Every shed material has its fans, and they’ll all tell you theirs is best. The truth is that each suits a different job, garden and budget. Here’s a straight comparison.
| Feature | Wooden | Metal | Plastic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical 8×6 price | From about £450 Overlap is cheapest; shiplap and T&G cost more | From about £200 The most floor space for your money | From about £490 Branded resin like Keter costs more |
| Maintenance | Treat every 1-2 years Preserver or shed paint, plus a roof felt check | Very little Wipe down, keep vents and gutters clear | Hardly any Hose it down now and then |
| Typical lifespan | 10-15+ years 15-20+ if pressure treated and looked after | 15-20+ years Galvanised steel won’t rot or get woodworm | 10-15+ years UV-stabilised resin won’t rot or fade quickly |
| Assembly | Half a day, two people Pre-built panels screw together | A full day Lots of small screws, but light to handle | Easiest Panels slot and clip together |
| Security | Good with upgrades Fit a heavy-duty hasp and padbolt | Very good Tough to cut, often padlockable | Fair Fine for tools; add a lock for bikes |
| Condensation | Low Timber breathes naturally | Can be an issue Needs a good base and ventilation | Some Keep the vents open |
| Customising | Easy Screw shelves and hooks anywhere | Harder Use magnetic or bolt-on storage | Limited Use the maker’s shelf kits |
| Weight | Heavy Stays put in strong winds | Light Must be anchored to the base | Light to medium Anchor it in exposed gardens |
| Best for | Looks and workshops Potting sheds, hobbies, custom fit-outs | Secure storage on a budget Bikes, mowers and power tools | Zero upkeep Small gardens and busy people |
Prices are typical for an 8×6 in our current range and change daily with the retailer.
Wooden sheds
Timber is the classic choice for good reason. It looks at home in a British garden, it’s easy to screw shelves and hooks into, and wood breathes, so condensation is rarely a problem. The catch is maintenance: it needs treating every year or two to keep rot at bay.
Our wooden pick
Waltons 8×6 ft Heavy Duty Wooden Shed, Shiplap, Pent Roof, Styrene
Heavy-duty shiplap tongue and groove on a sturdy frame. Built to last if you look after it.
- Easy to customise
- Natural look
- Low condensation
Metal sheds
Galvanised steel sheds give you the most space for your money, won’t rot, and are tough to break into. They can suffer from condensation, though, because cold metal attracts moisture. Our condensation guide shows how to stop it.
Our metal pick
Duramax TOP 10×8 Metal Garden Storage Shed (7.83 m²), Hot-Dipped
A big 10×8 in hot-dipped galvanised steel from Duramax, a name that knows metal sheds.
- Rot and pest proof
- Strong and secure
- Great value per square foot
Plastic (resin) sheds
Modern plastic sheds aren’t the flimsy things they used to be. The best, like Keter’s, use thick resin with a wood-effect finish. They never need painting, don’t rot and are easy to clean. They’re lighter, so they need a good base and anchoring in exposed gardens.
Our plastic pick
Keter Darwin Outdoor Apex Double Door Garden Storage Shed 6 x 8ft
Keter’s Darwin 6×8 looks like timber but needs zero upkeep. A favourite with people who want an easy life.
- No painting ever
- Wood-effect finish
- Rot-proof
So which should you choose?
- Choose wood if looks matter, you want a workshop, or you’ll be fitting lots of shelving.
- Choose metal if you want maximum space and security for the money.
- Choose plastic if you never want to pick up a paintbrush.
Browse wooden sheds, metal sheds or plastic sheds, or read up on timber cladding types if you’re leaning towards wood.
