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Updated May 22, 2023 11:57 AM

Your backyard can and should be your oasis, and a great storage shed adds to your sanctuary’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 easily get a sturdy, durable, and attractive solution into place. 

How we chose the best storage sheds

Searching for the best storage sheds is like “The Three Little Pigs”—you have to look for those made 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

If you’re on the hunt for storage shed ideas, 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 must be functional, so consider features like doors and windows for security and convenience. You want it to be as easy as possible to put away that leaf vacuum and bring out the pool vacuum and propane grill.

Best overall: Lifetime 8 x 12.5 ft. Outdoor Steel and Plastic Storage Shed

Lifetime

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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
  • Material: Plastic, steel
  • Assembly required: Yes
  • Storage options: Yes

Pros

  • Adjustable shelving
  • 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 double doors allow easy access to storage items. This plastic storage shed also offers steel-reinforced lockable doors and an interior shelving system for added organization (who doesn’t like to admire a well-oiled chainsaw). 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 strengthen the roof enough to withstand gusts, gales, and everything in between. The entire shed is UV-protected to prevent weather damage. This durable shed has only 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

KETER

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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
  • Material: Resin, steel
  • Assembly required: 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 material. 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. One of several resin storage sheds on our list, it’s lockable for security, although you must 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 compact: MCombo Outdoor Storage Cabinet

Mcombo

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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
  • Material: Fir wood
  • Assembly required: 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 fool 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—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 and 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 extra-large: Majestic Do-It-Yourself 8 ft. x 12 ft. Outdoor Wood Storage Shed

Handy Home Products

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Specs

  • Dimensions: 108 x 96  x 144 inches
  • Material: Wood
  • Assembly required: Yes
  • Storage options: Yes

Pros

  • Provides 786 square feet of storage
  • Attractive, customizable design
  • Loft and shelves built in for extra storage

Cons

  • Some assembly required
  • Expensive

Items like riding lawnmowers, snow blowers, bikes, grills, and tools can occupy lots of space. If you’ve got that kind of equipment and more, an extra-large storage shed may be in order. Handy Home Products’ Majestic Do-It-Yourself Outdoor Wood Storage Shed provides plenty of storage space while still looking good in the backyard. 

The wooden shed measures 8 feet by 12 feet, providing 768 square feet of storage. This shed comes with a kit to install shingles on the peak roof and allows you to customize the paint color. It’s available in two versions: with or without a floor. Wide, 64-inch double doors open out, while a transom of small windows over the doors lets light in. The shed also comes with a wraparound loft and shelves for additional storage. And the lockable doors will help keep your equipment secure.

Best for pool equipment: Suncast Modernist 10′ x 7′ Outdoor Storage Shed

Suncast

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Specs

  • Dimensions: 129.5 x 87.5 x 89.5 inches
  • Material: Resin
  • Assembly required: Yes
  • Storage options: Yes

Pros

  • Provides 438 cubic feet of storage 
  • Modern design
  • Durable

Cons

  • Heavy 
  • Expensive
  • Padlock for door purchased separately

If you’ve got a pool in the backyard, the equipment you need to maintain it and the floats you buy to enjoy it can quickly accumulate. The Suncast Modernist Outdoor Storage Shed may provide a tidy solution. At 129 inches long by 87.5 inches wide and 89.5 inches high, this shed offers 438 cubic feet of storage space—providing plenty of room for a pool vacuum with plenty of space left over for patio furniture.

Made of resin, this storage shed is waterproof and durable and can support up to 40 pounds of snow in the off-season. The sleek gray design looks modern, and the barn door is steel-reinforced for extra durability. This shed also has five transom windows that let in light to help you find what you’re looking for and vents to keep air circulating and resist rot. That said, this shed is an investment and, at 490 pounds, won’t be easy to move.

Best for organization: Rubbermaid Storage Shed

Rubbermaid

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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
  • Material: Resin
  • Assembly required: 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 sold separately. Double doors allow you to store a push mower or wide patio furniture. Double-wall resin construction and an impact-resistant floor help it withstand 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 five to seven hours, depending on how closely you follow directions and personal handiness.

Best steel: Arrow Classic Charcoal Steel Storage Shed

Arrow

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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
  • Material: Galvanized steel
  • Assembly required: Yes
  • Storage options: No

Pros

  • Lockable sliding doors
  • 12-year limited warranty
  • Low gable roof

Cons

  • Floor and foundation not included

For those in the market for metal storage sheds, this heavy-duty pick from Arrow is built for 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

Amazon

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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
  • Material: Polyethylene
  • Assembly required: 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 follow the steps closely—it’s hard to take apart if incorrectly assembled. Reviews also say it’s not sit-proof—save the sitting for your patio furniture or a portable chair. With its smaller footprints, it’s the most portable storage shed on our list.

What to consider when buying the best storage sheds

The best storage sheds look good in your space and help you keep your garden tools, bikes, and outdoor equipment clean, safe, dry, and organized. You don’t want anything happening to the solar generator you keep topped off in case of emergencies. 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 plastics, metal, wood, or a combination, and many come as storage shed kits. 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. Still, 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 they can sometimes rust over time, especially if used in wet locations.

Be sure to select doors that open easily for more oversized items but that also lock securely. Overall, height is also an important factor; 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 also practical. Finally, consider how you will organize your stuff once you have the shed. Some shed manufacturers offer corresponding 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. Consider how you can 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 incorporating 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, dragging those out is a waste of time 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 essential to have secure, dry storage sized just right. The best bike storage shed will be at least 6 feet in either width or length 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 easily maintained and waterproof shed materials, like plastics. Look for sheds that offer a lockable door latch to keep bikes safe from theft. Even when shopping for smaller, space-saving sheds, look for a 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 would 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, many people don’t, especially if you live in or near major cities. If you are pressed for space, selecting each addition with care becomes even more important. 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, outdoor cushions, and/or pillows. Taller storage sheds take 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 various materials and, due to the smaller footprint, will usually be pretty reasonably priced. 

Organization

Available storage is almost every homeowner’s dream. Even when you start without much and 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 may find 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 level foundation is required, ideally one slightly lifted off the ground. And maybe it’s only some accessories and smaller tools you need to stow. A bargain-priced patio box could be your best choice if you’re looking for the most compact solution in a social space.

FAQs

Q: Are plastic or metal sheds better?

Both plastic and metal sheds have pros and cons that make it hard to say which 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 do not rust. A plastic shed will be the better choice if you live in a wet climate.

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 and the overall cost and maintenance. Before making your purchase, check for any zoning laws, permits, or homeowner association rules. Finally, consider the foundation and flooring. Keeping a shed elevated and off 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, while 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 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 various materials (solid wood and high-tech waterproof plastics, to name a couple), these structures shelter your items from the weather and will also be designed with customizable organizing systems for easy access to your garden tools and recreational equipment.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

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