Plastic sheds are just not as secure as wooden or metal ones and can easily be broken into, making them not the safest place to store high priced valuables.
Home to some of the most valuable things, such as power tools, equipment, and maybe even a bike or two, the garden shed can often be forgotten about when it comes to home security, which can be a big mistake! But have no fear, as we show you below how you can secure you garden shed and make sure your home and garden security stays intact!
The most popular materials for a shed to be made from are wood, metal, and sometimes plastic, but there are many different designs and styles to choose from.
Apex Shed
The most common shed in the UK, this wooden shed features a rectangle with a 2-sided roof that meets in the middle and slops down to the sides. This is what you will probably think of when you think of a garden shed. An Apex shed can have the join of the two sloping roofs along the length of the shed or you can have it along the width of the shed, making it a reverse apex shed.
Offset Apex Shed
A smaller version of a typical apex shed but the shed door placed off centre to one side.
Pent Shed
If you are limited to where you can place your shed, a Pent might be the one for you. A Pent shed features one roof that has a higher point on a single side. The traditional Pent will see the highest point of the roof on the same side as the door, whereas a reverse pent shed features a higher point on the side opposite the door.
Potting Shed
A cross between a greenhouse and a shed, this shed features large sloping walls made of thin plastic or glass, which allows heat and light to come through. This shed is perfect for those who want to grow vegetables or plants but also want storage for other parts of their garden or home.
Lean-to/wall Shed
These types of sheds will be attached to a solid structure, such as a house or wall.
Log Store Shed
This is a shed that is designed to house logs or chopped wood. It is usually in the style of a pent shed and usually has one side completely empty. These can be stand alone or added onto another type of shed depending on your needs.
Corner shed
Designed to maximise space, a corner shed fits into the corner of an outdoor pace with a horizontal door. These are great if you want to minimise the amount of space that your shed is taking up.
The main difference between the security of a shed and a garage is the material it is made out of. Sheds commonly come in three standard materials: wood, metal, and plastic. Each material has its own positives and negatives, whether it is in security, aesthetics, durability, or maintenance.
Compared to metal and wooden sheds, plastic sheds are relatively new to the market and have become a popular choice. Typically, plastic sheds are made of a vinyl material that makes the sheds lighter, stronger, and more durable than classic wooden sheds. Unlike metal or wooden sheds, a plastic shed requires little to no maintenance.
Metal sheds are not only one of the most popular choices for homes in the UK, but are popular across the world. They would make a great choice for those looking for a more robust place to store expensive items, and they are generally less expensive than wooden sheds and can come in a range of colours to suit any style.
Security
A very robust material, metal sheds offer greater protection from someone wanting to break in and are a good choice if you are planning to store any valuables in there.
Budget Friendly
Surprisingly, metal sheds are actually cheaper and more affordable than wooden ones, making them great value for money when you consider their increased security capabilities.
Durability
With a good quality metal shed, they are designed to stand up to harsher environments, which is perfect for the colder UK months where we see a lot of rain and sometimes even snow! Metal sheds won’t rot or decay and some models are even rust and corrosion resistant!
Disadvantages of a Metal Shed
Less Attractive
When compared to a wooden or plastic shed, standard metal sheds are on the unattractive side. You can pay a premium to get them in prettier colours or even in faux wood grain, but they are still argued to be a bit of an eyesore.
For simple storage, metal sheds are great, but if you are looking to hang shelves and storage solutions, metal sheds can be quite hard to customise.
Bad Ventilation and Insulation
Metal sheds can ‘sweat’ and form condensation, potentially causing harm to anything stored in them. Of course, this isn’t the end of the world, but you need to make sure that when you are purchasing a metal shed it has good insulation and ventilation.
Arguably the most popular and traditional choice, wooden sheds are a fan favourite as they not only do the job, but they look pretty too. A wooden shed is perfect for any purpose and can be used in multiple different ways very easily. Timber is often used when creating summer houses, where not only are valuables for the garden stored but also gives you a space to hang out and relax in the garden.
Customisability
With so many designs, colours, and textures available, you can design a wooden shed to suit the style of your garden and make it seamlessly blend in instead of being an eyesore. On the inside as well, the timber allows for shelving and storage solutions to be installed easily, making it perfect for chopping and changing its usefulness.
Natural Insulation
Tongue and groove cladding gives you a tight seal against water and other harmful elements, with the natural air pockets in the wood helping to insulate the shed. This means that they tend to stay warmer in the winter months and cooler in the summer months.
Durability
The heaviness and solidity of the timber means that wooden sheds can withstand the harshest of the UK weather and still remain standing.
Disadvantages of a Wooden Shed
Rot, Decay, and Infestation
If you leave the wood untreated, it can leave the shed susceptible to rotting, wood decay, and insect infestation.
Warping
Prone to moisture as most sheds are, the disadvantage that wooden sheds have is that with moisture they can warp, leaving the whole structure unsafe.
Maintenance
Wooden sheds are high maintenance compared to metal or plastic ones, and require regular treatment and care. When there is heavy rain, a wooden shed must be checked for damp, rot, and even insects.
Expensive
Wooden sheds are generally more expensive than metal or plastic ones in terms of upfront costs and general maintenance.
The most budget friendly option for those looking for low maintenance and flexibility, plastic sheds are great for extra storage without a massive price tag.
Strong and Lightweight
These strong structures are often secured with some sort of frame, often metal in more expensive models, which makes them durable but still lightweight enough to be able to move them around depending on your changing needs or even be dismantled when moving house.
Little to no Maintenance
UV-resistant means that the colour of the shed won’t fade in the sun. Unlike wooden sheds, you won’t have any issues with rot or moisture, so when it comes to maintenance, it’s as simple as giving it a good wipe down.
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Plastic sheds are thought to be more fashionable than wooden or metal sheds. The ability to incorporate coloured cladding, slate roofs, and arched windows is seen as a huge benefit for homeowners who want to keep their garden looking stylish and modern.
The Disadvantages of a Plastic Shed
Lack of Security
Plastic sheds are just not as secure as wooden or metal ones and can easily be broken into, making them not the safest place to store high priced valuables.
Durability
Although still relatively durable, a lower quality budget plastic shed can be affected by the weather, becoming brittle in extreme cold and even buckling and wrapping in the heat.
Garden sheds are often targeted by thieves as they are commonly a lot less secure than houses, yet they still contain lots of valuable equipment, some of which could be used to break into a house itself.
1. Choose the Location Wisely
Position the shed so that it can’t be seen from the street or any alleys so as to become a target for any opportunists. But make sure to keep the shed in sight of the house so as not to create a blind spot for a burglar to target.
2. Upgrade the Door Hinge
One of the weakest spots on your shed, regardless of whether it is metal, wooden, or plastic, is the door hinge. If the door hinge is attached with short screws, they can easily be broken or unscrewed off. Upgrade the screws to nuts and bolts and then place a little bit of superglue to fully secure them into place.
3. Update the Lock
The standard lock or padlock that comes with a shed is usually pretty standard. Consider upgrading to a closed shackle padlock that minimises the area of the shackle that can be cut. This can take away a burglar’s opportunity to force entry into the shed. Why not look at at installing an Ultion Lock?
4. Don’t Leave Valuables on Display
If you have a shed with windows, you need to be cautious of what is left on display. If you are storing valuables in the shed, make sure that anyone’s view from the outside is restricted. Consider installing stick on opaque security sheets that obscure the view and can also prevent glass shattering or using glass frosting spray.
If you use your shed for more than storage and would like the light to shine through, consider putting up blinds or curtains which you can then shut when you are not in the shed.
5. Fit an Alarm
If you are storing tools and valuables in the shed, why not consider installing a burglar alarm? Just a simple alarm is needed, one that can alert people if someone has gotten into the shed when they should have and maybe even deter would be burglars from choosing your shed as a target.
6. Lock Large Items Together
If you are storing large valuable items in your shed, such as bikes, lawnmowers, or maybe even a leaf blower, chain them all together and secure them with a lock. This makes it harder for a burglar to steal a single item and reduces the risk of anything getting stolen.
7. Attach a Security Light
A sudden light is a great way to scare away a burglar, so investing in motion detector lighting not only simplifies your life when using your shed, but it will also help deter any lingering thieves at night. It is best to connect your lights to the power mains or purchase a high-powered solar-powered light.
Outdoor security lighting is a great way not only to help secure your garden shed but also help you improve your general garden security.
Outdoor security cameras are one of the best ways to help prevent crime because they deter burglars while also catching them red-handed. Installing a camera inside and outside your shed will significantly increase the security of your shed and valuables inside. When installing a security camera in your shed, keep the following points in mind:
Install them high to avoid damage and to have a wide field of view to detect any suspicious activity.
Point them in the direction of the shed’s entrances. If there is only one way into the shed, you will capture any burglar who enters unaware that they are being recorded.
Dummy cameras can be effective because they appear real, deterring and scaring criminals.
Adding or upgrading a lock is an easy and mostly inexpensive way to upgrade the security of your garden shed and reduce your risk of becoming a target. There are a few different locks that we would suggest considering for securing your garden shed.
Rim Lock
The least secure option, this kind of lock is fixed onto the door and held in place with screws and further secured with a strike plate. Fitted onto the surface of the door, a rim lock is quite convenient to use but as its secured onto the door, it can be a bit obtrusive.
Rim locks are the seen as one of the least secure options because if a burglar wants to get in, the lock is only held in place by a wood screw and can easily be forced open if given the chance.
Pad Bolt
Sometimes referred to as a Brenton bolt, a pad bolt is a circular metal bolt that slides across and is secured into place with a padlock. Probably one of the most common lock fixings, this lock is featured often on gates and when paired with a secure padlock is a good option to increase security. With dome head square bolts that pass through the door frame the lock is held quite securely in place.
Tower Bolt
Very similar in style to a pad bolt, a tower bolt is made up of a metal rod attached to the door that slides across a cylindrical cradle attached to the door frame and is then secured with a padlock. To prevent a burglar from unscrewing the tower bolt lock, use coach bolts that go all the way through the wood and secure on the other side with a nut and washer.
Hasp and Staple
A similar idea to the pad bolt, the staple is a stationary anchor secured to the shed or door frame that has a loop where a padlock can be attached. The hasp is hinged rectangle of metal that has a slit at the end and is attached to the shed door. To secure the door the hasp is secured over the loop on the staple and then a padlock is attached to the loop, which then stops the hasp from being able to lift off and locks the door to the frame.
Garden Shed Security Bar
Another way to secure your shed is by using a security bar, which adds an extra layer of security on top of the lock. They consist of a metal bar that lies horizontally across the shed door and is secured into place using a padlock. This makes it difficult for the door to be opened outwards as the bar is fixed in the middle of the door.
Be cautious, of adding excessive security as it can be an indicator that you have valuables in your shed and provoke a burglar to make an extra effort to try and get in.
Garden Shed Security Bolts
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When keeping valuables such as bikes and tools in your garden shed, you want to ensure that they are safe. Often, the standard shed lock can be easily bypassed or broken, allowing a burglar easy access to your valuables. Installing a hasp staple and a good quality padlock is a relatively simple and inexpensive way to improve the security of your shed; we recommend a padlock model with a closed shackle to ensure it is as secure as possible!
With many shed locking systems requiring a padlock to secure the shed door, you want one that is durable and robust. There are several features you should look for when buying an appropriate padlock for your shed.
Shackle
The shackle is the top hoop section of the lock. When shackles are mostly hidden or shielded, they are the most secure. The larger the shackle, the greater the chance of a burglar cutting the padlock with bolt cutters and thus gaining access to your shed. Purchasing a padlock with minimal shackle exposure makes it much more difficult to cut into and will likely deter a thief.
Materials
Cheaper materials can be broken into with simple tools, so a padlock made of a durable material is essential. Because of their incredible strength and resistance to cracking, alloy steel and brass are highly recommended materials. It is also critical that your lock be weatherproof so that it does not seize due to extreme temperatures.
Lock Accreditation
Many padlocks have British Standard Institute accreditation, which is an independent testing body that grades the security level of a lock. It is recommended to purchase a padlock with a high CEN grade because these padlocks take much longer to cut through and provide much more security for your shed.
This is a heavy-duty padlock made of hardened iron with a highly secure shackle. It is made to withstand all weather conditions and is suitable for trailers, sheds, and gates. With a price of £38, it is certain to provide you with long-term security.
For £53, this padlock offers extreme strength and a safety feature that prevents the key from being released until the shackle is securely locked, ensuring that the lock is never left unlocked without the key. This can give owners peace of mind if they are unsure if they locked it. It also has a rust-resistant electrophoretic finish and a drill-resistant 6-pin cylinder, making it one of the most secure and long-lasting padlocks available.
This padlock, which costs only £10.99, provides excellent security for your shed. Because it is made of alloy steel and has a rubber cap on the shackle, it provides double protection against water and prevents ingress. The lock is also fully insulated, making it ideal for outside use.
To find out more about padlocks, read through our Padlock Buying Guide for the best advice.
A keyed alike security system is one in which one key fits all locks. A keyed alike padlock could be a good investment if you have a number of sheds or gates in your garden that you want to keep locked and secure. This eliminates the need for multiple keys and reduces the risk of losing keys. If you’re installing a lot of padlocks, this is a good way to save money. It does, however, pose a minor security risk. If the key is stolen, someone could open all of the padlocks, leaving the security of your garden extremely vulnerable.
You can learn more about Keyed Alike padlocks on our advice page.
There are lots of ways to secure your shed door hinge further by upgrading your basic T hinge to a security hinge. They are very similar, but unlike a T hinge, a security hinge has larger holes to accommodate dome headed bolts. This stops potential burglars from simply unscrewing the screws in place and lifting off the whole door.
Installing a shed alarm is another step to ensure you are securing your shed as much as possible. There are a few varieties out there depending on your needs, including:
Using a sensor or PIR (Passive Infra-Red) alarm, the latter being a little smarter by only detecting movements that can only be the movements of humans rather than detecting the small movements of animals.
Alarm type: The basic type is a siren alarm that bellows a loud noise when triggered in the hope the burglar runs away. Another option is to set up a remote signal on your phone that quietly indicates someone is entering your shed so you can alert the police.
Power supply: It is more secure to hook your alarm up to the main supply as a battery powered system can run out of power when you need it most or you need to be on top of making sure the alarm is charged.
The Best Shed Alarms for 2022
Yale SAA5015 Wireless Shed and Garage Alarm
Features
Motion Detection
Loud Siren
Battery Operated
One of the best alarms that’s specifically designed for sheds, the Yale SAA5015 is best known for its affordable price of £14.99 from Amazon. The Yale Shed & Garage Alarm, which can be wall mounted or used free standing, is an excellent solution to secure anything outside of the main house. It’s a standalone, wire-free, battery-operated alarm that’s simple to set up and doesn’t require any wiring. It also has a low battery indicator and a high siren volume of 110 dB.
Defender Wireless Shed Alarm with Keypad
Features
Armed/Disarmed digital code
Battery operated
Loud Siren
This Defender Shed Alarm has completed Gold Sold Secure attack testing and is now a Secured by Design Police Preferred Specification. This alarm is simple to set up and includes a loud 110dB siren to discourage intruders. The alarm detects any forceful entrance attempts using a shock sensor that is designed to be put adjacent to door frames or on the back of shed doors. Simply use the keypad to configure your door alarm, the combination code is your choice! The keypad makes it simple to arm and disengage the door alarm. Forced entrance and sneak-in attempts both set off the burglar alarm. You can purchase it for £12.95 from Amazon, and is best known for scaring burglars away.
KERUI Wireless Security Burglar Alarm Kit
Features
Weatherproof
Loud Siren
Motion Sensor
This is a shed door alarm that employs remote controls to arm and disable the security code. A horn, two door/window sensors, two remote controls, and a PIR motion detector are included in this system set. You can also use the remote control to activate the siren alarm, which will sound at a volume of up to 115 dB, alerting other family members or neighbours so that they can assist you as soon as possible if a burglar is trying to break in. You can purchase it for £29.99 from Amazon.
Garden Shed Window Security
Shed windows are susceptible to break-ins as they are often the weakest point of the shed. This doesn’t have to be the case though, as there are a few ways you can secure your shed window:
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