Are Plastic Sheds Any Good

  • By: Rob Jones
  • Date: February 2, 2023
  • Time to read: 8 min.
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Plastic sheds are often seen as a cheap and flimsy option, but is this really the case? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at whether plastic sheds are any good, and find out what their pros and cons are.

So, if you’re thinking of buying a shed, read on to see if a plastic one might be the right choice for you. Let’s take a quick look, are plastic sheds any good?

Plastic sheds are a great cheaper alternative to wooden sheds. Plastic sheds come in different sizes and levels of quality.

Some positives with plastic sheds are: They don’t rust or rot and are easy to move and assemble. One common complaint is that they get dirty easily.

Keep reading to learn more about, if plastic sheds are any good? I will compare them against wooden and metal sheds and look at their average selling price and provide some pros and cons along with plastic shed owners’ opinions. Keep reading to learn everything you need to make a fully informed decision.

Are plastic storage sheds any good

Plastic storage sheds are a good option if you are looking for an affordable and easy-to-assemble storage solution.

They come in a variety of sizes and colors, so you can find the perfect one to fit your needs. Plus, plastic sheds are weatherproof and can be used to store anything from lawn equipment to holiday decorations.

Many people ask, are plastic sheds any good? So, before we delve deeper into plastic sheds let’s take a quick look at some of their pros and cons.

Plastic Shed ProsPlastic Shed Cons
Zero MaintenanceNot very customizable
Built to lastgets noticeably dirty
Easy to moveCan lack security
Straight forward to buildColor fades in sunlight
Quick and easy to cleanNot well insulated
Won’t rot or rustConsider adequate foundation and anchoring
Waterproof – Won’t leakCan collect condensation
Well priced
Long-lasting

Why buy a plastic shed

If you’re looking for a storage solution that is affordable, durable, and easy to assemble, a plastic shed may be the perfect option for you.

Plastic sheds are available in a variety of sizes, and many models include built-in shelving and other features that make them ideal for storing a wide range of items.

What’s more, plastic sheds are lightweight and easy to move, making them a great choice for people who need to store items in a variety of locations.

Most models can be assembled in just a few hours, and they require very little maintenance.

Plastic sheds can range anywhere between $200 and $5,000, making some plastic sheds a cost-effective option for people on a budget.

Keter Sheds (Amazon link)

Lifetime Sheds (Amazon link)

Rubbermaid Sheds (Amazon link)

Suncast Sheds (Amazon link)

Some of the most popular and best plastic shed brands are:

Are plastic sheds worth it

A plastic shed can be a great investment for your home. They are often more affordable than wooden sheds, and can sometimes last longer.

The question of, are plastic sheds worth it? This will largely depend on what you will be using the shed for. I would have to say, if you are using a plastic shed for the usual garden tools to keep dry and safe then I would think that the price of a plastic shed is more than worth it.

Let’s break it down.

  • A good quality Lifetime plastic shed (Amazon link) is around $2000.
  • You will get about 10 years of life from it, even longer if you properly maintain it.
  • If you were to break it down, the cost per month equals about $16 a month – which in my opinion is a great value.
  • For only $16 a month, you get a great-looking shed where you can store all your valuable and expensive gardening equipment, locked up safely.
  • There will probably be room for a couple of bikes and other things you aren’t too keen on keeping in the house.

Are plastic sheds durable

Plastic sheds are durable, but they can be susceptible to damage from the weather. If you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow, you’ll want to make sure your shed is properly waterproofed.

Otherwise, the moisture can cause the plastic to warp or rot. UV radiation from the sun can also cause damage over time, so you’ll want to make sure your shed is in a shaded spot.

Is a plastic shed better than a wooden shed

A plastic shed is often cheaper than a wooden shed, and it may be easier to assemble. The look at the quality of a wooden shed will usually be of a higher standard than a plastic shed, but plastic sheds do come with some benefits over wooden sheds.

 wooden shed

Plastic sheds are also lighter than wooden sheds, so they may be a better option if you need to move your shed frequently. However, plastic sheds are not as strong as wooden sheds, and they may not be as durable over time.

Additionally, some manufacturers use integrated steel supports and a double-wall resin panel construction to increase the strength and durability of their plastic sheds.

While plastic sheds are functional, they have a more modern appearance than wooden sheds, but they shouldn’t be painted.

Additionally, the locking points on plastic sheds are not as strong as those on wooden sheds.

One of the main weaknesses compared to wooden sheds is the amount of load plastic sheds can hold without buckling. A wooden shed can hold a weight hanging on the wall, but a plastic shed can break under the same pressure.

Is a plastic shed better than a metal shed

Metal sheds are rust and weather-resistant, so they can stand up to a lot of wear and tear, just like plastic sheds. Unlike plastic sheds, metal sheds are difficult to assemble and move. Both will likely come with a warranty,

metal shed

However, metal sheds can be quite heavy, so they might be difficult to move around if you need to relocate them, unlike plastic sheds. They can also be quite expensive, especially compared to plastic sheds.

If you’re looking for a lightweight and affordable shed, then plastic is the way to go. Plastic sheds are easy to assemble and move around, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, they are not as durable as metal sheds and they can be damaged by strong winds.

How long do plastic sheds last

The life span of plastic sheds can depend on the quality of the shed, but it is generally thought that they last around 10 years. This can be extended is the shed is well maintained.

It is important to keep in mind that the quality of the shed will depend on how well it is taken care of. If it is left outside in all weather conditions, it is likely to deteriorate much faster.

If it is stored in a dry place and is well-maintained, it will last much longer.

Do plastic sheds get damp

In general, new modern plastic sheds are waterproof and weatherproof and will do a great job at keeping water out, however, plastic sheds may collect condensation.

If you find your shed does have condensation then you can the humidity levels and check for leaks. A dehumidifier could be one solution if required. 

Do plastic sheds get damp will largely depend on a number of factors, such as the type of plastic used in the shed, how well it is sealed and how often it is used.

Generally, plastic sheds are less likely to get damp than wooden sheds as they are not as porous, but it is still important to seal the shed properly to prevent water ingress.

If the shed is used frequently, it is likely to become damp, particularly in the corners and on the roof, so it is important to keep an eye on these areas and clean them regularly.

Do plastic sheds need a base or foundation

No, plastic sheds do not necessarily need a base or foundation. However, it is recommended that you put a base or foundation under your shed to help protect it from water damage and to improve the shed’s stability.

 plastic shed in garden

If you do not have a base or foundation, be sure to check your shed’s warranty to see if it is covered. If it is not, you may end up having to pay for repairs or a replacement shed if it is damaged.

What do plastic shed owners think

As you can see there is plenty of reasons for and against owning a plastic shed. It’s really down to your own situation and budget, but there are plenty of people who buy plastic sheds and they all have their own opinion about owning one.

So lets look at some of the most common things plastic shed owners say and if they think owning one is any good.

Overall, most of the feedback I got from owners was surprisingly positive, with some of the most common things said about plastic sheds were:

Zero Maintenance of plastic sheds

Most people seem to be very happy with plastic sheds as there is little to no maintenance involved, it’s a simple case of put it up and forget about it – unless of course, you haven’t considered a proper base or foundation. Assuming you have built it correctly and followed the necessary steps you really shouldn’t have any problems for many years.

Resin/Plastic shed color can fade with time

Exposure to sunlight will eventually cause the color of your shed to fade. As they lack customization it’s difficult to paint a plastic shed to bring them back to their bright and vibrant self. There are ways to brighten up your shed and protect it without it being painted, such as a wooden trellis – which will be discussed a little later on.

Leak-proof plastic shed roof

As the shed is made from plastic, they are incredibly waterproof. This is a big plus for shed owners to help protect the contents of the shed. This seems to be a common advantage that most plastic shed owners agree upon.

Plastic sheds need to be cleaned

If you want your plastic shed looking as good as new you’ll need to give it a clean every now and then. This has been mentioned already, but this was mentioned multiple times with plastic shed owners. Most simply used a pressure washer to get the job done – quick, easy and simple

If you are also considering getting a plastic shed and are looking for the best ways to keep it clean then this pressure washer (Amazon link) would be perfect for keeping a resin/plastic shed clean and grime-free, its also well priced.

Security of the plastic shed

This one seems to depend on the quality of the shed, and what is going to be stored in it. I’ve noted that some feel their sheds aren’t as secure as they would like and additional security measures were needed to keep the contents safe from burglars.

If you are concerned about this then there are a number of ways to secure a shed to protect from burglars. If you plan on storing valuables then it’s worth adding some extra security to your shed.

All in All

So, are plastic sheds any good? a plastic shed is a great solution for gardeners who want a solution to their storage needs. If you want something cheap and quick, a plastic shed will work, they do come with some downsides but overall plastic sheds are well worth the money.

Rob Jones

Rob is an enthusiast of all backyard DIY projects. He has spent many years researching, learning, and building. From a backyard shed to a garden pond, Rob will have done it!

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