and, other than checking for and removing rust, you’ll have low maintenance shed for many years. Metal sheds are even more difficult to customize than plastic ones though, and they can look very utilitarian and industrial.
Plastic
A plastic shed is usually the cheapest option, and it will need extremely little in terms of ongoing maintenance. You can clean this type of shed quickly and easily with a pressure washer or a bucket of soapy water and a sponge, and the plastic is resistant to weather damage. Plastic sheds are light enough to move around if you should feel the need.
On the negative side, they’re not particularly attractive or stylish. You can’t easily customize a plastic shed and you’ll need to anchor it to the ground to prevent it from moving about in strong winds. Finally – the structure will be weaker than a wooden or metal option, meaning that you can’t hang as many tools or other items from the ceiling or walls.
