Sheds
Independent advice on choosing a garden shed — from timber, metal and plastic construction to size, security, bases, maintenance and what to check before you buy.
Choosing the right garden shed
A shed looks like one of the simplest garden buildings to buy. In practice, there can be a substantial difference between two buildings described as the same nominal size.
Construction, usable internal space, floor strength, roof design, door width, security and maintenance requirements can matter more than the headline dimensions.
Which type of shed is best?
Timber sheds
The traditional choice. Timber can look attractive and is relatively easy to adapt with shelves, hooks and internal fittings. Maintenance requirements vary according to the timber and treatment used.
Metal sheds
Metal sheds can provide durable, low-maintenance storage and may appeal where security is important. Condensation, floor arrangements and assembly should be considered before buying.
Plastic sheds
Plastic and resin sheds are popular where low maintenance is a priority. Check rigidity, anchoring, ventilation and the strength of the supplied floor.
Heavy-duty sheds
Worth considering for valuable equipment, workshops or frequent use. Look beyond appearance and compare framing, flooring, doors, locks and roof construction.
Timber vs metal vs plastic sheds
| Type | Advantages | Things to check |
|---|---|---|
| Timber | Traditional appearance, adaptable interior, wide choice of sizes. | Treatment, maintenance, timber thickness, floor and roof quality. |
| Metal | Low maintenance, durable exterior, useful security options. | Condensation, anchoring, assembly, ventilation and whether a floor is included. |
| Plastic / resin | Low maintenance, no timber treatment, generally easy to clean. | Rigidity, UV resistance, floor strength, anchoring and security. |
There is no single material that is best for everyone. The right choice depends on what you are storing, your budget, the appearance you want and how much maintenance you are prepared to undertake.
What size shed do you need?
Nominal shed dimensions can be misleading because usable internal dimensions will be smaller. Roof overhangs and framing can also affect the actual space available.
Small sheds
Useful for garden tools, cushions, small equipment and other items where compact storage is the priority.
Medium sheds
Often suitable for lawnmowers, gardening equipment, shelving and some bicycles, depending on door and internal dimensions.
Large sheds
Better where you need substantial storage, a workbench or space for larger garden machinery and furniture.
Workshop sheds
If you intend to work inside, consider headroom, natural light, power, ventilation and floor strength as well as storage capacity.
What should you check before buying a shed?
- External and usable internal dimensions
- Door width and height
- Wall construction and thickness
- Frame dimensions on timber buildings
- Floor construction and load capacity
- Roof construction and covering
- Whether windows open
- Security of doors and windows
- Whether a floor is included
- Base requirements
- Delivery access
- Whether installation is included
- Maintenance requirements
- Guarantee and exclusions
Don’t overlook the shed floor
The floor is particularly important if you intend to store heavy equipment, motorcycles, machinery, large toolboxes or install a workbench.
Check both the floor material and the supporting structure beneath it. A cheap shed with an inadequate floor can become poor value if substantial strengthening is required later.
What base does a shed need?
A shed should normally be installed on a firm, level and suitable base. The correct base depends on the size and construction of the building, ground conditions and the manufacturer’s installation requirements.
A poor base can cause problems with doors, alignment and the long-term condition of the building.
Before ordering, check exactly what base the manufacturer requires and whether the dimensions refer to the shed itself or the required foundation footprint.
Think about security before you buy
If you plan to store bicycles, power tools, gardening machinery or other valuable equipment, shed security deserves more attention than simply adding a large padlock.
- Check how securely the hinges are attached.
- Look at the strength of the door itself.
- Consider whether windows expose valuable equipment.
- Check whether the lock fitting is substantial.
- Consider internal anchoring for valuable bicycles or machinery.
- Check whether your home insurer has specific security requirements.
Does a shed need planning permission?
Many domestic sheds may be possible under permitted-development rules, but this should not simply be assumed.
The size, height, position, use of the building and restrictions applying to the property can affect the position.
Check before buying a large shed
Our garden-building planning guide explains the main issues to consider.
Read the Planning Permission Guide →Shed or summer house?
If your priority is storage, a shed is normally the logical choice. If you want somewhere attractive to sit, relax or enjoy the garden, a summer house may be more suitable.
The distinction becomes important because spending heavily on decorative glazing and interior appearance makes little sense for pure storage, while a basic storage shed may disappoint if you really wanted usable leisure space.
Want somewhere to sit rather than store?
See our guide to choosing a summer house and when it makes more sense than a shed.
Explore Summer Houses →Shed or garden room?
If you want to regularly work, relax or spend long periods inside the building, a shed and a garden room are fundamentally different purchases.
A purpose-built garden room will typically place much greater emphasis on insulation, glazing, internal finish, electrics and year-round comfort.
Need proper year-round usable space?
Compare the alternatives before spending money converting a storage building.
Explore Garden Rooms →Our shed buying checklist
- Make a list of everything you need to store.
- Measure your largest items.
- Check the door opening, not just the shed dimensions.
- Compare internal rather than only external space.
- Check the floor specification.
- Compare wall and framing construction.
- Check the roof material and maintenance requirements.
- Decide whether windows are useful or a security disadvantage.
- Check ventilation.
- Confirm the required base.
- Check access for delivery.
- Confirm whether assembly is included.
- Check security before storing valuable equipment.
- Compare the total installed cost.
Explore GardenSpacewise
Summer Houses
Looking for garden space primarily for relaxing rather than storage?
Summer House Guide →Garden Rooms
Explore more substantial buildings designed around usable living or working space.
Garden Room Guide →Garden Offices
Planning a dedicated workspace? Start with our Garden Office hub.
Garden Office Guide →Garden Buildings
Compare the main types of outdoor building before deciding what you actually need.
Garden Buildings →Choose the shed around what goes inside it.
Size matters, but so do the doors, floor, security, base and construction. Compare the complete specification and finished cost rather than choosing on headline dimensions and price alone.
Garden Buildings Summer Houses