Sheds are a common sight in gardens or outdoor home spaces. Choosing the right shed for your garden or outdoor space can seem daunting. The go-to for many people is the standard wooden garden shed. Their traditional wooden, or timber, construction means they’re sturdy and attractive, making them ideal for storing garden tools, play equipment, and patio furniture. You can paint or stain them in almost any color and add locks and shelves to ensure they’re practical and secure. We’re fortunate that our home had a garden shed already installed and all we’ve had to do with it is paint it. While we were house hunting, I discovered that wooden sheds were not the only option, and that there were sheds fabricated from various materials. Plastic, metal, and brick sheds all have their advantages. So, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of these alternatives. Each is worthy of consideration if you’re looking to install a new garden shed where you’ve never had one before, or you’re looking to replace the one you have with one of the alternatives to a wooden garden shed.
Plastic sheds
Although a plastic shed might not automatically be your first choice for garden storage, for the budget-conscious, it can be the best alternative to a wooden shed because it is one of the most affordable options there is on the market. Plastic sheds take very little effort to install and require very little maintenance. There’s no painting to do and it isn’t in danger of rotting away. Plus, it’s fairly light. So, you can move it to a new location without much hassle. Plastic sheds made from vinyl are fire resistant and/or flame retardant, while plastic sheds made from other materials may not be. Vinyl plastic sheds tend to be more durable. These sheds do not crack easily and are more weather-resistant. It is important to look at what type of plastic is used because not all plastic sheds are made equally. Some plastics may be prone to warping in hot temperatures, so you need to be mindful of your climate. It’s important to look for a model that’s made from UV and fade-resistant materials. Some plastic sheds do come with metal frames to boost their strength and are made from high-impact plastic to prevent dents.
It’s also worth mentioning that plastic sheds aren’t easy to customize. So, you need to check the specifications to ensure you get one that is suitable for your needs. Most plastic sheds are flatpack but some include a floor and shelves, while others don’t. Some models do have add-on shelving and flooring kits but these are typically at an additional cost.
Other things to look out for when buying a plastic shed are vents to stop condensation and overheating as well as fire-retardant materials and lockable doors to increase safety and security. You should also check with your insurer before storing expensive items in a plastic shed as it might not be considered as secure as other types of shed. If you have an HOA, be sure to also check for any restrictions, because not all HOAs will allow plastic sheds.
Metal sheds
Metals sheds have become more popular in recent years. Metal sheds offer a good level of durability and security. Plus, they’re not dissimilar in price to plastic and wooden sheds. Like plastic sheds, they tend to come as flatpack panels, so you don’t need more than basic DIY skills to put one up.
The beauty of a metal shed is it won’t rot, and if you choose an aluminium or coated shed, you shouldn’t need to worry about rust either. However, you will need to maintain it. This might mean you’ll need to repaint it if the coating starts to wear or chip off.
Thanks to the strength of the material, metal sheds are one of the best options for keeping out rodents. This is makes them handy for storing things like bird food and spring bulbs and protecting your garden cushions from nesting mice.
The main downside to metal sheds is that they’re not as easy to customize as wooden ones. And they can look a little plain in style unless you get a custom-built one. As with plastic sheds, not all models include a floor or foundation kit to help you create strong and secure storage. So, you would need to verify what’s included and how much effort is needed to install it.
Metals sheds can also be susceptible to condensation. Therefore, you do need to think about where you’re positioning your shed and check the one you want is designed with ventilation.
Brick sheds
There is another alternative to a wooden shed, and that is the brick shed. Of all your options, building a brick shed is the option that is going to take the most time and effort. And it’s likely to be the most expensive, as well. That said, it’s pretty much guaranteed to last a lifetime. There are other benefits, too. A brick-built shed is a much stronger construction. So, if you’ve previously had sheds that have suffered storm damage, this could be a better alternative.
Not only will it be weather-proof, but you have the option to add in high-quality doors and windows, so your garden storage is really secure. That makes it better for storing power tools, expensive bikes, and other items you want to protect.
A brick shed can be designed and built to the exact shape and size you need. And it’s possible to create more than one space, so you have dedicated storage rooms for your garden and leisure items. You might decide to insulate it and add in electric wiring for lighting and equipment charging. This makes a brick shed an extremely practical choice.
Plus, a brick shed can be built with bricks and tiles to match your house, making it attractive too. Having such a handy outside space could also add to the value of your home. So, a brick shed can be the best alternative to a wooden shed.
Of course, a brick shed may require a building permit, depending on your local zoning, so be sure to check that. And, as always, if you have an HOA, be sure to check what is (or isn’t) allowed.
