Things You Need to Consider When Buying an Outdoor Shed
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Purchasing an outdoor shed is often a significant purchase within the household budget, so as part of your due diligence, it makes sense to learn a little about the various types of outdoor storage units and then marry them up against what you actually need for your yard. An outdoor shed buying guide can help steer you in the right direction, ensuring you purchase a shed that meets your storage needs and stays within your budget. You need to feel you are receiving value for your money and that the shed you buy will meet your purchasing criteria.
We did the comparison work already. See our tested shortlist: The 7 Best Storage Sheds of 2026
Set Your Boundaries
Yes, you need some boundaries. You can easily become carried away with the huge range of enticing sheds available, complete with skylights and windows, but first of all, you need to work out what you will be using your shed for, why you need it, how large it needs to be, maintenance requirements, long-term durability, strength, and price. You should consider where in your yard it will be located, what type of preparation is required, and whether it will look like it belongs in your yard and not stick out like a sore thumb. Aesthetically, consider the overall look of your house and yard when selecting a shed that will complement it.
Size
One of the best ways to work out what size shed you will need is to gather up all the things you are going to store in there and arrange them in your yard. Then measure the space it takes up, taking care to allow a couple of feet extra all the way around. You might be surprised at the size of storage space you will need, but this beats guessing any day and getting an unwanted surprise when your things don’t fit. A rule of thumb is that the larger the amount of yard you have to care for, the more shed storage for tools you will need. It doesn’t hurt either if you measure the largest items as well. You could even try setting out the items in a sample floor layout plan to get a feel for what could go where. After that, measure the space again.
What is Going to be Stored?
You need to consider this one, particularly if others plan to store things there. For example, you might want to store pool cleaning equipment and chemicals there, but the kids want to put their bikes in. Kids and chemicals don’t mix, so consider either two smaller sheds or a different option for the kids’ bikes. Maybe kids’ bikes and pool toys have a separate storage option. You will need to determine if one large shed will suit your yard in terms of size and function, or if two or three smaller storage solutions will work better.
Types of Sheds
The most common types these days come in kits, and you put them together yourself. It is an easy way to achieve the finished product quickly and gives you a sense of accomplishment. Outdoor storage comes in many different styles and sizes and includes everything you need to build your shed. You can choose different material types as well. For example, plastic and/or vinyl, metal, or wood are the most common. Everything is pre-cut to size for you as well, and some include internal shelving, windows, and skylights.
You must do some research and look at all the available options. For example, you can add extra modules onto some sheds as your storage requirements change. It would be a shame to find out about this three years down the track, after you have purchased a shed that doesn’t have an extension option. Financially, purchasing one new module is better than a whole new shed. Also, check how difficult it might be to assemble. What is thought to be easy for some can be difficult for others. The easiest sheds to assemble are usually the vinyl variety.
When you have narrowed down a material, browse our latest reviews by type: outdoor sheds, deck boxes, storage benches, and storage boxes.
Cost
Storage Sheds can range in price from under $100 to over $5000, depending on the size and quality. The saying that you receive what you pay for is especially true regarding outdoor sheds. Budget is always an important consideration, so you need to be sure about what you are buying and why. As with most things, do your research, read reviews on Amazon and other sites, and make sure you have a flat-level area to erect your shed.
Here are a few sheds that we have reviewed on the site. We’ve put the more popular sheds in the table below. This isn’t an exhaustive list; you can find many more shed reviews by browsing our site.
| Pick | Shed | Approx. Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Suncast Tremont 8×10 | $1,100-$2,300 | Check price |
| Best Value | Lifetime 6411 | Varies by retailer | Check price |
| Best Budget | Arrow Elite 8×6 | ~$795 | Check price |
See the full breakdown of all seven picks, with pros, cons, and photos, in our Best Storage Sheds of 2026 roundup.
Site Preparation
This is possibly the most critical part of assembling your storage building. The prepared area, whether concrete or something else, must be perfectly level. The base must be level for all parts of the shed to align correctly. A lot of people who try to erect an outdoor shed don’t understand the importance of this and become upset with the shed because it won’t align correctly. The misalignment will generally not become apparent until it is time to put the roof trusses in. A perfectly level base will avoid this and save you from having to pull it down and start over. Factor this in right from the get-go. Read more about shed site preparation.
Permits
One of the most overlooked yet critical issues is whether or not you will need a permit to erect your new storage space. This can depend on the size of the shed and your local building codes; if so, it will need to comply with your local codes. You should do some quick research before investing in a shed. Also, be sure to check your homeowner’s association requirements. Even if you don’t need a permit, there can be height restrictions and rules about how close the shed can be to the property line. Some require this type of thing, and others do not, so it is important to check first and avoid possible fines and delays.
Shed Maintenance
Vinyl is the most popular material for outdoor storage sheds because of its low maintenance requirements. If you are careful not to stack firewood against it and keep grass away from the edges, the durability of vinyl will ensure it holds its shape and color. Basic cleaning is generally adequate for man-made sheds as opposed to wood and metal sheds, which require much more regular maintenance.
Buying Guide FAQs
How much should I budget for a storage shed?
Storage sheds range from under $100 for small vertical units to over $5,000 for large premium buildings. Most full-size resin sheds from the major brands fall in the $1,000 to $1,600 range, and quality tracks price closely in this category. Budget for a base and an anchor kit as well.
What is the lowest-maintenance shed material?
Vinyl and resin are the lowest-maintenance materials. They hold their shape and color with basic cleaning, never need painting, and resist rot and rust. Wood and metal sheds need much more regular upkeep. Keep firewood and grass away from the edges and a vinyl or resin shed will last for years.
How do I prepare the ground for a shed?
Prepare a perfectly level base of concrete, compacted gravel, or a manufacturer-approved foundation before assembly. A level base is the most critical step: misalignment usually only shows up when the roof trusses go on, and fixing it means tearing the shed down and starting over.
Do HOA rules apply to storage sheds?
Often, yes. Even when no building permit is required, homeowner’s associations can impose height restrictions, material and color rules, and limits on how close a shed can sit to the property line. Check your local building codes and your HOA’s requirements before you order.
Where should I place a shed in my yard?
Pick a spot that is level or easy to level, leaves clearance on all sides for maintenance access, meets any setback rules, and fits the look of your home and landscaping. Corner placements along a fence line are popular, but confirm your HOA and local codes allow it first.
