Buying a shed seems like an easy task, doesn’t it? Then you start thinking about size, how much you’re going to put in it, whether you are going to use it for storage, or some other purpose, and you realise it’s not as easy as you thought.

And we’ve yet to mention the other important question – what type of shed should you purchase? We go through the three main types here, so you can figure out which one would be best for you.

A Wooden Shed

Wooden Sheds

Think traditional and you’ll think of a wooden shed. Wood is a versatile material – it fits in with any garden design or style, and it is the easiest material to personalise. You can paint, stain, or treat your shed to reflect or contrast with its surroundings. Choose a waterproof stain to provide a natural wood finish or go all out and pick an outdoor paint in the brightest colour you can find. The choice is yours.

Unless you buy a pressure-treated shed, you will need to refinish it every year or two, depending on its location. Factor this in when considering which type of shed would be best for you. Are you happy to stain or paint it every year or so? Wood will rot if it isn’t adequately protected, so you must be sure you are ready to take on this task.

The upside of a wooden shed is how versatile it is. You can easily attach shelves and benches inside the shed, and screw hooks and other hanging racks in there too. Storage is easy, thanks to this feature. You can even buy two sheds and adjust the design to fit two together to create something unique. If you are looking for something completely different, a wooden shed (or two) could be the way to go. With lots of sizes available, and some with or without windows, you should find the ideal solution.

A Plastic Shed

Plastic Sheds

Plastic comes by many names, but these are the sheds you won’t need to worry about staining, painting, or rusting. As such, they are ideal if you hate the thought of any maintenance. The odd wash down with a hose or wet cloth is all that is required.

They are made to last, and a good quality one should be resistant to fading caused by the sun, too. While you cannot change the colour, they are available in natural, green, and brown shades, so you should find something that will sit nicely in your garden.

It is also worth considering a plastic shed if you know you will need to build it on your own. Wooden sheds typically require two people to put them together, as do metal sheds (more on those in a moment). But the lightweight nature of plastic sheds, and the minimum number of parts required to put them together makes them ideal if you are on your own.

A Metal Shed

Metal Sheds

If budget is an issue, and you want a decent shed for your money, a metal shed could be the best way to go. As with the plastic type, you won’t need to worry about regular treating or painting. The metal is galvanised and designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. However, over time they are still likely to show signs of rust.

They are much lighter than alternatives, so if you do decide to go for a metal shed, make sure you anchor it down to a solid base. Neglecting this step could lead to your shed disappearing in high winds – not something you’d want. As for cleaning, you can use a brush to wipe off any dust or dirt that adheres to it. Soapy water will also ensure the exterior remains clean.

Metal sheds can have a problem with condensation in extremes of temperature, especially in the winter. As such, think about what you intend to keep in there, to ensure you don’t run the risk of damage to anything inside. These sheds are also more likely to be windowless, which might be ideal if you want everything to remain hidden.

Which one is right for you?

It pays not to rush into buying a shed. Only you know what size you want to get, why you want to use it, and the overall look and features you want. If personalisation is important, a wooden shed is a clear winner. If price is important, a metal shed might be preferable. On the other hand, for a good price, reasonable storage facilities, and ease of construction, plastic might prove the better decision for you. Only you will know the answer.

Now you know how each shed type works, and the pros and cons of each, you can make the best decision for you and your garden.

Choose Wooden
Choose Plastic
Choose Metal