The right exterior storage shed can help tidy up the backyard, make it more productive, and enhance its beauty. The best shed will be determined by the amount of space you have, the items you need to store, the weather you experience and your budget.
The resin outdoor storage shed is extremely convenient for many homeowners, as it is durable, easy to maintain, resistant to weather elements and comes in various sizes and styles. For certain applications, though, wood or metal sheds may be appropriate.
So what are the best outdoor storage shed for a backyard? This guide will tell you what you should take into account when selecting one.
What Is an Outdoor Storage Shed?
A storage shed is a short, unbalanced building used for additional outdoor storage. People normally use backyard sheds to store gardening gear, tools, bicycles and lawn mowers, outdoor toys, patio cushions, and all sorts of household items.
Usually, there are three materials used for building outdoor sheds:
- Resin or plastic
- Wood
- Metal
Different materials offer different durability, maintenance, color, cost and weather resistance characteristics.
What Is the Best Material for a Backyard Storage Shed?
No material is ideal for all backyards. Resin sheds, however, are becoming more popular as they offer several of the benefits that are sought for home outdoor storage.
1. Resin Storage Sheds
The resin sheds are fabricated from high strength plastics like high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene, or other engineered plastics. They are built to be a relatively low maintenance, outdoor resistant type of product.
A good quality resin shed can offer:
- Good resistance to rain and moisture
- Resistance to rust and corrosion
- Low maintenance requirements
- Easy cleaning
- Lightweight construction
- Flexible design options
- Long-term outdoor use
Resin sheds are especially well-suited for homeowners who wish to have a shed where they can store items easily without needing to paint, stain or rust treat their shed regularly.
2. Wood Storage Sheds
Wood sheds are very popular because of their traditional and natural look. They can also be painted or can be customized to blend in with the exterior of your home.
However, wood requires more maintenance. Depending on the climate, paint, stain, sealants, or wood preservatives may be needed periodically on the home.
Wood sheds are good choices when aesthetics and personalization are important factors.
3. Metal Storage Sheds
Galvanized steel or coated metal is used to make metal sheds. They can offer good structural properties and are also frequently used for storage, tools and equipment.
But, in direct sunlight metal can get hot, and over time, damaged protective coatings will cause corrosion. For outdoor use, proper ventilation and an appropriate finish will be important.
Why Choose a Resin Shed for a Backyard?
Resin sheds have a number of advantages that make them a great choice for those who want a practical and convenient home roof.
Weather Resistance
Rain, humidity, sunlight, wind and temperature fluctuations are all an element of outdoor storage structures. Untreated wood will rot, whereas quality resin material is water-proof and will not rot.
This is because resin sheds are great for storing gardening tools, outdoor equipment, and household items.
Low Maintenance
The most notable benefit of a resin shed is that it is quite easy to maintain.
Resin, generally, does not need to be stained or painted regularly like wood. Normally dirt and dust can be washed away using water and light soap.
This can be a benefit to homeowners in the long run, as it can save them money and time when it comes to maintaining their shed.
Easy Cleaning
Sheds in the back yard can easily get dirty as they are exposed to outdoor elements. Resin surfaces are relatively easy to clean, making them convenient for use in the home.
Modern Designs
Resin sheds come in a variety of sizes, colors, roof designs, door options and exterior finishes. Some are made to look like the old style wooden sheds but have the maintenance benefits of plastic sheds.
How Big Should a Backyard Storage Shed Be?
The ideal shed size will depend on the kind of items you intend to store.
You might need a small shed for gardening supplies, hoses, small equipment and outdoor toys. Medium sized sheds can fit bicycles, lawn equipment, shelving and larger tools.
For example:
Small sheds: Suitable for hand tools, garden supplies, and small outdoor equipment.
Medium sheds: Suitable for bicycles, lawn mowers, gardening equipment, and storage containers.
Large sheds: Suitable for multiple bicycles, riding equipment, outdoor furniture, workshop tools, and larger household storage needs.
To buy a shed you need to make a list of all the things that you want to store. Take measurements for things like lawn mowers, bikes and outdoor furniture. Then leave more room to walk and store more in the future.
A larger shed than is needed may be a better investment in the long-term.
What Features Should You Look for in a Backyard Shed?
The ideal outdoor storage shed will do more than just store things. There are a number of features that can add convenience and durability.
Wide Doors
Bicycles, lawn mowers, wheel barrows and large storage containers can be moved in and out of the building more easily with the wide double doors.
Ventilation
By using the correct ventilation, heat and moisture will not build up in the shed. This is particularly important in warm and humid areas.
Windows or Skylights
Natural lighting, keyed by windows and skylights, can increase visibility of equipment and tools during the day.
Strong Flooring
A durable floor system can also help to guard against ground moisture, and can offer a stable floor for heavy equipment.
Secure Locking System
If the shed is to be used for storing expensive tools or equipment, opt for a shed that provides door and lock compatible hardware.
UV Resistance
In sheds that receive direct sunlight, it may be possible to minimize fading, material degradation and brittleness by using materials that are resistant to UV degradation.
Where Should You Place a Backyard Storage Shed?
The placement of sheds can impact their durability and practicality.
Select a relatively flat, well drained site. Prevent areas where it is a regular occurrence to collect rainwater.
Try to locate the shed in a convenient location if possible, from the home or driveway. When you are deciding where to place the shed, think about the way that you will obtain heavy equipment in and out of the shed.
Installation should also take into account local building codes, property-line requirements, homeowners association rules and foundation requirements.
How Can You Organize a Backyard Storage Shed?
Without an organization system, even a large shed can become cluttered.
Consider installing:
- Wall-mounted hooks
- Shelving
- Pegboards
- Storage bins
- Tool racks
- Bicycle hooks
- Overhead storage
Store tools that are used often close to doorway and seasonal items in the back.
Vertical storage is especially convenient since it enables residents to make the most of their floor space.
Are Resin Sheds Waterproof?
Great resin sheds will be built to be very resistant to rain and water. But it is noteworthy that water-resistant does not necessarily mean waterproof in all circumstances.
If the shed is not properly installed or is exposed to harsh weather conditions, water can enter through gaps around the doors, seams, roof joints, vents, and other openings.
A shed that is well designed with a good roof, tight door seals, proper drainage and adequate foundation provides the best protection.
What Is the Best Outdoor Storage Shed for Your Backyard?
The ideal outdoor storage shed is one that fits the storage needs, available space, weather conditions, and homeowner's maintenance desires.
Homeowners looking to low-maintenance, moisture-proof, easy-to-clean and convenient everyday storage may find a resin outdoor storage shed a suitable choice. For those looking for a traditional look and customization, wood sheds can be an attractive choice, whereas metal sheds might be better suited for those who values structural strength.
The final decision depends on the storage items and how the backyard shed is going to be utilized.
Final Thoughts
A storage shed in the backyard can help to organize your outdoor space, offering a designated area for tools and equipment, bikes, furniture, and seasonal items.
The material, size, weatherproofing, ventilation, floor, door design, security, maintenance, and location of the shed are all important factors to compare when choosing different sheds.
A resin storage shed can be a great choice for everyday storage at home, especially for anyone looking for an easy and low maintenance option. When selecting a shed size and features, it is important to consider how well it will serve future needs, be durable, and provide for an organized space.
