We’ve Rounded Up the Best Sheds to Increase Storage or Workshop Spaces

If you want to clear out your garage, find a home for your yard equipment and tools, or create a studio or a workshop, a shed can serve many needs. They come in various sizes, ranging from small outdoor sheds ideal for storing trash and recycling cans to huge units capable of housing machinery and vehicles. They also come in various material types, including metal, wood, and plastic resin. For many homeowners, a good all-arounder may be the right pick, such as our favorite shed, the Suncast Tremont. We like that this attractive option offers a good amount of space without swallowing up a yard. 

When it comes to sheds and outdoor storage buildings, there are so many different styles, sizes, and types to choose from (as well as places to buy a shed). This can make trying to choose the right shed for one’s property a bit overwhelming. Aside from highlighting some of our favorite picks on the market, this guide will also look to shed some light on these small storage buildings by diving into the various factors one should consider when shopping for the best shed.

1. BEST OVERALL: Suncast Tremont 8-ft. x 10-ft. Storage Shed
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Arrow 10-ft. x 8-ft. High Point Steel Storage Shed
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3. UPGRADE PICK: EZ-Fit Sheds 10-ft. x 14-ft. Riverside Shed Kit
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4. BEST TEMPORARY: ShelterLogic 6-ft. x 6-ft. x 6-ft. Shed-in-a-Box
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5. BEST CEDAR: Outdoor Living Today 9-ft. x 6-ft. Cabana Garden Shed
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6. BEST FOR GARDENING TOOLS: Suncast Outdoor Plastic Vertical Shed
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7. BEST LARGE: Heartland 12-ft. x 16-ft. Statesman Wood Storage Shed
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8. BEST FOR GARBAGE BINS: Homspark Horizontal Storage Shed
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9. BEST STEEL CONSTRUCTION: ShelterLogic Arrow Select 8-ft. x 4-ft. Steel Shed
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Best Sheds Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

The list below features some of the best sheds currently on the market. Wood, resin, and metal sheds of various sizes and designs are listed across a broad range of needs typically searched for when shopping for sheds online.

Best Overall

Suncast Tremont 8-ft. x 10-ft. Storage Shed

See It

What We Like

• Reinforced construction withstands harsh storms or inclement weather
• Complements virtually any type of backyard setup
• Ample windows and skylights for naturally-lit interior visibility
• Assembly is easy

What We Don’t Like

• Limited shelf space compared to similar models
• Better for storing large items and machinery

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Specs

• Size 8.4 feet wide by 10.2 feet deep by 8.6 feet high
• Material Resin
• Floor included Yes

An attractive design, ample size, and plenty of windows and skylights that create natural lighting make the Tremont a worthy choice for most yards. The 8.4 feet wide by 10.2 feet deep Tremont features heavy-duty resin construction that’s molded to resemble real wood. Unlike other plastic storage sheds, Suncast uses a double-layered wall and metal truss system, giving it added strength. 

A gabled roof, carriage-house style doors, and a sophisticated earth-tone color scheme give it an attractive look that works in suburban or urban settings. We appreciate that the two windows on the doors and six skylights provide plenty of natural lighting for visibility inside the shed. Two corner shelves create storage space. A large hasp on the door for a standard padlock adds security. 

Get the Suncast Tremont shed at The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., or Walmart.

Best Bang for the Buck

Arrow 10-ft. x 8-ft. High Point Steel Storage Shed

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What We Like

• Ample space for lawn mowers, tractors, backyard fixtures
• Wide doorway accommodates large objects and machinery
• Padlock-compatible door handle for extra security

What We Don’t Like

• Lower roof height; extra-large machinery may not fit

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Specs

• Size 10.3 feet wide by 7.9 feet deep by 6.7 feet high (at peak)
• Material Galvanized steel
• Floor included No

The large size and durable construction of this outdoor storage shed make it one of the best budget-friendly options on the market. Its 10.3-foot by 7.9-foot size gives it plenty of space for yard equipment. Its 4-foot 7-inch double door opening is wide enough to allow larger equipment, such as a riding lawn mower, to be stored in the shed. A gabled roof that rises to a peak of 6 feet 7 inches provides plenty of headroom for moving around inside. 

This backyard shed consists of galvanized steel panels that resist corrosion while providing durability against extreme weather. The Arrow High Point comes in two attractive color schemes—eggshell and charcoal—and includes a hasp on the door handle that is compatible with a standard padlock.

Get the Arrow shed at Lowe’s.

Upgrade Pick

EZ-Fit Sheds 10-ft. x 14-ft. Riverside Shed Kit

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What We Like

• Attractive architectural features: window boxes, shutters, a cupola
• Many windows provide ample lighting
• Bright enough for use as workspace, studio, workshop
• Multiple entryways to suit the user’s needs
• Lockable doors provide ample privacy and security

What We Don’t Like

• Involved assembly; may require two people

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Specs

• Size 10 feet wide by 14 feet deep by 10.3 feet high
• Material Resin
• Floor included No

With design touches that make it look more like a cottage than a shed, the Riverside from EZ-Fit Sheds is an ideal choice for a studio, remote office, or workshop. Window boxes, shutters, a cupola on the roof, and paneled doors with black wrought-iron hinges give this gabled-roof shed a finished look that raises its aesthetics to a level beyond most storage sheds for the garden or backyard. 

It’s functional, too, thanks to a set of carriage-style double doors that allow access for moving large equipment in and out and an additional single front door. Functional windows and a roof pitch that rises to over 10 feet add ventilation and create a roomy feel that makes this shed an ideal choice for a workspace. Eaves that overhang the front and rear of the shed are a nice additional touch. 

Get the EZ-Fit shed at Wayfair.

Best Temporary

ShelterLogic 6-ft. x 6-ft. x 6-ft. Shed-in-a-Box

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What We Like

• Triple-layer cover stays in place during storms
• Powder-coated 1⅜-inch steel framing is durable
• Waterproof outdoor shed; UV-resistant cover protects contents
• A more portable shed than most competitors

What We Don’t Like

• Slightly complicated installation; instructions could be clearer

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Specs

• Size 6 feet wide by 6 feet deep by 6 feet high
• Material Powder-coated steel frame, triple-layered ripstop cover
• Floor included No

With its sturdy construction, this 6-foot-by-6-foot temporary storage shelter is large enough to protect a riding lawn mower, a motorcycle, or other machinery from the wind, rain, and snow. That’s because it uses a powder-coated, rust-resistant all-steel framing covered by a triple layer of heavy waterproof and UV-resistant material. 

The ratchet tensioning system on this model ensures that the cover stays tight as a drum to protect any valuables inside. The easy-slide cross-rail system locks down and squares up the frame to keep it in place during storms or inclement weather. 

Get the ShelterLogic shed at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co. or Walmart.

Best Cedar

Outdoor Living Today 9-ft. x 6-ft. Cabana Garden Shed

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What We Like

• Weather-resistant cedar withstands storms and resists fading
• Functional windows and Dutch door increase light, airflow
• Rustic design is perfect for more bucolic settings
• Shingles included for an added touch of luxury and charm

What We Don’t Like

• May not be able to accommodate large machinery

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Specs

• Size 8.8 feet wide by 6.3 feet deep by 8.4 feet high
• Material Cedar
• Floor included Yes

Two windows with window boxes and a barn-style double door give this cedar shed from Outdoor Living Today a rustic appeal—as does its natural resistance to rot and insect damage. Measuring roughly 9 feet wide by 6 feet deep, this shed is a good size for storing lawn and gardening equipment.

The eight-foot-tall ceilings provide ample headroom, while panel walls and shake-style shingles enhance its appearance. Both aluminum windows are functional and include screens, allowing for excellent ventilation while keeping bugs out. Though more challenging to construct than other wood sheds, all pieces are precut, and assembly requires only the basic tools most DIYers have in their workshop.

Get the Outdoor Living Today shed at The Home Depot or Wayfair.

Best for Gardening Tools

Suncast Outdoor Plastic Vertical Shed

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What We Like

• Tall, slender profile suitable for most gardening tools
• Compact enough to fit cramped spaces
• Sturdy construction; can withstand inclement weather without fading

What We Don’t Like

• Shelves not included

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Specs

• Size 2.7 feet wide by 2.1 feet deep by 6 feet high
• Material Resin
• Floor included Yes

Those looking for a place to simply store gardening tools may want to consider this small utility storage shed from Suncast. It measures just under 3 feet wide and a bit over 2 feet deep, giving it a small footprint that makes it ideal for storage on the side of the home or even as a deck or patio storage shed. With its 6-foot height and double doors, it’s well suited for storing rakes, shovels, hoes, and other gardening tools. 

The outdoor storage cabinet consists of thick plastic resin that’s sturdier than resin sheds with thinner walls. Slots molded into the walls create a place to install interior shelving. With its neutral earth-tone color scheme, this shed works in both suburban and urban settings. 

Get the Suncast vertical shed at Amazon, Wayfair, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Large

Heartland 12-ft. x 16-ft. Statesman Wood Storage Shed

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What We Like

• Large interior square footage
• 2 storage shelves inside
• Good for storing both large and small items
• Loft for additional hidden storage and convenience

What We Don’t Like

• 1-window design provides minimal ventilation and light

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Specs

• Size 12 feet wide by 16 feet deep by 9.9 feet high (at peak)
• Material Wood
• Floor included Yes

With its 12-foot-by-16-foot size, this shed has ample room for bikes, a lawn mower, gardening tools, and ladders. It can also serve as a workshop or a large gardening shed. Its wood frame construction and engineered wood siding make the Statesman sturdy enough to hold up to extreme weather without warping. A set of barn-style double doors makes it easy to get large equipment in and out of the shed. 

Inside, the Statesman includes two shelves that run the entire width of the shed and a gable window that lets in natural light. Tall 7-foot sidewalls provide ample headroom and additional loft storage. We appreciate that all the pieces of this kit are precut, as this means the entire shed can be assembled with basic tools.

Get the Heartland shed at Lowe’s.

Best for Garbage Bins

Homspark Resin Outdoor Storage Shed

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What We Like

• Can fit 2 large trash cans
• Hydraulic lid closes slowly to prevent injuries
• Steel-reinforced construction; durable enough for long-term usage
• Lockable design and optional shelves for added convenience

What We Don’t Like

• Less storage space than many comparable options

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Specs

• Size 4.5 feet wide by 2.9 feet deep by 3.9 feet high
• Material Resin
• Floor included Yes

This compact shed is a great way to hide those unsightly trash and recycling cans, or to store bikes, a lawn mower, and other equipment. It’s large enough to fit two trash cans, yet its low profile allows it to fit below a fence line. Thick resin walls create a sturdy shed while resisting water damage and keeping out pests that might try to get into the garbage. 

Two doors on the front open to allow enough clearance to roll cans in and out of the shed. Gas shocks on the lid make it easy to open and close for placing bags in the garbage cans. If you’re looking for a small outdoor storage shed with a floor, this is a great option

Get the Homspark shed at Amazon.

Best Steel Construction

ShelterLogic Arrow Select 8-ft. x 4-ft. Steel Shed

See It

What We Like

• Sleek, contemporary aesthetic
• Swinging doors maximize space
• Predrilled; all necessary hardware is included
• Very weather-resistant

What We Don’t Like

• Photo-only instructions; no text explanations for guidance

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Specs

• Size 8 feet wide by 4 feet deep by 6 feet high
• Material Galvanized steel
• Floor included No

If you’re looking for a sleek, good-looking shed made of steel, this pick from ShelterLogic is one we can stand behind. We’ve tested this ourselves, and overall, we were pretty impressed with what we found. This shed strikes a great balance between quality and affordability, providing a reliable, weather-resistant storage space that can be assembled over the course of a weekend. And considering the quality and durability, it’s a value-packed option.

That being said, if you’re new to DIY work, this isn’t the easiest installation. It isn’t too challenging, but it may be frustrating for some. That’s largely because the instructions are photo-only, and because the kit has so many small parts, users may find that not everything is perfectly spelled out for them. 

What our tester says: “Although it took more than entry-level knowledge and experience to complete this project, some aspects of assembling the Arrow Select steel shed were very easy. The kit eliminated much of the project planning, as well as buying and cutting materials. Everything arrived neatly packed on a pallet, and assembling the kit required only a few hand tools: a screwdriver, a nut driver, and a tape measure.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the ShelterLogic Arrow Select shed at The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Wayfair, Northern Tool Co., or Amazon. 

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose the Best Sheds

We used several criteria when making our selections of the top sheds on the market, including build quality, aesthetics, and functionality. A garden shed must be able to hold up to extreme weather and be useful for many years, so we chose only models with durable construction. While wood-frame sheds are inherently strong, we only chose resin sheds with thick walls or steel reinforcement, while the metal sheds we selected were required to have thick-gauge steel construction. 

Functionality is important, so we favored outdoor sheds with large double doors and higher ceilings that provided additional storage, as well as those with windows and skylights that provided natural light for visibility. Since sheds take up a noticeable spot on one’s property, we selected models that were attractive when possible, including those with interesting rooflines, appealing colors, and architectural features such as window boxes, cupolas, and eave overhangs.

What to Consider When Choosing a Shed

While finding the right size shed to serve the owner’s storage needs is certainly crucial, other factors are also important, including design, door size, and material. Ahead, learn more about these and other vital attributes to consider when shopping for a new shed. 

Size

While an 8-foot-by-10-foot shed may be the most common size, storage sheds can range dramatically in size from small 6-foot-by-3-foot units to large 12-foot-by-16-foot models. To determine which size is best, use cones or stakes to mark off the floor space of a prospective shed. Next, place bikes, lawn mowers, garden tools, and anything else that the shed needs to hold in that footprint, taking into account the clearance required to gain access to each item (burying a lawn mower behind a fleet of bikes and gardening tools isn’t practical). 

When deciding on the size, it’s also important to consider how you intend to use the shed, as well as where it will be placed in the yard. When choosing the shed’s location, keep in mind that many communities have size restrictions for outdoor sheds as well as rules regarding how close a shed can be placed to property lines. 

Design

Sheds come in a variety of different designs, most of which are delineated by the shape of the shed’s roofline. Gable-style roofs consist of two sloping roof sections that meet at the roof’s peak. This creates a classic look that mimics the architecture of many homes. Barn-style roofs have a more rustic look with a gambrel roof that’s reminiscent of a barn, making them ideal for more rural neighborhoods. Slant roof sheds, which use two walls of different heights to create a slanted roof, look more modern, making them a good choice for urban settings. 

In addition to the shape of the roof, other architectural features add to the look of the shed, including window and door styles, as well as architectural features such as eave overhangs, window boxes, and cupolas.

Most wood sheds require that the user paint them, allowing the owner to choose whatever color they wish. Metal and plastic sheds typically come in either brown or gray earth tones already tinted into the material.

Shelves and Interior Features

Shelves and hooks on the interior of the shed make it easier to organize gardening equipment, tools, pots, bikes, and other supplies. When shopping for a shed, it’s important to keep in mind what the shed includes and what needs to be purchased aftermarket or built by the owner. 

While it may be easy to add shelving or hooks to the framing of a wooden shed, plastic and metal sheds require special compatible shelving and hooks, which usually must be purchased from the shed manufacturer and can be pricey. 

Other shed features to consider include windows. Some windows are nonfunctional and are intended to improve the look of the shed while providing natural light for the interior or make the shed a more welcoming workspace if it’s being used as a studio, a remote office, or a workshop. Some of the best sheds include functional windows that can also be used for ventilation. Others include skylights, which also help to illuminate the shed with natural light. 

All sheds should have vents on or near the roof that allow moist air to escape, preventing condensation that can lead to mold growth.

Access

Access to a shed is typically via a standard-size door that measures about 30 inches wide or through large double barn-style doors that are around 50 inches wide. Sheds that will serve as a home for a riding mower or other large pieces of equipment require a double-door opening to allow these machines to be moved in and out of the shed. A shed with a door located in the middle of the wall versus on the end of a wall makes it easier to access equipment on all sides of a shed’s interior. 

Material

Sheds come in three basic material types: wood, plastic resin, and metal. 

• Wood: Wood holds up better than metal or plastic to high winds or the weight of snow on the roof. Wood also has a natural look that better complements a home than plastic and metal. It’s more customizable, allowing the user to add shelving or hooks to the wood framing, and it can be painted any color. But unlike metal or resin sheds, wood is susceptible to rot and insect damage. 

• Resin: Plastic resin is durable and impervious to damage from sun, water, and insects, and it requires very little maintenance. Although innovations such as steel reinforcement and double-thick walls have made plastic much stronger, it still isn’t quite as sturdy as wood. Resin sheds are easy to assemble, but they aren’t as easy to customize. Only compatible shelving and hooks can be added inside, and the shed cannot be easily painted. Aesthetically, resin sheds have improved dramatically over the years thanks to molded designs that mimic the look of wood boards. 

• Metal: Metal sheds aren’t susceptible to bug damage. While they are resistant to weather, they can eventually corrode and rust regardless. Metal sheds are sturdy, but they are prone to denting should one bang into it with an errant lawn mower or shovel. Metal sheds are the most affordably priced of the three shed options. 

Climate

When purchasing a shed, it’s important to consider the climate it must endure. Those who live in areas that receive a lot of snowfall or experience high winds should consider a shed made of wood, which is better able to endure the weight of snow or windy conditions than metal or resin sheds. That said, resin sheds are a better option for warm humid areas that see a considerable amount of rainfall as they will not rot and are not susceptible to insect damage. 

Installation

Before selecting a shed, it’s vital to consider building codes, zoning regulations, and homeowners association regulations. Many communities have stipulations on shed size as well as where they can be located in the yard in relation to the homeowner’s property lines. Some communities will only allow sheds made of certain materials. 

Sheds typically come as kits, which makes them easy to install with just a few basic tools. Temporary tent-style sheds are designed to go up or down in an hour or less. Resin and metal sheds take the least time and can typically be assembled in 5 or 6 hours. Wooden shed kits have precut wood pieces, eliminating the need for a saw, but they are more complicated to assemble and will take a weekend to complete depending on the size. 

FAQs

If you’re wondering what size shed you can put in your yard or if your shed comes with a floor, then read on for answers to these and other commonly asked questions about these structures. 

Q. How big of a shed can I put in my backyard?

The maximum size shed you can put in your backyard varies depending on the city, county, and development in which you live. Check zoning ordinances and your homeowners association’s rules to determine what size shed you are allowed to have on your property.

Q. Do sheds need a foundation?

In general, smaller sheds that measure about 8 feet by 6 feet or smaller do not require a foundation and can use a base that consists of either treated wood or crushed stone. However, larger sheds require a sturdy foundation that consists of poured concrete or concrete blocks. 

Q. Do I need a permit for a shed?

That depends on the jurisdiction. Many cities and states require you to have a permit for your shed for any single dimension (height, width, or length) that exceeds 12 feet, or it may need to be moved, and that can be expensive. 

Q. Do sheds need gutters? 

Sheds do not need gutters; however, there are reasons you may want to add some. If you live in an area that sees a lot of annual precipitation, you may need gutters and downspouts to prevent rainwater from pooling around the base of the shed, potentially causing damage to its base or even causing water to leak inside of it.

Q. Do sheds need vents?

It’s a good idea to have vents in your shed to allow hot, moist air to escape. Vents prevent condensation from forming inside the shed, which could lead to mold growth.

Q. Do sheds come with floors? 

That depends on the shed. Some come with floors, while others require you to purchase a floor kit to go with it. Most wooden sheds include floors, while most metal and plastic ones do not

 

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