The best plastic garden shed is a savvy, modern alternative to traditional wooden outdoor storage. Opting for a plastic shed over wood or metal is a practical choice as this material needs no maintenance, meaning there's no fuss with applying varnish or treating rust.
Weatherproof and durable, plastic garden sheds have another major advantage over timber-based options - they are a lot easier to construct. Thanks to their relatively lightweight designs and flat-pack-style delivery, most can be built by two people using ordinary household tools.
Best plastic garden sheds at a glance:
• Best all-rounder: Keter Manor Outdoor Apex Double Door Garden Storage Shed - View on Amazon UK
• Best large plastic garden shed: Duramax WoodBridge II PLUS Plastic Garden Shed - View on Amazon UK
• Best compact plastic shed: Keter Manor Outdoor Garden Storage Shed - View on Amazon UK
Plastic garden sheds come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from compact, cupboard-style versions that offer simple-to-access outdoor storage, to larger structures that can be used as workshops, so you can easily find a garden shed to suit your household's needs.
Such sheds, especially the smaller versions, are also relatively portable, so if you move house, rather than being forced to invest in brand new garden storage, with a little effort you can break down your existing shed and move it with you.
Best plastic garden sheds
Best all-rounder
AmazonThis shed may be a contemporary choice, but, thanks to its classic cream colour and wood effect finish, has handsome traditional looks that would work in most outside spaces. This measures in at six foot by five, making it a good size for the average household wanting to store several items like garden chairs, a BBQ, and a lawnmower, for example. The double doors (lockable if you provide a padlock) make it easier to move bulkier items in and out. This shed is made of a durable, maintenance and fade-free, weather-resistant resin, and boasts a window for natural light, and a vent for airflow.
Customer review: "It's attractive and once we had built it, it was sturdy, but really light, in fact, one person can easily move it around."
Pros
- Double doors
- 15-year warranty
Cons
- Lock not included
Best large plastic garden shed
AmazonIf you have the outdoor space to spare, we recommend going as spacious as you can when it comes to outdoor storage - you just know you'll fill it up in no time. This Duramax option gives you a roomy 10.5 by eight foot to play with, which means this is big enough to be used as a Wendy house-style structure if your kids are lucky enough. On the practical side of things, this is made from no-fuss, all-weather, durable vinyl, and has a sturdy metal frame. The tall double doors can be padlocked, there are two windows, and - breathe easy - a ventilation kit is included.
Customer review: "We've had it up about 10 months now and it is really good. Plenty of space, no leaks, stood up to high winds and torrential rain. It's massive and provides lots of sturdy space."
Pros
- Strong metal structure
- Two windows
Cons
- Large footprint
Best cupboard-style plastic shed
AmazonPerfect for small gardens, or for use in your front garden for recycling bins and the like, we're describing this as "cupboard-style" as it is essentially an outdoor version of such storage. What this can fit inside obviously depends on the size you option for, and this is available in a wide range of dimensions, from 74 x 142 x 174cm to 192.4 x 110.5 x 176.3cm. It's made from Lifetime's proprietary "Rough Cut" material which features a wood grain texture and finish for wood good looks without the need for any maintenance.
Customer review: "This is a very good storage box, keeps our garden cushions dry, and is strong enough to sit on."
Pros
- Available in a range of sizes
- Steel reinforced
Cons
- Unclear instructions
Best slimline plastic shed
BuyShedsDirectwww.buyshedsdirect.co.uk
Ideal for anyone with limited outdoor space, this Palram choice measures in at six feet wide with a depth of three feet, meaning it won't protrude too much into your garden. This boasts double doors to help with the manoeuvring of bulky items and also features a low threshold which means it's easy to get wheeled objects in and out. This is made from what Palram describes as "virtually unbreakable" polycarbonate panels and has a reinforced, galvanised frame and an anti-slip floor. We particularly like the "skylight roof" which provides daylight inside but with an opaque external appearance for security.
Pros
- UV-protected
- Low threshold
Cons
- No padlock provided
Best compact plastic shed
AmazonThis attractive Keter shed is another compact choice ideal for smaller gardens. It measures four feet by three, giving you enough space for your outdoor essentials. The shed is constructed from double-wall extruded panels that are both fade- and weather-resistant. This is supplied with a floor panel and boasts built-in ventilation ducts. The single door closes with a simple bolt, but can be secured with a lock thanks to the padlock hasp.
Customer review: "Great little shed, easy to erect, looks good. Great value, fast delivery, recommended."
Pros
- Small footprint
- Floor panel included
Cons
- Single door
Best lean-to-style plastic shed
This Duramax shed is designed to be placed up against the side of your house, or garage, offering lean-to-style storage with a sloping roof for rain to run off. This has some nifty functionality as far as the door goes - it's reversible so you can configure it on either side. A nice touch from Duramax is that this comes with two instruction booklets for each of the different set-ups. This is made from all-weather, durable vinyl that's backed up by a reinforced metal structure.
Customer review: "Genuinely fantastic product, quality finish, fairly easy to build! Super pleased!"
Pros
- Reversible door
- Reinforced metal structure
Cons
- Only suitable as a lean-to
Best for bikes
AmazonThis is another Lifetime outdoor storage solution available in a range of sizes. We like the low-profile design of this particular option which is large enough to keep your bikes protected from the elements when not in action. Other popular uses include for bins and recycling boxes, outdoor toys, and gardening supplies. This is made from UV-protected high-density polyethylene. The handy spring hinge lid opens for easy access to the box's contents, and the double doors can be secured closed with a lock.
Customer Review: "This is a very good storage box, keeps our garden cushions dry and is strong enough to sit on."
Pros
- Low profile design
- Lift-up lid
Cons
- Only available in one colourway
What to consider when shopping for a plastic garden shed
Size - It's an obvious consideration when shopping for a shed, but make sure you do your measurements to see if the shed will fit the place you want it to sit - and check them twice, considering things like roof overhang. If you don't have side or separate access to your outside space, ensure you'll be able to get the shed through your house.
Base - Although some of the sheds we're highlighting come with some kind of flooring, plastic sheds need a sturdy and stable pre-installed base to sit on. This can be a paving slab or concrete base you create in advance or an additional purchase which you need to factor into the overall cost.
Ventilation - In order to avoid damp, and even worse, mould, a decent airflow is recommended to ensure the contents of your shed is protected. Depending on what you're storing, shed contents can be valuable if you're talking bikes, garden tools and lawn mowers, so it's worth your while to protect them.
Light - We'd advise opting for a plastic shed with some kind of built-in windows or skylights so you can see the shed's contents clearly so you can quickly and easily grab what you need without fumbling around in the dark.
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Amy-Mae Turner is a Commerce Content Writer for Modern Gardens, Yours, Take A Break Pets, and A Modern Kitchen. When she's not pottering in the garden or mucking around in the kitchen, she can be found having doggy cuddles with her two beloved cockapoochis.