Outdoor Living Made Modern.Vol. LXXII · Nº 3
The Quarterly for Modern Outdoor Living

Outdoor Living

Store Your Stuff in the Best Metal Shed

Arrow Newburgh Low Gable Steel Storage Shed

Having a good quality shed makes outdoor living a whole lot easier. You’ve got an easy, secure place to stash your tools and equipment. Metal sheds are a popular solution for homeowners who want extra storage without the hassle of having to build an expensive wooden shed, or plastic-looking resin shed. Metal sheds offer a few advantages of their own, such as easy maintenance, fireproof construction, and lightweight but durable designs. After looking closely at five of our favorite metal sheds, we have found that the best metal shed is the Arrow Newburgh 6’ x 5’. The Newburgh line boasts the best value overall when the price is factored in.

Arrow 6' x 5' Newburgh Eggshell with Coffee Trim Low Gable Electro-Galvanized Steel Storage Shed

Arrow 6' x 5' Newburgh Eggshell with Coffee Trim Low Gable Electro-Galvanized Steel…

ELECTRO GALVANIZED STEEL: Treated with zinc and provides corrosion resistance and protects from wet weather

It’s back to the basics with this shed. The Newburgh features electro-galvanized steel for extra longevity, an appealing two design with eggshell white and coffee, and a lockable door to help protect the tools inside. As long as you can get through the assembly, this is the best metal shed available. For a complete review of the Arrow Newburgh shed, see our Product Reviews section below.

Runner Up

Best Metal Sheds

The runner-up is the tool shed offered by Kinbor, which boasts a simple appealing look while retaining the strength offered by galvanized steel. In addition, it has a ventilation system which offers easy airflow and light, which can help you navigate the inside of the shed in case you happen to over-stuff it and can’t find what you need, a common problem for those who do lots of garden work.

Photo

Metal Storage Shed Reviews

In this section, we will look at five of our favorite metal sheds available. We’ll compare them, consider the positives and negatives of each, and pick our top choices.

Product
Arrow 6' x 5' Newburgh Eggshell with Coffee Trim Low Gable Electro-Galvanized Steel…Price
Arrow AR108 Shed Ar108A Arlington 10' By 8' Steel Storage Shed, 10' x 8'…Price
B06X3X5R47Price
Outsunny 7' x 4' Outdoor Storage Shed, Garden Tool Metal Shed with Foundation Kit…Price
Outsunny 9' x 6' Outdoor Backyard Metal Garden Utility Storage Shed - Gray/WhitePrice

Arrow Newburgh Low Gable Steel Storage Shed

Arrow Newburgh Low Gable Steel Storage Shed

Arrow has long been a solid brand in the metal shed market, and their Newburgh line is a well constructed, flexible choice for many of today’s homeowners. Featuring a fairly modern looking low roof gable design and a steel board-and-batten siding look, the Newburgh is pretty inconspicuous and will blend in pretty well with the yard. While the Newburgh design is available in four different size configurations, we will look today at the 6’ x 5’ model.

Key Points at a Glance
  • Made from electro-galvanized steel to help with corrosion resistance
  • Steel panels are also UV resistant
  • Sliding doors; ability to be padlocked
  • Low gable roof design
  • Precut and pre-drilled parts for easier assembly
  • Floor frame not included (optional)
  • Warranty: 10-year limited warranty on corrosion of steel; 12-year warranty on parts
Dimensions
Size6’ x 5’
Door Opening48"
Item weight91 pounds
Shipping weight107 pounds
The Details

Arrow Newburgh Steel Storage Shed, the Best Metal Shed available!

Arrow’s Newburgh steel shed is the first of two sheds from them that we will review, the next being the Arlington. The Newburgh steel shed is the smaller of the two, coming in at 6’ x 5’. The steel is lightweight and underwent electrogalvanization, which is the process of bonding a layer of zinc to the steel to help protect against corrosion. The color is eggshell white with some amount of coffee/brown highlights. For maintenance, be sure to check on the foundation once a year to ensure it is sturdy and sound, especially after heavy rain. And during the winter months, keep the roof clear of snow!

Accessories

For those who live in snow-prone regions, be sure to pick up the roof-strengthing kit, as it will help support the snow load. Also, try to remove any significant snowfall as soon as possible. Buyers may also want to investigate the floor kit, which is a frame that you use to attach pressure treated 3/4“ plywood to. This strengthens the frame and helps get objects off the ground.

Preparation and Assembly

Before building the shed, you’ll want to have a plan on getting the ground level and prepped for the shed. If it’s placed on uneven ground, it will warp and the doors will cease to function. It is best to level the ground with some gravel before building the floor, which you will need to do yourself. Many users prefer a wooden platform, which you can build on top of the gravel using 2x4s or simple plywood and the floor kit. Other options include a cement, brick, or stone patio for it to rest on. If you go that route, you won’t need the floor kit. Afterward, expect a pretty tedious 4-6 hour assembly that will give you and your helper a headache. Fortunately, once it’s over, you won’t have to do it again! The most common complaint buyers have with this shed was that it is difficult to build. The best advice here is if you do settle on this particular shed, follow the instructions carefully, plan out adequate time to build it, and have an extra helper if possible.

Arrow 6' x 5' Newburgh Eggshell with Coffee Trim Low Gable Electro-Galvanized Steel Storage Shed

Arrow 6' x 5' Newburgh Eggshell with Coffee Trim Low Gable Electro-Galvanized Steel…

ELECTRO GALVANIZED STEEL: Treated with zinc and provides corrosion resistance and protects from wet weather


Arrow Arlington High Gable Steel Storage Shed

Arrow Arlington High Gable Steel Storage Shed

Arrow’s Arlington line of steel storage sheds have a slightly higher roof pitch and placement, resulting in taller buildings with more headroom, but also more presence in the yard. These are available in two size configurations. In this review, we’ll be focused on the 10’ x 8’ model.

Key Points at a Glance
  • Made from electro-galvanized steel to help with corrosion resistance
  • Steel panels are also UV resistant
  • Sliding doors; ability to be padlocked
  • Door on the 10' side
  • The high gable roof gives additional headroom when inside
  • Floor frame not included (optional)
  • Warranty: 10-year warranty
Dimensions
Size10’ x 8’
Door Opening55" x 60"
Item weight191 pounds
Shipping weight201 pounds
The Details

Arrow Arlington Steel Storage Shed

The Arlington shed from Arrow largely has the same design benefits and flaws that we just covered in the Newburgh. There are a few key differences - for one, the Arlington is a bit larger, coming in at 10’ x ‘8 instead of the 6’ x 5’ that is the Newburgh. There’s quite a bit of storage space in the Arlington shed, both due to the additional height and the larger overall footprint. There’s plenty of room to store both a riding lawn mower, the chipper/shredder, the pressure washer, a potting bench, etc. The Arlington shed should be sufficiently sealed for keeping out animals and rain, but its lifespan may be considerably impacted by consistent strong windy hurricane-esque conditions or severe coastal weather.

Accessories

Like the Arrow Newburgh, the same snow concerns are present with the Arlington shed. If you’re in a snowy area, pick up the roofing kit for extra support. Also, be vigilant to remove snow before it builds up too much. There is a floor kit available for this shed if you don’t want to put it on a concrete pad.

Preparation and Assembly

Like the Newburgh, you’ll need to get the ground level and to create a proper base. You could do that with the shed base kit and some 3/4“ pressure treated plywood, or you could pour a concrete pad. Be sure the shed foundation is level before you start to construct the shed. The additional size of the Arlington shed carries with it additional assembly time, unfortunately. Many users have noted the level of difficulty that came with the assembly of the Arlington shed, and buyers should be prepared for a slog. It can take anywhere from eight hours to two separate weekends, depending on the number of people involved. It is generally recommended that assembly is done by at least two people due to the lightweight nature of the steel, which allows it to be easily affected by the wind until it is assembled. Once assembled though, it becomes much more resilient.

Arrow AR108 Shed Ar108A Arlington 10' By 8' Steel Storage Shed, 10' x 8', Eggshell Walls & Coffee Door Jams

Arrow AR108 Shed Ar108A Arlington 10' By 8' Steel Storage Shed, 10' x 8'…

Easy to assemble pre-cut and pre-drilled parts


Kinbor 8’ x 6’ Outdoor White Steel Garden Storage Utility Tool Shed

Kinbor New 8 x 6 Outdoor White Steel Garden Storage Utility

Kinbor’s 8’ x 6’ steel storage shed is a simple looking steel storage shed with a low gabled roof, and sliding double doors for easy access the ample interior. The shed does not come with a bottom, so you’ll probably want to construct a concrete pad underneath. It includes four vents placed at the top of the gables, to allow for good airflow through the unit.

Key Points at a Glance
  • Galvanized steel parts, pre-cut and drilled
  • 2 sliding doors
  • 4 vents to help with lighting, increased airflow
  • Floor frame not included
  • Warranty: Contact the seller directly on Amazon for more information regarding their warranty.
Dimensions
Size8’ x 6’ (more specifically: 6.7’L x 8.4’W x 5.8’H)
Door Opening61”
Capacity445 cu ft
Item weight154 pounds
Shipping weight162.7 pounds
Headroom inside69”
The Details

Kinbor Outdoor White Steel Garden Storage Shed

Kinbor’s galvanized steel shed is best described as a middle option for between the Arrow Newburgh and the Arrow Arlington. It is similar, in that it has galvanized steel parts, pre-drilled holes, an open floor design, and a small gable roof design. Unique to Kinbor’s shed comparatively though, are its two vents placed in the front (above the door) and the back, allowing for light and air to filter through. Despite its smaller size (8’ x 6’), it is nearly the same weight as Arrow’s 10’ x 8’ model, meaning it should hold up a bit better in wind, and feel sturdier overall.

Preparation and Assembly

There is no floor framing kit available for the Kinbor shed, so if you want a plywood floor, you’ll need something custom. These sheds are designed to go on a concrete pad (unless you want to mow the grass inside the shed), so figure that into the scope of ground preparation. On another positive note, assembly of the Kinbor shed is a little bit less exhausting than the Arrow sheds, though it’s still a bear.

Photo

Outsunny 7’ x 4’ Outdoor Metal Garden Storage Shed

Outsunny 7 x 4 Outdoor Metal Garden Storage Shed

The Outsunny 7’ x 4’ metal garden shed is very similar in design to the other sheds on our list and features a stylish deep gray paint color and a fairly attractive overall look. Like the other sheds on our list today, this one does not include a floor, however, it does come with the floor framing kit. You can attach 1“ plywood to the frame, and build your own floor without purchasing an extra floor kit.

Key Points at a Glance
  • Galvanized steel and durable polypropylene construction
  • Gable roof to help resist weather, such as moisture and rain
  • Double sliding doors
  • 4 vents for airflow and additional light
  • Grey with white trim
  • Warranty: Contact the seller directly on Amazon for more information regarding their warranty.
Dimensions
Overall dimensions84"L x 50.5"W x 73"H
Inside Dimensions80"L x 46.5"W x 72"H
Wall Height61.75"
Door Dimensions37.5"L x 61.5"H
Vent Dimensions8.5"L x 4"W
Item weight108 pounds
Shipping weight128 pounds
The Details

Outsunny Metal Tool Shed

The final two sheds we’ll be reviewing today are from Outsunny. We’ll be comparing their 7’ x 4’ model as well as their slightly larger 9’ x 6’, seeing how they stack up against Arrow and Kinbor, as well as if there are any noticeable differences between the two besides just size. The first is the 7’ x 4’ model. For its size and weight, it is comparable to the Arrow Newburgh, with it being slightly lengthier but less wide. Depending on what you are storing, this may be more helpful in squeezing in that extra lawnmower, if you can fit it width wise. Similar to Arrow’s models, it suffers the same fate as being notoriously difficult to put together and assemble in a timely manner. Another issue is the flimsiness of the metal walls, as the thickness is a bit too small for a good shed. While being a metal shed will certainly help lower upkeep costs associated with typical wooden sheds, Outsunny may have cut corners too much in order to get the price down. While it will definitely serve its purpose once assembled, the overall quality is in question, and one may wonder how long it will last after its finished. And of course, it lacks the 10-year warranty that the Arrow sheds come with.

Outsunny 7' x 4' Outdoor Storage Shed, Garden Tool Metal Shed with Foundation Kit, Double Lockable Door, Air Vents and Sloping Roof, for Backyard, Patio, Lawn, Gray

Outsunny 7' x 4' Outdoor Storage Shed, Garden Tool Metal Shed with Foundation Kit…

Spacious Storage Shed: Our outdoor metal shed features plenty of inner storage space so that you can store garden tools, lawn care equipment, and pool supplies. Lockable double doors to secure items (lock is excluded).


Outsunny 9’ x 6’ Outdoor Backyard Metal Garden Utility Storage Shed

Outsunny 9’ x 6’ Outdoor Backyard Metal Garden Utility Storage Shed

The Outsunny 9’ x 6’ shed is very similar to the above 7’ x 4’, but it comes with a larger footprint, which many users may find very useful. There is significantly more storage space to be found in this shed, though the access door is a little bit small, given the overall size of the shed.

Key Points at a Glance
  • Galvanized steel and durable polypropylene construction
  • Gable roof to help resist weather, such as moisture and rain
  • Double sliding doors
  • 4 vents for airflow and additional light
  • Grey with white trim
  • Warranty: Contact the seller directly on Amazon for more information regarding their warranty.
Dimensions
Overall dimensions109.5"L x 76.5"W x 76"H
Inside Dimensions105"L x 39"W x 76.5"H
Wall Height62”
Door Dimensions37.75"L x 60.5"H
Vent Dimensions8.5"L x 4"W
Item weight143 pounds
Shipping weight156 pounds
The Details

Outsunny Metal Utility Storage Shed

Whereas the Arrow Newburgh and Arrow Arlington sheds are two different sheds respectively (such as having differing gable designs and other subtle design differences, the only difference between the Outsunny 7’ x 4’ shed and the 9’ x 6’ shed is size alone. Like the other Outsunny shed, this one includes a floor framing kit, which is helpful but suffers all the quality and material issues that plague the 7’ x 4’ Outsunny shed. It also has the same assembly issues common to all these metal sheds, unfortunately.

Outsunny 9' x 6' Outdoor Backyard Metal Garden Utility Storage Shed - Gray/White

Outsunny 9' x 6' Outdoor Backyard Metal Garden Utility Storage Shed - Gray/White

SPACIOUS LAYOUT: This metal outdoor shed is perfectly designed for garden tools, lawn care equipment, pool supplies, and more.


Conclusion: Best Steel Storage Shed

Metal sheds are advantageous in many situations and have a number of benefits over their wood shed counterparts. Often they are much cheaper, you can DIY (do-it-yourself), can build them without having an expensive foundation, will never pose a fire hazard, and they are often just good enough to help protect your tools and other appliances like lawnmowers or snowblowers. While the common denominator seems to be difficult assembly, this can be overcome with help from a spouse or friend, as well as setting aside a proper amount of time to get it done. Typically, this is one nice, clear-weather day, to make sure it is done properly and correctly. Out of the options we’ve reviewed, the Arrow Newburgh came up as having the least amount of problems when cared for and assembled properly. While it is on the smaller side, the space should be sufficient to take care of most needs and it is budget friendly as well. The Kinbor 8’ x 6’ is the runner-up, having additional features like a ventilation system and looking equally appealing in any setting, but being more on the expensive side. And if you haven’t completely ruled out a resin storage shed, you should at least consider one, as they have several advantages that metal sheds don’t. Be sure to check out our guide on how to organize your shed, as well.

Arrow 6' x 5' Newburgh Eggshell with Coffee Trim Low Gable Electro-Galvanized Steel Storage Shed

Arrow 6' x 5' Newburgh Eggshell with Coffee Trim Low Gable Electro-Galvanized Steel…

ELECTRO GALVANIZED STEEL: Treated with zinc and provides corrosion resistance and protects from wet weather


The Edit our picks
Arrow 6' x 5' Newburgh Eggshell with Coffee Trim Low Gable Electro-Galvanized Steel Storage Shed
Editor's pick

Arrow 6' x 5' Newburgh Eggshell with Coffee Trim Low Gable Electro-Galvanized Steel…

ELECTRO GALVANIZED STEEL: Treated with zinc and provides corrosion resistance and protects from wet weather

Outdoor Living · reviewed by the editorsCheck price on Amazon
Photo

B06X3X5R47

Outdoor Living · reviewed by the editorsCheck price on Amazon
Arrow AR108 Shed Ar108A Arlington 10' By 8' Steel Storage Shed, 10' x 8', Eggshell Walls & Coffee Door Jams

Arrow AR108 Shed Ar108A Arlington 10' By 8' Steel Storage Shed, 10' x 8'…

Easy to assemble pre-cut and pre-drilled parts

Outdoor Living · reviewed by the editorsCheck price on Amazon
Outsunny 7' x 4' Outdoor Storage Shed, Garden Tool Metal Shed with Foundation Kit, Double Lockable Door, Air Vents and Sloping Roof, for Backyard, Patio, Lawn, Gray

Outsunny 7' x 4' Outdoor Storage Shed, Garden Tool Metal Shed with Foundation Kit…

Spacious Storage Shed: Our outdoor metal shed features plenty of inner storage space so that you can store garden tools, lawn care equipment, and pool supplies. Lockable double doors to secure items (lock is excluded).

Outdoor Living · reviewed by the editorsCheck price on Amazon
Outsunny 9' x 6' Outdoor Backyard Metal Garden Utility Storage Shed - Gray/White

Outsunny 9' x 6' Outdoor Backyard Metal Garden Utility Storage Shed - Gray/White

SPACIOUS LAYOUT: This metal outdoor shed is perfectly designed for garden tools, lawn care equipment, pool supplies, and more.

Outdoor Living · reviewed by the editorsCheck price on Amazon