We Tested Outdoor Sheds in Our Own Yards—Here Are the 3 We Recommend for Extra Storage

Outdoor storage sheds are useful for storing lawn mowers or recreational items, but they can be used for much more, too. They can be repurposed into spaces fully customized for your needs, whether that’s an at-home garden center for all your planting needs or a relaxing “she shed”.

No matter your vision for your shed, it’s important to take the time to consider your needs, available space, and budget, according to Todd Tripp, a JustAnswer Expert, general contractor, and landscape contractor.

“The first thing I always recommend is to know exactly the surface location in your yard that you're putting your shed,” Tripp says. “You must make sure you know where you're going to put [the shed] in your yard, the size you want, and the surface you're putting it on.” 

Tripp also recommends checking with your county, city, and homeowners association (HOA) to see if there are any limitations or restrictions on outdoor structures.

Alongside knowing your must-haves, it’s also nice to know what your wants are: windows, skylights, and even included shelving and storage are all great additions when turning your dream shed into a reality.

The Bottom Line

After four weeks of testing, we chose the Suncast 8 x 10 Tremont shed as the best outdoor shed. Although this shed did require a custom base and permit to set up, we were impressed with its durability and security, especially given its door lock. This, paired with its ample space, made it a great choice for storing a variety of outdoor and gardening items. 

Our Testing Process

To find the best outdoor sheds, we tested sheds made of a variety of materials to see how they withstood the elements. During testing, we evaluated each shed not only on its performance and durability but also its ease of set up, design, quality, and value.

The first step of our testing process was to evaluate how easy each shed was to set up. This includes work done in preparation for the shed, such as building foundations and obtaining permits if needed, as well the assembly process itself. We also paid attention to how well the instructions provided guidance and if any additional tools not included with the shed were needed.

After we evaluated the instructions and initial preparation, our testers focused on the building phase for the sheds. This included timing how long it took to build the shed from start to finish, including any time spent creating a platform for the shed to sit on, and how many people were involved in the assembly process.

With the sheds fully assembled, we were able to test the functionality of the shed, such as its design, durability, and quality. Structural stability is essential for having confidence in your shed’s ability to withstand the elements.

We evaluated the integrity of the sheds through various weather conditions across four weeks. Our testers checked for any leaks, sticking doors, or buckling of the materials, as well if the shed overall felt stable during use.

The quality of the materials used to build the shed also plays a large role in its performance. Because of this, we evaluated the materials across the testing period and looked for any early signs of wear, rust, or damage. Our testers also noted their thoughts on the security of the shed, including whether or not locks were included.

Lastly, we scored each outdoor shed on its overall value. Our testers saw the price after testing to determine if the outdoor shed’s cost reflected its value and features.

What to Know About Outdoor Sheds

Dimensions

Outdoor sheds come in different sizes, with those we tested ranging from 64-inch Ktaxon to the Suncast 8 x 10-foot Tremont. The size of your shed plays a direct role in how much storage space you have available, as well as cost, available yard (or patio) space, and whether you may need permits to build.  

If you’re looking to store larger pieces of yard equipment, such as lawn mowers, you may want to opt for larger sheds that can accommodate not only the mower but also space for you to move around.

However, for smaller items like rakes and garden tools, you can opt for a smaller shed that meets your needs while preserving the space in your yard.

Material

Outdoor sheds are available in a variety of materials such as wood, metal, and plastic. Along with offering aesthetic differences, these materials differ in weight and durability. 

According to Tripp, wood is the heaviest of the three materials but also the “most durable and long lasting”. He adds that wood can withstand “a lot of high winds, rain, [and] snow” and that it’s the “most long-lasting material for sheds.”

Wood also has a natural, neutral appearance that allows it to blend seamlessly into your yard — something to keep in mind if you want your shed to fade into the background rather than be the star of your backyard.

Although not as durable as wood, plastic and metal are still good choices for your outdoor shed. “Plastic and metal sheds are an easy solution that you can put together yourself and it’s a lower [price point],” Tripp says.

They also tend to be lighter than wood sheds and require less maintenance. Plastic holds up well against weather, but “UV rays can break them down over time, according to Tripp.

Assembly Time

Unless a shed comes fully assembled, it’ll likely take some level of elbow grease to build yourself. However, when looking for the right outdoor shed for you, it’s important to consider the amount of resources at your disposal.

If you’re an amateur builder planning on putting your new shed together by yourself, then you’ll want to choose an easier option like the Ktaxon shed versus one that requires a variety of tools and more than one set of hands. 

Assembly time can also provide a preview of the total construction cost. If you’re looking at a shed that factors in time for creating a foundation, then that may add to how much your shed costs. 

Rubbermaid Resin Outdoor Storage Shed With Floor

During testing, we appreciated that the Rubbermaid resin outdoor storage shed with floor didn’t require any permits for our tested yard. However, we found the shed to lack durability and stability. While we didn’t notice any leaks or weather-related wear and tear, the Rubbermaid shed did blow over in high winds, and the door didn’t close easily. This, paired with a difficult assembly, kept us from including this shed on our list. 

Your Questions, Answered

Is it cheaper to buy an outdoor shed or build one?

According to Tripp, prices can range from “about $3,200 to $4,000 for a good 8 x 10 or 10 x 10 wood shed.” That cost increases with the addition of features like windows or vents. Smaller sheds or those made of inexpensive materials may cost slightly less. 

When you purchase a premade shed, such as from a specialty dealer, the total cost tends to cover the materials, delivery, and labor. Because it’s all factored in, there are no surprise costs. 

If you decide to build your own shed, you’ll need to do your own research on permits and their costs as well as buy the shed and any tools needed. However, because you aren’t paying for labor, the cost of building an outdoor shed is often less than that of buying one already constructed. 

If you’re completely new to DIY projects and building, you may find it best to choose a premade shed. While building your outdoor shed cuts out the labor costs, if you don’t readily have the tools needed on hand, you may spend more purchasing or renting those.

Do sheds need a foundation?

Outdoor sheds need a foundation for stability and structural integrity, but what this foundation looks like can vary. Some sheds do well with a dirt or gravel foundation, while others require a wooden or paved platform. The Patiowell shed we tested, for example, paired well with a flattened gravel foundation.

Who We Are

Megan Newton is a writer for Better Homes & Gardens. She has also written about bird feeders, garden tools, grass seeds, and more. She researched a variety of outdoor sheds online and analyzed insights from our at-home testing to find the best options for our readers. Todd Tripp, a JustAnswer Expert, general contractor, and landscape contractor, provided additional insights on what to look for when shopping for an outdoor shed. 

What is BHG Recommends? 

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.