DIY Builds
Photo by cottonbro studio Pexels Logo Photo: cottonbro studio

Which is better vinyl or wood sheds?

However, vinyl sheds have a longer expected lifespan than their wooden counterparts — even if your maintenance was diligent. This comes down to the fact that the vinyl siding is really the best shed material to resist the elements. Vinyl sheds last a standout 25+ years — while wooden sheds offer about 15 to 20 years.

How do you weather proof a shed?
How do you weather proof a shed?

How to Waterproof Your Outdoor Shed Step 1: Elevate It From the Ground. A wooden shed will last longer if it is placed above the ground. ... Step...

Read More »
Can rats get into a metal shed?
Can rats get into a metal shed?

Wooden sheds are easy prey for rats and mice but metal sheds are rodent proof because they are impossible to gnaw through. With a metal shed...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Finding the Best Shed Material for You

When discussing the best shed material, you’re looking at what makes up the exterior of the shed itself, as this will have to contend with the elements. The vast majority of quality sheds are either built out of vinyl or pressure-treated wood siding. We’re comparing the important details of both options: Maintenance Needs — You’re getting a shed to make your life easier, so it’s important to know how much work it’ll take to keep your shed performing like the day we delivered it. The exterior of a vinyl shed will never require any maintenance other than cleaning for cosmetic purposes. However, a wooden shed will require being re-painted or re-stained every 10 years or so to reach its full expected lifespan. — You’re getting a shed to make your life easier, so it’s important to know how much work it’ll take to keep your shed performing like the day we delivered it. The exterior of a vinyl shed will never require any maintenance other than cleaning for cosmetic purposes. However, a wooden shed will require being re-painted or re-stained every 10 years or so to reach its full expected lifespan. Lifespan — Whatever you buy from The Backyard Showcase will serve you well for many years. However, vinyl sheds have a longer expected lifespan than their wooden counterparts — even if your maintenance was diligent. This comes down to the fact that the vinyl siding is really the best shed material to resist the elements. Vinyl sheds last a standout 25+ years — while wooden sheds offer about 15 to 20 years. — Whatever you buy from The Backyard Showcase will serve you well for many years. However, vinyl sheds have a longer expected lifespan than their wooden counterparts — even if your maintenance was diligent. This comes down to the fact that the vinyl siding is really the best shed material to resist the elements. Vinyl sheds last a standout 25+ years — while wooden sheds offer about 15 to 20 years. Price — For some homeowners, deciding between a vinyl vs. wood shed is decoded right here. A wooden shed will always cost less than a comparable vinyl shed. In general, you can expect a wood shed to cost a few hundred to a thousand dollars less.

Learn more about the prices of our Amish sheds.

How can I heat my shed in winter without electricity?
How can I heat my shed in winter without electricity?

How to Heat a Shed Without Electricity Make Sure It's Well Insulated. Let Some Sunlight In. Build A Solar Window Heater. Portable Propane Heater....

Read More »
Do solar panels stop working if they get too hot?
Do solar panels stop working if they get too hot?

Although solar panels use sunlight to produce energy, they do not require heat in any way. In fact, solar panels may run about 10 to 25 percent...

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

— For some homeowners, deciding between a vinyl vs. wood shed is decoded right here. A wooden shed will always cost less than a comparable vinyl shed. In general, you can expect a wood shed to cost a few hundred to a thousand dollars less. Learn more about the prices of our Amish sheds. Risk of Rot — When it comes to stopping mold and rot, vinyl is the best shed material and there’s no question about it. After all, your home is probably built from vinyl siding, and that’s no coincidence. However, as a naturally occurring material — even treated wood — can be damaged by rot and mold. — When it comes to stopping mold and rot, vinyl is the best shed material and there’s no question about it. After all, your home is probably built from vinyl siding, and that’s no coincidence. However, as a naturally occurring material — even treated wood — can be damaged by rot and mold. Style — Both types of sheds look attractive and are effective at complementing different backyard decors. In general, prospective customers admire the look of vinyl sheds more and consider them to have a more decidedly upscale look. Of course, when it comes to color and style, personal taste is everything.

See some of our favorite shed color combinations right here.

— Both types of sheds look attractive and are effective at complementing different backyard decors. In general, prospective customers admire the look of vinyl sheds more and consider them to have a more decidedly upscale look. Of course, when it comes to color and style, personal taste is everything. See some of our favorite shed color combinations right here. Our Verdict — Like we mentioned above, both shed types can be great, which is why we sell both! However, for most potential customers, we say that vinyl is the best shed material as it boasts the convenience factor and a longer lifespan — even if the upfront price is a little higher.

Why to Avoid Hardware Store Sheds

What is barn paint?
What is barn paint?

Barn Paint is a water-based paint coating which is ideally suited to provide protection to exterior wooden, metal and plastic cladded buildings....

Read More »
What is the biggest portable building you can buy?
What is the biggest portable building you can buy?

What Is The Largest Portable Building Size? The largest portable building that 5 Star Buildings creates is 16' x 48'. A portable building of this...

Read More »

At the end of the day, any shed we sell you will be attractive and dependable for decades to come. We’d never offer a product that would do anything less. Keep in mind, though, that every single one of our pieces is hand-built by a skilled Amish craftsman — and not all sheds are built to the same standard of quality. Hardware store sheds are often built of neither wood nor vinyl — instead, they are built of aluminum or plastic. In addition to the questionable material choice, these sheds are built quickly, several hundred-at-a-time in enormous factories. While the prices will be very cheap, we’ve seen them fall apart and need to be replaced in just 2 or 3 summers, which undermines any of those potential savings.

Compare Vinyl vs. Wood Shed Quotes

While we hope this gave you some insight into the best shed material for your new structure, if you’re still on the fence, we can help you out. If you want to compare real vinyl vs. wood shed quotes, our outdoor experts are more than happy to help with that. Reach out to our team today to start the conversation and to get quotes!

Share This Post:

Can I build a house in my garden?
Can I build a house in my garden?

If you have a garden big enough to build another dwelling, then yes, you are allowed to build a house in your garden. You can then provide space...

Read More »
What are wheelchair ramps called?
What are wheelchair ramps called?

Permanent ramps are designed to be bolted or otherwise attached in place. Semi-permanent ramps rest on top of the ground or concrete pad and are...

Read More »
Does putting cardboard down stop weeds?
Does putting cardboard down stop weeds?

Both cardboard and landscaping fabric can keep weeds under control, but often at the cost of other landscaping features. Landscaping fabric lasts...

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »
What is the most popular door casing?
What is the most popular door casing?

Four popular door casing styles include farmhouse, craftsman, minimal, and colonial. Farmhouse. Farmhouse style door casings give your home a cozy...

Read More »