Top Picks

Best Overall: Suncast Heavy-Duty Resin Tremont Storage Shed

Best Small: Ktaxon 64-inch Wooden Storage Shed

Best Metal: Patiowell 10x8 Shed with Windows

What We Tested

We tested sheds made from a variety of materials, paying attention to how easy each shed was to set up as well as its design and quality, performance, and value.

Best Overall

Suncast Heavy-Duty Resin Tremont Storage Shed

Why You Should Get It

• This shed offers security and durability, with high-quality materials that hold up well during heavy weather.

Keep in Mind

• Because this outdoor shed needs a custom base, setup took several hours.

The Suncast 8 x 10-foot Tremont storage shed proved how much structural integrity it had as it withstood frequent high winds and heavy rains when we tested it.

We didn’t notice any signs of leaking or cracks, and the locking door helped prevent the high winds from swinging open the door and getting storage items wet.

The skylights provided additional visibility, and its large size made it beneficial for storing a variety of household and outdoor items like bicycles, a lawn mower, strollers, and more.

It took our testers four hours to completely assemble the shed, and half of that time was spent on just the doors. This shed also required a custom-built base, which added not only to the installation time but also the total cost.

The base also plays a role in the overall stability and function of the shed—our testers had some issues with their platform, which resulted in the doors sticking at times.

Product Details: Dimensions: 103 x 100.5 x 122.25 in. | Material: Polypropylene, plastic | Assembly Time: Four hours

Best Small

Ktaxon 64-inch Wooden Storage Shed

Why You Should Get It

• This solid fir wooden shed offers storage without taking up much space, and it only took an hour to assemble.

Keep in Mind

• It doesn’t have locking doors.

Among the outdoor sheds we tested, the Ktaxon wooden outdoor shed was the fastest to assemble, with setup taking only around an hour.

We didn’t have to obtain a permit, and the only tools we needed were a wrench and a Phillips head screwdriver. The assembly was simple and beginner friendly, making it a good choice for those who aren’t as handy.

The shed was compact enough to fit on a concrete patio alongside a potting bench while still being large enough to store garden tools, including a standing weeding tool and a handheld tiller.

Despite multiple storms during the testing period, the inside of the shed remained totally dry thanks to its waterproof coating. While it doesn't come with a lock and key, it does have an external latch to ensure the wind doesn't blow open the doors.

The shed includes shelving, and the instructions mentioned that the shelves could be configured in various ways. However, there were no details on how to actually make those changes.

Product Details: Dimensions: 55.1 x 19.7 x 63.8 in. | Material: Fir wood | Assembly Time: One hour

Best Metal

Patiowell 10x8 Shed with Windows

Why You Should Get It

• With a large, rectangular floor plan, this shed offers layout flexibility and plenty of storage.

Keep in Mind

• This shed’s tin panels are prone to denting and scratching.

The Patiowell shed was easy to set up with no permit required or unexpected tools needed.

Assembly time for this shed from start to finish took our testers around two full days, which included building the shed itself and creating a platform with gravel and a roller.

Once the outdoor shed was built, it had no issues facing inclement weather—the inside of the shed remained dry, and it remained stable despite high winds. This shed does come with a lock with extra security and vents for a bit of air flow.

The windows don't open, and the tin panels for this shed arrived dented—plus, they were prone to scratching. This may be something to keep in mind if you live in an area where hail or similar conditions are common.

Product Details: Dimensions: 114.2 x 88.9 x 96.9 inches | Material: Metal | Assembly Time: Two days

The Bottom Line

The Suncast 8 x 10 Tremont shed requires a custom base and permit to set up, but we were impressed with its durability and security. This, paired with its ample space, makes it a great choice for storing a variety of outdoor and gardening items.

Our Testing Process

During testing, we evaluated each shed on its performance, durability, ease of set up, design, and quality.

We evaluated the assembly process, including how much work was needed in preparation for the shed, like building foundations and obtaining permits. We also paid attention to how clear, detailed, and helpful the instructions were and if any additional tools were needed.

We timed how long it took to build the shed and how many people were involved in the assembly process.

With the sheds fully assembled, we tested their functionality, making note of how much they were capable of storing. The sheds were also subjected to various weather conditions including sun, rain, and wind.

We evaluated the sheds' materials during the testing period and looked for any early signs of wear, rust, or damage.

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.

Other Outdoor Sheds We Tested

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 her 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.