The Best Sheds for Every Backyard and Budget
These top-rated picks offer the best in durability, design and value.
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A good shed isn’t just a safe place to stash your lawnmower — it’s a vital extension of your home. Whether you need extra storage, a dedicated workspace or just a dry spot for your gardening tools, the right shed makes all the difference.
While rickety old sheds are rotting across the country, modern shed options made of plastic, metal and wood are designed to last for years and can be assembled in hours, not days. It’s important to select a shed that matches your climate, as that will determine the lifespan of your shed and the contents inside.
Here are the best sheds you can buy from your favorite home centers and big box retailers. We considered durability, ease of assembly, storage capacity and overall value. Whether you’re working with a small yard, need a heavy-duty option or want a budget-friendly pick, you’ll find the right one here.
Pros
- Assembles in hours
- Minimal maintenance required
- Excellent value
Cons
- Included hooks are not very sturdy
Plastic or resin sheds work great in all types of weather, won't rot or rust and are easy to assemble, which is why we selected this mid-sized shed from Lifetime as our best overall.
Like most plastic sheds it is lightweight, easy to build with minimal tools and can last for years in the right environment. The plastic panels snap together and an internal metal frame provides additional support. The sloped roof ensures this shed won't crumble under heavy rain or snow, but make sure you place it in a well-drained area.
The barn-style doors allow easy entry for large items like mowers and snow throwers and they can be locked for extra security. An internal shelf and hooks are included, but they aren't suitable for heavy items like paint cans.
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| Material | High-density polyethylene (HDPE) |
| Dimensions | 8' x 5' |
| Storage Capacity | 40 square feet |
| Wind Resistance | 65 mph |
Pros
- Affordable metal construction
- Space saving lean-to design
- Very stable
Cons
- Exterior can show dings
- The door is narrow
This compact metal shed is designed to maximize space. Its lean-to design allows it to be mounted against a wall for added stability while making the most of unused corners. Constructed from iron and galvanized steel, this shed is built to withstand the elements, with a rustproof lacquered finish for long-term durability.
Despite its 33-square-foot size, the shed offers plenty of storage for gardening tools, seasonal decorations and outdoor essentials. The swing door design is narrow, so storing a lawnmower might be a tough fit, but the interior is surprisingly spacious. The metal doors and walls can be susceptible to showing dings, so avoid leaning objects against it or banging it with garden carts.
This affordable and easy-to-assemble shed is a sharp-looking and practical choice for homeowners searching for a sturdy storage solution for their backyard, deck or patio.
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| Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | 4' x 8' |
| Storage Capacity | 33 square feet |
| Wind Resistance | N/A |
Pros
- Quality building materials
- Extreme durability
- Added loft space
Cons
- Expensive
With a name like Tuff Shed, its products better live up to their moniker. From what we've seen they certainly do. The most expensive shed on this list is also the most durable.
The heavy-duty floor system features 40-year rated galvanized steel joists that won’t buckle or warp over time and the heavy-duty doors are supported by 500-pound rated hinges to prevent sagging. The barn-style roof not only adds to its classic appearance but also enhances interior storage with a 4-foot deep overhead loft, maximizing vertical space. There is plenty of room for all of your equipment plus space to explore hobbies or try woodworking.
Users love the ventilation with 16-inch x 8-inch wall vents positioned at both ends to promote airflow and reduce moisture buildup inside.
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| Material | Wood |
| Dimensions | 10' x 12' |
| Storage Capacity | 120 square feet |
| Wind Resistance | 110 mph |
Suncast Tremont Storage Shed
Pros
- Sturdy gable roof to deflect snow and rain
- Great natural light
- Amazing value for its size
Cons
- Need two people to assemble
The only challenge with this traditional-style shed is finding the space for it. The double doors and 80 square feet of coverage allow you to store ride-on mowers, bikes and large shop tools with ease.
The gable roof makes this a great shed for areas with heavy snow and rain, and the blow-molded resin is easy to clean and won't rot or rust.
Unique to this shed are built-in windows and skylights that brighten the interior, so you don't need to add any auxiliary lighting unless you plan on accessing the shed at night. The added complexity of the shed requires at least two people to assemble, but all of these features make this shed a great bang for the buck.
| Material | Polypropylene |
| Dimensions | 8' x 10' |
| Storage capacity | 80 square feet |
| Wind Resistance | N/A |
Rubbermaid Compact Vertical Storage Shed
Pros
- Low profile design
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Can fill up quickly
If you're tight on space and just need a shed the size of a linen closet, then this vertical storage shed will do just fine.
Rubbermaid sheds feature a tool-less assembly process, and while they may not be the most durable, they are more than sufficient for light-duty work in a mild climate.
They will keep your garden tools dry and make a great place to store pool chemicals or soil. If you need to relocate one of these sheds, you can slide it into a new position or disassemble and transport it yourself.
| Material | Plastic |
| Dimensions | 2' x 2.5' |
| Storage Capacity | 5 square feet |
| Wind resistance | N/A |
How we chose the best sheds
To find the best sheds for every type of storage need, we researched, analyzed and tested various models, considering factors like construction, durability, weather resistance, ease of assembly and storage capacity. Our selections include plastic, wood and metal sheds each with unique advantages depending on climate, maintenance preferences and intended use.
We prioritized sheds with sturdy doors, useful add-ons like shelving and impact-resistant flooring. Additionally, we considered real-world user feedback and consumer reviews to evaluate how these sheds hold up over time in different environments.
What to consider before buying a shed
The best shed for you depends on how you plan to use it, the climate you live in and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Before you buy, here are the main factors to consider to ensure you get a shed that meets your needs and lasts for years to come.
✔️ Size and storage needs: If you plan to store seasonal gear, tools or a riding mower, opt for at least an 8-foot x 10-foot shed. If space is tight, a vertical or horizontal shed can still provide useful storage.
✔️ Material:
- Plastic (Resin): Low-maintenance, resistant to rot and rust and often the easiest to assemble.
- Metal: Tough and secure but prone to rust if not properly treated.
- Wood: Classic and customizable but requires upkeep like painting or sealing.
✔️ Ease of assembly: Some sheds come with pre-cut panels and can be put together in a few hours. Others require a full DIY effort. If you're not handy, look for options with interlocking panels and clear instructions. "A premade shed makes more sense for the vast majority of homeowners, since it saves you the trouble and cost of assembly, plus you're able to spend less on the unit itself," said Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Improvement & Outdoor Director Dan DiClerico.
✔️ Weather resistance: If you live in an area with heavy snow, wind or rain, prioritize sheds with reinforced walls, weatherproof seals and sloped roofs to handle the elements.
✔️ Ventilation and accessibility: Ventilation prevents moisture buildup (a must for wood and metal sheds). Look for vents, windows and double doors for easy access to larger items.
What foundation should I use?
It's tempting to build a shed on a plot of dirt or grass, but this is not a good idea. You need a solid level base for your shed to live on that won't shift or be prone to flooding.
The best choice is a concrete slab or patio. You can also place your shed on a plywood platform or level base of gravel or pavers. If you have a lot of critters in your area it's best to stick with concrete or pavers as they can dig under gravel or find empty spaces below wood foundations.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
This roundup was written by contributing writer Timothy Dahl, an experienced product reviewer, who based his selections on his experience building sheds from the ground up as well as using many different types of sheds for his woodworking and gardening needs. He purchased two of the Lifetime sheds three years ago and has reported zero issues with them, which is one reason we chose them as the best overall.
Timothy Dahl is an experienced writer and editor covering home improvement, DIY, and lifestyle topics for nearly 20 years. With a deep background in hands-on testing and reporting, he has reviewed and worked with hundreds of tools, products, and home innovations. Timothy's work has appeared in The New York Times, Wired, and Popular Mechanics, and he's the founder of Charles & Hudson. He specializes in making complex projects accessible and is passionate about empowering homeowners with clear, actionable guidance.
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