Types of Garden Sheds

Sheds with double doors are ideal for large machinery, like riding lawn mowers.

The type of garden shed that is most ideal for your outdoor space will depend on a variety of factors, including the local climate, the amount and size of the items you will be storing in the shed, and whether or you not you plan on spending a lot of time working inside the shed. And, while garden sheds come in a diverse array of architectural styles, most belong to one of three basic types: metal, wood or plastic.

Metal Sheds

Metal sheds tend to be sturdier than their wood and plastic counterparts. Two of the most common types of metals used in the construction of metal sheds are aluminum and steel, both of which are resistant to insect and pest damage. Also, unlike sheds constructed of natural lumbers, these metals are not prone to moisture and weather-related cracking, warping or rotting. One of the primary disadvantages of metal sheds it that they are efficient conductors of heat. This means in hot weather, metal shed walls can be hot to the touch and heat can easily flow into shed interiors. In cold weather, metal shed walls can be cold to the touch and heat can easily escape. The poor insulation of metal garden sheds makes them poor choices for use as year-round workshops.

Plastic Sheds

Like metal sheds, plastic sheds are resistant to insects, moisture and weather. However, unlike metal sheds, plastic sheds do not rust or corrode if you fail to maintain them with protective coatings. In addition to being low-maintenance, plastic garden sheds are poor conductors of heat, which makes them better suited for creating comfortable interior environments. Most plastic sheds consist of thermoplastic polymers, specifically polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. Manufacturers can mix pigments into PVC prior to curing or setting the material, which means you can purchase plastic garden sheds in a variety of colors, with no need to paint.

Wood Sheds

Wood sheds are the most traditional type of garden sheds in the United States. While they are less resistant to the forces of nature than metal and plastic sheds, wood sheds have an aesthetic quality many homeowners enjoy. The planks and panels of wood sheds have natural, textural qualities that make the sheds appear warm and inviting. In addition, the organic-nature of wood allows wood sheds to blend well with other organic yard elements, such as trees, hedges and flowers. Like plastic sheds, wood sheds offer better insulation than metal sheds.

Architectural Styles

One of the most traditional architectural styles for garden sheds is post and beam. Post and beam sheds have gabled or triangular roofs, which give them the appearance of miniatures houses. In comparison, lean-to sheds have roofs that peak along their broad, side walls instead. The design of lean-to garden sheds allows homeowners to nestle the sheds against existing structures, such as houses and garages.

References

• The Shed Builder: Are Timber Sheds Better Than Metal Sheds?
• EBackyardShedPlans.info: Wood Shed Plans: Some Advantages of Building Your Shed with Wood; January 18, 2011
• Metal Garden Shed: Is a Metal Garden Shed Better Than a Wood Shed?
• Secrets-of-Shed-Building.com: Consider a Plastic Tool Shed
• Secrets-of-Shed-Building.com: The Garden Shed Guide