Plastic lawn mower box. DIY Outdoor Storage Cabinet

Buy PDF Cut List A little garden and lawn mower shed that spells big relief for a crowded garage.

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Introduction

Assemble this easy-to-build storage locker to use as a lawn mower shed, garden storage shed or both! This storage locker is low and compact, yet spacious enough for lawn mower storage, plus all your long-handled tools and gardening materials.

Outdoor storage cabinet project overview: Benefits, time and materials

Lawn and garden tools present a paradox: You can never find the right tool when you need it, then when you aren’t looking for it, it’s in your way. This simple-to-build shed which is the perfect outdoor storage locker that solves both problems. It stores tools so they’re easy to find, and it does so in a convenient location in your yard so they’re not cluttering your garage.

The locker’s 4 x 8-ft. footprint provides ample room to store space-hogging items like walk-behind lawn mowers and snowblowers. Long- and short-handled garden tools, lawn treatments and potting materials also fit nicely inside.

In this article, we’ll show you how to build this attractive outdoor storage locker using easy construction techniques. It’s a great project for beginners looking to expand their building skills.

You can build and paint this locker in a weekend, although you might need another half day to give the pressure-treated trim a second coat of paint. The straightforward construction requires only basic power tools—a circular saw with a standard carbide blade and a drill. An air compressor and nail gun aren’t necessary but will make the framing and trim work easier (and faster!).

We used fiber cement panels for siding because they resist rot and hold paint well (the panels come primed). If you substitute plywood panels, be aware that they’ll eventually rot along the bottoms where they’re in ground contact. We chose corrugated plastic panels for the roof because they let in light and are easy to install. Materials for our locker cost about 500.

A Clear Roof Lets In the Sunshine

These clear plastic roof panels let in sunlight so you can easily see inside. They’re lightweight, faster to install than asphalt shingles and don’t need sheathing underneath. You can cut them with a carbide blade in a circular saw. And best of all, they won’t peel or tear like shingles, and they last for decades. The downside is they’re not in stock at most home centers. You may have to special-order them.

Find a site and gather materials

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A flat or nearly flat site (less than a 6-in. slope over 6 ft.) is ideal for this storage locker. You can add gravel or stack up several sleepers on one side if your site has a steeper slope, but the doors need 3 ft. of space to open. If the locker faces a steep slope, you’ll have to dig away the ground in front of the doors so they can fully open. You can find all the materials except perhaps the roof panels at most home centers. We used Sequentia panels from Crane Composites, which are available in several colors and clear. Buy treated trim material a few weeks early and let it dry. Otherwise, the wet wood will shrink and won’t hold paint. Make sure to use galvanized nails or exterior screws because they won’t corrode.

Assemble the floor

Level the sleepers

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Lay sleepers over gravel to create a flat foundation fast. Add or remove gravel until the sleepers are level.

Attach the floor

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Screw the floor framing to the sleepers at each corner. Then double-check the floor for level.

Start by digging parallel trenches 10 in. wide by 6 in. deep and centered 3 ft. 6 in. apart. If the ground is slightly sloped (like ours was), dig out any high areas between the trenches so you can (later) place a level across the sleepers.

Fill the trenches with pea gravel so they’re roughly level. Then cut treated 2×6 sleepers to size and set them over the gravel so the outside edges are 4 ft. apart. Place a 4-ft. level over one of the sleepers. Level it, then adjust the second sleeper until it’s level with the first (Photo 1).

Frame the floor on your driveway or another flat surface with treated lumber using 16d nails or 3-in. screws, following Figure A on p. 49. Lay a full sheet of 1/2-in. 4 x 8-ft. treated plywood over the floor frame. Adjust the floor frame so the corners are aligned with the edges of the plywood, then fasten the plywood using 8d nails or 1-1/2-in. screws. Snap chalk lines at the floor joist locations to make them easy to find. Drive fasteners every 6 to 8 in. along the edges and every 12 in. in the field.

Place the floor over the sleepers, align the corners, then drive 3-in. screws at an angle into the sleepers (Photo 2).

Frame the walls and roof

Erect the walls

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Build the walls and screw them to the floor. Attach temporary bracing to hold the walls plumb.

Install purlins

Family Handyman Install the purlins using fence brackets for the butt joints.

Photo 4A: Close-up of fence bracket

Inexpensive fence brackets make fastening the purlins easy.

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Install the rafters

Nail the rafters to the header and align them with the top of the back wall to create a flat plane for the roof.

Build the front and back walls following Figure A. Use treated lumber for the bottom plates and the door trimmers. Attach the assembled walls to the floor with 16d nails or 3-in. screws. Drive the fasteners near the outside edge to ensure they go into the underlying framing, not just into the plywood.

Have a helper place a level on a stud near one end of a wall. When the wall is plumb, fasten temporary bracing between the wall and the floor (Photo 3).

If you’re not an experienced builder, toenailing the purlins into place can be tricky since it’s hard to drive nails and keep the purlins at their marks. Avoid this frustration by using fence brackets. Nail them to the outside studs on the front and back walls with 8d nails, keeping the tops 1-1/2 in. above the top of the shelf supports. This keeps the tops of the purlins and the shelves (installed next) aligned for a flat surface.

Cut the purlins to size, set them into the brackets and drive 4d nails through the bracket holes (Photo 4). Cut the shelves to size and fasten them with 8d nails. It’s important to install the shelves now since they won’t fit after the siding is on.

Set the header in place, flush with the outside of the front wall. Drive 16d nails or 3-in. screws through the underside of the top plate into the header every 6 to 8 in.

To mark the angled end of the rafters, hold them in place alongside the header and the back wall. Mark the rafters and cut them to size. Use the fence brackets to hold the rafters in place on the back wall.

Nail the brackets so the top is slightly above the top of the wall. Nail the rafters in the brackets. Hold the opposite end flush with the top and side of the header, then face-nail it with two 16d nails or 3-in. screws.

To frame the roof, install the rafters (Photo 5). Cut two mid-beams at 93 in. Mark the rafters at the one-third and two-third distances between the walls. Place the mid beams at the marks and attach them with 16d nails or 3-in. screws.

Side with fiber cement

Install the siding

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Cut the fiber cement panels to size and nail them up.

Close-up of panel corner

Support the heavy siding panels with temporary nails placed 1-1/2 in. from the bottom of the floor framing.

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Use a carbide saw blade for cutting the fiber cement siding panels in a circular saw—and be sure to wear a mask. Cutting cement siding is extremely dusty. And be prepared—the 4 x 8-ft. panels are heavy.

Outdoor Storage Bench // Woodworking How To | I Like To Make Stuff

We kept the siding 1-1/2 in. from the bottom of the locker to avoid direct contact with the ground.

Cut panels for the back and front walls following Figure A. Install the front panels, starting at a corner. Then install the back panels so they butt together over the middle stud on the wall. Don’t worry that the panels don’t fully cover the corners. You’ll cover them later with trim.

Nail the panels with 8d nails. Drive the nails snug with a smooth-face hammer so you won’t mar the siding. Drive nails straight, not at an angle. Keep nails 3/8 in. from panel edges and 2 in. from corners. Hold the side panels in place (don’t nail them yet) and mark them along the top of the rafters. Cut them to size and nail them into place (Photo 6).

Add the trim

Nail on the trim

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Trim the outdoor storage locker, starting with the fascia. Then add the corner boards.

Painting along the roof panels is a pain, so it’s best to paint the trim now. If you’re using two colors, paint everything—you won’t have to cut in with paint later.

Install 1×4 fascia along the top of the locker. Start with the back, then add the sides, then the front. Hold each piece in place to mark the angle and cut it to size, then attach it with 8d nails before moving on to the next piece. Then cut and install 1×3 fascia over the 1×4 fascia.

Use treated lumber for the corner boards since they’re in ground contact. Cut the corner boards to size and nail them into place with 8d nails. Nail the boards on the sides first, then install the boards on the back and front walls, overlapping the side boards (Photo 7).

Cut and nail treated 2×4 door supports flush with the door opening, butted against the fascia. Use 16d nails. The door supports stick out a little proud of the fascia, but the extra thickness is needed to support the doors.

Install the clear roof

Add the roof panels

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Lay a heavy bead of caulk over the plug strip before screwing on the roof panel.

Before installing the roof, place wooden panel plugs flush with the outside of the fascia along the front and the back walls. Drill pilot holes through the peaks and nail the plugs into place with 4d nails. The plugs conform to the shape of the roof panels, sealing the openings to keep out the birds and the bees. For roof support along the sides, install supports (quarter round).

Cut the 9-ft.-long roof panels in half with a circular saw. Run a generous bead of silicone caulk along both plugs for 27 in., then set the panels in place so there’s an equal overhang on the front and back and about 2 in. on the side.

Drill 1/8-in. pilot holes through every third peak at the plugs and the mid-beams, then insert 1-1/2-in. hex-head panel screws.

Caulk along the edge of the installed roof panel and the panel plugs (Photo 8). Then install the next roof panel. Overlap the panels by 3 in. When you get to the end, cut the last panel to size.

The 9 Best Outdoor Storage Solutions of 2023

Theresa Holland is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, cleaning, and bedding. She shares her favorite life hacks on her blog The Taboo Textbook.

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants.

With the right outdoor storage solution, you can keep your yard equipment, garden tools, and other items out of the way and weather-protected. Whether using it to store pool items, toys, life vests, outdoor games, or seat cushions, you want to consider things that are weatherproof and can withstand rain, heat, and cold temperatures, says professional organizer and storage expert Shaniece Jones.

We researched all types of products of various sizes and capacities, from sheds and deck boxes to benches and chests to help you find the best storage options for your needs and outdoor space.

Best Overall

Rubbermaid Outdoor Vertical Resin Storage Shed

• Double-walled weatherproof resin
• Impact-resistant floor included
• Generous capacity with small footprint

Rubbermaid makes some of the best backyard sheds and outdoor storage solutions on the market. The Outdoor Vertical Shed is technically a shed, though it’s more like a tall cupboard, as it’s not meant for you to step inside. It comes in two sizes, both of which boast a small footprint (meaning they’ll take up minimal space on the ground or your patio). But each is over 6 feet tall, so you’ll have plenty of room to stash everything.

This double-walled outdoor storage shed is made of PP (polypropylene) resin, a super-strong thermoplastic that won’t fade in the sunlight, crack, peel, warp, or become otherwise water-damaged. Resin has longevity, so you will get your money’s worth, and it’s also easy to take care of, adds Jones. Not only that, but you can paint the material to match your outdoor furniture or the siding on your house.

We like that this weather-friendly cupboard comes with a heavy-duty, impact-resistant floor. It’s the perfect size and shape for storing a lawn mower, ladders, rakes, shovels, and other yard tools. And you can use the brand’s wall anchors to install shelves, a pegboard, and other organizational accessories. Though the French doors are lockable, you’ll have to buy your own lock. You’ll have to assemble this utility shed yourself—while it could be a one-person job, it’ll go a lot faster if you recruit a buddy.

Price at time of publish: 599

Dimensions: 81 x 52 x 31 inches, 77 x 55 x 52 inches | Storage Capacity: 53–74 cubic feet | Material: Polypropylene resin

Best Budget

YitaHome 100 Gallon Large Resin Deck Box

• Weatherproof, fade-resistant resin
• Hinged lid and carrying handles
• Doubles as seating; 440-pound capacity

If you’re on a budget, the YitaHome Resin Deck Box is a solid choice. As the name suggests, it’s made of PP resin, so you can bet it won’t fade, crack, warp, or rust, no matter where you live or what the weather forecast says. It features a ratan-inspired texture that looks and feels like basketweave, but unlike natural rattan, water won’t penetrate the material. With a 100-gallon interior capacity, the sizable design is big enough to fit garden tools, toys, outdoor cushions, or blankets.

The lid flips open and stays propped up on hinges for easy access to all your stuff. It’s designed to be lockable, but you’ll have to get your own padlock. There are also handles on the sides, making it easy to lift and move around as needed. In addition to providing storage space, this outdoor chest doubles as extra seating. With a 440-pound weight capacity, it can effortlessly support one or two adults. Just a heads up, this product calls for two-person assembly, so make sure you have someone to help before getting started.

Price at time of publish: 140

Dimensions: 47.6 x 24.8 x 21.2 inches | Storage Capacity: 100 gallons | Material: Polypropylene resin

Best Deck Box

Keter Brightwood 120-Gallon Resin Deck Box

• Weather-ready resin in wood-paneled design
• Auto-open, soft-close hydraulic lid
• Doubles as seating; 804-pound capacity

Keter makes some of the best deck boxes, in our opinion. The brand’s Brightwood Deck Box is made of exceptionally durable and weatherproof PP resin, so you can count on it to resist fading, cracking, rusting, and peeling. It has a paneled design to replicate the look of a real wood chest and comes in the option of black, dark brown, off-white, or taupe to complement a range of outdoor living spaces.

With a 120-gallon capacity, this box is big enough to hold outdoor cushions, gardening supplies, toys, towels, life jackets, or pool accessories. Thanks to hydraulic pistons, the lid opens automatically, stays propped open, and closes softly when you want to shut it. It’s lockable, too, but you’ll have to buy your own padlock. The Brightwood can also be used as extra seating. With an incredible 804-pound weight capacity, it easily supports two adults. This deck box has to be assembled at home, but you should be able to do it on your own with nothing more than a screwdriver.

Price at time of publish: 170

Dimensions: 57 x 27.5 x 23.5 inches | Storage Capacity: 120 gallons | Material: Polypropylene resin

Best Shed

Lifetime 8 ft. x 12.5 ft. Outdoor Storage Shed

• Generous capacity with included shelves
• Durable design with 10-year warranty
• Weatherproof materials can be painted to match siding

When it comes to the best outdoor sheds, Lifetime is a reliable brand. We like this 8 x 12.5-foot option, which has an interior storage capacity of over 600 cubic feet. You’ll have more than enough room to store your lawn mower, leaf blower, weed wacker, garden tools, fertilizer, ladder, camping equipment, outdoor furniture, pool toys—you name it. It comes with two long shelves and two corners shelves and is equipped to add a pegboard, wall hooks, and other organizational accessories.

This backyard storage shed is constructed from high-density PP resin with powder-coated steel reinforcements. Both materials are incredibly sturdy, rust-resistant, and able to withstand extreme temperatures and various weather conditions. The neutral design is versatile, but you have the option to paint the exterior to match the siding on your house. It has shatterproof Windows and skylights with vented panels for natural lighting and air circulation. You’ll have to assemble it at home, but due to the large size, it’s a two-person job. (The brand recommends having a third person read the instructions while the other two put the parts together.) Also, this shed comes with a floor, though you’ll want to place it over an existing foundation. Backed by a 10-year warranty, we think this product is an excellent value.

Price at time of publish: 1,711

Dimensions: 96 x 148 x 94 inches | Storage Capacity: 621 cubic feet | Material: High-density polyethylene resin, powder-coated steel

Best Bench

Keter Solana 70-Gallon Outdoor Storage Bench

• Wide seat with 551-pound capacity
• Spacious trunk with lockable lid
• Resists fading, denting, and water damage

To help reduce clutter, professional organizer and storage expert Shaniece Jones suggests getting a multi-purpose outdoor storage solution, like a bench with a compartment beneath the seat. With this in mind, the Keter Solana Storage Bench is an excellent choice. At 4 and a half feet wide with a 551-pound weight capacity, it can easily fit and support two sitting adults. Though it’s not cushioned like some outdoor furniture, the back and armrests make it pretty comfortable. Available in dark brown or brown with a gray seat, the neutral design easily blends in with other outdoor furniture. You could also paint it a different color with acrylic house paint.

As for the storage component, the seat doubles as a lid, which lifts up to reveal a spacious trunk with a 70-gallon capacity. It doesn’t come with its own lock, but you can secure the cover with any keyed or combination padlock. Made of PP resin, this storage bench is resistant to all types of weather damage, and it won’t dent with impact or fade in the sun. The Solana calls for a two-person assembly, but it should be a pretty straightforward process.

Price at time of publish: 200

Dimensions: 54.5 x 33 x 23.5 inches | Storage Capacity: 70 gallons | Material: Polypropylene resin

Best Waterproof

East Oak Waterproof Deck Box

• Can be left outside year-round
• Resists sun-fading, moisture damage, and mildew
• Doubles as seating; supports up to 880 pounds

If you live in a particularly rainy or snowy climate and are looking for something that can be kept outside year-round, the East Oak Deck Box might be your best bet. The waterproof design is made of PP resin, so you can have peace of mind knowing it won’t warp, crack, split, peel, or buckle in a torrential downpour. Not only that, but the water-tight design keeps moisture from seeping in to prevent mold and mildew. The material is also UV-resistant, meaning it won’t fade when placed in direct sunlight.

The lid has two hydraulic rods for effortless opening and soft closure. Unlike many other outdoor storage products we found, this one actually comes with its own padlock. Available in four sizes, the interior storage capacity of this deck box ranges from 31 to 180 gallons. With the lid closed, it doubles as extra outdoor seating—the largest size can fit two adults and support up to 800 pounds of weight. You’ll have to assemble it yourself, but it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. All things considered, we think the price is right on point.

Price at time of publish: 330

Dimensions: 4 sizes available | Storage Capacity: 31–180 gallons | Material: Polypropylene resin

Best Wood

West Elm Playa Outdoor Storage Trunk

• Sustainably sourced, kiln-dried eucalyptus
• Resists fading, warping, and decay
• Simple, attractive design

Prefer the look of natural wood? Check out the Playa Outdoor Storage Trunk from West Elm. It’s crafted from solid, kiln-dried eucalyptus wood, which is known to hold up well in various weather conditions. The kiln-drying process hardens the wood to prevent it from warping while making it more resistant to fungal decay and insect infestations. Not only that, but it’s covered in a water-based mast finish that further helps it resist fading and water damage. We also like that the lumber is sustainably sourced from forests certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).

With clean lines and a versatile medium-wood hue, the Playa is beautiful in its simplicity. The lid opens up to reveal 74 gallons of storage space, where you can stash anything from outdoor pillows and blankets to kids’ toys and towels. If you pick up this chest in a West Elm store, you’ll have to assemble it yourself at home. But if you order it online, you’ll get white-glove delivery service, meaning they’ll unpack it, assemble it, and take away all the packaging. The price is a bit steep for the size, but if aesthetics are a top priority, it might be worth the investment.

Price at time of publish: 899

Dimensions: 47.5 x 24.2 x 18 inches | Storage Capacity: 74 gallons | Material: Kiln-dried eucalyptus wood

The best cordless lawn mowers in 2023

Looking for the best cordless mower? Browse our experts’ pick, from budget to premium models.

A lawn mower may be one of the first purchases we make when getting a garden of our own, but that doesn’t mean finding a good quality one is easy. There are so many models and brands on the market to choose from, including corded electric and petrol, but as their range increases and fall, cordless, battery-powered models are an increasingly popular option.

Light and compact compared with traditional petrol models, cordless mowers are simple to use, easy to manoeuvre around the garden, and have none of the maintenance and servicing needs or costs of petrol lawnmowers. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which charges up quickly and won’t lose power in storage, they’re also quiet and emission free.

To compare these cordless mowers against other types of mower, we’ve reviewed the best lawn mowers, robotic lawn mowers, electric lawn mowers and push mowers, too. And if your lawn needs a bit of attention, our experts have tested a range of the best manual and powered aerators and scarifiers.Keep edges looking neat with our pick of the best strimmers, the best garden shears and the best lawn edging, and if you’re thinking about somewhere to store your new mower, our comprehensive guide to choosing the best garden shed will be helpful.

For your next DIY project, have a look at the best cordless drills.

The best cordless mowers to buy at a glance

Cordless mowers. Buyer’s Guide video

Many thanks to Rosie Yeomans and Sparsholt College for their help in making this video.

Getting the best cordless lawn mower for you means ensuring it has the correct cutting width, range of cutting heights, and weight plus a battery run time that matches the size of your lawn. We’ve tested a range of cordless push mowers, putting them through their paces across a range of grass and terrains, to help you find the right one for your garden.

Each mower has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to set up and storage, handling, mowing and value for money. Every mower in our round up below has scored a minimum of four out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.

In every review we award outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best cordless lawn mowers, below.

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Best Buy cordless mowers

Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A

Our rating: 4.9 out of 5

• Quiet
• Cuts even long grass with ease
• Battery level visible while mowing
• Small and compact for easy storage
• Part of the POWER FOR ALL cordless range

Part of the new Husqvarna Aspire cordless range, which includes a hedge trimmer, pruner and leaf blower, this 34cm mower is powered by an 18V POWER FOR ALL ALLIANCE battery and charger. These are interchangeable with tools in other leading brands such as Flymo, Gardena and Bosch so if you also invest in tools in these ranges, you’ll only need to buy the bare tool and won’t have different batteries and chargers taking up space in the shed.Great for small gardens the mower comes ready to go, there’s no assembly or handles to attach, and it folds down to a compact size when you’re finished, with a telescopic handle that folds completely flat over the body of the mower. It can then be stood up against a wall or hung up, and even comes with a handy hook. The 30l grass bag also flattens down to take up very little room and can be hung on the mower. The Aspire is light, with a carry handle so that lifting it up steps or into other areas is easy and it has an adjustable handle to suit different height users. It’s comfortable and easy to manoeuvre around the garden and has just four cutting heights to choose from, ranging from 25-65mm and changed easily with a single lever on the body of the mower. It cuts grass quietly and smoothly and has an automatic boost that increases blade speed when you’re mowing in tougher, longer areas that works well. You can hear it kick in when you push the mower into longer grass and unlike other cordless mowers that can cut out, just carries on cutting the grass. While you mow the battery charge level is always clearly visible so you know how much battery you have left and when it needs charging. It comes with a two year warranty and we awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy in 2023 for ease of use.

Specs: Battery: charge time. 95 mins; run time. 500sqm. Cutting: width. 34cm; height. 25-65mm. Grass box. 30 litre.

Buy the Husqvarna Aspire C34-P4A cordless mower from Husqvarna and Sam Turner

Greenworks GDG24LM33

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

• Easy to assemble and use
• Comfortable padded handle
• Choice of mulching or collecting clippings
• Interchangeable battery with Greenworks 24V family

Ideal for smaller gardens this sturdy, great value cordless mower is easy to put together, well thought out and simple to use. Thanks to a padded handle it’s comfortable to push, although it did feel a little short for our taller tester, and it’s light and easy to manoeuvre around trees and beds and borders. There are five cutting heights to choose from, adjusted with the simple lift of a lever and it offers the choice of collecting clippings in the 30 litre fabric grass bag or inserting the mulching plug and leaving them on the lawn to break down and feed the grass. It mows well but doesn’t like very long grass, with the battery cutting out occasionally but its long lasting brushless motor offers a a decent run time of 46 minutes and it charges in two hours. Plus, as part of the Greenworks 24V family, both the battery and charger are interchangeable with all the other tools in the range, saving you money if you invest in more in the future. We awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for the best budget cordless mower in 2023.

Specs: Battery: charge time. 120 mins; run time. 46mins. Cutting: width. 33cm; height. 25-70mm. Grass box. 30 litre.

Yard Force LMG37A 40v 37cm

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

• Rear roller
• Double folding handle for easy storage
• Quickest charge time
• Part of the Yardforce GR40 cordless range

This sturdy mower has a 37cm cutting width and useful features including a rear roller for those much desired stripes. Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy in 2022 for small to medium lawns, clippings are collected in the large 40 litre fabric grass bag. It offers a wide choice of seven cutting heights, from 25-75mm, and is easy to fold away at the end of the day. The 40V battery is quick to charge, taking just 50 minutes and when full it has the capacity to cut a 400m2 lawn.

Specs: Battery: charge time. 50 mins; run time. 400sqm. Cutting: width. 37cm; height. 25-75mm. Grass box. 40 litre.

Buy the Yard Force LMG37A 40V 37cm cordless mower from Yard Force, Amazon and Wickes

Add a workshop to your property or a place to store the yard tools and lawn mower with one of these top sheds.

By Tony Carrick | Updated Apr 3, 2023 1:15 PM

7 Easy Shed Organizing DIY Projects

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Whether one is looking to clear out the garage, find a home for yard equipment and tools, or create a studio or a workshop, a shed can serve many needs. Sheds come in various sizes, ranging from small models for storing the trash and recycling cans to huge sheds that are capable of housing a car. They also come in various material types, including metal, wood, and plastic resin.

With so many different styles, sizes, and types of sheds to choose from, making the right selection for one’s property can be overwhelming. This guide will look to shed some light on these small storage buildings by looking at what factors one should consider when shopping for the best shed.

• BEST OVERALL:Suncast Tremont 8-ft. x 10-ft. Storage Shed
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Arrow 10-ft. x 8-ft. High Point Steel Storage Shed
• UPGRADE PICK:EZ-Fit Sheds 10-ft. x 14-ft. Riverside Shed Kit
• BEST TEMPORARY:ShelterLogic 6-ft. x 6-ft. x 6-ft. Shed-in-a-Box
• BEST CEDAR:Outdoor Living Today 9-ft. x 6-ft. Cabana Garden Shed
• BEST FOR GARDENING TOOLS:Suncast Outdoor Plastic Vertical Shed
• BEST LARGE:Heartland 12-ft. x 16-ft. Statesman Wood Storage Shed
• BEST FOR GARBAGE BINS:Homspark Horizontal Storage Shed

How We Chose the Best Sheds

We used several criteria when making our selections of the top sheds on the market, including build quality, aesthetics, and functionality. A garden shed must be able to hold up to extreme weather and be useful for many years, so we chose only models with durable construction. While wood-frame sheds are inherently strong, we only chose resin sheds with thick walls or steel reinforcement, while the metal sheds we selected were required to have thick-gauge steel construction.

Functionality is important, so we favored outdoor sheds with large double doors and higher ceilings that provided additional storage as well as those with Windows and skylights that provided natural light for visibility. Since sheds take up a noticeable spot on one’s property, we selected models that were attractive when possible, including those with interesting rooflines, appealing colors, and architectural features such as window boxes, cupolas, and eave overhangs.

Our Top Picks

The list below includes some of the best garden sheds for sale. Wood, resin, and metal sheds of various sizes and designs are listed across a broad range of needs typically searched for when shopping for sheds online.

Suncast Tremont 8-ft. x 10-ft. Storage Shed

An attractive design, ample size, and plenty of Windows and skylights that create natural lighting make the Tremont a worthy choice for most yards. The 8.375 feet wide by 10.1875 feet deep Tremont features heavy-duty resin construction that’s molded to resemble real wood. Unlike other plastic storage sheds, Suncast uses a double-layered wall and metal truss system, giving it added strength.

A gabled roof, carriage-house style doors, and a sophisticated earth tone color scheme gives it an attractive look that works in suburban or urban settings. Two Windows on the doors and six skylights provide plenty of natural lighting for visibility inside the shed. Two corner shelves create storage space. A large hasp on the door for a standard padlock adds security.

Product Specs

• Size: 8.375 feet wide by 10.1875 feet deep by 8.58 feet high
• Material: Resin
• Floor included: Yes
• Reinforced construction withstands harsh storms or inclement weather
• Attractive, traditional look fits seamlessly with any current backyard setup
• Ample Windows and skylights create natural light for interior visibility
• Easy assembly; minimal tools and likely only one set of hands required
• Limited shelf space compared to similar models; may be suitable for large items and machinery only

Get the Suncast Tremont shed at The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Tractor Supply Co.

Arrow 10-ft. x 8-ft. High Point Steel Storage Shed

The large size and durable construction of this outdoor storage shed make it one of the best budget-friendly options on the market. Its 10.27-foot by 7.94-foot size gives it plenty of space for yard equipment. Its wide 4-foot 7-inch double door opening is wide enough to allow larger equipment, such as a riding lawn mower, to be stored in the shed. A gabled roof that rises to a peak of 6 feet 7 inches provides plenty of headroom for moving around inside.

This backyard shed consists of galvanized steel panels that resist corrosion while providing durability against extreme weather. The Arrow High Point comes in two attractive color schemes—eggshell and charcoal—and includes a hasp on the door handle that is compatible with a standard padlock.

Product Specs

• Size: 10.27 feet wide by 7.94 feet deep by 6.7 feet high (at peak)
• Material: Galvanized steel
• Floor included: No
• Ample storage space for lawn mowers, tractors, backyard fixtures, and more
• Wide doorway is perfect for bringing in large objects and machinery
• 2 color options provided: eggshell or charcoal
• Padlock-compatible door handle helps keeps storage items safe

Get the Arrow shed at Lowe’s.

EZ-Fit Sheds 10-ft. x 14-ft. Riverside Shed Kit

With design touches that make it look more like a cottage than a shed, the Riverside from EZ-Fit Sheds is an ideal choice for a studio, remote office, or workshop. Window boxes, shutters, a cupola on the roof, and paneled doors with black wrought-iron hinges give this gabled-roof shed a finished look that raises its aesthetics to a level beyond most storage sheds for the garden or backyard.

It’s functional, too, thanks to a set of carriage-style double doors that allow access for moving large equipment in and out and an additional single front door. Functional Windows and a roof pitch that rises to over 10 feet add ventilation and create a roomy feel that makes this shed an ideal choice for a work space. Eaves that overhang the front and rear of the shed are a nice additional touch.

Product Specs

• Size: 10 feet wide by 14 feet deep by 10.25 feet high
• Material: Resin
• Floor included: No
• Many attractive architectural features: window boxes, shutters, a cupola, and more
• 2 large Windows plus 3 transom Windows provide ample lighting; can be used as a work space, studio, workshop, and more
• Multiple entryways to suit the user’s needs; can accommodate large machinery if needed
• Lockable doors allow for ample privacy as well as security from theft

Get the EZ-Fit shed at Wayfair.

ShelterLogic 6-ft. x 6-ft. x 6-ft. Shed-in-a-Box

With its sturdy construction, this 6-foot-by-6-foot temporary storage shelter is large enough to protect a riding lawn mower, a motorcycle, or other machinery from the wind, rain, and snow. That’s because it uses a powder-coated, rust-resistant all-steel framing covered by a triple layer of heavy waterproof and UV-resistant material.

The ratchet tensioning system on this model ensures that the cover stays tight as a drum to protect any valuables inside. The easy-slide crossrail system locks down and squares up the frame to keep it in place during storms or inclement weather.

Product Specs

• Size: 6 feet wide by 6 feet deep by 6 feet high
• Material: Powder-coated steel and triple-layered ripstop
• Floor included: No
• Triple-layer cover stays in place during storms and inclement weather
• Sturdy 1⅜-inch steel framing is powder coated for advanced durability
• Cover is waterproof and UV-resistant; protects any valuables inside while resisting fading

Get the ShelterLogic shed at Amazon or Tractor Supply Co.

Outdoor Living Today 9-ft. x 6-ft. Cabana Garden Shed

Two Windows with window boxes and a barn-style double door give this cedar shed from Outdoor Living Today a rustic appeal in addition to its natural resistance to rot and insect damage. With its 9-foot-by-6-foot dimensions, this shed is a good size for storing lawn and gardening equipment.

Eight-foot-tall ceilings provide ample headroom, while panel walls and shake-style shingles add to its appearance. Both aluminum Windows are functional and include screens, allowing for excellent ventilation while keeping bugs out. Though more challenging to construct than other wood sheds, all pieces are precut, and assembly requires only the basic tools most DIYers have in their workshop.

Product Specs

• Size: 9 feet wide by 6 feet deep by 8.42 feet high
• Material: Cedar
• Floor included: Yes
• Weather-resistant cedar construction withstands storms without fading or tarnishing
• Functioning Windows and an opening split door provide ample light and breathability
• Attractive rustic look is perfect for outdoorsy-themed backyard settings
• Shingles included for an added touch of luxury and charm

Get the Outdoor Living Today shed at The Home Depot or Wayfair.

Suncast Outdoor Plastic Vertical Shed

Those looking for a place to simply store gardening tools will want to consider this small tool shed from Suncast. It measures just under 3 feet wide and 2 feet deep, giving it a small footprint that makes it ideal for storage on the side of the home or even on a deck or a patio. With its 6-foot height and double doors, it’s well suited for storing rakes, shovels, hoes, and other gardening tools.

The outdoor storage cabinet consists of 1-3/16-inch-thick plastic resin that’s sturdier than resin sheds with thinner walls. Slots molded into the walls create a place to install interior shelving. With its neutral earth-tone color scheme, this shed works in both suburban or urban settings.

Product Specs

• Size: 3 feet wide by 2 feet deep by 6 feet high
• Material: Resin
• Floor included: Yes
• Compact size is suitable for rakes, brooms, watering cans, hoses, and more
• Tall profile makes this shed compact enough to fit in any backyard space
• Sturdy construction can withstand inclement weather without tarnishing or fading

Get the Suncast vertical shed at Amazon, Wayfair, or The Home Depot.

Heartland 12-ft. x 16-ft. Statesman Wood Storage Shed

With its 12-foot-by-16-foot size, this shed has ample room for bikes, a lawn mower, gardening tools, and ladders. It can also serve as a workshop or a large gardening shed. Its wood frame construction and engineered wood siding make the Statesman sturdy enough to hold up to extreme weather without warping. A set of barn-style double doors make getting large equipment in and out of the shed easy.

Inside, the Statesman includes two shelves that run the entire width of the shed and a gable window that lets in natural light. Tall 7-foot walls provide ample headroom and additional loft storage. All pieces of this kit are precut, so the entire shed can be assembled with basic tools.

Product Specs

• Size: 12 feet wide by 16 feet deep by 7 feet high
• Material: Wood
• Floor included: Yes
• Large interior square footage is perfect for large machinery and tools
• 2 storage shelves inside; holds both large and small items
• Versatile construction; loft included for additional hidden storage and convenience

Get the Heartland shed at Lowe’s.

Homspark Resin Outdoor Storage Shed

This compact shed is a great way to hide those unsightly trash and recycling cans or store bikes, a lawn mower, and other equipment. It measures 5 feet wide and 3 feet deep, making it large enough to handle two 32-gallon trash and recycling cans, yet its low profile allows it to fit below a fence line. Thick resin walls create a sturdy shed while resisting water damage and keeping out pests that might try to get into the garbage.

Two doors on the front open to allow enough clearance to roll cans in and out of the shed. Gas shocks on the lid make it easy to open and close for placing bags in the garbage cans.

Product Specs

• Size: 5 feet wide by 3 feet deep by 3.4 feet high
• Material: Resin
• Floor included: Yes
• Can fit 2 large trash cans; protects from inclement weather and pests
• Hydraulic lid closes slowly to prevent injured wrists and hands
• Steel-reinforced construction is durable enough for long-term usage
• Lockable design and optional shelves allow for added convenience to meet users’ preferences

Get the Homspark shed at Amazon.

What to Consider When Choosing a Shed

While finding the right size shed to serve the owner’s storage needs is certainly crucial, other factors are also important, including design, door size, and material. Ahead, learn more about these and other vital attributes to consider when shopping for a new shed.

Size

While an 8-foot-by-10-foot shed may be the most common size, storage sheds can range dramatically in size from small 6-foot-by-3-foot sheds to large 12-foot-by- 16-foot sheds. To determine what size is best, use cones or stakes to mark off the floor space of a prospective shed. Next, place bikes, lawn mowers, garden tools, and anything else that the shed needs to hold in that footprint, taking into account the clearance required to gain access to each item (burying a lawn mower behind a fleet of bikes and gardening tools isn’t practical).

When deciding on the size, it’s also important to consider where the shed will be placed in the yard. When choosing the shed’s location, keep in mind that many communities have size restrictions for outdoor sheds as well as rules regarding how close a shed can be placed to property lines.

Design

Sheds come in a variety of different designs, most of which are delineated by the shape of the shed’s roofline. Gable-style roofs consist of two sloping roof sections that meet at the roof’s peak. This creates a classic look that mimics the architecture of many homes. Barn-style roofs have a more rustic look with a gambrel roof that’s reminiscent of a barn, making them ideal for more rural neighborhoods. Slant roof sheds, which use two walls of different heights to create a slanted roof, look more modern, making them a good choice for urban settings.

In addition to roof shape, other architectural features add to the look of the shed, including window and door styles, as well as architectural features such as eave overhangs, window boxes, and cupolas.

Most wood sheds require that the user paint them, allowing the owner to choose whatever color they wish. Metal and plastic sheds typically come in either brown or gray earth tones already tinted into the material.

Shelves and Interior Features

Shelves and hooks on the interior of the shed make it easier to organize gardening equipment, tools, pots, bikes, and other supplies. When shopping for a shed, it’s important to keep in mind what the shed includes and what needs to be purchased aftermarket or built by the owner.

While it may be easy to add shelving or hooks to the framing of a wooden shed, plastic and metal sheds require special compatible shelving and hooks, which usually must be purchased from the shed manufacturer and can be pricey.

Other shed features to consider include Windows. Some Windows are nonfunctional and are intended to improve the look of the shed while providing natural light for the interior or make the shed a more welcoming work space if it’s being used as a studio, a remote office, or a workshop. Some garden sheds include functional Windows that can also be used for ventilation. Others include skylights, which also help to illuminate the shed with natural light.

All sheds should have vents on or near the roof that allow moist air to escape the shed, preventing condensation that can lead to mold growth.

Access

Access to a shed is typically via a standard-size door that measures about 30 inches wide or through large double barn-style doors that are around 50 inches wide. Sheds that will serve as a home for a riding mower or other large pieces of equipment require a double door opening to allow these machines to be moved in and out of the shed. A shed with a door located in the middle of the wall versus on the end of a wall makes it easier to access equipment on all sides of a shed’s interior.

Material

Sheds come in three basic material types—wood, plastic resin, and metal.

• Wood: Wood is the strongest of three material options and therefore holds up better than metal or plastic to high winds or the weight of snow on the roof. Wood also has a natural look that better complements a home than plastic and metal. It’s more customizable, allowing the user to add shelving or hooks to the wood framing and can be painted any color. But unlike metal or resin sheds, wood is susceptible to rot and insect damage.
• Resin: Plastic resin is durable and impervious to damage from sun, water, or insects and requires very little maintenance. Although innovations such as steel reinforcement and double-thick walls have made plastic much stronger, it still isn’t quite as sturdy as wood. Resin sheds are easy to assemble, but they aren’t as easy to customize. Only compatible shelving and hooks can be added inside and the shed cannot be easily painted. Aesthetically, resin sheds have improved dramatically over the years thanks to molded designs that mimic the look of wood boards.
• Metal: Metal sheds aren’t susceptible to bug damage. While they are resistant to weather, they can eventually corrode and rust regardless. Metal sheds are sturdy, but they are prone to denting should one bang into it with an errant lawn mower or shovel. Metal sheds are the most affordably priced of the three shed options.

Climate

When purchasing a shed, it’s important to consider the climate it must endure. Those who live in areas that see a high amount of snowfall or experience high winds should consider a shed made of wood, which is better able to endure the weight of snow or windy conditions than metal or resin sheds. That said, resin sheds are a better option for warm humid areas that see a considerable amount of rainfall as they will not rot and are not susceptible to insect damage.

Installation

Before selecting a shed, it’s vital to consider building codes, zoning regulations, and homeowners association regulations. Many communities have stipulations on shed size as well as where they can be located in the yard in relation to the homeowner’s property lines. Some communities will only allow sheds made of certain materials.

Sheds come as kits, which makes them easy to install with just a few basic tools. Temporary tent-style sheds are designed to go up or down in an hour or less. Resin and metal sheds take the least time and can typically be assembled in 5 or 6 hours. Wooden shed kits have precut wood pieces, eliminating the need for a saw, but they are more complicated to assemble and will take a weekend to complete depending on the size.

FAQs

If you’re wondering what size shed you can put in your yard or if your shed comes with a floor, then read on for answers to these and other commonly asked questions about these structures.

Q. How big of a shed can I put in my backyard?

The maximum size shed you can put in your backyard varies depending on the city, county, and development in which you live. Check zoning ordinances and your homeowners association’s rules to determine what size shed you are allowed to have on your property.

Q. Do sheds need a foundation?

In general, smaller sheds that measure about 8 feet by 6 feet or smaller do not require a foundation and can use a base that consists of either treated wood or crushed stone. However, larger sheds require a sturdy foundation that consists of poured concrete or concrete blocks.

Q. Do I need a permit for a shed?

That depends on the jurisdiction. Many cities and states require you to have a permit for your shed for any single dimension (height, width, or length) that exceeds 12 feet, or it will need to be removed.

Q. Do sheds need gutters?

Sheds do not need gutters; however, there are reasons you may want to add some. If you live in an area that sees a lot of annual precipitation, you may need gutters and downspouts to prevent rainwater from pooling around the base of the shed, potentially causing damage to its base or even causing water to leak inside of it.

Q. Do sheds need vents?

It’s a good idea to have vents in your shed to allow hot, moist air to escape. Vents prevent condensation from forming inside the shed, which could lead to mold growth.

Q. Do sheds come with floors?

That depends on the shed. Some come with floors, while others require you to purchase a floor kit to go with it. Most wooden sheds include floors, while most metal and plastic ones do not.

Why Trust Bob Vila

Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.

Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.