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Shed Kits Buying Guide: Metal, Wood and Resin Kits Compared
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Metal vs wood vs resin
| Material | What Consumer Reports says | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Most commonly purchased. Lasts about 10 to 30 years. Attractive and structurally very strong, but requires the most maintenance. | Paint or stain upkeep. Keter says wood needs good airflow to prevent mold or mildew inside. |
| Resin or plastic | Lasts about 10 to 15 years. Relatively easy to assemble and low maintenance, but weaker for heavy shelving. | Heavy storage. Keter says resin sheds need to be anchored to a base. |
| Metal (steel) | Lasts about 20 to 25 years. Durable, but can dent, and can rust if the protective finish is damaged. | The paint warranty, which ranges from 10 to 40+ years (Consumer Reports). Keter says metal sheds may be more prone to condensation without built-in ventilation. |
Sources: Consumer Reports; Keter, a resin shed maker, for the watch-for notes. Keter's own comparison table gives different lifespans and favors resin, so treat its numbers as a manufacturer's claims.
Consumer Reports' advice on size: list everything you plan to store, estimate the floor space for each item, leave room to walk around and reach things, and buy bigger than you think you need. One expert there says buyers always wished they had gone bigger.
The checklist before you buy
- Is a foundation included? Usually plan for your own. Consumer Reports says a shed shouldn't be placed directly on grass or dirt because the ground can settle. The most common base is a level rock pad, and raising the shed on blocks lets air circulate underneath. Avoid damp, low-lying spots and heavy shade, and make sure water doesn't pool under the building. See shed foundation options.
- Is a floor included? It varies by kit. Check the spec page and parts list. For example, Keter's Manor 6x8 page says it includes a durable, heavy-duty floor, and lists a foundation as required.
- What does the warranty cover? Read the actual document. Keter's Manor 6x8 page lists a limited 10-year warranty with a downloadable PDF. Consumer Reports says to check the paint warranty on metal sheds.
- How long will assembly take, and who does it? Keter lists about 4.5 hours and 2 people for the Manor 6x8, and says larger or more complex sheds can take up to a couple of days. Consumer Reports suggests budgeting for a pro build (15 percent or more extra) if you're unsure, and for possible yard damage from delivery trucks.
- How is it anchored? Keter's Manor 6x8 can be fastened to the ground and has 4 anchor points built into the floor. Check what the kit includes for anchoring, and what your local rules require.
- What do local rules say? Consumer Reports says to check local codes and HOA rules before buying. One of its editors placed a shed too close to the property line and had to move it. Measure for power lines, fences and buried items like septic tanks. See shed permits.
Example: reading a manufacturer spec page
We are not recommending a specific kit. To show what to look for, here is what Keter's own product page says for its Manor 6x8 Storage Shed, Grey (item 213413). We did not independently test it.
| Spec | What the page says |
|---|---|
| Exterior size | 73.1 in wide, 93.2 in deep, 89.4 in high |
| Interior size | 66.5 in wide, 87.4 in deep, 86.5 in high |
| Material | Resin |
| Floor | Included, durable heavy-duty floor |
| Foundation | Required, minimum foundation size 69.7 x 90.6 in. Not described as included |
| Anchoring | Can be fastened to the ground; 4 anchor points built into the floor |
| Doors | Double doors, 51.6 in entry width, lockable. Lock not included |
| Warranty | Limited 10-year |
| Assembly | 2 people, about 4.5 hours; screwdriver and electric screwdriver |
Source: Keter product page for item 213413. We could not open a manufacturer page for a metal or wood kit this round, so we don't list one.
Is a kit cheaper than building?
We did not find a price per square foot for kits on a page we could open this round, so we don't quote one. Compare current listings against our build cost guide and the cost calculator. Kit prices change, so look at current listings.
What will your shed cost?
Our free calculator compares building it yourself, buying a kit and hiring a builder for your exact size.
Open the shed cost calculatorCompare shed kits
Use the checklist above when you compare listings. Check the foundation, floor, warranty and assembly lines on each one.
Compare shed kitsOr build from plansRelated guides
Common questions
What is the best material for a shed kit: metal, wood or resin?
No one material wins. Consumer Reports says wood sheds are attractive and structurally strong but need the most maintenance, resin sheds are relatively easy to assemble and low maintenance but weaker for heavy shelving, and metal sheds are durable but can rust if the protective finish is damaged. Pick based on your climate, what you'll store, and how much upkeep you'll accept.
Is a foundation included with a shed kit?
Don't assume so. The Keter Manor 6x8 product page lists a foundation as required, with a minimum foundation size, and does not say one is included. Consumer Reports says a shed shouldn't be placed directly on grass or dirt because the ground can settle; the most common base is a level rock pad. See our shed foundation guide.
Does a shed kit come with a floor?
It depends on the kit. The Keter Manor 6x8 page says it includes a heavy-duty floor. For any other kit, read the listing and the manufacturer's parts list, and ask before you order.
How long does it take to put a shed kit together?
It depends on size and type. Keter lists about 4.5 hours with 2 people for its Manor 6x8, and says a shed can take from a few hours to a couple of days depending on size and complexity. Consumer Reports notes that many homeowners plan to assemble a shed themselves but change their minds once they see what's involved; professional on-site builds usually cost 15 percent or more extra.
Do I need a permit for a shed kit?
Possibly. Consumer Reports says that depending on the size of the shed and where you live, you may need a building permit and fees, and some towns require a site plan. See our permit guide.
What about she shed kits?
We did not find a sourced guide on she shed kits specifically. A she shed is a shed used as a hobby or retreat space, so the same buying checks apply. If you plan to add power or insulation, check local code and use a licensed electrician.