Outdoor sheds are the ideal haven for storing your garden tools and maintaining a clutter-free yard. However, they're not just for garden tools -- they can house virtually anything, whether it's plant pots, lawnmowers, bicycles, or useless junk. Having grown up with a shed in my backyard, it's good to see so many styles and builds of this useful storage center, like the ones presented in this guide. The KINYING Outdoor Shed has been chosen by our team as the best outdoor shed overall thanks to its weather resistance and practical design. Check out all of our options now!
Our Top Picks For Outdoor Sheds
The Best Outdoor Sheds of 2024
Best Overall
Garden sheds and all about storage and access; if either is a challenge, then you don’t have a good shed. With this pick, we know you’ll have a great one. To store and access goods quickly and conveniently, the KINYING garden shed includes several opening orientations and a flip top. You can swing open its front doors, lift its lid, or do both in order to grab whatever you may need. You really can fit just about anything into this storage space as this shed features 26 cubic feet of storage; now that’s a lot! We’re giving this garden shed our best overall award for its great capacity, easy access, and smart features,
Pros
- Weather resistant with shed details
- Convenient access to stored goods
- Great for keeping toys and garden tools
Cons
- Limited aesthetic apeal
Most Spacious
Constructed of thickened galvanized steel panels for reinforcement and durability, this AECOJOY Garden Shed is designed to withstand all weather conditions. A metal locking system with two keys to ensure added security and two large push-pull doors provide a spacious, comfortable workspace without feeling cramped. This shed stands apart from the competition with its unique roof design that prevents water reserves during heavy rains and air vents to keep air flowing freely. Additionally, plastic caps have been integrated to keep people safe while they’re inside. The interior structure has also been reinforced to provide even more stability and longevity.
Pros
- Sturdy and secure
- Made with thin, delicate metal that is weatherproof
- All hardware is included
Cons
- Metal may be too sharp
Smart Design
Looking for a simple shed that’ll get the job done? Look no further than this brilliantly designed garden shed by Rubbermaid. This shed measures 30” x 25” x 72” and has a 17-cubic-foot storage capacity. It is leak-proof, dent-proof, and weather-proof, meaning it will last a long while, even if it is outdoors! It is simple to put together, and pegboard and shelves can be easily set up by using Rubbermaid wall anchors. It is also extra deep, making it ideal for storing larger items, in addition to smaller things like rakes and garden tools. You also won’t have to worry about storing heavy items in here as this shed has a strong-duty, impact-resistant floor. Put whatever matters to you in this shed, lock it, and worry no more.
Pros
- It is weather resistant.
- It has an impact-resistant floor.
- It has double-wall construction for added strength.
Cons
- It is not sturdy enough.
Stylish Look
Our next pick is a weather-resistant garden shed from Toomax that combines the strength of resin with the rustic appearance and texture of wood. It boasts heavy-duty walls that will never peel, corrode, fade, or dent, making it a low-maintenance outdoor storage option. It additionally features uniquely paintable and drillable walls, allowing for a great amount of customization. It also includes a one-touch opening handle and the ability to install a lock to keep your valuables secure. Pick yours up today!
Pros
- Versatile and rust-resistant
- Short assembly time
- Simulates wood apeal
Cons
- Fake wood may look tacky to some
Affordable Option
Our next garden shed by Catrimown focuses on getting you great value at a great price. This shed features a robust structure with galvanized steel reinforcing which makes it rustproof, UV-resistant and strong. It also has intersected wall panels that are waterproof and moisture-resistant and an angled slope roof allowing you to place this shed outside and keep it there no matter the weather. In addition, pad-lockable doors provide security without limiting access to your stored items. If you have a budget you want to stick to but need some extra space too, try out this garden shed.
Pros
- Rust-, water-, and UV-resistant
- Doors fit a padlock for security
- Very, very affordable
Cons
- Some colors and sizes may be out of stock
Gorgeous Wood
This garden shed from Goplus is a well-organized vertical storage option made from fir wood that will hold all your garden needs. It features gorgeous ventilated shutter doors with a wooden lock for a great aesthetic that will fit well outdoors. You may look at this shed worried about how well it will hold up outside, but fret not; this piece will last. It is weather resistant due to its tilted rough and can be stored under a roof or patio for some extra protection. Additionally, its feet can be adjusted to maintain balance on rough ground. If you want something aesthetically pleasing that will last, why not try this garden shed.
Pros
- Adjustable feet for uneven terrain
- Classic shutter design
- Pitched water resistant roof
Cons
- Cannot be padlocked
Portable Pick
You don’t have to shell over $200 for additional outdoor storage space. With this garden “shed” from Yardstash, you certainly don’t have to. Even though it isn’t a shed in the traditional sense, this product can easily store bikes and tons of gear outdoors while preventing rain, wind, and weather damage. This garden storage is made of vinyl tarpaulin for long-lasting durability and has bottom slippers with storm flaps for maximum weather protection. Just place your items inside and zip it up. Also, keep in mind you can always bring it with you in its carry bag should the need ever arise! If you don’t want to buy a large shed for your backyard, try this guy out instead.
Pros
- Weather and animal resistant
- Easy to set up and dismantle
- Not too bad on the wallet
Cons
- Not a traditional garden shed
Quality Construction
The final, and yet, another phenomenal option for your next garden shed is this one by Outdoor Home Design. With a great storage capacity of 30 cubic feet, it stores beach towels, sporting equipment, patio furniture cushions, outdoor garbage cans, and other items. Additionally, as it is made of Polypropylene resin, it is resistant to the elements, UV rays, rust, corrosion, fading, and denting. This shed also features a multimethod opening system allowing you to lift the top, open doors in combination, or do a combination of both. Remove the clutter and store it away in this great option.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- Multiple means of opening
Cons
- No other color options
The Best Outdoor Sheds: A Buyer's Guide
Purchasing an outdoor shed can be a daunting task with so many options available. To help you make the right decision, we have scoured the internet to make this detailed buying guide with important factors to consider before selecting a shed.
Things To Consider Before Buying an Outdoor Shed
Quality versus price
It is difficult to get a high-quality shed at a reasonable price. One of the most prevalent issues that some buyers have is that they are lured to the lowest price and disregard the alternatives. Oftentimes it is preferable to spend a few hundred dollars on an outdoor shed with high-quality materials and sturdy construction than the cheapest alternative. A high-quality shed is a wise investment. We recommend that you select a basic yet well-built shed with great materials and construction over a cheaper one made of low-quality materials.
Construction material
Wooden shelters are typically attractive additions to the yard, but they do need special care. For weather protection, wood buildings must be painted or treated on the outside. and need interior airflow to keep rot, mold, and fungus away. Plastic sheds may not be as attractive as wood ones, but they tend to be cheaper, and you don’t have to worry about maintaining them as much. Plastic sheds are more likely to break than wood ones, so consider how likely accidents near your shed may be before purchasing a flimsy plastic one.
Base and flooring
Sheds with floors, such as timber shelters with conventional framed floors and plywood flooring, tend to be more durable than non-floored sheds. Because flooring is often provided separately from the shed structure in plastic sheds, they tend not to last as long. If you are buying a floorless outdoor shed, consider where you’ll place it. You should place it on concrete or a hard surface instead of directly on grass. Doing so will improve stability and durability.
Storage capacity and accessibility
If you want to store a blower or a lawn mower, ensure there is enough space to do so and that the entrance to your shack is wide enough to accommodate your equipment. An outdoor shed is only worth having if you can store your equipment and easily access it. Before purchasing, write down all the equipment you wish to store. Then consider how much space you will need to do so. If you keep your shed organized, you can fit more tools and pieces than you may expect.
Customizability
Allow your imagination to go wild! You may personalize your outdoor shed with paint, weather vanes, and more. Small details may have a tremendous impact.
For more ideas on how to decorate your shed, check out the video below! We know most outdoor sheds are not this big, but you can always steal some changes and implement them on a smaller scale.
Features To Look For in an Outdoor Shed
Design
To ensure that the shed you select will suit the style of your home, make an effort to select a complementary design, as it may have a major impact on the overall appearance of your property. For example, a shed with formal elements might be a suitable choice if you have a more elegant house.
Windows
Not all outdoor sheds have windows, but there certainly are some with them that are great options. Consider what type of window you are looking for. Joinery-made windows are considerably more durable and less prone to leak than their counterparts. Fiberglass is far less likely to break; if it does, it does so safely, making it a must-have if children are around. You should also think about whether you want to be able to open your windows, especially in the summer.
Doors
How do you want to access your stored garden equipment? Do you want to walk into your shed through a traditional double door or open smaller cabinets? The large variety of shed sizes means there are a large variety of shed doors, too. When selecting an outdoor shed, consider what direction a door will open: left, right, up, or a combination.
Roof or lid
A failing roof is one of the first indicators of a poor-quality shed, so choose a sturdy structure. Walk-in sheds need to have a sloped roof to prevent water from pooling and damage if you want to store it outside. A “lean-to” shed is a walk-in shed that is constructed next to another structure for support or aesthetics, like a house or garage. It generally has a slopping roof with the taller side pressed against the complementing structure. This style of the roof makes it appear as if the shed is leaning against the other structure.
Non-walk-in sheds may have a liftable lid and door combination that allows you to access all your stored goods easily. Consider the roof and lid design to figure out where you should store your shed and easily access it.
Paint
The paint finish is one of the most obvious, and hence essential, features of the exterior of your shed. Make certain that the color you choose fits the style of your yard. Keep in mind a higher-quality paint finish decreases the requirement for maintenance significantly.
People Also Asked
Can I use a garage for storage instead of an outdoor shed?
Yes, a garage can be used for storage instead of an outdoor shed, providing protection from the elements and additional security for your belongings. However, consider factors such as available space, organization, and accessibility when deciding between a garage or outdoor shed for storage purposes.
Are there any regulations or permits required for installing an outdoor shed in my yard?
Regulations and permit requirements for installing an outdoor shed vary depending on your location, local zoning laws, and homeowners' association regulations. It's essential to check with your municipal authorities or HOA to ensure compliance before installing a shed.
How do I properly maintain and care for my outdoor shed?
To ensure the longevity of your outdoor shed, regularly inspect it for signs of damage, such as leaks or rot, and repair them promptly. Additionally, if it has a wooden build, treat the wood with a protective sealant or paint every few years to prevent moisture damage and maintain its structural integrity.
