By Glenda Taylor and Kat Hodgins | Updated Apr 21, 2022 9:31 PM

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Whether you need a spot to store a push mower or an overflow place for bicycles, sports equipment, or an ever-growing collection of DIY tools, an outdoor storage shed provides an ideal solution.

A fixture in backyards across the country—especially when garage space is at a premium—storage sheds protect belongings from the elements. Moreover, if desired, a storage shed can do double duty as an outdoor living space, such as an office, potting shed, or she shed. Keep reading to discover our recommendations and top picks for the best storage shed units available.

Aesthetics are one consideration when selecting the best storage shed for your yard. To get the best utility from an outdoor shed, also consider size, interior features, and the climate. Some other factors to consider when looking at outdoor storage sheds include the following.

Outdoor storage sheds come in a variety of types or styles to serve and complement many different homes. Some of the most popular types on the market are:

Always read the size specifications before ordering a storage shed. Ensure the dimensions of the outdoor shed suit the needs of the household and the yard. Some outdoor storage sheds create a footprint of just a few square feet, while others measure more than 12 feet by 12 feet.

To obtain an approximate idea of how much storage space is required, gather up all the items intended for the shed. Place them together in the yard or garage, and measure around them. Unless it’s a locker-style shed, which doesn’t allow standing room, add an extra 2 or 3 feet to factor in the space needed to walk comfortably around the stored items in the shed.

Each type of shed material has perks and drawbacks. When choosing the shed’s material, consider the local climate. Not all materials can withstand all types of weather. Common outdoor shed materials include:

Some garden sheds include interior features, while others must be customized. Some interior features to look for or add to a storage shed include:

The shed’s contents must be protected; an unlocked outdoor shed provides thieves with an easy opportunity.

Locks on the door and windows help prevent theft. Often, however, outdoor sheds come with basic, lower-quality locks that DIYers may want to replace with something more secure. Make sure your shed has a strong lock, like a padlock, as weak or small locks can be opened easily with force or the right tools. Types of door locks on outdoor storage sheds include:

Focus on quality when selecting a storage shed. Structural issues or flimsy materials also serve as an invitation for a security breach or potential damage. Rotted wood, rusty metal, missing shingles, or loose hinges also ease access to trespassers. Some security measures to add to an outdoor shed include:

First, select the right location. Choose a spot out of sight of the street that can be seen from the house. Sheds require a level surface on an area free of shrubs, branches, and trees. Installation methods depend on whether the shed is prefabricated or a DIY project. Assembly instructions vary depending on the size and type of shed.

Prefabricated sheds are manufactured in wood, vinyl, resin, or metal. Assembly involves following the manufacturer’s instructions. Customized storage sheds, on the other hand, require experience and know-how to build a safe and stable structure. For any type of installation, make sure the outdoor shed is anchored to the ground, fence, or wall to keep it secure.

We performed extensive research to find the best storage sheds currently on the market. Our top picks include different styles, sizes, and materials to account for different climates, space limitations, and preferences. Read through our recommendations to discover some excellent storage sheds.

Whereas ultra-modern sheds have a very “now” aesthetic, modern rustic style has a more timeless quality. Arrow’s Woodridge storage shed puts a modern twist on a backyard staple, incorporating elegant simplicity into a time-tested design. Rather than wood, this design incorporates metal with a realistic wood-grain finish. Unlike wood, this robust material resists not only water but also rot.

As further protection against water and rot, the tall walls and A-frame construction won’t collect water when it rains. Double sliding doors provide an opening large enough to bring in outdoor gear and tools. Inside, 734 cubic feet provide space for storage and to move around. Though it doesn’t come with a floor, DIYers may add the flooring of their choice.

Rubbermaid, a recognizable name in home storage, offers this slim storage shed with double-wall resin construction that makes this outdoor shed sturdy and weather resistant. Two doors open wide so users can move items in and out. Though it doesn’t have shelving, users may customize the interior with shelves, pegboards, racks, hooks, and more.

The shed’s small footprint works well for small and specific storage needs. This design comes in three size options; however, the shed may not be the right fit for an accumulation of tools and patio accessories.

Whether it serves as storage or a workshop, the Keter storage shed makes a worthy addition to the backyard. Made with a steel-reinforced frame and quality resin, the waterproof, UV-protected material offers all-weather resistance. Resin resists rust, peeling, denting, and rot. A light spray with a hose helps keep it clean. This shed requires no painting or varnishing.

The Keter shed boasts a heavy-duty floor, built-in air vents, a window and skylight, and double doors that accept a padlock and door bolts for added security. Though straightforward, installation may take some time. The manufacturer recommends two sets of hands to make the work easier.

An attractive design, ample size, and plenty of windows and skylights create natural light for the Tremont’s interior. The 8-foot by 10-foot shed features heavy-duty resin construction molded to resemble real wood. Unlike other plastic sheds, Suncast incorporates a double-layered wall and metal truss system for added strength.

A gabled roof, carriage-house style doors, and a sophisticated earth-tone color scheme give the shed an attractive look that works in suburban or urban settings. Two windows on the doors and six skylights provide plenty of natural lighting for visibility. Two corner shelves create storage space, and a large hasp on the door for a standard padlock adds security.

With design touches that make it look more like a cottage, the E-Z Fit Sheds Riverside model makes a charming setting for a studio, remote office, or a workshop. Window boxes, shutters, a cupola, and panelled doors with black wrought-iron hinges elevate this gabled-roof shed. Eaves that overhang the front and rear of the shed add an attractive additional touch.

This E-Z Fit Shed includes a set of carriage-style double doors that allow for moving large equipment in and out. An individual front door provides faster single-person access. Functional windows and a roof pitch that rises to nearly 10 feet add ventilation and create space.

Those looking for a place to simply store gardening tools may want to consider this small tool shed from Suncast. At just under 3 feet wide and 2 feet deep, its small frame fits on the side of a house or on a deck or patio. At 6 feet tall, it offers ample space and double doors for rakes, shovels, hoes, and other garden tools.

The shed consists of sturdy 1-3/16-inch thick plastic resin walls, unlike many resin sheds, which often have thinner walls. Slots molded into the walls create a place to install interior shelving. The shed features a neutral earth-tone color scheme to work in many settings.

For storing larger items, such as multiple bicycles along with a mower and sports equipment, consider the Duramax SideMate Storage Shed. The lean-to shape allows for easy placement along the back or side of a house or garage or against a fence. It also works as a freestanding unit. A single door fits on either side of the garden shed, and its gently sloping roof allows water to run off. Unlike many polyethylene storage sheds, Duramax’s SideMate features a metal structure for increased support and stability. Its door handle accepts a padlock (not included). Additional shelving can be mounted on its steel-reinforced walls. The SideMate stands 73 inches high at its uppermost point, providing plenty of space to store multiple items, including tall tools and equipment.

The Keter Factor storage shed ranks as one of our top choices. Large enough to serve as storage, an outdoor living space, or a remote work space, it offers natural light and ventilation. The Rubbermaid storage shed also ranks high on our list. This affordable, customizable outdoor storage shed has a small footprint, and it can sit outside a detached home, on the patio, or in the garage of a townhome, apartment, or condo.

We reviewed dozens of the best storage sheds on the market. In our research, we evaluated certain criteria that helped inform our top picks.

In our product review, we assessed:

For more information on outdoor storage sheds, consult these frequently asked questions about shed flooring, foundations, and additional features such as gutters or ventilation.

The maximum size storage shed for your backyard depends on the city, county, and development in which you live. Check zoning ordinances and your homeowners association’s rules to determine what size sheds are allowed on your property.

In general, smaller gardening sheds that measure about 8 feet by 6 feet or smaller do not require a foundation; instead, they can be mounted on a treated wood or crushed stone base. However, larger sheds require a sturdy foundation such as poured concrete or concrete blocks.

That depends on the jurisdiction. Many cities and states require a permit for outdoor sheds for any single dimension (height, width, or length) that exceeds 12 feet.

Although outdoor sheds don’t typically need gutters, some purchasers may want to add them. If your area receives a lot of annual precipitation, gutters and downspouts help prevent rainwater from pooling around the base of the shed, which could damage the base or even cause water to leak inside it.

Vents in a garden shed allow hot, moist air to escape and prevent condensation from forming inside the shed, which could lead to mold growth.

Some sheds have floors, while others require a floor kit. Most wooden sheds include floors, while most metal and plastic ones do not.

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