What are the Best Backyard Sheds? Best Resin Storage Shed
If you have a backyard of any size at all, you will likely find that you really need some high quality, weather-protected outdoor storage. After a thorough review of several of the best backyard sheds on the market, we have determined that the Lifetime 6042 Storage Shed is our top choice. It is a fantastic option if you have the space for this large 8’ x 12’ 5“ shed. These sheds are extremely high quality, well built, and can store a whole lot without getting cluttered. They look reasonably nice, have windows and skylights, and a double door that allows for easy access to the interior. They are the best resin storage sheds available.
Lifetime 6402 Outdoor Storage Shed, 8 by 12.5 Feet; 2 windows
Attractive appearance and design
For a complete review, see our Product Reviews section below.
Resin Storage Sheds
The secret to a beautiful, expressive home is lots of closet space. In parallel, the secret to a beautiful garden or outdoor area is the right storage shed. You need someplace to store All That Stuff! The tools, the bags of soil, the pots, garden tools, lawn mower, bikes, decorations, accessories, etc. Anything that isn’t supposed to be seen all the time needs someplace to live. Ideally, that stuff would live out of sight in an enclosed area, protected from the elements. That place should be inside one of the best backyard sheds! A storage shed makes it so much easier to create a harmonious outdoor space – all of the tools used to create the space are right there. They’re easily accessible, but everything is out of sight and out of mind when you don’t need it. The shed needs to be weatherproof, reasonably attractive, and have a variety of storage options available. Be sure to check out our guide on how to organize your shed! For this reason, we are going to look at several of the best resin storage sheds available today, considering functionality, size, aesthetics, and usability, and consider the best storage shed for the money.
Outdoor Storage Shed Reviews
Here we will examine several of the best outdoor storage sheds available on the market today, look at each product in depth, and examine the pros and cons of each.
1. Lifetime 60057 Outdoor Storage Shed, 7 Feet by 4.5 Feet
Starting us off is the Lifetime 60057 Storage Shed. This high-quality resin shed is made of dual wall, steel-reinforced high-density polyethylene. The high-pitched roof design features steel roof trusses manufactured to send snow and rain off the shed as quickly as possible. It is tall enough that bikes and garden tools can be hung from the rafters for convenience, and it is tall enough to stand up inside. This shed is capable of fitting most lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc. with ease.
- Attractive two-tone design
- Dual-wall steel-reinforced structure
- Skylight included to help view interior
- Shelves and Flooring included
- UV-protected resin panels
- Locking hasp included
- 10 Year warranty
A skylight along the roof ridge of the Lifetime 60057 helps provide light to the interior of the shed and looks great. Additionally, Lifetime supplies two screened vents, two corner shelves, and one straight shelf to enable you to store everything you need. The Lifetime 60057 does include a floor, but it is not structural, and the shed must be installed on some sort of foundation. The recommended options are a 4“ poured concrete slab, a level patio block foundation, or a pressure-treated wooden 2x4 foundation, with plywood or OSB on top. Lifetime also includes a locking hasp for this shed, though no padlock is included.
Assembly
Assembly takes about 6-8 hours for two people, not including building the foundation. It is not difficult, but it is time-consuming.
2. Suncast BMS3400 34 cu. ft. Horizontal Shed
The Suncast BMS3400 34 Cubic Foot Horizontal Shed straddles the boundary between a deck box and storage shed. It is ideal for medium-sized storage: it is a garbage can storage shed. It’s also good for storing a push lawnmower, small snowblower, etc.
- Made from resin plastic
- Lid and both doors open
- Three-door locking system
- Shelf area included, but no shelves included
- Reinforced floor included
- Lid stays in place from a prop-up rod
The Store-it-Out Max is made of double-walled durable resin, it is sun-resistant, weather-tight, and capable of keeping your garden accessories away from the elements and away from nasty critters. We note that humid air can seep into the box, it’s not airtight. It is great for storing garden tools, trash cans, and the like, and it can fit a small lawn mower, snow blower, or generator. If your lawn mower or snow blower’s arms fold down, there is plenty of extra room for additional tools. If the arms don’t fold down, you may need to rest tools on top or behind. As resin storage sheds go, it is reasonably attractive and is small enough to not be too weighty in the garden. Just plant a few hedges or flowering plants, and the Suncast will all but disappear from the landscape. The Suncast has an integrated plastic base, and as long as the ground it sits on is level, there is no need to pour a concrete base. The company suggests you use patio blocks or some sort of constructed foundation underneath, but it works fine without any foundation. The interior has a lip to put a shelf in (shelf not included) and is capable of holding heavy boxes without any difficulty.
Assembly
Assembly of the Suncast Storage Shed is relatively simple, about one hour to assemble unless you have significant leveling of the ground to do. The door cannot be opened without first lifting the lid, though there is a rod that holds the lid open to enable you to open the doors.
Suncast Horizontal Shed, Compact Outdoor Storage System, 34 Cu. Ft. Capacity…
Spacious Compact Shed: Outdoor Storage Shed in a sand-colored exterior, with 34-cubic foot storage offers ample space for organizing and safeguarding long-handled tools and garden accessories
3. Keter Store-It-Out MAX Outdoor Resin Horizontal Storage Shed
The Keter Store-It-Out MAX is a medium sized storage shed. It’s not particularly attractive, but it has several high-quality features that make it a great choice for outdoor storage. The Store-It-Out MAX has double doors on the front, and an operable lid with a piston to help hold it up. The MAX features an integrated floor capable of holding a decent amount of weight, and an interior lip for a shelf, though a shelf is not included. For security, it has a sturdy plastic hole for a padlock to be installed on the doors.
- Made of durable resin plastic
- Floor panel included (30psf weight capacity)
- Lid and both doors open up
- Lid has a hydraulic piston for ease of use
- Interior shelf lip (shelving not included)
- The Back is fairly weak and thin
- 2 Year Limited Warranty
The Keter MAX can comfortably fit most typical-sized yard tools like lawn mowers, snow blowers, generators, etc. with space remaining for garden tools, potting soil, and the like. If you are concerned, check the dimensions of the item you wish to store and compare against the inside dimensions above. It can probably accommodate most adult bicycles, though the wheels would likely need to be taken off before they are stored inside (see our bicycle storage shed article for more). The unit is fairly water-tight, though some owners have reported the unit getting slightly warped due to sun exposure, opening gaps which in turn allow water to seep in. If it is kept in the shade and on level ground (to prevent warping), it should stay reasonably water-tight. The unit has some ventilation, but not enough to run a generator or refrigerator without opening up the unit.
Assembly
Assembly is relatively simple, and with assembly instructions found on Keter’s website, should take under an hour. Compared to some of the other units on this list, the assembly is pretty painless.
Keter Store-It-Out MAX 4.8 FT X 2.7 FT Durable Outdoor Storage Shed Made from Weather…
DIMENSIONS: 57in. W x 32in. D x 49 in. H
4. Lifetime 6402 Outdoor Storage Shed 8’ x 12’
The Lifetime 6402 Outdoor Storage Shed is an outstanding product, assuming you have the space for this large unit. This shed is made of dual-wall high-density polyethylene, with steel supports for extra strength. It offers an attractive steel-reinforced roof with a steep pitch, sending rain and snow right off of the unit. The Lifetime 6402 has lockable, steel-reinforced doors, and the manufacturer offers a 10-year warranty on this shed. The screws in the shed are zinc-coated, and the steel is powder-coated, so it should work well in salty environments near water. The shed is water-tight (if put together properly) but humidity can be an issue.
- Extra large footprint, massive storage capacity
- Made of steel-reinforced resin plastic
- Locking hasp
- Four skylights
- 2 Operable windows
- 10 Year warranty
The Lifetime 6402 features four skylights and two operable windows made of shatterproof polycarbonate plastic, similar to what is found in greenhouses. These allow natural light into the back of the space. It also has two screened vents for airflow to the interior. The shed is pretty well sealed – it would be difficult for animals to get in, but bugs will likely find their way into the unit. The storage shed offers built-in shelving, including one full shelf, two small shelves, and two corner shelves. The floor is made of thin plastic, and an additional base is required. A 4“ cement floor, paver block floor, or custom built pressure treated wooden floor is recommended, though we would suggest 2x4 or 2x6 floor joists with OSB or plywood flooring, and four anchor bolts to attach the shed to the floor. This unit is large enough to function as an art studio or other out-building, though one must remember that it is not insulated. While the ventilation is good for a shed, using it as a workspace for hours in muggy environments would be uncomfortable. Still, if the weather is acceptable, and arrangements are made for lighting, it would function as an art studio.
Assembly
Assembly is not difficult, though it can be time-consuming relative to some of the other sheds on the market. It takes perhaps one-two afternoons for one-two people, not including building the floor. It comes in two boxes, weighing 800 lbs, and the only tools required are a drill or a screwdriver and a rubber mallet.
Lifetime 6402 Outdoor Storage Shed, 8 by 12.5 Feet; 2 windows
Attractive appearance and design
Outdoor Storage Shed Buying Guide
In this section, we will first look at a couple of the most common questions buyers ask when shopping for sheds. From there, we will examine several of the most important considerations buyers ponder when looking to choose the best storage shed for their needs. Among those considerations are size, materials, storage capacity, ventilation, security, maintenance, and weather-tightness.
What is a Resin Storage Shed?
A resin storage shed is a shed in which the walls, floor, and ceiling are made of molded resin plastic. The plastic resin material is poured into molds which forms the panels. Typically these panels are double walled for strength and durability. Resin plastic has the color mixed in with the material and requires essentially no maintenance other than an occasional cleaning.
Are Plastic Sheds Secure?
Plastic sheds are fairly secure, though if someone is determined to get inside, they will be able to. Most sheds have locking hasps that allow for a padlock to be installed, but a determined thief could use an Exacto knife or razor knife to slice right through the shed wall.
What is a Shed Made Of?
Sheds are made from three primary material types. Traditionally sheds were made of wood, which is a good material choice but requires regular maintenance to keep up. Steel is also a common shed material, and is inexpensive and strong, with less maintenance than wood sheds. Resin sheds are rapidly growing in popularity, and are taking over the market. They are robust, easy to assemble, maintenance free, and fairly inexpensive.
Size
Size is, of course, a critical consideration when comparing backyard sheds. Everybody’s yard has a different size, layout, and view, so getting the right sized shed that fits into the backyard’s flow, while not dominating it is important. If you don’t need a full sized shed, you may want to consider a deck box.
Materials
The three most common materials found in storage sheds are resin (plastic), wood, and steel. We will generally focus on resin for this review, as we feel it offers the most flexibility and lowest long-term cost. Wood is generally more expensive and requires more maintenance (but may offer better aesthetics!), and metal sheds generally require more maintenance as well.
Storage Capability
Buyers must consider what they plan to store in their storage shed, and what their size and access needs are. Are these items that will be taken out on a daily/weekly basis, or will they be pulled out once or twice per year for use? Depending on what needs storing, and the frequency of access, a differently sized shed may be required.
Weather-tightness
Most users are using storage sheds to get their items out of the weather and to protect them from rain, snow, and sun. Weather tightness is a huge factor in shed design, and should always be a major concern for those looking to purchase a backyard storage shed.
Pest Resistance
Bugs and critters are a constant concern for those with backyard storage sheds. Users want to keep pests out as best they can, while allowing fresh air in, and allowing moisture to flow through (and leave!) the shed when appropriate.
Ventilation
Sheds can get musty over time, as items can sit in the shed for years before being pulled out. Good ventilation is a significant plus for keeping your items fresh and clean, but of course, ventilation needs to be balanced with bug access and water penetration concerns.
Security
Most sheds have pre-drilled locations for locks, though generally if someone really wanted to, they could get into any shed without a huge amount of difficulty. Still, it is always wise to have good security in a shed.
Aesthetics
Often wood sheds look the best and fit the most easily in a backyard or patio environment, but these sheds tend to be the most expensive. Resin plastic sheds tend to be cheaper, and as technology has improved, these sheds have become more attractive in design over the years.
Maintenance
As mentioned previously, this article will mostly focus on resin storage sheds. Generally, resin storage sheds are maintenance free, with no need to paint or fiddle with the shed for years to come. For that reason, these sheds are very useful to consumers looking to get long-lasting value out of their purchase.
Lighting and Windows
Among larger sheds, there is a concern that in the back of the shed it will be hard to see what you’re looking for as you dig through the contents. Many sheds offer windows, skylights, or other lighting capabilities to allow easy views of the interior of the shed.
Assembly Difficulty
Many of us have purchased large items online, only to find after receiving the items that the assembly is extremely difficult, or the instructions very poorly written. Assembly difficulty is an important aspect to a shed purchase, as if a shed is improperly assembled, it may not be appropriately water-resistant or pest resistant.
Conclusion: The Best Resin Storage Shed
We’ve covered several of the best options out there for resin storage sheds, and all of the products on this list have their place in peoples’ backyards, depending on their needs. The winner, and top choice for us when it comes to the best outdoor shed is the Lifetime 6402 . If it will fit in your backyard, it can’t be beat!
Lifetime 6402 Outdoor Storage Shed, 8 by 12.5 Feet; 2 windows
Attractive appearance and design
Lifetime 6402 Outdoor Storage Shed, 8 by 12.5 Feet; 2 windows
Attractive appearance and design
Lifetime 60057 Outdoor Storage Shed, 7 x 4.5'
Steel reinforced construction
Suncast Horizontal Shed, Compact Outdoor Storage System, 34 Cu. Ft. Capacity…
Spacious Compact Shed: Outdoor Storage Shed in a sand-colored exterior, with 34-cubic foot storage offers ample space for organizing and safeguarding long-handled tools and garden accessories
Keter Store-It-Out MAX 4.8 FT X 2.7 FT Durable Outdoor Storage Shed Made from Weather…
DIMENSIONS: 57in. W x 32in. D x 49 in. H