Metal Sheds vs Wooden and Plastic Sheds
Are you looking to add more storage space to your home? Have you considered a shed that can be an excellent option to add much-needed storage space? However, purchasing a new shed can be stressful unless you understand the options available and what best suits your storage needs. There are three different types of shed material-wood, plastic (resin or vinyl) and metal sheds.
In this article, we analyze each type of shed material to help you find the best for your needs.
Wooden Sheds
Wooden sheds are the most traditional shed ever built and still going strong 60 years later. A wooden shed can be customized to create a particular size or shape. You can paint the shed any color to match your home and its surrounding.
Most of the wood sheds are made out for spruce or pine, but you can also purchase one made out of Douglas fir or Cedar as well. A wooden shed can easily be dressed up with unique features such as window flower boxes or trellising. The homeowner can also add shelves, cabinets, and hooks from the wall attached to hang garden tools.
A wooden shed is more straightforward and cheap to maintenance as it needs occasional wood treatment and felt roofing replacement every few years.
One of the main shortcomings with a wooden shed is the need for an interior finish with actual walls and ceiling; otherwise, the interior will have an “unfinished” appearance (exposed wood beams). The unfinished woodshed is challenging to clean and can attract unwanted insects.
Although wooden is a versatile material is very vulnerable and can deteriorate the quality if exposed to harsh weather, water, insect, and rodents.
A wooden shed isn’t as secure as metal as it’s relatively easy for intruders to break in through the doors (lever) or break the glass windows and gain entry.
-There is not much maintenance to a wooden shed. The durability and strength of a wooden shed are second to none when adequately maintained. One thing you really should be aware of with this material is that wood does burn. If you are always cognizant of that, then you should be fine.
Plastic Sheds
A plastic shed is the newest type of sheds on the market, and they are sometimes called resin, high-density polyethylene, and vinyl sheds. Plastic sheds are becoming a popular choice for most homeowners for several reasons:
- They are comfortable to move, clean, and setting up is very easy, regardless of your skill level. Resistant to insects, rusting and rotting
- Plastic sheds made of vinyl material are lighter, yet stronger than wooden sheds and hence durable. Some manufacturers are using integrated steel support to make the sheds stronger and durable, while others come with a double-wall resin panel make.
When compared to wood, plastic shed are cheap.
Homeowners considering plastic sheds have to put up with the following cons:
- Not as visually appealing as wooden sheds,
- The color will fade over time,
- Strong winds may cause damage and
- Customization is complicated and comes with an unattractive playhouse styling.
Also, unlike wooden shed affected by the weather and water, plastic sheds over time are affected by UV in sunlight, which breaks down the polymers in the material which eventually fades cracks and go inelastic.
Metal Sheds
Metal sheds became popular in the 1960s, and they are “all-rounder” compared to wood and plastic sheds. Metal sheds aren’t as attractive as a wooden or plastic shed, are complicated to assemble, but outperform the latter in all other areas.
Metal shed sells quality and durability, although there is a considerable difference in strength and performance between the second end and the premium range. Cheap metal shed come in thin panels that can corrode quickly compared to high end sheds made of durable, rigid, extremely secure thicker metal.
Metal Shed Pros
- The most durable model with a long lifespan
- A low-cost purchase
- Fire, insect, and rot-resistant.
A metal shed is the best for a homeowner who can afford the initial cost that includes assembling fee. Once assembled, the sheds require no maintenance, are fire-resistant, and outlast other sheds by many years.
If you have expensive gardening tools and machinery, then a metal shade is the clear choice for you; without a doubt, the higher grade metal sheds offer unrivaled security.
As described above, metal sheds gear very few downsides, meanwhile they can take a day to assemble, and the superior quality version calls for a high cost. And they can never achieve the wooden shed look they can blend into the environment.
Steel Shed – The Ergonomic Option for Your Space.

Steel Shed – The Ergonomic Option for Your Space.
Tired of having so much “stuff,” but no place for it all to go? Whether you’re looking to store household equipment, your tools, your garden furniture, or just for a sheltered place for your newly potted seedlings, a steel shed could be the solution.
Not just useful in a domestic setting, the steel shed can also prove useful for businesses – providing much-needed storage for building materials etc.
To Build or Not To Build?
In this case DIY is not a savvy option! Steel shed’s are not designed to be cobbled together from whatever metal you have lying around! Instead, opt for a ready-made solution. Choose your metal garden shed, find a prime spot and simply assemble (don’t worry it’s not rocket science) and install as required. Here’s a few handy hints is you’re considering investing in your very own steel shed:
Why Do I Need a Steel Shed?
Great for personal or business use, the steel shed is a useful storage facility. Useful for all manner of items, the humble steel shed can be used to:
- House your electric and hand tools and equipment.
- Store your garden equipment, such as lawn mower etc.
- Store vehicles such as motorbikes and bicycles.
- Provide shelter for your precious plants and veggies.
- Provide a home for chickens or rabbits.
The Benefits of a Galvanised Steel Shed:
There are many sheds on the market, but not all sheds are equal! A galvanized steel shed comes with many benefits:
- Easy to assemble and install.
- Comes complete with air vents and a handy sliding door.
- Robust exterior – made from strong metal with anti-corrosion coating.
- Fire-safe for peace of mind.
- Easy upkeep – little maintenance required and easy to clean.
- Stylish designs to choose from.
A Brief Guide to Choosing the Perfect Steel Shed
So, you’re now keen on getting your mitts on your very own steel shed? You aren’t alone! But how can you possibly choose the perfect one for you?
Size Matters
Contrary to popular opinion, in this case size does matter. Choose your shed based upon your needs – are we talking using the shed to store a few tools, or do you want to create a full-blown workshop?
So Does Rigidity!
Steel is the only viable option in terms of material, it’s known for being durable and immensely strong, providing an unyielding framework and stability. The steel sheets used to manufacture the shed should be well-bonded, and should not vibrate.
Galvanised steel is widely considered to be the best in the business in terms of construction, and extra protection can be added in the guise of powder coating. Your ideal shed should be durable, solid and not prone to corrosion.
A Few Little Extras
Provide a stable base for your shed by using a robust lattice framework (finished with wood). Once your shed is standing proud consider adding wall-mounted shelving to store all of your bits and bobs. Think about the best way to store your items e.g. if you store cement you need to keep the bag off the floor to prevent it from becoming damp.
Location, Location, Location
Where are you going to put your brand, spanking new steel shed? If you are building a shed on a domestic property then opt for the traditional place – behind your house or in your garden. The site you choose will need to be flat, placing your shed into a dip or dell could cause water to run down to it, and cause damage. Once you have found the ideal spot prepare the site in advance. Clean the area and remove around 20 inches of soil. Hey presto, you’re ready for assembly and installation day!
I Want One of Those!
Decided a galvanised steel shed could be for you? Steel sheds can be used for a whole host of purposes. Make sure you choose a durable, sturdy shed and select a model that compliments the look of your garden or business.