Resin Sheds vs Vinyl Sheds vs Wooden Sheds vs Metal Sheds

Wooden Sheds, Resin Sheds, Vinyl Sheds – which one is best? Check out this article to learn more about which shed type may be right for you!

Buying the perfect shed starts with choosing the right material. Sheds come in three types of materials: wood, plastic (resin or vinyl), and metal. All three types have pros and cons. This guide will help you discover what type of shed best suits your needs and budget. Get help to select the right shed for you today from Classic Buildings.

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Resin Sheds (Plastic) vs Metal Sheds vs Wooden Sheds

What type of shed is best for you will depend on your requirements. Because of their durability and adaptability, wooden sheds are often a great option for most people. However, the perfect shed for you does depend on your own personal preference, needs, and budget. Review the content below to see what type of shed is best for your unique needs and desires.

Resin Sheds (Plastic)

What exactly is a resin shed? Resin sheds, or plastic sheds, are one of the most recent types of sheds. They can be made from a variety of materials. Some plastic sheds are vinyl, others are made from polyethylene (the most common type of plastic) or other resin materials. Vinyl and other resin sheds look almost identical. Therefore, many people lump them together. However, there are some differences.

Plastic sheds made from vinyl are fire retardant, while plastic sheds made from other materials may not be. Vinyl sheds tend to be more durable. Vinyl sheds do not crack easily and are more weather resistant. They can usually withstand extreme temperatures better than other plastic sheds. This is a great choice for those who live in hot and humid climates. Overall, plastic sheds resist most elements better than metal and wood. Since resin sheds are just beginning to grow in popularity, many buyers still don’t know much about them! Take a look at our infographic below to learn more about resin sheds!

+ Easy Cleaning

Both vinyl and other plastic sheds are relatively maintenance free. Cleaning your plastic shed is easy – just use soap and water.

+ Rot, Insect, and Rust Resistant

You never have to paint it, sand it, or treat it with insect repellant. They are incredibly durable.

+ Easy To Move

It’s easy to move and transport a plastic shed, as they generally weigh less than their metal or wood counterparts.

– Less Sturdy

Plastic sheds also have some downsides. Though durable, they are not as strong as metal or wooden sheds. Buying a vinyl shed will ensure a stronger frame, though it may still be weaker than metal or wood.

– Less Customizable

Plastic sheds may be difficult to customize. Though possible, customizing a plastic shed means drilling holes directly through the plastic. Plastic sheds cannot bear as much weight on their walls as a wooden shed, limiting the amount of shelves or hooks you can add on. Plastic sheds are becoming more visually appealing, however, you cannot change or add shingles, paint, or customize the exterior to match your house.

Pricing

Plastic sheds tend to be well priced, even for larger sizes. Smaller sheds range in price from $300.00 – 600.00. Larger plastic sheds can range anywhere from $700.00 – $5000.00 or more.

Who Should Buy A Plastic Shed?

Resin Shed Ideas (Plastic)

Click the below image to view more resin shed ideas. Note: Resin and plastic sheds refer to the same thing.

Wooden Sheds

+ Most Visually Attractive Option

Wooden sheds are considered the most attractive and the most customizable.

+ Widest Variety Of Designs And Sizes

Wooden sheds come in a variety of shapes and sizes, often with different window and door styles.

+ Easy To Customize

You can easily shingle or paint your wooden shed to match your house. Wooden sheds make a beautiful addition to your backyard. Wooden sheds are also easy to work with. You can add in shelves or hooks with relative ease. It is relatively simple to install a window or extend a wooden shed on your own.

+ Very Strong & Durable

A high-quality wooden shed is also extremely strong and durable. A well-built shed will have a sturdy frame able to withstand even the strongest winds.

 – Require Small Amount Of Maintenance

Unlike metal and plastic sheds, wooden sheds do require some maintenance. To keep your wooden shed in good condition, it needs to be painted or varnished every once in a while. This only needs to be done after a number of years.

 – Requires Insect Resistant Wood

Insects may decide your shed looks like a good home, and parts might break or rot and eventually need to be replaced. Buying a high-quality shed made from a naturally insect and rot resistant wood, such as red cedar, will help your wooden shed last longer.

Price

Smaller, simple wooden sheds range in price from $900.00 – $2000.00. Larger wooden sheds range in price from $2500.00 – $4000.00. Very large wooden sheds, that can be used for significant storage or even as a tiny home/guest house, can cost $5000.00+.

Who Should Buy A Wooden Shed? 

Wooden sheds are great for those who desire an aesthetically pleasing addition to their yard. Because they are so easy to customize, they are great for the do-it-yourselfer, avid gardener, or those looking for a new art room/workshop. With a wooden shed, the possibilities are nearly endless. Wooden sheds are also very secure and can even be used instead of public storage. However, they do require more maintenance and generally cost more. It is important to take both price and maintenance time into consideration.

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Wooden Shed Ideas

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Metal Sheds

+ Durable

Metal sheds are durable. They do not rot and are insect resistant. Metal sheds aren’t heavily affected by extreme cold or excessive heat. You can place them in direct sunlight or severe cold conditions without any consequences.

+ Requires No Maintenance

Like plastic sheds, metal sheds require little maintenance. A metal shed does not require painting, sanding, or treatment for insects.

 – Hard To Customize

Metal sheds are the hardest to customize, often requiring heavy-duty tools the average homeowner does not have.

 – Prone To Rust

Metal sheds are also prone to rust and corrosion. Rust is not pretty, and if left untreated, rust can wear down a shed and leave its contents exposed. Rust will be more problematic in cooler and wetter climates. If you live in a dry, warm area, you may not see problems with rust for a long time.

 – Often Not Very Sturdy

Though metal sheds are durable through all kinds of weather, they sometimes seem flimsy.

– Visually Unappealing

Because of their material, metal sheds are not aesthetically pleasing. They are made to get the job done, not to impress. Though some manufacturers try to enhance their appearance, even with these enhancements they are still the least attractive shed type.

Price

Metal sheds are the cheapest option, usually ranging in price from $300.00-700.00 for a medium-sized shed.

Who Should Buy A Metal Shed? 

A metal shed is great for those who need a cost-effective, simple storage solution. If you do not want or need custom features and simply want to store outdoor items, a metal shed is a good choice. They also work well in most climates, but warm and dry climates will help prevent significant rust build-up. However, if you’re looking for a shed to use as a workshop or multi-purpose room, it’s best to consider another type of shed.

Metal Shed Ideas

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Which Shed Should I Buy?

Wooden sheds are the best choice when you want a shed to look nice and have a specific or unique use for it in mind. Resin sheds are best when you potentially need to move your shed frequently or if you have insect problems on your property. Metal sheds are best when you are on a tight budget and just need a shed for basic storage needs.

If you are looking for a wooden storage shed, do not hesitate to contact Classic Buildings now!

Our wooden sheds are built with the highest quality materials by only the most skilled craftsmen. We offer a wide variety of features and options so your wooden shed will be custom-built to suit all of your wants and needs.

Did you know we offer a rent-to-own program?

Sources:

composite.about.com
www.britannica.com
www.jacksgardenstore.com
www.lifetime.com
www.lowes.com
www.zacsgarden.com (The pros and cons of metal sheds)
www.zacsgarden.com (The pros and cons of plastic sheds)
zacsgarden.com (The pros and cons of wood sheds)
www.zacsgarden.com (What type of shed is best)