Storage Sheds. Should you choose a plastic Lifetime shed, metal shed, or traditional wood one for your garden storage?

Wood sheds have been the most common ones over the years, but recent times have seen plastic versions appear like lifetime sheds which are marketed to last longer. There are also metal sheds available too which is certainly the most long lasting of the three materials. Below we'll quickly take a look at the benefits and disadvantages of the three types. 

Wood sheds:

A wooden shed blends in with a garden more than the other styles. Most people associate them with a bright orange colour though which just doesn't look very nice. This is thanks to the wood treatment painted on which quickly fades to a dull grey colour. However in recent years, technology has improved and wood is now pressure treated (tannalised) which allows for a nice light colour the same as patio wood decking. Of course wood sheds can be painted in any shade you like, but the new pressure treated wood doesn't need painting as it holds it's colour excellently.

If you like DIY then putting a wooden shed together is easy as they come in flat packs. If you are not that way inclined, then let the company you bought it from do it. If you buy from a home improvement store they may not have an installation service, so you might need to find a handyman to do it for you. Advanced DIY people can even build one from scratch but it is certainly worth using plans which can be found by clicking here. Timber merchants will make all the pieces of wood for you, it is a great way to save money and build the exact design you need for your garden storage. Make sure you always use pressure treated wood that won't rot (it is often guaranteed for 20-25 years). These aren't what you would call tuff sheds but they are a great all around option.

Plastic Sheds:

Plastic versions like those sold by Lifetime Sheds can be an excellent option. They come in a wide variety of colours, shapes and sizes. They are made from an excellent quality plastic material that is custom designed to withstand the elements outdoors. There is no chance of rotting unlike wood, and they are made to be durable for heavy use. beware of cheap plastic sheds which will be made of much lower quality materials and fixtures. These often seem like a good idea but they can loose their shape with heavy use and some fade too.

Plastic sheds come in very easy to assemble packs that most people will be comfortable putting together. Be sure to secure everything properly as any loose parts might harm the structure over time. These often suit newer properties, even one coloured brown might not fit in with an older property.

Metal Sheds:

The first thing that comes to mind when we think about metal sheds are horrible rusty, silver corrugated iron eye saws. However, there are actually a surprisingly good amount of good quality metal sheds which are perfect for you garden tool storage or even as a garage. Metal sheds are likely to out live the other two options but you must ensure that there is a top quality coating to prevent rust. Many are made from thin sheets which is lighter than you would expect. They must be secured very well though to protect from strong winds. Ideally they should be bolted to a concrete foundation

These garden storage units are fire resistant which makes them ideal for storing more valuable outdoor items. These are definitely tuff sheds and they can be assembled from kits, but you will need good drilling equipment. Companies like Arrow make excellent models and they are available in a wide range of colours. They aren't as decorative as the other options, but provide good functionality.

When shopping for storage sheds be aware that you want something that fits in with your garden. It should also be something that is made to last, so beware of cheap options. A good storage shed should last over 30 years.