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Last updated: June 9, 2022
When storage space is at a premium, a backyard storage shed is well worth the investment. And now, thanks to the wide availability of affordable resin-style outdoor sheds, adding storage to your yard has never been easier.
But not all these outdoor storage solutions are built to the same quality. To help you navigate this saturated market, we’ve researched and tested five of the best backyard storage sheds available today.
Each of these options maximizes storage space for different needs while minimizing cost and labor. Let’s get into it.
Top 5 Outdoor Sheds:
Top 5 Outdoor Sheds
Whether you’re looking for a space saver solution or a large capacity shed for all your tools and toys, you’ll find it on the list below.
1. Suncast Horizontal Storage Shed
When it comes to quality, storage space, and overall value, you won’t easily find anything better than the Suncast Horizontal Storage Shed.
This tall and wide horizontal shed is perfect for storing trash cans, yard toys, and all your outdoor gear. It can be placed against the house, on the deck, or used to expand on existing outdoor storage space. You get 34 cubic feet of storage in a 32″ deep, 53″ wide, and 45.5″ tall package.
The front face features double doors that open fully to maximize access. The hinged roof also opens fully and includes a tall prop bar for access from above.
Each side is made of multi-walled polypropylene resin panels that provide superior strength and stability. Unlike traditional wood composite or true wood sheds, this one is fully weather and UV-resistant and requires no upkeep or maintenance.
The heavy-duty resin floor panel is dense enough to hold an impressive amount of weight. It’s resistant to abuse and won’t scratch or warp. But at 78 pounds though, this isn’t exactly a portable storage shed. But it can be easily assembled on your deck, patio, or relatively-level patch of bare ground.
This storage option will cost you a touch more than similar items on this list, but the quality is well worth it. Plus, you get the peace of mind that comes with a long 10-year limited warranty.
2. Lifetime Outdoor Storage Shed
If you’re looking for a great deal of storage but don’t want to invest the money or time in constructing a traditional backyard shed, then this Lifetime Outdoor Storage Shed is the perfect solution for you.
This large 96″ by 32″ by 26″ shed looks like the real thing with faux siding and shingles stamped into the side and roof panels and thoughtful details around the window and vents. But assembly is far easier and requires minimal power tools.
At about 162 cubic feet, this shed has plenty of room for your yard tools, mower, and all those boxes you can’t find space for in the garage. The kit comes with a customizable shelving system to keep smaller items in reach and off the floor.
Inside, you’ll find a window and four skylights to let light in. As well as, two screened vents to keep temps down without allowing insects access. The instructions for assembly are somewhat lacking, but most users can get this shed put together in less than 8 hours.
The panels are made of high-density polyethylene constructed over steel trusses for added stability. The flooring is made to withstand staining, damage, and to hold heavy items such as power equipment and garden carts.
The Lifetime Outdoor Storage Shed is made in the USA and comes with a 10-year warranty.
3. Rubbermaid Resin Outdoor Storage Shed
Looking to store your garden tools and other odd-sized items? The Rubbermaid Resin Outdoor Storage Shed has you covered.
This upright storage shed features a small footprint while still providing plenty of space to keep your yard tools and toys organized. Designed like a wardrobe, this 28″ by 55″ by 77″ inch shed is perfect for hanging shovels, rakes, and hoses. And you’ll still have enough floor space to stack your extra pots or keep your compost bags out of the rain.
The 53 cubic feet of space can be easily accessed through the full-length double doors on the front. These doors can be secured with a padlock or spring clip. Each side features stamped details to help this unit blend in with your house.
All panels are made of double-wall resin that is weather and UV-resistant. The floor is impact resistant and strong enough to hold heavy equipment, which is important if you’re going to store your backyard tools.
The Rubbermaid Resin Outdoor Storage Shed is made in the USA and comes with a 1-year warranty. In terms of cubic feet of storage, it is one of the more cost-effective solutions you’ll find.
4. Homspark Horizontal Storage Shed
For a more affordable version of the Suncast Horizontal Shed, we recommend the Homspark Horizontal Storage Shed. This unit is priced about 20% cheaper than our top choice but still features many of the same qualities.
At 50″ wide, 41″ tall, and 29″ deep, it is a touch smaller but still offers plenty of storage space for yard toys, cushions, and tools. To maximize that 26 cubic feet of space, we recommend purchasing the additional shelving kit that is available for this model.
The high-density polyethylene panels are durable and weather resistant. The front features double doors that open fully to access your items. And the top is hinged with a prop bar for top access. Like the Suncast, these access points can be easily secured using a padlock or spring clip.
The Homspark Horizontal Storage Shed does not come with a listed warranty and is manufactured in China. But, for a cheaper version of our top horizontal shed option, this unit has a lot to offer. For affordable, easy-to-assemble storage that will last, you won’t easily find anything better in this price range.
5. ShelterLogic Pop-Up Storage Shed
If your storage needs are more temporary or less dependent on weatherproofing, the ShelterLogic Pop-Up Storage Shed is a great option that will save you a fair amount of money.
This canvas-style pop-up storage shed provides shelter for your gear from the sun and inclement weather. But it is more portable than any of the options above.
At 4 feet square by 6 feet tall, this 96 cubic feet storage tent has a lot of room for yard toys, pool equipment, and other outdoor items that could benefit from some added protection. This unit is not fully waterproof though, as it doesn’t have a floor panel, but it will offer protection from sun, snow, and wind.
The frame is made of 1-inch powder-coated carbon steel, and the cover is 300D polyester that is resistant to and protective against harmful UVB and UVA rays. The front panel door is fully zippered for secure closure.
The ShelterLogic Pop-Up Storage Shed doesn’t come with a marketed warranty and is less than straightforward to assemble. But for a temporary, portable, or just less expensive outdoor storage option, it is a great choice.
Backyard Shed Buying Guide
If you have a large outdoor space and have lots of backyard toys, gardening tools, or backyard games, an outdoor shed is an absolute must.
But with so many different types and styles of backyard storage solutions available, it can be hard to find the right one to fit your needs.
We’ve put together this helpful buying guide to steer you in the right direction. Below, you’ll find information on all the different aspects that should be considered when shopping for a backyard storage shed.
Let’s discuss the following deciding factors:
- Materials
- Design and Access
- Storage Capacity
- Assembly
- Durability
- Weight
1. Materials
Storage sheds come in a huge variety of different types from traditional wood to the increasingly popular resin. Each material type has its pros and cons that should be considered.
Metal:
Sheds made of metal and corrugated steel tend to be fairly affordable and quite durable. This material isn’t prone to expanding or contracting in different temperatures and is naturally UV resistant. If finished properly, these sheds can last a long time with very little maintenance.
On the downside, metal sheds are prone to rust and corrosion, especially if they were low-quality, to begin with. They are also tough to modify, which means adding shelving or ventilation can be a chore. And they tend to feel a bit flimsy due to the thin nature of the metal panels.
Wood:
As a material, wood has long been used to build sheds, and for good reason.
Wood sheds are very visually appealing and tend to blend better with traditionally built homes. These are also very easy to customize, whether that means adding shelving inside or decorating the outside to meet your specific tastes. And, as long as they are maintained properly, wood sheds are very strong and durable.
On the cons side, wood sheds tend to be expensive. Unless you buy a prefabricated style and pay for flatbed shipping, you can also expect to spend quite a bit of time putting your new shed together. And, without continuous maintenance, including painting and foundation care, wood sheds will eventually begin to rot.
Resin:
Resin, or plastic, sheds, have become increasingly popular over the last decade or so, and they tend to be inexpensive while also being durable.
They are easy to put together since each panel comes as a single piece. Plus, they are naturally UV and weather resistant, aren’t targeted by bugs, and won’t rot. And all this durability comes with little need for maintenance or labor on your part.
On the other hand, plastic sheds are not easily customizable and are often restricted to use with compatible add-ons. They also aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing. No matter how many details are stamped into the resin panels, you just can’t hide that plastic look.
Polyester:
Polyester pop-up sheds, like the ShelterLogic Pop-Up Storage Shed, are quite a bit different than other types, but offer their own benefits.
These lightweight storage options tend to be easy to assemble and very easy to move around. Plus they can often be taken down and stored themselves for later use. Pop-ups also tend to be the least expensive shed options.
On the downside, the lightweight nature of these sheds makes them vulnerable to wind and weather. Even if staked down, a hard wind may damage the unit. They also don’t have the most pleasing look and typically aren’t durable enough to last more than a few years.
2. Design and Access
One of the most important aspects to consider once you’ve decided on the material type for your shed is its design.
Double doors, or at least a wide door, is imperative for easily accessing items stored inside the shed. This is doubly important for large sheds that may be used to house large items like mowers and carts.
For smaller units, a hinged roof is a great feature. This allows you to access your items from the front doors or the overhead roof. If your storage sheds tend to get as unorganized as most people’s, you understand why this factor is important.
3. Storage Capacity
How much storage space do you really need? And, equally as important, how much space do you have to allocate to that storage space? Balancing these two factors is important to find a shed that will be useful to you.
Horizontal sheds tend to have more usable space than other small storage options. They have a larger footprint but can be used on patios, decks, and other spaces where a tall shed would be inappropriate.
Of the smaller options, vertical sheds typically have the most space in terms of cubic feet. But most of this space is less usable. These products are best suited for hanging tools like shovels and rakes.
Large backyard sheds are great for storing big items like wheelbarrows, mowers, and lumber. These kinds are made for walk-in use and often include built-in shelving. Of course, these also take up a great deal of space and have a large footprint.
4. Assembly
How much assembly is required and how long it will take depends largely on the type of shed material you choose.
Polyester pop-ups, resin, and metal sheds tend to be the easiest to put together. Of those, pop-ups and resin types require the least amount of labor, the fewest tools, and generally only use lightweight pieces.
Wood sheds are by far the most time-intensive to put together. Even pre-fab models require power tools and a good deal of instruction reading. Even small wood sheds are best tackled by multiple people at once.
5. Durability
Metal and resin sheds are the most durable with the least amount of upkeep. Wood sheds can be very durable, but require a fresh coat of paint and some dedicated attention every few years.
But within each of these categories, there is a great deal of variability in terms of durability.
Resin and plastic style sheds, in particular, vary from low-quality products that sag and break from day one to high-quality models that can last for years and years.
Because of this, cheaper is not always better. Instead of going for the most affordable option, look for products built with quality materials that are protected by long warranty periods.
6. Weight
Large sheds should be fairly weighty; this guarantees they can stand up to high wind speeds and other damaging effects of mother nature. Smaller sheds, on the other hand, come with varying degrees of portability.
Pop-ups are the lightest types and can often be moved around the yard with the help of an extra person. They can also be easily disassembled and moved if needed.
Small resin sheds are usually light enough to be moved if needed but aren’t really made to be shuffled around once assembled. The plastic panels tend to bow with shifting pressure which can compromise the integrity of the entire structure. The heavier a resin shed, the denser the plastic used and the longer it is likely to last.
Final Thoughts
Backyard storage sheds are a great way to keep your landscaping tools, yard toys, and general clutter safe from the elements and organized for easy access.
Our top pick for the best backyard storage shed is the Suncast Horizontal Storage Shed. This wide and tall shed offers the most usable space with a compact footprint. Double doors and a hinged roof provide easy access to everything inside while durable multi-walled polypropylene resin panels guarantee this product will last.
If you need a larger option but don’t want the hassle or expense that comes with a wood shed, the Lifetime Outdoor Storage Shed is worth a look. It is large enough to hold all your landscaping tools, and the high-density polyethylene panels are durable and weatherproof and designed with thoughtful details to blend seamlessly into your yard.
Whatever your outdoor storage needs, our above picks are worth considering if you’re after a quality, useable shed.
