Tool Sheds

How We Help You Find the Right Tool Shed

Our goal is to help you find the best tool shed to store and protect your tools, equipment, and outdoor gear. A well-designed tool shed keeps everything organised and safe from the elements, while also offering durability and security. We focus on these key factors to ensure you select the right tool shed for your needs. By analysing the materials, size, and security features, we make it easy for you to compare products and make an informed decision.

There are lots of different kinds of tool sheds out there, and WhatShed can help you find the ideal one for you. It doesn’t matter whether you want a plastic tool shed, a metal tool shed, a wooden tool shed, or a small garden tool shed, we’ve got covered.

We’ve developed advanced algorithms, working with top UK garden building experts, to categorise, score, and rank tool sheds available on the market. Our system automatically highlights the best-rated products, providing price comparisons to help you get the best deal while choosing a shed that fits your specific requirements.

What is a Tool Shed?

A tool shed is a freestanding, permanent or semi-permanent outdoor structure designed for storing tools and equipment. Typically ranging from 4 to 8 feet (1.2 to 2.4 metres) in width and 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 metres) in depth, tool sheds are large enough to walk into and provide easy access to a wide variety of items, including long-handled garden tools, power tools, and bulky equipment like lawnmowers.

Key Characteristics of a Tool Shed

1. Size and Structure
Freestanding and walk-in: Tool sheds are designed to be entered, offering full access to stored items. With heights ranging from 5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 metres), they provide enough headroom to stand and move comfortably.
Larger storage capacity: Unlike smaller storage options like tool boxes, tool sheds can accommodate a range of items, from small hand tools to large equipment, making them ideal for various types of storage.
Permanent outdoor placement: A tool shed is a fixed outdoor structure, often anchored to a base for stability. Once installed, it withstands the elements and remains in place.

2. Full Weather Protection
Tool sheds are designed to protect against all weather conditions, with sturdy walls and roofs that shield your tools from rain, snow, and UV damage, providing long-term protection.

3. Multi-Purpose Storage Options
Tool sheds often come equipped with shelving, hooks, and racks for organising tools of different sizes, from hanging hoses and rakes to storing smaller tools and gardening supplies.

What Makes a Good Tool Shed?

A good tool shed should be durable, weatherproof, and secure, ensuring long-term protection for your tools while keeping them easily accessible. Here’s what to look for:

1. Material Quality

Wood Sheds
High-quality timber: The best wood sheds use thick, pressure-treated timber, such as tongue-and-groove or shiplap cladding, for durability and weatherproofing. A minimum of 12mm thickness is recommended, with 16mm or more for greater insulation and strength.
Pressure treatment: Wood should be pressure-treated to prevent rot and insect damage, extending the shed’s lifespan and reducing maintenance needs.
Natural aesthetic appeal: Wooden sheds blend well into garden landscapes but require regular upkeep to maintain durability.

Metal Sheds
Galvanised steel: A good metal tool shed is made from rust-resistant galvanised steel, ideally at least 0.25mm thick, with 1mm or more for high-security models.
Fire and weather resistance: Metal sheds are highly resistant to fire and harsh weather conditions, offering excellent protection if properly treated.
Security: Metal sheds often feature reinforced doors and tamper-proof hinges, with multi-point locking systems for enhanced security.

Plastic Sheds
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): Quality plastic sheds are made from HDPE, which is UV-resistant, weatherproof, and durable. Double-walled panels provide extra strength and insulation.
Low maintenance: Plastic sheds don’t rust, rot, or fade, making them easy to maintain and lightweight for assembly.
Durability and strength: Look for reinforced frames or internal metal structures to prevent warping and maintain stability over time.

2. Security Features

Locks and hinges: A good tool shed should have robust locks to prevent theft. Internal hinges and reinforced locks are essential, with metal and wood sheds often featuring multi-point locking systems, while plastic sheds should have steel-reinforced doors.
Anchoring: The shed should be properly anchored to the ground, using pre-drilled anchor points or kits, to prevent thieves from moving or tipping it over.
Windows: Secure tool sheds may have no windows or use small, shatterproof windows to reduce visibility of contents. If a window is necessary, it should be made from break-resistant materials like polycarbonate.

3. Weatherproofing

Roof design: A good tool shed should have a well-sealed roof with a pitched design to prevent water pooling. Durable, waterproof materials like asphalt shingles or galvanised metal are ideal for roofs.
Ventilation: Proper ventilation helps prevent condensation, which can lead to rust and mildew. Look for built-in vents or breathable materials in metal or plastic sheds for better air circulation.

What Makes a Bad (or Cheap) Tool Shed?

1. Flimsy Materials
Thin walls: Low-quality wood sheds may use thin overlap cladding, which offers little security or weather protection. Similarly, cheap plastic sheds may have single-wall panels that are prone to warping or cracking.
Low-grade metal: Cheap metal sheds often use untreated steel, which can rust and degrade quickly without proper protection.

2. Poor Security
Weak locks: Cheap tool sheds may have basic padlocks or flimsy door latches that can be easily broken. Exposed hinges also make it easy for thieves to remove doors.
Unanchored: Lightweight sheds without anchoring options are vulnerable to theft and weather damage.

3. Inadequate Weatherproofing
Leaky roofs: Poorly constructed sheds may suffer from water damage due to leaky roofs or poorly sealed doors and windows.
Lack of UV protection: Cheap plastic sheds without UV protection can become brittle and crack over time.

4. Difficult Assembly or Flimsy Construction
Complicated assembly: Some low-quality sheds come with confusing instructions, leading to unstable or incomplete construction. Weak foundations or floor reinforcements can cause long-term damage.

Conclusion

A tool shed is essential for keeping your outdoor tools and equipment organised, protected from the elements, and secure from theft. A good tool shed will be made from durable materials, feature strong security, and provide effective weatherproofing. Whether it’s made from wood, metal, or plastic, the quality of the materials and security features will determine how long the shed lasts and how well it protects your belongings.

Cheaper sheds often compromise on material quality, security, and weatherproofing, leading to long-term issues. When choosing a tool shed, prioritise durability, weather resistance, and security to ensure it meets your needs over time.