A garden shed offers you so much storage space and a place to hide away all your tools and garden instruments.
Not only that, if you pick the right one it can make an attractive addition to your space.
If you’ve been looking into buying a shed for your property, you may be wondering what material will work best for you.
Here’s a closer look at some of the most common shed materials and their pros and cons.
Plastic Sheds
Pros
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Easy to build
Plastic sheds can often be bought in kits, making them easy to put together.
The panels simply lock together which means almost anyone can build one without too much help.
They’re lightweight which means there’s very little heavy lifting of panels like with a wooden shed.
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Affordable
Plastic sheds tend to be a very affordable option for people who are looking to purchase a shed for their garden.
Not only are they reasonably priced, but they’re also strong and of good quality.
They will last you a long time without having to replace them too often.
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Low Maintenance
Unlike wooden or metal sheds, plastic doesn’t rot or rust. As a result, plastic sheds are relatively low maintenance.
There’s no need to treat or paint them every year or so.
Plastic sheds are strong but also lightweight, meaning you can move them around easily as and when you need to.
Cons
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Visual Appeal
When it comes to how they look, plastic sheds are often lacking the visual appeal you get with a classic wooden alternative.
You can buy plastic sheds that have a wooden appearance, but they still don’t quite have the same effect.
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Weight-bearing capability
With a plastic shed, you may find that they do not have the same weight-bearing capability as a wooden shed.
As a result, you’ll need to be careful about what you’re storing and how much.
Wooden Sheds
Pros
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Visual appeal
When it comes to buying a garden shed, nothing quite has the visual appeal of wood.
You can stain it or paint it whatever colour you like and turn it into a focal point in your space.
They’re also really warm to be in as the wood acts as an insulator. Overall they feel much more inviting than plastic or metal alternatives.
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Customisability
You can use a wooden shed for your garden maintenance tools in the same way you can a plastic or metal alternative.
Wooden sheds also make great playhouses for children, and you can even use them as a summer house in the warmer weather.
You can also have a wooden shed custom built to meet your individual needs. When you think about it, it’s no wonder that they’re so popular.
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Easy to repair
If something breaks on your wooden shed, it’s usually easy to repair.
You can take out any individual damaged slats wherever you need to and replace that piece alone without having to buy a whole new shed.
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Durability
A well-maintained wooden shed can easily last upwards of 15 to 20 years.
You’ll be sure to get your money’s worth out of it.
Cons
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Maintenance
Wooden sheds do require maintenance. You have to regularly check them for rot, and they may occasionally need new panels or roof.
If you don’t maintain them properly, you risk losing them to rot or insect damage. This can be expensive if you’re buying a new shed every few years as a result.
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Rot
Wooden sheds are susceptible to rot where plastic and metal sheds are not. Wood is porous and when it gets wet or even damp, rot can start to set in if it’s not dried out quickly enough.
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Insect Damage
One of the drawbacks of a wooden shed is that they’re susceptible to insect damage and termites.
This means that you’ll need to make sure you invest in regular routine maintenance checks to make sure you keep it critter-free.
Metal Sheds
Pros
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Highly durable
Out of all the shed materials you can get, metal is probably the most durable.
They are more resistant to insect infections and mould and don’t really require any maintenance. They are also safer in the rare instances of a fire or very bad weather.
Their high durability makes them a popular choice, especially with businesses and factories that need a shed that’s going to last.
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Rot & insect resistant
With a metal shed, you don’t need to worry about rot or damage caused by insects.
This makes them a great option for people who are looking for a fuss-free, low-maintenance option.
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Most affordable
Metal sheds are the most affordable option of the three which is often a huge selling point; especially if you need more than one.
Cons
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Easily dented
Metal sheds are often easily dented by knocks that come with general wear and tear.
It might therefore get a few marks along the way which could affect its appearance.
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Visual appeal
There’s no denying that a metal shed is not as attractive as a wooden one.
They’re designed for practicality rather than their desirability so bear in mind what your needs are when you’re looking for a new shed.
Conclusion
The type of shed you buy will often depend on your needs and personal preference.
Each different material has its own benefits and drawbacks.
A qualified shed designer can help pick the right shed for the property so get in touch and let us see how we can help you.
