How to buy the best 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 compare wooden sheds, metal sheds and plastic sheds, and also reveal 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 expert advice 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. 

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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.

Where to buy a shed

Both general retailers and dedicated garden shops offer a wide range of sheds. To make sure you're buying a shed that's well built and safe to use, only shop with trusted sellers.

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:

• Amazon sells, alongside full-size sheds, outdoor storage boxes – they're usually smaller and easier to set up.
• Argos sells various plastic, wood and metal sheds, as well as other outdoor storage options. Brands it stocks include Mercia, Yardmaster, and Keter Darwin.
• B&M retails over 200 sheds online, ranging from £190 to £2,000. Installation is available for many models, as well as a guarantee minimum of 10 years.
• B&Q has a vast selection of sheds, including models made from wood, aluminium, metal or plastic. Wooden overlap sheds start at around £315.
• Buy Sheds Direct stocks various shed types including wooden sheds, plastic sheds and metal sheds. Metal models start at around £190 and you can shop by popular sizes.
• Garden Buildings Direct sells wooden sheds, tongue and groove sheds, plastic and metal sheds. Metal options will set you back at least £250, while wooden sheds sit between £200 and £1,200.
• Homebase stocks wooden, plastic and metal sheds with most measuring around 6' or 7'. Homebase products are guaranteed against manufacturing defects for a year.
• Screwfix retails around 400 sheds at the time of writing, the majority of which are wooden. Expect to spend at least £300.
• Sheds.co.uk has popular sizes including 4' x 6', 4' x 8' and 6' x 8'. It stocks a selection of wooden sheds, starting at under £200.
• Wayfair has plenty of brands to pick from, including Asgard, Keter Darwin, Lifetime and Tiger Sheds. 

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.

Do you need planning permission for a shed?

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 accessories

• 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 to 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.

Give your decking new life - see our pick of the best decking paint and decking stain

How to insulate a shed

Outdoor temperatures can fluctuate greatly throughout the year, and it's important that the temperature in your shed stays relatively stable. Not only does this keep your shed free of mould and structurally sound for another year, but it'll ensure any tools - especially electrical items - are safely stored away without risk of water or pest damage.

You can typically make the adjustments yourself, and it usually won't be too expensive - but make sure you know whether or not you're invalidating any warranties before you begin work. Also, empty your shed and ensure it is watertight before starting. Wear safety gear including goggles, long sleeves, a dust mask, and gloves.

B&Q recommends using a high-quality insulating board if you can afford it. See a summary of the retailer's instructions below or head to the B&Q website. 

How to insulate shed walls with insulating board

1. Measure the space between the studs and fit a damp-proof membrane between the studs using a drill or staple gun.
2. Cut the insulation with a serrated knife and push between the studs. For metal or plastic sheds, you may want to apply an adhesive first to stick the insulation down.
3. Optionally cover the walls with plaster board.

How to insulate shed floors with insulating board

1. Lay insulation boards over the floor.
2. Cover with plywood to protect the insulation.
3. Seal any gaps with sealant.

How to insulate shed ceilings with insulating board

1. Similarly to insulating the walls, measure the space between the internal ceiling studs and fit a damp-proof membrane to reduce moisture build-up using a drill or staple gun.
2. Cut the insulation to size, leaving a 2-inch gap around the edge of the ceiling so moisture can escape.
3. Push the insulation between the studs. For metal or plastic sheds, you may want to apply an adhesive first to stick the insulation down.
4. Optionally cover the roof with plaster board.

How to insulate a shed using insulation rolls

B&Q says you can also insulate your shed using insulation rolls made from polyurethane and aluminium - this is a cheaper alternative to insulation board. 

According to the retailer, insulating with rolls is as easy as measuring and cutting the amount you need, then using a staple gun to attach it to the studs of your shed walls, floor or ceiling.

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.