Are Plastic Sheds Any Good: All You Have To Know

Last Updated on June 30, 2023 by Dale Allan

Do you need more storage space in your garden? Are garden furniture not enough and you want some actual green building?

A plastic shed can offer just the solution – they’re durable, waterproof, and easy to assemble. They’re also affordable and come in a variety of sizes so you can find one that fits your specific needs.

Quick Info

• Plastic sheds are strong, durable and weather resistant making them a great value storage solution
• They offer easy assembly with minimal effort needed and are usually budget friendly compared to other shed types
• However plastic sheds may have limited design options, can be more susceptible to high temperatures than alternatives and the materials used can be flimsy.
• Investing in reputable brands such as Palram who produce robust structures, UV resistant panels plus anchoring systems during installation will help ensure your shed remains secure for longer.

Pros And Cons Of Plastic Sheds

Plastic Sheds offer a durable and weather-resistant construction, making them an affordable option that is easy to assemble; however they may be limited in design options and can become vulnerable to high temperatures.

Weather-resistant And Durable Construction

Plastic sheds combine strength and durability, making them an ideal storage solution for gardeners. Made from a vinyl material that is resistant to rot and decay, plastic sheds are built to last in any climate or condition.

This material is also insect-proof and can withstand temperatures of up to 80°F – ideal for hot summers! Plastic sheds come with reinforced flooring systems that prevent sinking or cracking over time and provide extra stability when handling heavy objects like garden equipment.

The panels of plastic sheds have double the thickness compared to those made out of wood, adding even more protection against the elements such as high winds or intense sunlight.

Plastic roof is also less likely to get damaged so keep that in mind.

Affordable

Plastic sheds are often the most cost-effective option for gardeners. They tend to be significantly cheaper than wooden and metal alternatives, with much lower material and labor costs.

This makes them ideal for anyone who’s on a tight budget or wants to get more bang for their buck when it comes to investing in this type of structure. Furthermore, plastic is lightweight, which means that installation is usually quick and easy since the shed can be moved by just two people.

Easy Assembly

A plastic shed is a great investment for gardeners looking to improve their outdoor space with additional storage. Plastic sheds are the easiest to assemble since they have pre-drilled holes that make it easier to join pieces together.

This means that most of the assembly work can be done solution without any power tools or extra help from experts. Plus, you don’t need any special skills or experience either! You just need some basic manual building proficiency and knowledge about joining different parts of surfaces with screws and bolts in proper manner that makes them stick firmly for a long time.

Limited Design Options

When it comes to design options, plastic sheds are not the most versatile choice. In comparison with wood and metal sheds, they often come in a limited range of colors and styles.

However, many plastic shed manufacturers offer a wide variety of sizes and features including built-in shelves and skylights so that you can customize your space.

Plastic is also lightweight making it easier to lift compared to other materials such as metal which helps if you plan on moving the shed around regularly or if there are any obstacles hindering its installation i.e. stairs or small passages etc.

Susceptible To High Temperatures

Plastic sheds can become quite hot when exposed to direct sunlight or other heat sources. The HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and PVC plastics used in their construction have properties that are particularly vulnerable to temperature fluctuations.

If the shed is heated for long periods of time, it can form condensation or even warp due to changes in the plastic’s molecular structure, which weakens its structures making it less secure and durable.

To prevent this from happening, gardeners should look for UV resistant options as they won’t heat up quickly and don’t require much maintenance either.

Flimsy Materials

When it comes to plastic sheds, one of the biggest drawbacks is the flimsy nature of some materials used in their construction. Thin-walled or poorly constructed plastic sheds may be more prone to wear and tear because they are less sturdy than other options like wooden or metal shed.

Fortunately, you can upgrade your plastic shed with a few extra reinforcements if needed. For example, thicker panel walls will help keep your shed sturdier for longer or reinforced flooring and bracing will further enhance its stability when battling strong winds during those long winter months.

Additionally, buying from reputable brands with quality control standards in place will assure that your plastic garden shed is built using stronger and better resilient materials that won’t let you down over time.

Comparison To Other Shed Types

Plastic sheds are often a good choice to consider compared to wooden, metal or vinyl sheds due to their affordability, weather-resistance and ease of assembly.

Wooden Sheds

Wooden sheds are popular due to their durability and versatility in design, making them customizable for gardeners. They provide excellent insulation from cold weather and protect your equipment from the elements.

Those looking for a more natural finish will find wooden sheds are easier to personalize than plastic or metal (particularly when treated properly.) Wooden sheds also offer better protection against corrosion and rust as they’re not made of metal materials which can cause condensation build up.

For extra strength, reinforced floors ensure that you won’t experience any unwanted movement while storing heavy items like machinery.

Metal Sheds

As gardeners, it’s important to consider the needs of our outdoor space and all the storage solutions that are available. Metal sheds offer a sturdier option than both wood and plastic sheds, offering optimal protection for stored items within them.

They have an added advantage in terms of durability; they can withstand different weather conditions without needing regular maintenance like other types of shed do. Plus they tend to be cheaper than wooden sheds – an aluminium metal shed will usually cost much less than one made from treated timber, making them more budget-friendly.

Metal sheds come in two main forms – steel or aluminum – each having slightly different characteristics which means they may be better suited for some applications over others.

Steel has the benefit of being even stronger so could offer extra security while aluminium is lightweight yet durable enough to protect your belongings from water damage or dirt accumulation due to their sealed roof designs and lack of gaps between panels used for joining them together when assembling a metal shed kit.

Vinyl Sheds

Making the right shed choice for your outdoors is an important part of garden maintenance. With vinyl sheds becoming increasingly popular, you may be wondering if they are worth it – the answer is yes! Vinyl sheds combine durability and low maintenance to make a great storage solution for any outdoor space.

Compared to plastic or wooden sheds, they come with several advantages; their strong construction means that weather won’t affect them as readily, so rain and strong winds should never be a worry for vinyl shed owners.

The weather-resistant construction also helps prevent cracking in extreme temperatures too, making it less likely that parts will become broken during cold winters or hot summers.

When choosing which type of shed to purchase however, remember to buy from a reputable brand who offer thicker panels and reinforced floors – this will help ensure longevity even further by minimising damage caused by UV radiation and condensation when storing heavier pieces of equipment like lawn mowers or tractors in your new venture.

Factors To Consider When Buying A Plastic Shed

When shopping for a plastic shed, make sure to consider factors such as size and intended use, thickness of panels, the reputation of brands available, UV resistance, and reinforced flooring.

Size And Intended Use

Knowing how much space you have and what you plan to store in your shed is key when deciding on the right size plastic shed. The available space, such as a patio or backyard area, as well as future needs should be taken into account when determining the appropriate size of a plastic shed for different gardening needs.

For instance, if you are looking for a place to store all of your garden tools and equipment then larger models with more than one room would make sense. On the other hand, smaller sheds are better suited for those who want to free up some extra storage space in their home or apartment without having too much clutter.

When considering an indoor or outdoor use plastic shed model with customizable options is beneficial in case additional equipment has not been taken into consideration yet but might be needed sometime down the road.

Make sure to measure properly before purchasing any type of portable structure so that it will fit comfortably where it’s intended to go and also there will still be enough room left over after assembly for whatever else required (like removing snow off items).

Thickness Of Panels

Choosing the right plastic shed can be confusing as there are various factors to consider, such as size, design, weatherability and materials. Hearing talk of panel thickness often adds another layer of complexity.

Fortunately, understanding how much is enough isn’t difficult when you break it down for what you actually need from a shed.

The importance of thick panelling lies in its primary purpose – providing insulation against harsh temperatures outside and offering protection to the contents inside your shed from damage by elements like rain or snowfall.

Thicker panels (such as those commonly found in Palram plastic sheds) provide better insulation and also stronger structural support which goes a long way towards increasing their durability over thin-panelled sheds whose walls may easily cave in under heavy pressure or sharp external force.

Typically, panels on these plastic sheds range between 7mm and 19mm depending on model type, with some mid-level options at 10-11mm up to 12-13mm for higher end options that provide greater strength consistency across their full surface area than cheaper models tend to offer with more lower concentration points around weak points or joints.

Reputable Brands

When shopping for plastic sheds, it’s important to consider choosing a reputable brand. Quality and reliable products will be better able to withstand bad weather, regular use, and other elements of outdoor life.

One way you can ensure that you get the best quality shed is by researching well-known brands in the market who have established their reputation for making durable products.

Well-known plastic shed makers such as DuraMax, Palram Keter, Grosfillex and Suncast all make high quality products with excellent customer service which often come with warranties or guarantees so expect a longer lifespan from your purchase.

Each manufacturer specializes in different features ranging from ultra modern designs (Grosfillez) to sturdy construction (Palram). For durability look out for thick walls made from UV stable polycarbonates or vinyl-clad steel frames – both are resilient against extreme temperatures, rusting and cracking under direct sunlight exposure.

If longevity is something you’re looking for then choose wooden sheds over metal or resin models as they tend hold up against the elements better compared .

UV Resistance

When it comes to buying a plastic shed, one of the most important factors to consider is UV resistance. This refers to how well the material used can withstand exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which can cause fading and cracking over time.

Plastic sheds like those manufactured by Keter or Palram are designed with superior UV protection in order to prevent long-term damage from direct sunlight.

Polycarbonate is a strong and long-lasting material used for plastic sheds that is both UV and weather-resistant offering excellent protection against damaging sunlight rays as well as general wear and tear due environmental factors including light, chemicals, and heat.

Having this extra layer of defense will help maintain your shed’s color completeness while keeping it safe from temperatures that could cause cracking or splitting in less protected materials such as vinyl or wood.

While metal sheds offer some UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) compared to wooden options they still do not offer anything close to what you get when you choose premium quality plastics which guarantee complete coverage protecting them all year round regardless of seasonality or climate change.

Reinforced Flooring

Reinforced flooring is a great option for plastic sheds, especially when you plan to store heavy garden tools or equipment. It helps ensure that your shed has the necessary strength and stability needed to support the weight of its contents.

Regular plastic floors are just as likely to wear out or break over time due to daily exposure, while reinforced floors offer greater protection from sharp edges and weather damage.

When shopping for a plastic shed with reinforced flooring, look for steel mesh reinforcement in the panels – this creates an additional layer between your tools and their surroundings which can prevent rust buildup caused by moisture.

Another type of reinforced flooring is made with fibreglass-reinforced resin boards which give you improved stability while allowing each section of vinyl panelening to fit in securely without risk of slipping apart.

Maintaining Your Plastic Shed

Regularly cleaning and inspecting your plastic shed can significantly increase its life expectancy, so be sure to inspect and repair any small damages when necessary.

Cleaning Tips

When it comes to regularly cleaning your plastic shed, you don’t want to be too heavy-handed. A soft brush and warm water with white vinegar should do the job when dealing with mild dirt and grime.

For tougher stains or dirt buildup, a gentle pressure wash can be used but only on the exterior of the shed – avoid getting large amounts of water inside as this could result in mould and rot forming over time.

As an extra layer of protection against dirt build up, use a good quality spray sealer designed for outdoor storage once or twice a year. To reduce condensation as much as possible, make sure that all openings have good ventilation which will also aid air circulation within the shed – this will help prevent any musty odours that occur from poor air flow.

Repair And Replacement Options

As gardeners, having a storage solution that lasts is essential. Luckily, plastic sheds are increasingly popular for many reasons because they provide reliable and maintenance-free outdoor storage.

They require almost no upkeep or repairs, but if needed there exists an array of repair and replacement options to make sure your shed suits all your needs.

Individual panels or parts can quickly be substituted for replacements without too much disruption; many companies selling plastic sheds offer customer service to deal with the panel replacements so you don’t have to do extra work on your own.

Additionally, some brands sell separate repair kits which are relatively inexpensive – usually comprising sealant compounds along with screws – perfect in case anything goes wrong within the structure of the shed itself.

Finally, some professional services specialise in fixing such fixtures as well as dealing with bigger repairs like patching holes/tearing polyester walls etc., taking even more pressure off homeowners who need help getting their plastic shed back in shape.

Overall, while other materials like wood may require stronger forming sealing products or rust protection sprays over time thus becoming quite costly to maintainover time – be it painting every few years or constantly checking for rot build up – these issues simply aren’t present when opting for a plastic shed instead! The convenience and simplicity provided by repair and replacement options make them a long-lasting and cost-effective storage solution for gardeners looking for an affordable yet quality outdoor structure

Preventing Damage

Whether you’re looking for a low maintenance storage solution or want to make plastic sheds part of your garden décor, knowing how to prevent damage is essential.

For the best protection from water damage and rot, position your plastic shed on a solid base with no gaps or poor drainage that could let moisture get inside.

Any uneven ground should be levelled out first with sand or gravel to form an even surface. Be sure to seal any gaps in the walls with caulk or mastic sealant – this helps protect against access from pests as well as weather elements such as rain or snow – but don’t forget about ventilation! Plastic sheds tend to collect condensation over time so remember not to block air vents when sealing these gaps.

When positioning plastic outdoors, it’s also recommended that you avoid extreme temperatures which can cause warping, cracking or discolouration of parts due too heat exposure; consider the situation carefully before choosing where it should go since dust storms often occur in high areas especially during summertime! Finally keep up regular monthly checks – this is key if you want long lasting use from your shed – inspect all parts for wear & tear (such as cracks) carry out repairs promptly where necessary because neglecting minor issues could lead onto more costly fixes later down the line.

How Long Does Plastic Shed Last?

Plastic sheds have become a popular choice for gardeners due to their durable construction, affordable price tag, and easy assembly.

The answer depends on the overall quality of your plastic shed. A cheaper model may only last 5-7 years; however, if you invest in higher quality materials or processes such as enhanced UV protection and reinforced flooring then you can expect it to last much longer – potentially up to 20 years or more with proper care and maintenance.

In general, though, most plastic sheds should endure between 10-15 years so long as they are positioned thoughtfully away from direct sunlight (to minimise overheating), avoid sustained contact with waterlogged surfaces (to prevent rot) and are regularly cleaned and inspected for damage (maintenance).

Additionally, the type of material matters too: vinyl sheds tend to outlast their plastic counterparts by around 25 to 30+ years so they truly offer fantastic value over time! That said, metal is another great contender; whilst slightly pricier than plastic initially there is no debating that its strong build will stand the test of time far better than conventional resin.

All in All

Overall, plastic sheds are an excellent storage solution with a few drawbacks. Their easy assembly and affordability make them attractive to many homeowners seeking a robust storage building for their backyard.

Plus, they offer weather-resistant construction that won’t rot or rust like wooden and metal sheds respectively. However, they may be more susceptible to high temperatures than other types of sheds and their flimsy material can lower the overall quality of the shed over time.

Therefore, consider investing in reputable brands such as Palram who are known for making strong, durable plastic sheds which will last longer if properly maintained. It is also important to use anchoring systems during installation so your shed remains stable even in inclement weather conditions.

Additionally, carefully evaluate size requirements before purchasing a plastic shed – Panels used may be thicker at larger sizes giving your purchase added value.

Thanks for reading.

Dale