Sheds: Plastic vs. Metal and Wood

A shed is the perfect place to store tools both big and small that are used within your home and around your yard. Whether your shed houses a lawn mower, sawhorse, or array of smaller and frequently used tools, it’s undoubtedly a valuable space that exists outside of the walls of your home.

However, it can be hard deciding on the best material for your shed. With a wealth of options, it’s hard to know the right avenue to travel down without knowing the facts. Below, explore the pros and cons of plastic sheds versus those made of metal or wood to help decide what’s the best option to add to your home.

Plastic Sheds

Plastic is a common construction material for sheds, and for good reason. These sheds have a traditional look to them and have many positive points. When you think of something being plastic, you may immediately equate the structure with being flimsy or of low quality. This is not the case with plastic sheds, which are meant to be durable and dense.

The Pros

Plastic sheds are easy to clean and require little to no maintenance, which is a huge plus. They are also high in density and are very durable, also boasting a UV resistant material that is specific to outdoor use. Plastic is practically weatherproof, which is an important factor for many. Plastic sheds can stand the test of time when it comes to surviving the outdoor elements that can sometimes pose a challenge to the longevity of a structure.

Plastic sheds are easy to design, making them aesthetically pleasing and easy to match to one’s style and preferences. In addition to the long life of these structures, they come at a great value, making them an attractive option to shed buyers.

The Cons

The assembly of these structures can be tricky, which is certainly something to consider when you’re assembling your shed independently. Plastic sheds may not be the most secure, which can be important when they’re going to be housing expensive tools or machinery.

Another disadvantage to consider is the fact that plastic sheds aren’t always able to stand up to extreme temperatures. Depending on the climate in which you live, this is something to think about. Finally, plastic sheds simply don’t have the same level of strength that metal and wood sheds do.

Metal and Wood Sheds

Metal and wood sheds are some of the most highly rated, as they’re noted to be both aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting. Delve into their pros and cons below to help you make an educated decision on what type of shed is best suited for you.

The Pros

As mentioned above, metal and wood sheds are regarded as highly pleasing when it comes to looks. These sheds can be designed in a variety of ways, having doors that open and close traditionally or, alternatively, featuring doors that slide. Another advantage of wood or metal sheds is that they are generally heavier, ensuring their durability and forgoing the need for an anchor system.

Metal sheds are typically an affordable option, which is a plus when it comes to deciding what material is the best choice. Metal sheds also prove to be low-maintenance, making them easy to care for, even over time.

The Cons

Metal and wood sheds also have some disadvantages associated with them. First, wooden sheds take a substantial amount of time as well as carpentry skills to assemble. Next, wooden sheds can be a bit pricey which is something to consider.

Metal sheds have their share of disadvantages, too. This material may not stand up to a heavy amount of snow or can even be damaged by powerful winds. Metal can also be easily damaged by things like a baseball dent, and these damages are hard to repair, making this factor something to think about.

Each shed material has its ups and downs, so it’s important to consider all factors when you’re in the market for a shed. Whatever you decide, they all make for a suitable option to provide extra storage space and are a great storage addition to any home and yard.