Key facts
- Cheapest to buy
- Metal, small sizes
- Lowest maintenance
- Plastic
- Easiest to modify
- Timber
Material is the single biggest decision in a shed purchase because it determines maintenance, security, appearance and how easily you can fit shelving or run power.
Timber
Pros
- Looks right in most gardens and can be painted any colour
- Easy to fit shelving, hooks and racking directly to the frame
- Widest range of sizes and specifications
- Repairable panel by panel
Cons
- Needs treating, typically every one to two years unless pressure treated
- Budget overlap cladding is thin and can warp
- Heavier to move and usually needs two people to build
Metal
Pros
- No treatment required and will not rot
- Better resistance to forced entry than budget timber
- Often the cheapest option in small sizes
Cons
- Condensation is common without ventilation and a dry base
- Fixing shelving to the walls is awkward
- Panel edges are sharp during assembly
Plastic
Pros
- Wipes clean, never rots, never needs painting
- Light and quick to assemble alone
- Floor panels are usually included
Cons
- Limited in larger sizes
- Can look out of place in a traditional garden
- Panels can flex, so heavy shelving needs a freestanding frame
| Timber | Metal | Plastic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | Treat every 1–2 years | None | None |
| Security | Depends on spec | Good | Moderate |
| Fit shelving | Easy | Awkward | Awkward |
| Large sizes | Widely available | Limited | Limited |
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