5 Factors to Consider When Buying a Garden Shed

Whether it’s a storage spot for a few of your gardening must-haves or a larger space to organize everything for a full-blown vegetable patch, the right garden shed can make gardening a whole lot easier. But with so many options out there (different sizes, materials, and even DIY kits), it helps to know what to look for before buying.

Here are important things you need to think through before picking out a shed for the garden this season.

1. What You Actually Need to Store

You need to start off by thinking about the stuff that’s actually going inside your shed. For most gardeners, that includes the usual suspects like shovels, rakes, bags of soil, terra cotta pots, maybe a hose reel or a folding potting bench. And somehow, no matter how minimal things start out, the gear tends to multiply over time.

If it’s mostly hand tools and a few small items, a small garden shed might be all that’s needed. These smaller options are perfect for container gardeners, raised beds or anyone working with a smaller yard. They also make great secondary sheds when the main one’s already full of lawn equipment and holiday decorations.

For larger setups where you need to store tools, extra soil, seed trays and maybe a spot to repot plants during the season, you need a bigger garden storage shed.

One quick tip: gather everything that needs storing and lay it out on your patio or lawn. It’s the easiest way to get a clear picture of what size shed you actually need.

Getting this part right can save a lot of hassle later, especially when gardening season is in full swing and everything needs to be easy to grab and put away.

2. Materials Matter (A Lot)

It might not seem like a big deal, but after deciding on shed size, the next thing to think through is the shed material. Most garden sheds are made from either resin, wood or metal, and each one has its own strengths depending on how it’ll be used and what kind of maintenance sounds doable.

• Resin garden sheds (often grouped with plastic garden sheds) are popular for good reason. 
• They’re weather-resistant, durable and don’t need much upkeep. 
• These sheds won’t rust, rot or warp, and most that come in kits can be assembled in a day with just a few basic tools. 
• They’re also a smart choice for anyone who wants a no-fuss solution. 
• Wood garden sheds are a go-to for people who want something that looks more traditional or blends in with the landscaping. 
• They can be stained or painted to match other backyard features. 
• The tradeoff? Wood needs regular maintenance. Sometimes this can be a lot. Things like sealing, checking for moisture damage and making sure there’s good airflow to prevent mold or mildew inside are all important.
• Metal sheds are another popular choice. 
• They are sturdy and often affordable, but they can get hot in the sun and may be more prone to condensation if there’s no built-in ventilation. 
• They’re a solid option for storing tools and supplies, but not always the best fit for delicate items like seed packets or soil that needs to stay dry.

Our pick would be the resin shed since it’s low maintenance and can be a great place to cultivate your plants. No matter which route you go, though, it’s worth thinking about the weather in your area, how often the shed will be used and how much time (or energy) there is for maintenance down the road.

3. Assembly: DIY or Delivered Ready to Go?

One of the first questions people have when picking out a garden shed is whether to go the DIY route or just buy something that's ready to be set up right away. A lot of people search for do-it-yourself garden shed kits because they like building it themselves. But if that’s not your thing, don’t worry! There are plenty of sheds that come ready to be assembled with little effort on your part.

For those who do enjoy the challenge, building a garden shed from scratch can be very rewarding, though it does come with its share of time and effort. At minimum, you’ll need a hammer, drill, level and possibly a saw, depending on the kit you choose. Expect anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the shed. For some, this is a relaxing way to spend a Saturday; for others, it’s a headache they’d rather avoid.

If you’re leaning toward the DIY garden shed kits route, remember that most resin and plastic garden sheds are the easiest to snap together with minimal tools and no need for advanced carpentry skills. These are usually the best option for anyone who wants something quick and easy without the need for special equipment or a full day of building. Just grab a few basic tools, follow the instructions and you’re good to go! They’re also super durable, which a lot of people wouldn’t guess since they’re easy to assemble, too!

No matter which direction you go, it’s important to think about how much time you really want to spend on assembly. If the thought of building a shed from scratch sounds more stressful than fun, choosing one that’s pre-assembled, or at least comes in a shed kit, might save you a lot of hassle.

4. Durability and Weather Resistance

One of the top questions people ask is: what type of garden shed lasts the longest? The answer depends a lot on where it’s going and what kind of weather it needs to stand up to. A shed that holds up perfectly in a dry, mild climate might struggle in a spot with heavy snow, high humidity or full-sun day after day.

In hot, sunny climates, plastic garden sheds made from UV-protected resin are usually a safe bet. They won’t fade or crack as easily under intense sunlight, and they’re built to resist warping and splitting over time. If humidity is a factor, resin handles moisture better than wood. Metal sheds will need a rust-resistant coating to truly hold up long-term. In snowy areas, durability comes down to structure. Look for sheds with reinforced roofs that can handle snow loads and won’t cave under pressure.

Wood sheds can last a long time, too, but without proper sealing and ventilation, they’re more prone to rot in wet or humid areas. So, you’ll be doing a ton of maintenance. 

At the end of the day, gardening tools and supplies aren’t cheap, and the last thing anyone wants is to open the shed in spring and find rusted tools or moldy seed trays. A durable, weather-resistant garden storage shed helps keep everything protected year-round, no matter what the forecast looks like.

5. Style and Placement in Your Yard

Last of all, just because it’s functional doesn’t mean a garden shed has to stick out like a sore thumb. These days, sheds come in all kinds of colors, rooflines and door styles. So, it’s totally possible to find one that works with the look of your backyard. Whether it’s a soft neutral that blends in or something bolder that stands out in a good way, the right shed can actually add to your outdoor space instead of taking away from it.

Placement is just as important as style. Try to position the shed where it’s easy to get to during the busy gardening months. We’d suggest close to raised beds, compost bins or wherever the action tends to happen. If it’s too far out of the way, it’s more likely to turn into a storage catchall instead of a useful garden tool hub.

In the end, a garden storage shed should work just as well for your space and style as it does for your tools, and with the right placement, it’ll actually make gardening easier and more enjoyable.

Choosing the right garden shed comes down to what you need it to do, and how much time and energy you want to put into setting it up and keeping it looking good. 

Keter garden sheds are a solid option for just about any backyard. They come in a range of sizes, are made from durable weather-resistant resin and come in easy-to-assemble kits. Whether it’s tools, soil or garden supplies, they help keep everything organized and protected, season after season.