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 eBay 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
KeterThis 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.
Pros
- Offers double doors for easy access
- Comes with an impressive 15-year warranty
Cons
- Lock not included
Best large plastic garden shed
DuramaxIf 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.
Pros
- Strong metal structure with a durable metal frame
- Two windows for light and ventilation
Cons
- Large footprint
Best compact plastic shed
KeterThis 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.
Pros
- Small footprint makes for a compact option
- Useful floor panel is included
Cons
- Only offers a single door
Best cupboard-style plastic shed
LifetimePerfect 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.
Pros
- Available in a range of sizes to suit your needs
- Steel reinforced frame for strength
Cons
- Some reviewers say the instructions are unclear
Best slimline plastic shed
Palramwww.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 for longevity against weather damage
- Low threshold to make it easier to wheel items in and out
Cons
- No padlock provided
Best lean-to-style plastic shed
Duramax 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.
Pros
- Reversible door for flexible positioning
- Reinforced metal structure for durability
Cons
- Only suitable for use as a lean-to
Best for bikes
LifetimeThis 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.
Pros
- Low profile design to not crowd your outdoor space
- Lift-up lid for quick access to contents
Cons
- Only available in one colourway
How we chose the best plastic garden sheds
All of these plastic garden sheds have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered the dimensions, construction, and ventilation in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching garden sheds to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.
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 are 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 to allow you to see the shed's contents clearly. That way, you can quickly and easily grab what you need without fumbling around in the dark.
FAQs
Why opt for a plastic garden shed?
There's a lot to love about garden sheds made from plastic materials. Unlike wooden sheds, they are practically maintenance-free, requiring only an occasional wash down with the garden hose to keep them looking clean and tidy.
Related to the low-maintenance nature of a plastic shed is also the fact these kind of outdoor structures won't rot in bad weather and won't be at all attractive to insect or rodent garden pests.
Most of the sheds we're featuring are delivered flat-packed, this, and their plastic construction makes them more lightweight to manoeuvre exactly where you want them in your outside space - and easier to build than wooden options.
This style of DIY construction also means that plastic garden sheds can be DIY de-constructed, meaning if you move house, you can move your garden shed with you.
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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.