Who makes the best portable sheds?

Best overall: Lifetime 8 x 12.5 ft. ... Best for bikes: KETER Manor 4×6 Resin Outdoor Storage Shed. Best for small yards: MCombo Outdoor Storage Cabinet. Best for organization: Rubbermaid 7′ x 7′ Storage Shed. Best steel: Arrow Classic Charcoal Steel Storage Shed. Best budget: Oakmont Waterproof Patio Deck Box.

popsci.com - Best storage sheds of 2023 - Popular Science

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Written By Eric Alt Updated Oct 21, 2022 5:41 PM

Your backyard can, and should, be your oasis, and a great storage sheds add to your backyard’s aesthetics. Whether you have large rolling fields or only a tiny patio space, being able to relax in privacy on a nice afternoon really is a privilege and shouldn’t be disrupted by haphazard tools or a ramshackle structure in your line of sight. Maintaining your space doesn’t have to be a major financial investment either. Whether you want a purely functional storehouse or a larger arrangement with windows, organizing systems, and multiple doors, there are an amazing variety of outdoor storage sheds on the market. Below, we’ve selected some of the best storage sheds on the market to help you get a sturdy, durable, and attractive solution into place with ease.

How we chose the best storage sheds

Looking for the best storage sheds is like “The Three Little Pigs”—you have to look for the ones made out of straws and sticks before finding the holy grail made of bricks. We looked at reviews, recommendations, user impressions, and choices from our own backyards to find the ones that will protect your gardening gear from a wolf with incredible lung capacity.

The best storage sheds: Reviews & Recommendations

Looking at the bigger aesthetic picture, you should be careful to select the right size and look for the property you have. Thoughtfully selected storage sheds can increase curb appeal and even drive up the value of your home. First and foremost, however, a storage shed needs to be functional, so consider features like doors and windows for security and convenience. Why it made the cut: The steel-reinforced dual-wall panels and high-density polyethylene construction mean less shed maintenance and more gardening time.

Specs

Dimensions: 146 x 92 x 96 inches

146 x 92 x 96 inches Material: Plastic, steel

Plastic, steel Assembly required: Yes

Yes Storage options: Yes

Pros

Pitched roof

UV-protected panels

Cons

Anchoring hardware sold separately

This 12.5-foot-wide Lifetime outdoor storage shed is designed with steel-reinforced construction and easy-to-maintain dual-wall high-density polyethylene. A wooden cottage look with a high-pitched roof allows for quick drainage, and two sets of double doors allow for easy access to storage items. The shed also offers steel-reinforced lockable doors and an interior shelving system for added organization. Five small skylights and two shatter-proof polycarbonate windows give more than enough light to grab the right screwdriver, and a slip-resistant high-density polyethylene floor protects against oil, solvents, and stains. Heavy-duty steel trusses make the roof strong enough to withstand gusts, gales, and everything in-between. The entire shed is UV-protected to prevent weather damage. This durable shed only has one downside—anchoring hardware is sold separately, a valuable purchase if the shed won’t have heavy lawn equipment like mowers to weigh it down.

Best for bikes: KETER Manor 4×6 Resin Outdoor Storage Shed

Why it made the cut: This stylish, compact storage shed has room for a push mower, electric bike, and more.

Specs

Dimensions: 51.2 x 75.6 x 78 inches

51.2 x 75.6 x 78 inches Material: Polypropylene resin plastic, steel

Polypropylene resin plastic, steel Assembly required: Yes

Yes Storage options: No

Pros

Skylight and window for air circulation

Lockable

Wood-look sans-maintenance

Cons

No built-in storage organization

The KETER is an attractive, durable, all-weather shed that requires no maintenance, thanks to its polypropylene resin plastic make-up. Extra features include a skylight, window, and vent for lighting and air circulation. Advertised as easy to build, this KETER shed includes a floor panel, though it will require a level ground surface like all sheds. It’s lockable for security, although you’ll have to add your own padlock. This storage shed doesn’t have built-in storage but can fit a shelving system of your choosing. Steel reinforcements add an extra layer of strength and durability. Its dove-grey coloring is easy on the eyes and won’t get you in trouble with the HOA, and the wood-like texture makes it look extra classy and luxurious.

Best small storage shed: MCombo Outdoor Storage Cabinet

Why it made the cut: This quaint, stylish wood storage shed can be painted to create ethereal garden vibes.

Specs

Dimensions: 25.6 x 18.1 x 70.5 inches

25.6 x 18.1 x 70.5 inches Material: Fir wood

Fir wood Assembly required: Yes

Yes Storage options: Yes

Pros

Paintable

Weather-resistant

Waterproof roof

Cons

Might be too short for brooms and rakes

A great choice for small gardens, this storage shed features solid wood construction in a natural light wood finish. Don’t let the wood construction food you: it’s made of fir and is weather resistant. The combination of open storage and shelving makes this storage shed easy to keep organized—there are three shelves for small items and one space for long tools. It even includes an upper space to keep sharp out-of-reach items away from small, curious grabby child hands. In case you’re turned off by grey plastic exteriors, you can stain or paint this storage shed to fulfill your cottagecore fairy garden fantasy. A sloping, waterproof asphalt roof prevents water accumulation, which also helps its longevity. Four metal brackets keep the shed anchored, and a raised bottom prevents the floor from getting wet through contact with the ground. Reviewers note that tall gardening supplies, like rakes, brooms, and garden hoes, might be too tall to fit into the storage shed.

Best for organization: Rubbermaid Storage Shed

Why it made the cut: This weather-resistant outdoor shed features a pegboard interior to hang tools and mount shelves or baskets.

Specs

Dimensions: 89.75 x 45 x 20.25 inches

89.75 x 45 x 20.25 inches Material: Resin

Resin Assembly required: Yes

Yes Storage options: Yes (sold separately)

Pros

Impact immune flooring

Double-wall construction

Can attach shelving and utility hooks to wall

Cons

Assembly takes time

With 332 cubic feet of storage, your lawn and garden tools can be easily assessed with this Rubbermaid storage shed’s wall-mounted organization system, like a shelf and wire basket/tool organizer which are sold separately. Double doors mean you can easily store a push mower or wide patio furniture. Double-wall resin construction and an impact-resistant floor help it stand up to the elements, dents, leaks, and seasonal wear-and-tear. The ability to attach pegboards, shelving, and utility hooks takes organization to another level. However, assembly takes time—reviewers note it takes between 5-7 hours, depending on how closely you follow directions and personal handiness.

Best steel: Arrow Classic Charcoal Steel Storage Shed

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Why it made the cut: This shed is made out of galvanized steel and coated in Valspar polyester paint to prevent rust and corrosion.

Specs

Dimensions : 71.25 x 99.75 x 72.88 inches

: 71.25 x 99.75 x 72.88 inches Material: Galvanized steel

Galvanized steel Assembly required: Yes

Yes Storage options: No

Pros

Lockable sliding doors

12-year limited warranty

Low gable roof

Cons

Floor and foundation not included

This steel storage shed is built for the ultimate protection from the elements. It’s made of galvanized steel and is finished with Valspar polyester paint to seal the steel from rust and corrosion. It’s also easy on the eyes, thanks to traditional vertical wall panels and classic lines for a timeless look. The sliding doors sit on large glides that prevent sticking and derailing—add a padlock to ensure your lawn equipment stays in your backyard. There’s a 12-year limited warranty that gives you peace of mind in case of a defect. A low gable roof prevents water from pooling. You’ll have to build your own floor or foundation, as they are not included. However, the instructions give foundation guidelines, like recommended concrete slab thickness.

Best budget: Oakmont Waterproof Patio Deck Box

Why it made the cut: You don’t need a large backyard to store gardening tools and cushions thanks to this chest, which fits on your patio or back porch.

Specs

Dimensions: 47.3 x 24.0 x 24.8 inches

47.3 x 24.0 x 24.8 inches Material: Polyethylene

Polyethylene Assembly required: Yes

Yes Storage options: No

Pros

Affordable

Durable

Easy to assemble

Cons

Hard to disassemble if not put together correctly

Opening from the top like a luggage chest, this patio deck box offers water-resistant storage for backyard items like cushions and gardening tools thanks to its 120-gallon storage capacity. Its affordable and durable discoloration-resistant polyethylene material comes in an on-trend neutral grey with a rattan texture for visual interest. It’s lockable in case you want to protect what’s inside. You can assemble it without tools, but make sure to follow the steps closely—it’s hard to take apart if incorrectly assembled. Reviews also say that it’s not sit-proof—save the sitting for your patio furniture or a backyard chair.

What to consider when buying the best storage sheds

The best storage sheds not only look good in your space, but also help you keep your garden tools, bikes, and outdoor equipment clean, safe, dry, and organized. Storage sheds can be a go-to for all your outdoor equipment if your home doesn’t have a garage, or they can boost your overall storage if you do. Most storage sheds are constructed using either plastics, metal, or wood, or a combination of these. Wood tends to be the most attractive, expensive material and requires the most maintenance; high-end wood sheds can cost thousands of dollars and might require a contractor to build if you aren’t handy. Metals and plastics may not be quite as charming, but they are typically very durable and more affordable, and many imitate the look of wood sheds with faux planking, natural colors, and cottage-style windows. Metal sheds are the most economical option, but can sometimes rust over time especially if used in wet locations. Be sure to select doors that open easily for larger items, but that also lock securely. Overall height is an important factor, as well; larger sheds often require the owner to enter the shed, and being able to stand comfortably is nice. While typically only higher-end sheds have operational windows, allowing natural light into the shed is practical as well. Finally, consider how you will organize your stuff once you have the shed. Some shed manufacturers offer coordinating organizational systems to help you hang hooks, shelves, and bins.

Access

If you’ve ever had the “good” fortune of managing storage in a tiny crawl space, then you realize having easy access is very important. Be sure to consider how you will be able to lift, drag, or roll your stuff into the storage shed. Whether you will be putting items into storage for the off-season, have bulky heavy lawn equipment, or plan to store bikes or motorcycles—door width, type, and quantity are important. In addition, look for sheds that incorporate natural light and organizers to make overall access easier and more efficient. For easier navigation, consider a storage shed that offers multiple doors. For example, if you live in a climate where you need to store many bulky items in the off-season, it’s a waste of time to have to drag those out just to dig up other tools and supplies. More than one door means you can decide to keep certain items stationary for long periods while being able to access other areas inside the shed. Door hinges also vary with some doors opening out, sliding, lifting up, or folding down. The best storage sheds will allow for easy access to your stored items.

Bike storage

Whether storing one bike or your whole family’s collection, it’s important to have secure, dry storage that is sized just right. The best bike storage shed will be at least 6 feet in width or length or larger because a typical adult bike is 3 inches shy of that 6-foot mark. So be sure to double-check the manufacturer’s specifications that the interior dimension of the shed is over 69 inches, as interior and exterior dimensions differ. Look for shed materials that are easy to maintain and waterproof, like plastics. To keep bikes safe from theft be sure to look for sheds that offer a lockable door latch. Even when shopping for smaller, space-saving sheds look for skylight or window features. Less expensive sheds may skimp on this feature (inexpensive metal sheds often offer no windows) but this added natural light feature will make retrieving your bicycle or whatever else you have in there much easier.

Yard size

While it would be nice to have a large yard, the truth is many people don’t, especially if you live in or near major cities. If you are pressed for space, it becomes even more important to select each addition with care. Luckily, there are a lot of well-made, attractive storage sheds sized for smaller spaces. The best small shed will be designed to hold your garden essentials. Some small storage sheds look more like rectangular chests, and can also work as a coffee table or bench. These lower units can easily hold hoses, gardening equipment, as well as outdoor cushions and pillows. Taller storage sheds make advantage of height and can fit full-sized rakes, shovels, as well as offer shelves for smaller items. The best small storage sheds come in a variety of materials, and due to the smaller footprint will usually be pretty reasonably priced.

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Organization

Available storage is almost every homeowner’s dream. Even when you start out without much and you are a fan of minimal living, stuff accumulates. While it can be tempting to get the largest shed you can and fill it to the brim with all your extra stuff, you aren’t really solving problems with this method. Cluttered sheds are bound to be filled with items you forget about or that become too hard to unbury. The longer things stay tucked in a corner, the more likely a family of spiders has moved in. The best storage sheds with tool organizers will help keep your home and garden orderly. While it’s possible to purchase shed storage systems independently, some manufacturers offer systems tailored specifically to their shed model and design. For example, some sheds offer built-in pegs or grids that work easily with coordinating shelves, hooks, bins, and racks. The benefit to purchasing a shed that coordinates with a planned storage system is that you know it will work to maximize your space and usually it can be customized and arranged to your specific needs. The more organized your shed, the quicker, easier, and more efficient your jobs become.

Budget

The best storage sheds on a small budget may not be as large or modern-looking as some more expensive options, but they’ll still get your garden in gear and keep your tools neat. Metal sheds, while not always the cutting edge of style, tend to be very affordable. However, they usually don’t come with a floor, so a foundation that is level, and ideally slightly lifted off the ground, is required. And maybe it’s only some accessories and smaller tools you need to stow. If you’re looking for the most compact solution in a social space, a bargain-priced patio box could be your best choice.

FAQs

Q: Are plastic or metal sheds better? Both plastic and metal sheds have pros and cons that make it hard to specifically say which one is a better choice. If you are looking for the most cost-effective option, you may want to consider a metal shed. Plastic and metal share some characteristics: both are durable, rot and insect resistant, and difficult to customize. Plastic sheds outperform metal sheds in two areas: they hold up better to water (rarely springing any leaks) and they do not rust. If you live in a wet climate, a plastic shed will be the better choice. Q: What to consider when buying a storage shed? When buying a storage shed for your home, consider the size, shape, design, and material you want the shed to be constructed from. Typically sheds are offered in metal, plastic, or wood. Consider the pros and cons of each material, as well as the overall cost and maintenance. Be sure to check for any zoning laws, permits, or homeowner association rules before making your purchase. Finally, consider the foundation and flooring. Keeping a shed elevated and off of the wet ground will help prevent rotting and/or corrosion. Not all sheds come with the shed floor; this may have to be purchased separately. Q: What is a good size for a storage shed? A good size for a storage shed depends on several factors. Consider the overall size of your yard, the amount of storage you need (not only now, but also down the line), and how you will use the shed. Some people strictly want a shed to hold their landscaping equipment, others want to be able to store out-of-season furniture, grills, bikes, motorcycles, and even have designated areas for use as a workbench. For larger yards and larger storage demands, a good size is 12 feet by 12 feet. Space-saving sizes are available at 4 feet by 6 feet or 4 feet by 8 feet. The best size for a storage shed depends on your needs and outdoor space. Storage sheds that are tall enough to stand up in are a good idea for comfort and ease of use.

Final thoughts on the best storage sheds

The best storage sheds will keep you organized, look attractive in your outdoor space, and be built to last. With options in a variety of materials (solid wood and high-tech waterproof plastics, to name a couple) these structures not only shelter your items from weather, but the best outdoor storage sheds will also be designed with customizable organizing systems for easy access to your garden tools and recreational equipment.

popsci.com - Best storage sheds of 2023 - Popular Science

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