How to buy the best shed

The best sheds provide a stable, waterproof and secure home for your gardening supplies. Some even make for a cosy office, letting you focus on your work without distraction. Our expert guide explains everything you need to know when shopping for a shed.

When picking the perfect shed for you, it pays to do your research. The worst sheds are inaccessible, damp and flimsy, so make sure you know the differences between the types on offer. Below, we've compared wooden sheds, metal sheds and plastic sheds, also revealing how much you should expect to pay for a good one.

Keep scrolling for expert advice on shed features you should look out for, plus guidance on how to build and maintain your garden shed so it lasts for years to come.

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Types of sheds compared

Wooden sheds

Pros: Plenty of choice, versatile, can assemble at home, easy to repair, stays cool in warm weather, stays warm in cool weather

Cons: Most need to be treated regularly, typically less secure

As a popular option in the UK, there are plenty of different shapes and sizes of wooden sheds to choose from.

Wooden sheds are typically made from softwoods – usually pine (sometimes referred to as redwood or red deal) or spruce (white deal). Some are larch or Douglas fir and, in theory, these should be slightly more resistant to rot. Most rot-resistant of all are cedar sheds, but these are almost twice the price of pine ones.

To keep a wooden shed in good condition and free from rot, you’ll need to give it a treatment every year. Doing so can be pricey, so you might consider picking a shed that’s been pressure treated. If you’re handy, you could even build and personalise your wooden shed yourself.

If you think you'd benefit from storing your tools elsewhere, our experts have put together a guide on how to buy the best outdoor storage. 

Metal sheds

Pros: Affordable options, maintenance-free, durable (won't rot or get eaten by insects)

Cons: Usually no floor, can be tricky to assemble, might rust over time, temperature will change with the weather, needs a built-in ventilator to combat condensation

Metal sheds are made from either steel or galvanised aluminium and can really vary in quality. Cheaper options made with thin panels can be extremely flimsy, while higher-quality metal sheds will be strong, less prone to rust and more secure.

Once they’ve been assembled, metal sheds won’t really need any maintenance, bar the odd bit of grease on the door hinges.

However, when it’s warm the inside temperature of the shed will quickly rise making them a poor choice for home offices or working sheds.

Plastic sheds

Pros: Light, durable (rot and rust-free), maintenance-free, easy to assemble

Cons: Flimsy, hard to customise, limited shapes and sizes, hard to secure, not environmentally friendly, not breathable (temperature will change with the weather)

Made from vinyl, plastic sheds are typically very light. This is perfect if you’re moving the shed around the garden (or for lifting to assemble) but not so helpful in stormy weather. Opting for a shed with ground anchors should help keep it sturdy.

Plastic sheds are maintenance free, durable and easy to assemble – most panels will snap into place. They are becoming more popular, although note that they can be tricky to customise and you won't have loads of options on sizes and shapes.

Other types of sheds

• Potting sheds – feature a large sloping window made of thin glass or plastic, to allow heat and light to travel through.
• Lean-to sheds – lean against a solid structure such as a house or garden wall. Ideal if you’re low on space.
• Corner sheds – designed to sit in the corner of the garden.
• Sheds with a greenhouse - perfect for keen gardeners who want to make one structure work for both storage and growing veg.

If a greenhouse is more suited to your needs, head over to our greenhouse buying guide. 

Types of shed roofs

• Pent shed – single sloping roof with the highest point situated on the door side.
• Reverse pent shed – single sloping roof with the highest point situated at the back.
• Apex shed – two sloping sides that meet down the middle of the shed.
• Reverse apex shed – two sloping sides that meet in the middle along the entire length of the shed.

Types of shed bases

All sheds will need to be sat on a sturdy, level surface otherwise the building will shift and misalign. If you want to position your shed on grass, it will need a shed base.

Shed bases typically come in metal or plastic. Or you’ll find sheds that have metal frames which can be filled with concrete or covered to create a floor and a base in one.

How much do I need to pay for a good shed?

To get your hands on a quality, medium-sized shed, you’ll need to spend upwards of £150-£200. But the average price will depend on the materials used, the size of the shed and the extra features you add.

You’ll typically spend more on a wooden shed than you will for a metal or plastic one – a larger wooden shed can cost more than £500, while small plastic storage sheds can be found for less than £100.

Spend more and you should expect a stronger roof, better wood, thicker frames and sturdy doors. But if you’re just looking for somewhere to store the odd gardening tool, a cheap, plastic storage shed should be fine.

Ideally, you'd get to see the shed in-store before buying but, if this isn’t possible, find out as much information about it as possible before placing your order.

Popular online retailers that sell sheds include:

• Buy sheds direct – stocks various shed types including wooden sheds, plastic sheds and metal sheds. Wooden models start at around £235 and you can shop by size.
• Sheds.co.uk – has popular sizes including 4' x 6', 4' x 8' and 6' x 8'. It stocks a selection of pre-painted wooden sheds, starting at around £315.
• Wickes – this retailer has a selection of small wooden sheds and larger garden offices for you to consider. A basic wooden shed 3' x 4' shed costs around £250.
• Argos – has various plastic, wood and metal sheds. One of its popular products is the £620 Keter Darwin shed, which measures 6' x 8'.
• Screwfix – more than 250 wooden sheds at the time of writing, the majority of which are marked for self-assembly. Expect to spend at least £300.
• Garden Buildings Direct – sells wooden sheds, tongue & groove sheds, plastic sheds and metal sheds. If you're tempted by a metal shed, expect to spend around £300. 
• B&Q – has a vast selection of wooden sheds, but you can also opt for models made from aluminium, metal or plastic. Wooden sheds start at around £305.
• Wayfair – plenty of brands to pick from, including Agard, Keter, Lifetime and Tiger Sheds. 
• Amazon – alongside full-size sheds, you'll also find outdoor storage boxes on Amazon – they're usually smaller and easier to set up.
• Homebase – wooden, plastic and metal sheds with most measuring around 6' or 7'.

Find out which retailers are rated highly by Which? members with our expert guide on the best and worst shops.

Shed sizes

Sheds come in a variety of sizes, with popular sizes including:

• 6' x 4' (1.8m x 1.2m)
• 7' x 5' (2.1m x 1.5m)
• 8' x 6' (2.4m x 1.8m)
• 10' x 6' (3m x 1.8m)
• 10' x 8' (3m x 2.4m)
• 12' x 8' (3.6m x 2.4m)

It’s important to remember that these are exterior measurements; therefore you will probably have slightly less usable floor space in the shed. You will also be able to find much smaller and bigger sheds if the above sizes don’t suit your needs.

Think about what you’ll be using your shed for, the tools you need to fit in and how much space there is in your garden. You should also make sure you can access the door easily.

Single shed doors range from about 3ft wide to just 2ft 2in. The wider the opening, the larger the items you’ll be able to bring inside. If a shed you like has poor access, check whether higher eaves (allowing extra headroom) and/or a wider or double door are available as optional extras.

Most small to medium-sized domestic sheds will not need planning permission. But whenever you’re doing any significant work to the interior or exterior of your property, it’s always worth double-checking.

Below, we've listed some factors that might mean you should seek planning permission:

• The shed is used for anything other than domestic purposes.
• You live in a listed building.
• The shed is bigger than half the total area of the property.
• The shed is in front or on the side elevation of the house that faces the road.
• The shed is or exceeds 4 metres high.
• The eaves height is or exceeds 2.5 metres and is within 2 metres of the property boundary.
• The shed sits within the surrounding 3.5 metres of the boundary of a road to the rear of house.
• If you live in a house within a world heritage site, area of outstanding natural beauty or national park
• The building is used for keeping pigeons.

If you’re still unsure, check the government’s planning permission advice.

• Shed paint or stain – used to brighten up or improve the look of your shed. Opt for a paint made for sheds to ensure it’s durable, protects the shed and can withstand the weather.
• Shed insulation – will help you keep the shed cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
• Gutter kit – leads rainwater away from the shed and into a water butt to reuse for watering plants or other gardening jobs.
• Storage – from shelves to hooks and boxes, there are loads of storage options to try.
• Loft shelf – if you’re short on space, add some roof storage.
• Ramp – will help you get heavy machinery in and out of the shed.
• Tool rack – to hang all your tools up neatly and safely. 
• Locks – keep your shed secure with a sturdy locking system; choose from rim locks, pad bolts and door bars.
• Shed door bars – offer an extra level of security. They run along the width of the door so it can’t be pushed inwards.
• Alarm systems/lights – for extra security you can fit alarm systems or security lighting.
• Lighting – solar or battery-powered lights are easy to use. However if you plan to be in the shed a lot or you’re creating a shed office, you’ll need to get a qualified electrician to connect it to the mains.

For an electrician you can trust, visit Which? Trusted Traders and find a professional near you. You can also use our Trusted Trader search tool below.

How to build a shed

Most sheds will get delivered in pieces that need to be installed. Before setting up your shed, you should have prepared your shed base.

See below for a basic step-by-step guide on how to build a wooden shed:

1. Prepare – lay out the instructions and read them carefully.
2. Lay out all the components – this is a good time to check nothing is missing.
3. Deal with the flooring – If a floor is included, lay this down and secure following the instructions.
4. Construct the panels – lay the front panel down and fit the hinges onto the door. Screw them into the door battens. Place the front panel and side panels onto the floor and screw them into place (you’ll need another pair of hands to hold the panels steady).
5. Check your screws – leave some slightly loose so the shed has a bit of give while you align the components.
6. Check the back of the shed – ensure everything is level and screwed in fully
7. Sort the window – if your shed has a window, now’s the time to slot it into place.
8. Fix the roof in place – for an apex roof design, fit the wooden batten across the top to the back of the shed. Measure and cut the felt, then tack it down over one side at a time with some overhang on both ends. Nail down the wooden battens that frame the roof, and cut the remaining overhanging felt.
9. Finishing touches – finally, secure any remaining wooden battens to the joints.

For metal and plastic sheds, the general process shouldn’t be much different.

Always check and follow the instruction manual. If you’re not keen on DIY, check if the manufacturer offers an installation service.

Are you sprucing up your outdoor area? See our guides on outdoor furniture, fire pits and hot tubs.

How do you maintain a shed?

Regular shed maintenance will prevent bigger repair jobs and lengthen its lifespan. Consider the following:

• Clear dirt, plants and debris away – this will stop moisture building up and leading to rot, while also deterring fungi and mould that can cause damage to the shed.
• Treat any moss on the roof – leaving it could cause damage to your roof both directly and indirectly.
• Fit guttering – to avoid water soaking the sides and rot setting in.
• Apply protective treatment to the wood every year. You can also get protective treatment for metal sheds.
• Grease hinges – they can seize up easily, so keep them well lubricated.
• Repair any holes – to avoid leaks, rot and rust.

How to secure a shed

Sheds can be very tempting to thieves, especially if they look unsecure or they can see that expensive items are stored inside.

Aside from ensuring you’ve taken relevant steps to deter criminals, always make sure your home insurance covers your shed and its contents.

Sheds are generally covered under buildings and contents policies as 'outbuildings', although definitions and cover levels can vary between insurers and policies.

Here are our top tips to keeping your shed safe and secure:

• Bolt down the roof – many criminals will get into the shed through the roof.
• Get a sturdy, fully framed door – with a proper locking system.
• Add external hinge locks – to make it harder to get into.
• Add a door bar – so the door can’t be pushed inwards.
• Lock up any valuable items in the shed with lockable storage drawers or units.
• Install a shed alarm – and/or security lights.

Want to know more about home insurance? Here's home insurance explained.