Sheds for sale: What to look for before buying

My first shed was an impulse buy: a pretty wooden thing I found online and imagined full of neatly stacked tools. It arrived two weekends later and promptly taught me two lessons — always check the base is level, and always match the shed material to your climate. That little shed saved the mower and my sanity, but the wrong site and a poor foundation would have turned it into a wobbly, leaky headache.

If you’re shopping for sheds for sale, this practical guide walks through the real decisions you’ll face — materials, size, siting, planning rules, installation, and maintenance — with examples from real projects so you know what to expect.

1) Start with the right questions (so you buy once, not twice)

Before you look at models, be clear on:

• What will you store? Lawn mower, bikes, garden chemicals, bulky furniture? Size and door width matter.

• Where will it sit? Consider access, slope, drainage, and visibility from windows.

• How long do you want it to last? A cheap resin shed may be fine for occasional use; a timber or metal shed will last longer if you need heavy-duty storage.

• Local rules and power needs: Do you want electricity or plumbing later? Check the rules first. These decisions change what’s a good purchase. Lowe's+1

2) Know local planning and building rules

Many small garden sheds are “permitted development,” but there are limits on size, height, and placement, and requirements differ by country and municipality. In the UK, for example, outbuildings follow specific rules about maximum height and distance from boundaries; check Planning Portal guidance or your local council before buying. In many US cities, local zoning or homeowners’ association rules may apply — check before you order. planningportal.co.uk

3) Choose the right material for your needs and climate

Material affects maintenance, durability, cost, and appearance. The main options are wood, metal, and resin/vinyl.

• Wood: Classic look, good insulation, easy to repair, and attractive in gardens — but needs regular treatment against rot and pests. Pressure-treated timber is commonly used for longevity.

• Metal: Strong, relatively low maintenance, good for secure storage. It can dent and may rust if finish is compromised — look for galvanised or powder-coated finishes.

• Resin / plastic / vinyl: Very low maintenance and often designed to resist UV and rot; they’re lightweight and easy to assemble but can be more expensive and less “authentic” visually. Many brand guides compare these pros/cons to help match material to your climate. Lowe's

4) Size, access, and internal layout (don’t under- or overbuy)

Measure what you plan to store and add wiggle room for shelving and movement. Door width is as important as overall footprint — a tall mower, wheelbarrow, or bikes need wider doors or a ramp. Think vertical: wall racks, hanging hooks, and loft storage can make a small shed hugely more useful. Retail buying guides also recommend sketching a floor plan to test your layout before purchase. Lowe's

5) Foundation and siting — the purchase starts with the base

A good foundation prevents sagging, pooling water, and uneven doors. Options include concrete slab, paving slabs on compacted hardcore, or timber bearers on compacted sub-base. If the seller offers installation, check whether base work is included and whether it meets local frost and drainage considerations — a poor base is the most common reason new sheds have problems. Lowe's

6) Build quality, security, and fittings

Look for:

• Frame construction: solid framing and floor joists; thin frames save cost but cut life.

• Door and window fit: doors should close securely and be weather-tight; quality locks matter if you store tools and equipment.

• Ventilation: vents or windows prevent condensation and protect tools and finishes.

• Roofing: check the roof material and ensure overlaps, seals, and a slight pitch for drainage.
  Inspect photos and, if possible, the shed in person or request detailed build photos before buying. Consumer/retailer buying guides flag these as the load-bearing features to check. Consumer Reports

7) Delivery, assembly, warranty and service

Many sheds are delivered flat-pack and either DIY-assembled or installed by the seller. Ask:

• Is installation included? If not, what level of DIY skill is required?

• What’s the lead time for delivery? (Important in busy seasons.)

• Warranty & spare parts: Check what’s covered — roofs, doors, and frames are common warranty items. Retailers often list service options and spare part availability. Lowe's

8) Maintenance & what not to store

Regular checks — clear gutters, treat wooden surfaces, and check floor and roof seals — keep a shed working for decades. Don’t store items that are unsafe in unventilated spaces (propane cylinders, large quantities of solvents); guidance from home and garden experts highlights items better kept indoors. Store seed, paints, and batteries inside if you live somewhere with freezing winters. House Beautiful

Comparison table — quick buying cheat-sheet

Factor	Wood shed	Metal shed	Resin / Vinyl shed
Look / Aesthetic	Excellent	Industrial	Modern / plastic-like
Maintenance	Annual treatment	Low (watch for rust)	Very low
Durability	High with care	High if coated	High (UV-resistant)
Cost (typical)	Medium–High	Low–Medium	Medium–High
Repairability	Easy	Moderate	Harder (moulded panels)

3 real-world case studies

Case study 1 — Small suburban yard: A homeowner chose a 6×4 wooden shed with double doors and a concrete base. After yearly staining and a replaced felt roof after 7 years, the shed remains solid and attractive; they credit the good base and routine maintenance. (Local installer advice recommended a concrete slab for frost-prone soil.)

Case study 2 — Rented townhouse: The renter chose a freestanding resin shed (no drilling to walls allowed). Lightweight and rust-free, it survived two wet seasons and required no treatment — ideal for temporary or low-maintenance needs.

Case study 3 — Heavy-duty workshop use: A hobbyist gardener bought a galvanised metal shed with reinforced floor and ventilated roof. It required minimal upkeep, stored a mower and power tools securely, and lasted longer than previous wooden sheds in the same spot.