Cheap sheds have a bad reputation, and some of it’s deserved. Thin cladding, flimsy floors and doors that warp by spring. But there are good budget sheds out there, and if you know where to save, you can get years out of one without spending a fortune.
Where it’s fine to save money
- Overlap cladding is fine for basic storage if you treat it every year or two.
- No windows means cheaper and more secure.
- Metal sheds give you the most floor space per pound.
- A smaller size: be honest about what you need to store.
Where cutting corners costs you later
- The base: a cheap shed on a bad base won’t last. Budget for a shed base.
- The floor: avoid paper-thin floors if you’re storing a mower.
- Treatment: a £20 tin of preserver every couple of years can double the life of a cheap wooden shed.
Our best budget picks
Cheapest decent shed
Aoxun 5x3ft (Overall Dimensions) Outdoor Storage Shed, Galvanized
A compact galvanised metal shed that’s ideal for tools, the mower or a couple of bags of compost. Hard to beat for the money.
- Very low price
- Rot-proof steel
- Small footprint
Best budget 6×4
GARDEBRUK 6x4ft Metal Garden Shed with Foundation, 200x135x190cm, Grey
This 6×4 metal shed comes with a foundation frame, which saves you buying a separate base kit. Great value for a full-size small shed.
- Foundation frame included
- Apex roof
- Plenty of space for the price
Most space for your money
Aoxun 8x6ft Metal Garden Shed, Large Outdoor Tool Storage, Black
An 8×6 for the price of a small wooden shed. Metal sheds like this are the budget champions if you just need dry, secure storage.
- Big footprint, low price
- Air vents to cut condensation
- Lockable doors
Best cheap wooden shed
Mercia 6 x 4 ft Overlap Apex Wooden Garden Shed
If you want timber, Mercia’s 6×4 overlap apex is a well-made budget shed from a trusted UK brand. Treat it well and it’ll look after you.
- Proper timber shed
- Apex roof
- Easy to paint any colour
Best budget 7×5
Waltons 7×5 Wooden Garden Shed
A step up in space without a big jump in price. The 7×5 is a great size for families and fits most gardens.
- Popular family size
- Pent roof
- Good value timber shed
Making a cheap shed last
- Put it on a level, solid base, raised off wet ground.
- Treat wooden sheds before you put them up, including the bits you won’t reach later. See how to treat a shed.
- Check the roof felt each autumn. Our maintenance guide covers this too.
- Add a better hasp and padlock. Budget sheds usually have weak latches. Here’s how to secure a shed.
- Ventilate metal sheds to stop condensation. Our condensation guide shows how.
Is a cheap shed a false economy?
Not if you pick the right one and look after it. Where people come unstuck is buying the cheapest wooden shed they can find, putting it straight on the grass and never treating it. Do the basics and a budget shed will easily outlast the warranty. Still undecided on material? Read our wood vs metal vs plastic comparison.
