Best tool shed to keep your gear safely stored

Lifetime has produced a number of garden storage solutions, but this one is ideal for tool storage. It’s reasonably compact, but it is big enough to take larger tools, smaller lawn mowers and other bits of gardening paraphernalia that need to be stored when not in use. It’s constructed from high-density plastic, it’s weather resistant and won’t crack, chip or peel, so will keep its appearance, but as it’s constructed from plastic, it will get rather hot if situated in direct sunshine. It does require some assembly, but if you have reasonable DIY skills, this shouldn’t be a problem.

Customer review: "This product is very strong and robust, fairly lightweight to be able to move around the garden easily."

Keter bring us this weatherproof tool shed which is six feet wide, four feet deep and over six feet tall, so there’s plenty of storage space for the smaller garden. It’s durable and weather-resistant and requires virtually no maintenance, just the odd wash-down to keep it looking nice and clean. There is some assembly required, and because of its size, it’s recommended that two people are involved in the build. There’s plenty of ventilation, the floor panel keeps your tools clean and dry, and the window allows plenty of natural light to get in.

Customer review: "This is a very nice shed indeed. Top marks for appearance. It is a little on the insubstantial side compared with a wooden shed, but it is quite acceptable for a plastic one."

This one is similar in size to the Keter tool shed but is constructed from rustproof and UV-resistant galvanised steel. While it might not be the most aesthetically pleasing tool shed, you’ll have plenty of space for your lawnmower and other gardening tools and maybe even the odd piece of garden furniture. There’s good security as the door features a locking system, and the sloping roof helps prevent rainwater from gathering and gives a handy few extra inches if needed, but you might find that condensation can build up during humid weather. Assembly is best achieved with two people.

Customer review: "I bought this shed as it said waterproof and was a decent size. Both boxes definitively ticked and very happy as my camping gear is safe and dry."

The Outsunny wooden tool shed is ideal for spades, rakes, buckets, as well as smaller bits of garden kit, as there are two handy storage shelves to keep things organised. The Fir timber is finished in a natural wood colour waterproof coating for improved weather protection, and the sloping asphalt-covered roof gives additional protection against rain. The front door opens full width for easy access and has a latch which is suitable for a security padlock. Once again, some assembly is required, but it shouldn’t cause too many difficulties.

Customer review: "Love this little shed got it for spades folks small tools and plant feed weedkiller etc., its really very good value for money."

This is a rather charming storage solution which will look good in most gardens. It features three built-in half-length shelves and an extra upper shelf cleverly incorporated into the roof, which is ideal for gardening essentials like weed killer, trowels, and gloves. There’s plenty of space for bigger items like rakes and spades, and the wooden floor panel keeps everything off the ground, clean and dry. It’s recommended that two people do the assembly, although the clear instructions mean that it’s a pretty straightforward task. It’s functional and looks good, ideal for the smaller garden space.

Customer review: "I love this little garden shed. Holds everything I need it to and is very aesthetically pleasing."

This is another model from Airwaves. Its appearance is a bit more plain than the Bidefortd model – that’s not to say it’s unattractive because it’s not, just a bit more perfunctory in appearance. It’s also a bit larger, with multiple shelves that can be used to accommodate a multitude of gardening equipment; the downside is that you can’t really fit in larger tools. The louvre-style front doors encourage greater airflow within the shed, helping to prevent condensation and provide better all-around ventilation. There’s no lock or hasp, so you will have to make your own security arrangements if required.

Customer review: "The overall construction of the unit is good, and though it's softwood the elements are thick enough to be sturdy. The top has a waterproof cover, fits with a slope to the back and overhangs to keep drips off the back panel."

This Talia sentry box-style tool shed from Dunster House is good-looking and practical. At almost seven feet tall, there’s plenty of room for long-handled tools as well as shelf space for smaller bits of gardening equipment. It’s made of slow-grown spruce and is suitable for coating in a protective wood solution or for painting with suitable outdoor wood paint. The shelf and tool rail are adjustable, so you can move them to suit your own requirements. Waterproofing is improved with the inclusion of waterproof felt on the roof.

Customer review: "This is a smashing little shed. I put it together, with a bit of help from my partner in about an hour, then another hour kitting it out with the provided shelf."

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