Best Garden Shed Reviews UK 2023 – Top 9 Choices Compared

Last Updated on January 10, 2023

Our Favourites

Editor’s Choice: Lifetime Vertical Storage
Luxury Choice: Duramax Woodbridge II
Best with Double Walls: Keter Scala 6 x 5

Spending time in your garden is the perfect way to relax and enjoy the British outdoors. Whether you like to grow your own veg, tend to flower beds or simply manicure your lawn; getting the best garden shed in the UK will ensure you have secure storage for your tools and equipment.

But with so many different materials, sizes and styles to choose from, picking the right garden shed for you can be hard work. If you’re confused about which shed you should buy, don’t panic – we’re here to help!

In this article, we will view the top sheds on the market; so you can find the best UK garden shed for your lifestyle!

How We Compared Garden Sheds

To find the right garden sheds we considered multiple factors including:

• Roof
• Windows
• Base/Flooring
• Security

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.

To find out more about our process please see here.

Best Garden Shed Reviews – Top 9 Picks

1. Lifetime Vertical Storage (Editor’s Choice)

If you are looking for a garden shed that packs a lot of value, the Lifetime Vertical Storage could be just the thing. It offers a substantial amount of vertical storage with a smaller footprint overall.

The Vertical Storage garden shed is constructed with high-density polyethylene plastic material which makes it weather and impact resistant. It comes in a roof brown colour which has a grey tint.

This low-maintenance garden shed features two double doors with padlock loops so you can increase security. The walls of this garden shed are double layered and steel reinforced for added durability and strength. The walls can also be fitted with brackets and shelves if you so choose. Its dimensions are 74 x 142 x 174 cm.

A 10-year warranty comes included with the purchase. Lifetime also makes their storage shed in a wide variety of different shapes and sizes if these dimensions don’t suit your space.

Unfortunately, this garden shed does come with what consumers are calling a tricky assembly process which is made worse by fittings not being consistently sized correctly. Additionally, it may require a second person and a power drill to get the task completed. Lastly, it has a flat roof so it will collect some snow and leaves.

2. Duramax Woodbridge II (Luxury Choice)

The Duramax Woodbridge II is our top choice for a luxury garden shed. It provides you with ample storage space in an elaborate and stylish design that is built to last.

This garden shed is available in different colour variation to suit your style. It features double front doors with a window on either side of the front to enhance natural light within. A pent roof with additional steel truss support, built to resemble shingles, helps to keep the roof clear of snow while also having a stylish appearance. Its dimensions are 324.8 x 247 x 233.3 cm.

The Woodbridge II by Duramax comes with a metal foundation kit so you can securely attach it to a platform. The wall columns are reinforced with metal to enhance the strength and sturdiness of the dense plastic structure. For security purposes, this garden shed features eyes in the door handles for a padlock as well as a latch inside the door on the top and bottom. It also comes with an impressive 15-year warranty.

While the Woodbridge II is quite luxurious overall, it should be noted that it doesn’t come with a floor panel. It also has a lengthy assembly process that will take several hours and require you to enlist help from a couple of friends.

3. Keter Scala 6 x 5 (Best with Double-Walls)

Keter is back again, this time with their Scala 6 x 5 garden shed. This plastic storage shed is weather-resistant and provides you with a significant amount of natural lighting thanks to its two oversized windows built into the front doors.

The Keter Scala 6 x 5 garden shed features wood-styled panels in a light brown colour with dark brown trim. The two large front doors are adorned with metal hinges and a sliding latch that has the option to install a padlock for increased security. The walls are constructed using a dual-layer design to improve strength and also enhance security. Its dimensions are 185 x 152 x 226 cm.

To improve air circulation ventilation ducts are incorporated into the Scala’s durable plastic exterior while still ensuring it retains its weather resistance. A 10-year warranty comes standard, as with all Keter garden sheds.

Sadly, the Scala 6 x 5 does not feature an interior shelving option or steel reinforcements so it may not be quite as strong as some of the other options on our best garden shed list. Additionally, we recommend reinforcing the floor panel as it is relatively thin and less sturdy.

4. Keter Store It Out Premier XL (Hygienic Option)

If you want a durable box style garden storage shed for your wheelie rubbish bins or BBQ setup, we recommend considering the Keter Store It Out Premier XL.

The Store It Out Premier XL by Keter comes in a grey colour with a black lid and black trim. It has an 1150 litre capacity large enough for two standard wheelie bins. Its dimensions are 141 x 82 x 123.5 cm. It features a unique bin opening kit that uses chains and clips to raise the lids of your bins simultaneously with the shed lid. This means you don’t have to touch your rubbish bins until it is time to take them to the curb.

The lid on the Premier XL is built at an angle and features pistons inside to help raise the lid and keep it open with minimal effort on your part. The walls on this storage shed are designed with a ribbed structure and double wall panels for increased strength and durability.

Ventilation ducts are built into the exterior on either side and a floor panel keeps your belongings elevated and dry. Expert assembly is available for an upcharge. Shelf brackets and a 10-year warranty are included with the purchase.

Even though this shed isn’t terribly big, it does have a lengthy assembly process that some people found confusing. You may also find that the walls bow if you lean heavy objects against them allowing some unwanted moisture to enter.

5. Keter Manor 4 x 3 (Best Tall)

The Keter Manor 4 x 3 is our number one choice for a tall garden shed with ample vertical storage and a quality build. It has an 1800 litre capacity and a stylish design that easily fits into more confined garden spaces.

The Keter Manor 4 x 3 garden shed has an elegant appearance, at least for a garden shed, and comes in a grey colour with white trim and a black roof and fixtures. Its dimensions are 103 x 129 x 196 cm. The tall, space-saving design features a single front door opening with metal hinges and a lockable latch in case you want to improve security. The Manor 4 x 3 garden shed by Keter includes a floor panel and double walls to ensure effective weather resistance and to keep the contents fully protected.

A ventilation duct above the door, and also built into the floor panel, helps prevent the growth of mildew or mould while still keeping rain and snow outside.
While this option does provide you with lots of vertical storage, it doesn’t have built-in shelving options or come with an extended warranty. Also, you may want to make sure you set aside a good chunk of time to complete the lengthy assembly process.

6. Keter Factor 6 x 6 (Best with Skylight)

The Factor 6 x 6 is a great option if you are seeking a garden shed with lots of upgraded features not found on the more simple, basic models.

Keter’s Factor 6 x 6 garden shed is beige with grey window trim and a grey double front door. It has sturdy door handles with the option to be used in tandem with a padlock and the entire structure is weatherproof. Its dimensions are 178 x 195.5 x 208 cm.

The Factor 6 x 6 garden shed has a large 6100-litre capacity and comes with a skylight and a versatile window that gives you the option to install it on whichever side you prefer. To ensure integrity, the double walls feature ventilation grills and steel reinforcements atop a heavy-duty floor panel. The interior of the Factor 6 x 6 garden shed incorporates two adjustable shelves with brackets to help increase organisation and maximise usable space. Expert assembly is available for an additional cost and a 10-year warranty comes included.

Cons for the Manor 6 x 6 include reports of the walls bowing over time or if you overload the shelves and the need for a second person to complete the assembly process.

7. Keter Store-It Out Max (Best Compact)

The highly practical Keter Store-It Out Max is our next pick. If you are looking for a stylish, durable outdoor storage solution, then this is it. Designed to accommodate two wheelie bins, your garden furniture or equipment, this handy shed makes an excellent choice when you have limited space available.

With its 1,200-litre capacity, this outdoor storage box can accommodate plenty of garden essentials. Thanks to its piston-assisted lid, it makes an excellent place to store your unsightly household refuse bins. Simply lift the lid to use your bins without having to remove them. The double doors make accessing your stored items extremely easy. Its dimensions are 145.5 x 82 x 125 cm. Plus, the sloped front base is an excellent design feature for lawn mowers, bins, or any other wheeled items.

Highly durable and completely weather-resistant, this storage shed will not fade over time. However, it is not 100% waterproof, so bear this in mind if you are looking to store garden seat cushions and the like. Assembly is fairly tricky, so be prepared to set aside several hours. Also, screwing through the plastic can be very tiring, and a power driver is pretty much essential.

With its smart wood-effect panels and ingenious design, the Store-It Out Max is a popular choice. Its double-bolted closure makes it easy to open and close for storage, while the padlock facility gives you the option to secure your possessions.

All in all, for compact garden equipment storage with easy access, this model is an excellent outdoor storage solution and one of the best plastic sheds around.

8. Keter Store It Out Midi (Best with Sturdy Floor)

The Keter Store It Out Midi garden shed is our top choice for anyone prioritising a heavy-duty floor panel. A heavy-duty floor is essential if you want to store heavy items in your garden shed while also keeping them off the ground and dry.

The Store It Out Midi is beige with a dark brown base and lid. This compact storage shed has an 845-litre capacity which is designed to be large enough for two rubbish bins or a grill and other garden tools. Its dimensions are 130 x 74 x 110 cm. It features a lift-up top and a double door front opening for easy and versatile access to the contents stored within.

The Midi is made with durable plastic that is both weather-resistant and low maintenance. A sloped entrance adorns the heavy-duty floor which allows you to easily roll wheeled items into and out of the shed without having to do any heavy lifting.
Added support is built-in to this garden sheds walls for optional shelving. It also features lockable handles and comes with a one-year warranty.

Drawbacks to the Midi garden shed include it having thinner plastic walls which may turn out to be less durable and the top is not piston-assisted so it will not stay up once opened.

9. Toomax Storaway (Low Maintenance Option)

The Toomax Storaway garden storage shed is a great choice if you are looking for a quick and easy assembly process and a compact amount of storage space.

The Storaway by Toomax has an 842-litre capacity easily accessible by a wide double door front opening and a top lid that lifts up. It is capable of holding two large rubbish bins or a grill and BBQ equipment, no problem. All three doors use the same latch and have the option for a padlock as well. Its dimensions are 130 x 75 x 110 cm.

The Storaway comes in either grey with a black lid or vice versa and both options include an integrated floor panel to prevent condensation inside. If you prefer, expert assembly is available with this shed for an additional price and a two-year warranty comes standard with purchase.

Keep in mind, the top on the Storaway is not piston assisted and it has a minimal slant angle so you will most likely have to occasionally clear snow and leaves. Lastly, the rear panels are made with thinner material that is not the same as the plastic walls which lower the structure’s durability and sturdiness overall.

Which Garden Shed Material is Right For You?

When choosing the best sheds in the UK, the first thing you’ll need to decide is which material to go for. Whether you pick a metal, plastic or wooden shed, each has pros and cons which you should be aware of beforehand.

In this section of our shed buying guide, we will view the important differences between each of these materials.

1. Wooden Sheds

Wooden sheds are by far the most traditional and popular type of shed. They are often highly customisable, with options for extra interior shelving, windows, log stores and different types of cladding.

A timber design is attractive and blends well with garden surroundings. Should you wish to give your shed a personal touch, the colour can be easily changed with paint or stain. Although, they can be quite difficult to assemble by yourself if you’re not experienced.

These sheds aren’t flimsy, but the weather will inevitably cause wear and tear over time. Therefore, you should ensure the log used in your shed has been treated with a preservative before buying. There are two kinds of log treatment that are usually done.

a. Dip-Treated Wood

Dip-treated timber is one method. As the name suggests, this treatment involves dipping the timber into a treatment bath filled with a preservative solution. This is a quick method of protecting wood, but the preservative only sits on the surface – it doesn’t penetrate any deeper into the fibres.

Dip-treated wood is a cheaper option but it wears off over time and requires regular maintenance to stay protected. This type of wooden shed cannot rest directly onto the ground as it isn’t adequately protected against the accumulation of moisture that occurs in this area. It should be installed onto a separate base which is usually (but not always) included as standard.

b. Pressure Treated Wood

Pressure-treated (tanalised) log has undergone a process that uses pressure to force preservative treatment deep into the fibres of the wood. It is then left to dry out before being used in construction. This process is much more effective than dip treatments and is seen in the best quality garden sheds.

Tanalised wood is durable and highly resistant to rot and decay. If your shed is going to be in an exposed location, you should choose this to ensure it is protected from the elements.

2. Plastic Sheds

Plastic sheds are a great choice if you’re looking for something which is lightweight and easy to set up. They can be moved around your garden as required, and are simple to disassemble and bring with you if you move home.

Most plastic sheds will come with a floor too, so you won’t need to buy anything else to get going. They are very low-maintenance and naturally resistant to rot and discolouration. However, unlike wooden sheds, they are hard to customise. This means you’ll be more limited in your choice of styles.

3. Metal Sheds

If you want a highly durable shed that will last you many years, a metal shed could be the perfect choice for you. Metal sheds are usually constructed from super-tough, galvanised steel – so they will stand up to bad weather and intense use.

This type of shed requires little maintenance, but they are heavier than wooden and plastic options. Therefore, they can be awkward to assemble, but won’t budge once they’re installed.

Some people don’t like the industrial appearance of metal sheds. If you’re one of them, this can be mitigated by choosing a wood-effect cladding design. Moreover, these sheds are usually supplied without floors; so you’ll have further expenses to consider if this is important to you.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Garden Shed

Once you have decided on the right material, here are some other important features to look for when choosing the best garden shed in the UK.

1. Roof

The kind of garden shed roof you choose will depend on its purpose. Will you be using it for storage of gardening equipment like lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, lawn scarifiers and cordless strimmers? Will you be using it as an office or workshop? Let’s find out which will suit your needs.

a. Apex roofs

These are triangular in shape. They reach a point in the centre that is much higher than the edges on each side, making them a perfect choice if you’re storing tall items. This style of roof enables rainwater to run off both sides and has the greatest amount of headroom in the middle.

If you’ll only be using your shed for storage, headroom is unlikely to be an issue. But if you’re planning to spend some time inside, you may find yourself constantly bending to reach things, which can get uncomfortable.

Due to height, this style of roof is difficult to assemble. If you’re doing it yourself, you’ll probably need someone else to help you.

b. Pent roofs

These are flat with one side lower than the other. This design means rainwater drains only in one direction, so it can be useful if you like to collect rainwater to use in your garden.

Because the roof has a sloped shape, you’ll have more height on one side of the shed than the other. You may also be able to choose which side of the shed the door is fitted for, so you can take advantage of the height at the front or back.

Pent roof sheds aren’t as tall as apex style sheds. Therefore, they are considered a better choice if you need to restrict the height to match your surroundings or avoid upsetting the neighbours.

2. Windows

Whether or not you need windows depends on what you’ll be using your shed for. If you’ll be using it for storage, it’s better not to have windows to improve security as thieves won’t be able to view inside.

On the other hand, if you’re going to be working or relaxing in your shed, windows will offer a better view and warm source of natural light than simply leaving the door open.

3. Base/Flooring

No matter which kind of shed you choose, it will need a solid base before it can be assembled. Most sheds will include a base in the price, but you should double-check anyway before ordering!

All sheds will require a level surface underneath them before installation. Therefore, if you have an uneven garden, you may have to pay extra to get the ground levelled first, or have a customised base created for you.

4. Security

In the year 2015/2016, there were as many as 730,000 reported thefts from gardens and outhouses in the UK. Therefore, if you’re planning to use it as storage for expensive tools, sports equipment and garden equipment, you must consider how secure your belongings will be.

Most of the best shed brands in the UK come with lock brackets for padlocks, but these aren’t infallible against determined thieves. If you’ll be storing valuable items inside, you should look at additional security packages offered by the seller. These include a reinforced framework on doors and windows, as well as extra strong locks and hinges to keep your belongings safe.

Conclusion

All the garden shed reviews we have today would make great options, but our top choice for the best sheds in the UK has to be the Lifetime Vertical Storage.

With 53 cubic feet of storage availability, this garden shed can store wheelie bins, gardening tools or even barbecue equipment. It features an integrated floor and a latch to which you can attach a padlock. Furthermore, it is made of impact and weather-resistant materials reinforced with steel to ensure it stands the test of time.

Of course, it is important to consider different options when you are making such an important purchase, but if you are looking for an attractive, durable and great value shed then we highly recommend you consider the Lifetime Vertical Storage.

Where is the best place to buy a shed for you? Let us know in the comments section.