Buying a shed for your home or business sounds simple enough, but with so many on the market, it can be difficult to choose. If you're about to make an investment like this for your outdoor storage needs, you need to know all the facts - something we aim to give you in our ultimate guide to buying the best sheds.

Several factors need to be considered when deciding which outdoor storage sheds are best for each specific purpose, so the answer may vary from person to person. So, stay tuned as we overturn every stone and shine a light on each aspect you must think about.

Factor #1 - The Materials the Best Sheds Are Made From

Ok, so the first thing you need to consider is what your shed's going to be made out of. There are three main materials that modern sheds are manufactured from: 1) Low-Density Polyethylene (a.k.a. LDPE or Plastic), 2) Wood or 3) Metal (galvanized steel).

Let's have a look at the pros and cons of each type.

Option 1 - Plastic Sheds

When buying a shed made from LDPE like the Kick It 8' x 12' Storage Shed Pro, you get a product that's low-maintenance, cost-effective, hard-wearing (not easily faded, scratched or dented), weather-resistant and easy to put together. While they can't easily be customized in terms of color, they are available in a range of neutral tones that will suit any yard theme. 

Option 2 - Metal Sheds 

Next, we have METAL SHEDS. Some people consider these to be the best outdoor storage sheds due to their great looks and secure nature. Just like LDPE, the galvanized steel that products like the 10’ x 8’ Metal Shed Pro are made from is weather-resistant (meaning no rusting or UV fading). These metal sheds are easy to install, budget-friendly, and low-maintenance. They can be noisy when it rains, but there are some simple ways to reduce the problem. 

Option 3 - Wooden Sheds

Lastly, we have WOODEN SHEDS - which represent the traditional option. They're visually appealing, easily customized (painted) and durable. They are popular, but they fall down in the best sheds stakes because they are difficult to install and do take quite a bit of maintenance. Also, they tend to be quite expensive and can become infested with insects. 

Read more shed material buying guide here: Wooden vs Metal vs Plastic Sheds - Which Material Is Better?

Factor #2 - Different Shed Roof Styles

The next important aspect you should think about when buying a shed is the style of roof you're looking for. There are six kinds in all, each with its own aesthetic and functional benefits. Let's cast an eye on each one. 

• The Gable Roof - Sheds with gable roofs have two sloping sides that meet at a point in the middle to form a triangle. This design allows for good water/snow runoff, offers you extra headroom inside and delivers a classic and nostalgic look.

• The Gambrel Roof - Also known as barn roofs, gambrel roof sheds have two slopes on each side, with the lower slope being steeper. As well as looking great, this type offers lots of headroom and ventilation. 

• The Saltbox Roof - This asymmetrical roof design is also beautiful and traditional, having originated in colonial New England. Its unique 'saltbox' silhouette is able to easily shed water and snow, reducing the chances of leaks while maximizing internal space. 

• The Hip Roof - Hipped roofs have no vertical ends, and all roofs slope down towards the walls of rectangular sheds. As well as being attractive, this design is very stable in high winds, making it a great choice if you're in an area affected by typhoons and hurricanes.

• The Mono-Pitched Roof - Another type you'll see when buying a shed is the mono-pitched roof, which has one single sloping plane and no ridge. It's simple, cost-effective, modern, and allows lots of natural light in.

• The Combination Roof - As the name suggests, this type combines two or more styles in one design. They merge the functions and looks of roofs from the best sheds in order to create a unique or purpose-built option. A gable/hip roof is a common combo choice. 

Read more shed roof buying guide here: 6 Shed Roof Styles: A Guide to Choosing the Right One

Factor #3 - Choosing a Shed Type

Another aspect that needs your attention is the overall style of the sheds you're looking for. Depending on what you're trying to achieve with your yard, the best option could come from any of the following. 

• Victorian - Options like the 6x4 Shed Pro are classically beautiful, so it could be the right one for you if you're looking for something to catch the eye. It’s loosely based on the gable-roof design but with an authentic twist.

• New England - Ideal for a traditionally designed home, it represents a miniature version of a classic English household and offers lots of style and storage space. 

• Modern - Typically rectangular and simple, this style can include large windows and tends to appeal to people looking for a minimalist look.

Read more shed type choosing guide here: 15 Types of Sheds: Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right One

Factor #4 - Choosing the Right Shed Size

If you purchase a shed that's too small for your needs, it can lead to disorganization and the frustration of not being able to find things. In order to determine the right dimensions, you must have a good think about everything you're going to put in it. Here, we take a look at the different sizes you'll encounter when buying a shed. 

• Small sheds - If you're looking for something to store a few plant pots, garden tools, and perhaps a bicycle, then a small Fit It 4’ x 6’ shed could be right for you. This size is popular, particularly with people with restricted backyards in urban areas.

• Medium sheds - On the other hand, if you want more space for, say, a workshop, then something like a 10’ x 10’ Metal Shed Pro could be among the best sheds for you. It’ll give you lots of room for a whole range of purposes. 

• Large Sheds - Lastly, people who want the best from their outdoor storage solutions, to make it an extension of their home, a large shed like the 10’ x 12’ Metal Shed Pro could be a great choice. 

Just remember to crack out your measuring tape to ensure that you have the necessary room when buying a shed, and be sure to account for roof overhangs. 

Read more shed dimension buying guide here: What Size Shed Do You Need? Shed Dimensions Buying Guide

Factor #5 - How Much Does it Cost to Build a Shed?

A big issue that can play a big part in determining the best outdoor storage sheds for anyone is cost. Whatever your plans are, they need to be within your budget. So, how much does it actually cost to build the best sheds? On average, most homeowners will pay between $3,000-$4,000 for the project as a whole.

This will include the price of the shed itself, as well as associated costs like land preparation, labor, materials, and other miscellaneous add-ons. There are a few variables at play when it comes to the cost of the shed, and size is certainly among them. 

As we've mentioned, sheds come in a range of dimensions, and a small shed (e.g. 4' x 7') will cost anywhere between $200-$1,000, whereas a large one (10' x 12') can set you back between $2,000 and $15,000. Patiowell prefab sheds can save you money, as they range from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand - size dependent. 

A good rule of thumb you can use as a rough guide when choosing the material of your ideal shed is to use the following per-square-foot costs:

• Metal sheds - Between *$15-$30 per sq ft
• Plastic sheds - Between *$10-$25 per sq ft
• Wooden sheds - Between *$20-$50 per sq ft

(*depending on brand)

Naturally, if you can build your own shed - something that's eminently possible with easy-to-install Patiowell Metal & LDPE sheds - you can save yourself a lot in labor costs. If not, hiring a reputable, licensed tradesperson can cost you between $50-$100 per hour. 

Other Cost Considerations 

We've covered shed style, roof style, shed sizes and overall projected costs. Within your calculations, you'll need to account for a couple of other things to get your magic figure. First of all, you have to think about what you're building your shed on, i.e. its foundation. 

You need a good, solid base on which to build your purchase when buying a shed, and this can be achieved with a gravel pad foundation (costing you $1-$2 per sq ft) or a concrete slab foundation (typically $4-$12 per sq ft). 

Depending on your area, a permit might also be necessary. These can cost as little as $250 or as much as $2,000! Also, if you intend to customize your shed with upgrades like electrical wiring, lighting, or insulation, this will be extra. 

Read more shed cost buying guide here: How Much Does It Cost to Build the Perfect Shed in 2024?

Factor #6 - Shed Lighting Options

Speaking of lighting, there are a number of options that can turn the best sheds into awesome multi-purpose sheds that can be used 24/7! Let's take a look at some of the options.

• Natural lighting - Options like the 8' x 12' Fit It Plastic Storage Shed have windows which allow daylight in so you can see what you're doing and find what you’re looking for. Without windows, you’ll either have to rely on daylight coming in through the main door or one of the following lighting choices. 

• LED strip lighting - This low-cost, energy-efficient option consists of flexible strips containing LED bulbs. Due to their adhesive backing, they're super-easy to install on ceilings, walls, and shelves, and no tools are usually needed. 

• Solar-powered lighting - powered by the sun, this relatively expensive option comprises a battery and solar panels that provide all the energy needed to illuminate any size shed. There's a significant upfront cost for a system like this, but thereafter, you don't have to pay anything else.

• Puck lights - a great budget option is the puck light, which is a battery-powered device that's shaped - as the name suggests - like a hockey puck and sticks to surfaces via its adhesive backing. They're great for finding where you're going, but you'll need quite a few of them (6-10 or more) to provide enough illumination for working. 

• String lights - affixed to a wire, string lights can be interior or made for outdoor use. Again, virtually no DIY expertise is needed, and they can provide enough ambient light for working purposes. 

• Clamp-on work lights - the best outdoor storage sheds can also be lit with the kind of clamp-on lights that you see used in auto garages. Able to be positioned however’s best for you, they’re super versatile, although you will typically need a power outlet. 

However you choose to light your shed, make sure you have enough illumination to see what you’re doing and avoid the trip hazards associated with storing tools. 

Read more shed lighting guide here: 8 Great Shed Lighting Ideas That Uplift & Enhance the Experience

Factor #7 - Choosing Your Shed Color

If you want to create a cohesive look in your yard, you also need to consider the aspect of color when buying a shed. It doesn't have to be identical to your home's exterior. Rather, it just needs to complement it - something that also applies to the surrounding garden space. 

Another influence can be your climate. If you're lucky enough to live in a place with lots of sunshine like Florida, the best sheds are going to be those with lighter colors - as they'll keep the interior cooler. Conversely, if you live somewhere colder, like Minnesota, darker hues are often better, as they tend to hold onto the heat better - thereby reducing your heating costs. 

Of course, you can't forget your own personal taste, as the truth is that it's entirely up to you which color you opt for. As an extension of your home, you can use it to further express who you are and how you want to live. The good news is there are a number to choose from. 

Read more shed color buying guide here: Choosing the Perfect Shed Color for Your Backyard

Factor #8 - The Brand You Choose Matters 

When searching for the best outdoor storage sheds online, you'll find a number of different manufacturers, and the brand you choose does matter. At Patiowell, we stand by the quality of our products, as well as the support you get post-purchase. Check out the table below for a comparison against our main competitors 

Brand	Pros	Cons
Patiowell Sheds	High-quality, durable materials. Resistant to harsh weather conditions. Comprehensive installation & maintenance guides provided. Huge range of innovative shed designs and materials.  Excellent customer service. Super-easy to install - even for DIY novices.  Long warranties. Available across the USA.	Choosing the best sheds from the wide array of models can be tricky, but Patiowell experts are here to help.
Tuff Sheds	Customizable sheds in a range of designs.  Durable construction. Professional installation.	Higher prices compared to Patiowell.  Only available in selected areas of the USA.
Suncast Sheds	Affordable, low-maintenance plastic sheds. Easy to assemble.	A limited number of sizes and styles are available. Designs aren't quite as robust and hardwearing as competitor's models.
Lifetime Sheds	High-density, durable plastic sheds.  Easy to assemble. Low-maintenance.	Limited range (plastic only).  Considerably more expensive than Patiowell sheds.

Finding the Best Sheds For Your Needs From the Many Available

So, there we have it! We've come to the end of our comprehensive shed for reads to use when buying a shed. We very much hope that you've found it useful and it’s illustrated just how well Patiowell products compare to the many others that are available. 

We've seen that finding the best sheds includes considering the best materials, colors, lighting, styles, roof styles and overall costs. There's a lot to think about, but the good news is that Patiowell experts are on hand to help you every step of the way. 

To see our high-quality range of metal and plastic sheds, just browse our website, where you'll also see our selection of deck boxes and more. Alternatively, if you need some support in making your choice, feel free to get in touch with our team today. You can do so by filling out our contact form, after which we'll get back to you without delay. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

If there are any questions we've yet to answer in our ultimate guide to finding the best sheds, keep reading for answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. 

Q1: How do I maintain my Patiowell shed?

A - Whether you have an LDPE or metal shed from Patiowell, maintenance is minimal, with just an occasional cleaning needed. If your metal shed's galvanized outer becomes damaged in a storm, you may need to paint it with a metal repair compound to seal it. 

Q2: Are Patiowell sheds easy to assemble?

A - While the complexity changes from shed to shed, all Patiowell products are designed to be easy to assemble - even if you’re new to handyman work. 

Q3: Do Patiowell sheds come with a warranty?

A - Yes, they do for peace of mind! It does vary depending on the product, but you always get the reassurance of knowing that our sheds are built to last! 

Q4: Are Patiowell sheds weather resistant?

A - Yes, our sheds are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including UV rays, winds, rain and snow. Both our LDPE and galvanized steel sheds are impervious to damage and fading over time. 

Q5: Can I install a Patiowell shed on any surface?

A - Our sheds must be installed on a stable, level surface, which might include wooden platforms, gravel bases or concrete slabs.