Need some garden storage ideas? Any keen gardener will tell you that whatever the size of your garden, keeping things preened and looking amazing requires a huge assortment of garden tools. They will also tell you that all the tools and garden accessories that have been accumulated over the years need homes to go to at night and protection from the bad weather. There's nothing more satisfying than knowing that everything is safe and in its own place, whether it is your trusted lawnmower, logs for your fire, or garden bins.
Luckily, there are plenty of garden storage ideas and solutions these days that are stylish as well as functional. From larger garden sheds to bike stores that all serve a specific purpose. In this guide, we'll take you through all the different types of garden storage and share our favourite examples to suit your budget and garden style.
Perhaps, you're thinking: what to think about when buying garden storage? Well, we have some ideas. First, assess the size of your garden or outdoor space. From vast country gardens to courtyard city gardens, every space will allow for different-sized storage, so it is important to think about what will fit. Make sure you evaluate and measure before deciding to splurge on a big project like a shed or greenhouse. With that, remember to be practical. If you lack space, go for some multifunction storage instead of a big shed that you might not be able to fill.
Garden storage ideas at a glance:
• Best value wooden shed: Argos Mercia Wooden Overlap Garden Shed - View on Argos
• Best storage box: Lifetime 6 x 3.5 ft Heavy Duty Plastic Storage Box - View on Amazon UK
• Best durable wheelie bin storage: Bellus Double Wheelie Bin Storage - View on Wheelie Bin Storage Direct
• Best storage rack: House Of Home Tool & Garden Storage Rack - View on Amazon UK
Lastly, we recommend thinking outside the box. After all, getting creative with your outdoor space will do wonders. Instead of a larger storage unit or shelves, you could invest in potting tables with drawers to store more things out of sight. The same goes for inside your shed, using peg boards and hooks will transform a smaller space and will make room for all the fiddly bits (string and screws, for example). All of this - and more - with the best garden storage ideas...
Garden Storage Ideas
Garden sheds
Garden sheds are an outdoor essential, especially if you love to be organised or have a lot of excess stuff that you need to store. Sheds are great for storing and organising just about anything, from seasonal furniture and accessories like BBQs and sun loungers to, of course, all your gardening tools. The best sheds will keep all your outdoor accessories protected and safe all year round from bad weather and any little animals that may venture into your garden during the night.
They are typically a large size (enough to stand up in), made of wood and weather-proof. As per usual, the price is determined by the materials used and the size. Plastic and metal sheds will be more budget-friendly, whereas hardwoods like timber are more expensive.
Best value wooden shed
www.argos.co.uk
This spacious Argos garden shed is great for storing bicycles, lawn mowers and general garden accessories. Made in the UK using ethically sourced, FSC-certified timber, this building is perfect for those looking for a storage solution that offers excellent value. The floor and roof are constructed using solid sheet board, a durable material made up of several layers of tightly compacted oriented strands.
Customer Review: "Great quality, easy to put up I'm very pleased. And it's so much better than most other sheds that I have seen, well worth a little extra. Fast delivery, too."
Pros
- Easy assembly
- Looks fantastic
- Good price
Cons
- Smaller than some wooden sheds on the market
Best value plastic shed
www.diy.com
Keter is a well-known shed brand because it frequently shows up in Amazon's best-selling product lists. This plastic shed will store all of your garden tools, plus a BBQ and lawnmower while looking great. It features a wood-effect exterior, so won't look out of place, and has built-in ventilation ducts to keep things fresh. Most importantly, it's great for smaller spaces, is easy to assemble, and has a padlock hasp for optional added security. However, some buyers had issues trying to put this together, while others had no problems, so make sure to read the reviews for their top tips.
Customer review: "Positives, it's strong yet lightweight, looks very nice, maximises space, and is well worth the price. The only negative is that it can be a little tricky to assemble, I had to drill pilot holes and it would have been much easier had they just been there in the first place. Either way, I'm very happy with this purchase and strongly recommend it."
Pros
- Great design
- Perfect for small spaces
Cons
- Not as sturdy as a wooden shed
Storage boxes
If a classic shed isn't what you're after, a smaller and more practical version to help keep your garden tidy would be a storage box. Storage boxes are durable and reusable containers that house all sorts of different items. They're available in many different sizes and will protect all sorts of things - from cushions to pool floats.
Best storage box
The heavy-duty build of this shed from Lifetime ensures that is robust. Not only that, but special UV protection means it can withstand all conditions. To keep it looking good, it has weather-resistant steel hinges to boot and lockable doors. Most importantly, it'll happily fit in two dustbins or a couple of bikes, so will be suitable for a range of uses.
Customer review: "After being disappointed with a box I ordered from Argos, I pushed the boat out on the Lifetime 492-litre box and I have to say that's amazing. I was worried when other reviews said they needed power tools to build it but thought it looked worth the effort... and it is! The box is very rigid, sturdy and well-made. The instructions are pretty simple and there's a QR code so you can view the installation videos online, too. The box panels slide in and are secured by screws so that part is easy... it's the lid that takes the installation time! Again this wasn't too fiddly and I didn't need a socket wrench to tighten the nuts, just the right-sized screwdriver (you need a 10 and a 17 I believe). Well worth every penny and much better than other boxes out there!"
Pros
- Sturdy
- Long-lasting
- Stain-resistant exterior
Cons
- Assembly can be difficult
Garden storage bench
If you're after a multifunctional storage solution, we'd recommend a garden storage bench that is built for a dual purpose - to relax on and to store things away.
Perfect for smaller gardens and patio spaces, storage benches combine comfortable seating with hidden storage, makes for a great space-saving solution for small gardens. They often fit two or more people with plenty of room underneath the seat to keep cushions or tools hidden out of sight.
Best large storage bench
www.argos.co.uk
If you've got ample room for a larger garden storage bench, this three-seater from Habitat will easily store everything you need to store away at night or in the winter months (and probably much more, too!) Crafted out of long-lasting, solid Acacia wood and includes built-in storage (185L capacity).
Customer review: "Good looking garden bench with storage for cushions, brightens up my garden as lovely white washed colour."
Pros
- Large, can fit three people
- White finish will match any decor
Cons
- Not suitable for wet weather, will need to be brought indoors in winter months
Wheelie bin storage
Bins and rubbish are a fundamental part of every household, but when you are making your front and back garden look lovely, hiding them away is a much-preferred option. Wheelie bin storage units are specifically designed to tuck your recycling bins away neatly and securely. There are also some storage units that can multi-task, doubling up as log storage or a handy shed space for storing gardening tools for a spot of weeding.
Wheelie bin storage needs to be sturdy, as it will have to withstand harsh weather all year round - from blistering heat in the summer months to snow and rain in the winter. Modern Gardens contributor Geoff Hodge says, "Most stores are made from timber, which has a rustic charm, looks smart and fits in with cottage garden and traditional garden styles."
Some more great advice, "Always check the store dimensions to suit the size of your bin (before buying), most bins are 240L."
Best triple wheelie bin storage
If you live in a big household and have lots of bins on display, then this triple bin storage is a great choice for you. The storage unit is free-standing no need to place it against a wall or secure it to the ground. So you can place it anywhere you see fit.
Customer review: "I purchased the double one. It holds two standard wheelie bins, I did measure dimensions before ordering, and they are accurate. I would highly recommend this and the seller. 100 per cent satisfied. It looks great, and I think it will last many years."
Pros
- Handles for easy lifting
- Different sizes/models available
- Pressure-treated pine wood
Cons
- Better suited for large households
- Screwdriver is needed for assembly
Best durable wheelie bin storage
www.wheeliebinstoragedirect.co.uk
If you want to give your neighbours something to be envious of, then this practical Bellus storage box will keep your bins looking nice and tidy. The units produced by this company are made using only the highest quality British wood and ethically sourced timber that has been pressure-treated to ensure it lasts for years to come. The larger size and convenient shelves can be used for smaller recycling bins or used to store logs and gardening supplies, or other landscaping bits.
Customer review: "Really good looking bin storage unit that is not too difficult to construct and very sturdy."
Pros
- Anti-rot guarantee
- Fits x 240L wheelie bins
- Chain bin opening
- Extra storage for smaller bins
Cons
- May be too big for some households and gardens
- Needs to be stored with a waterproof cover
Garden log stores
Garden log stores are popular, with those lucky enough to have open fireplaces and stoves in their homes will likely stocking up on dry wood to get them through the winter months. They're not only used in winter either, as many choose to use wood for BBQs and firepits. The more dry wood we use, the more we find piles of wood building up inside the home, which is why many choose to bulk-buy wood and use a more cost-effective storage solution to store wood.
They are typically made of FSC-certified wood (such as pine or larch) that is treated to prevent rot and dampness. They normally have a raised platform, a roof and two sides in order to be able to stack wood. Some garden log stores have lids and covers and can also be made of steel or metal.
Best value garden log store
If you're after a garden log store that won't break the bank, this simple but effective design from Amazon will do the job. Made from treated fir and plywood with waterproof stain, the store comes with a felt roof that will be able to withstand bad weather and a raised floor to prevent damp.
Customer review: "Easy to build. Exactly what we wanted. All logs now in and off the ground. Excellent value for money."
Pros
- Great value
- Felt roof
- Easy to put together
Cons
- May need to be covered in wet weather
Toolshed storage
Garden sheds are empty vessels that can easily become full and cluttered if you're not savvy with your space. This is where tool shed storage comes into play, as you can make use of the walls with shelves, boards and hooks. Pinterest is full of ideas for savvy space storage, but we've chosen a few of our favourites.
Best pegboard
Gone are the days when you're rummaging through large toolboxes, hopelessly searching for the right spanner. Pegboards are a hassle-free way to free up space in your shed or garage, as well as declutter work surfaces. This sturdy pegboard comes with 42 attachments and an abundance of storage slots, so you can find a home for all of your tools.
Customer Review: "Amazing starter kit for a metal pegboard, excellent value for money! I purchased alongside a pegboard accessory kit to make sure I had enough hooks/hanging points as the kit doesn’t come with that many."
Pros
- Flexible setup and arrangement hooks
- Heavy duty
- Can buy additional accessories
Cons
- Some reviews have commented that installation is a little tricky because the mount points are not visible from the front, and a little DIY skill is required
Best for gardening tools
This easy-to-assemble tool stand from Garland will house all your tools, be it a rake, hammer or broom. Sturdy and functional, this tool holder is also extremely compact and will fit nicely in any corner. It's recommended that this unit be screwed to a wall surface for extra safety, especially when storing top-heavy tools.
Customer Review: "Does what it says on the tin. Not quite enough holes for all my tools but still store them neatly and the tools don’t fall out of their designated holes/slots. Felt a bit flimsy putting it together but holds the tools without issue, overall, reasonably pleased."
Pros
- Perfect for tidying up garden tools and storing them in the corner of a shed
- No tools are required for assembly
Cons
- Some reviews have commented that the product is flimsy
Best storage rack
Free up your workspace with this extra-long rack. With 16 hooks, you can attach this rack to a door or wall to keep all your essential tools within easy reach. Boasting an easy installation process and sturdy material, you'd be smart to make this rack your next storage solution.
Customer Review: "Took all my small garden tools, scissors etc., nice and neat, on display so easy to see and access."
Pros
- Made of metal
- Space-saving
- Can accommodate a variety of tools
Cons
- Some reviews have commented that some hooks have been poorly soldered to the rack and can fall off
Greenhouses
Garden greenhouses- typically made of glass and wood or steel - are like a warm cosy environment for your precious greenery, giving them enough light and warmth to grow without facing the tough UV rays or unpredictable British weather. Perfect for jungle plant enthusiasts and those who love taking cuttings and repotting plants. They come in all shapes and sizes, and there are so many to choose from.
They can start anywhere from £30 to over £10,000 depending on what you buy and design, so there's a lot to think about before choosing to invest.
For instance, plastic, steel, and wooden frames can be cheaper if they're smaller in size, but they may not be as sturdy if you buy them so cheaply. On the other hand, you can spend lots of money on a specially designed greenhouse with doors and windows, but you may find this isn't necessary for your budget or how much use you'll get out of it.
Best greenhouse for beginners
www.diy.com
Looking for more for your money? This B&Q Palram greenhouse is a good all-around option if you want value for money with a sturdy frame. Great for beginners and green-fingers alike, this is an entry-level greenhouse made out of polycarbonate and is easy to assemble.
**
Customer review**: "We wanted a small first greenhouse to go on our patio. This one had good reviews and seemed good value for money. Three of us worked to assemble it and it took about four hours. The instructions were easy to follow and the parts were well-labelled. It all fits together well. It looks good on our patio and I'm looking forward to using it."
Pros
- Easy-to-follow instructions for assembly
- Fairly sturdy
- A great entry-level all-rounder
Cons
- A little difficult to assemble on your own
Best mini greenhouse
If you have a small garden or don't want a greenhouse that takes up loads of space, this Timber Cream GroZone Greenhouse is stylish and small. It features a hinged lid, locks and two doors for easy access - making your growing season simple and easy. It's ideal for germinating seeds, propagating plants and growing vegetables.
Customer Review: "Easy to assemble. Nice small size for a small space. It’s not absolutely top-quality materials but it’s more than good enough for the price, and looks classy. The shelves can be removed easily if using it as a mini grow house for cucumbers which we are! Very happy with it."
Pros
- Perfect for those smaller gardens with lots of doors to get into to
- Shelves for multiple usages
Cons
- Assembly is required
Garden potting tables
If you haven't got the room for a greenhouse or a shed, you can make gardening tasks so much easier with a potting table and have some room for extra storage.
Designed to comfortably suit a standing person, much like a kitchen counter, a potting table should have a large surface area for you to work at and storage for all your gardening essentials. This could include shelves for your pots and compost bags, drawers for seeds, string, labels, and hooks so you can quickly grab your tools.
Best budget potting table
www.thompson-morgan.com
This slim and stylish Potting Bench is simple to assemble, affordable, and weatherproof. Load up the easy-access shelf with pots and plants, store gardening essentials and seed packets in the two drawers, hang essential tools on the trio of hooks, and away you go.
Pros
- Great value
- Easy to clean
Cons
- A little flimsy
Best practical potting table
www.gardentrading.co.uk
It may be a little on the pricey side but for good reason! This Moreton Potting Bench comes fully assembled with two drawers, one specifically designed to house soil, galvanised metal worktop, and hooks on each side for hanging tools, four of which can be moved. Crafted in Spruce, this table comes with a weatherproof black stain for protection outdoors and looks fantastic - great for a modern garden.
Pros
- Weatherproof
- Looks great
Cons
- None that we can think of!
FAQs
Any shed organisation tips?
If you want to make the most out of your new shed, we have some tips on how to keep things in order.
First, empty your space by taking everything out of your previous storage. Start from scratch. Lay everything out on the lawn if you have to. It will give you a clean slate, a better perspective on what you own and here, you can reorganise everything with plenty of space.
Next, use storage shelves or boxes - as chances are, the space will become messy over time. Luckily, simple shelving and wall units will make a huge difference to your garden storage. Ensure that all your most-used items are in an easily accessible spot to avoid moving things around and creating a mess.
Lastly, hang items to save space - which is another great way to make the most of your space. Whether hook, pegboards or tool hangers, wall storage is ideal if you're lacking space. you can easily attach hooks, hangers, and strips to the inside of your shed door, too. It keeps the sharp and dangerous away at a height away from curious fingers.
What to read next
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Hannah Mellin is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, A Modern Kitchen, Yours and Take A Break. She has been working in the Journalism industry for over a decade and has written for an array of brands including John Lewis, Daily Mirror and Grazia. When she's not writing, researching or testing products, she's renovating her Victorian terrace and chilling in the garden with her sausage dog Waffle.