Keep Garden Equipment and Tools Protected In One of These Traditional Wood Sheds

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

If your garage is packed with power tools and other home improvement essentials, it may be time to give your car some room to breathe and invest in a shed to contain the clutter. Wood sheds may have higher price tags than metal or plastic sheds, but they’re far more durable over time and can last years if the exterior is maintained. Most would agree that wood sheds are also more attractive and better for doubling as a workspace.

Finding the best wood shed for your yard is no small task, especially considering the expense. And, if you own pricey equipment like a riding lawn mower, there’s more at stake in terms of protecting personal property.

That’s why we created this buying guide, which includes the best wood sheds available, whether you’re looking for a small model to store gardening tools and other supplies or a mini barn to protect heavy equipment.

The Best Wood Sheds

What to Consider

Wood sheds are more durable than resin or metal sheds and can last years if properly maintained. Here are the most important things to know about wood sheds before you buy.

Size and Capacity

Wood sheds come in a variety of sizes—some are best suited for smaller tools, such as those used for gardening, while others are large enough to house bikes, lawn mowers, and outdoor furniture. Dimensions generally range from eight by eight feet (or less) on the small end, up to 12 by 24 feet.

Storage capacity is typically measured in cubic feet, rather than square feet. A small wood shed averages about 450 cubic feet; a midsize shed offers about 1,000 cubic feet of storage; and a large sheds can be 1,200 cubic feet or more.

Style

Wooden sheds come in virtually as many styles as regular homes, but the most popular are gable (A-frame), gambrel (also called barn-style or Dutch barn), lean-to, and saltbox. If you have large equipment to store, we recommend wood sheds with extra wide door openings that span 64 inches or more.

Cost

Wood sheds are often more expensive than their plastic or composite counterparts to begin with, especially if you’re looking at those constructed from solid wood, like cedar. If you’re buying an eight by four lean-to shed, expect to spend up to $1,000. Large wood sheds cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 or more.

If the wood shed you want doesn’t include a floor and you don’t have a slab of concrete in your yard to build it on, plan to tack on $400 or more for that infrastructure, depending on the shed’s brand and size.

Assembly

Most sheds from online retailers are sold as pre-cut kits and arrive ready to assemble (some models come with the doors assembled and hung to save DIYers time). They also typically come primed and ready to paint. Keep in mind that a midsize shed can easily weigh a ton or more, but many retailers offer installation for an extra fee.

How We Selected

To select the wood sheds we feature below, we used our lawn and garden expertise and familiarity with top brands like Heartland and Outdoor Living Today to inform our decisions. During our research, we also consulted reviews and opinions from other expert sources, such as The Spruce and This Old House. We aimed to include models across price points to suit different budgets, and covered all the most popular shed styles. To compare models, we looked at storage capacity, built-in shelving, and the number and size of windows and doors, among other features.

Estate Gambrel Wood Shed

With extra-wide doors, a storage loft, and an included floor, Heartland’s Estate gambrel wood shed is packed with tons of value—and a limited 10-year warranty attached.

There’s just under 1,000 cubic inches of storage space, which is solidly mid-sized and enough room for at least two riding lawn mowers plus rakes, ladders, and other equipment. The loft is perfect for stashing seasonal items you want to get out of the way.

The heavy-duty wood shed is made of solid and engineered wood, with extra-wide pre-hung doors that span about five feet.

Riverside Wood Storage Shed

This charming wood shed could be mistaken for a high-end playhouse or casita—it’s that attractive. Its light green exterior and white trim compliments the surrounding landscaping, and the storage shed can be dressed up by adding plants to the built-in flower boxes on the outside. There’s even a weathervane on top.

The wood shed has nearly 1,000 cubic feet of storage space—roughly half of the largest model we recommend—and there are built-in shelves to hold supplies and tools. There’s also a double door for large equipment and a separate front entrance.

Statesman Gable Wooden Shed

At 11 feet wide and 16 feet long, Heartland’s Statesman gable wood shed is a smart bet for storing larger equipment like a lawn tractor or ATV. The A-frame wood shed kit comes with two-by-fours of engineered wood, pre-assembled and pre-hung doors, and a floor, along with a limited 10-year warranty. There’s also built-in shelving. But if you like extra natural light in your shed, this model isn’t the best choice, as there’s only one tiny gable window.

Estate Gambrel Wood Shed

If you live on several acres of land and have lots of equipment, or need extra storage for sporting and camping gear, this is one of the largest wood sheds available.

Inside, there’s built-in shelving and a loft with enough space for large stacked storage bins. Other features include an extra-wide double barn door, primed engineered wood siding, and there’s a limited 10-year warranty attached.

The single gable window isn’t as small as some, but it isn’t particularly large either, especially considering the wood shed’s 12 by 24 dimensions.

Grand Garden Chalet Cedar Wood Shed

This lean-to cedar wood shed is ideal for small or narrow yards. Its double doors span more than three feet wide and it offers enough floor space for a standard lawn mower or two bicycles. There are also two built-in shelves, though they aren’t very deep.

The wood shed comes with lumber for a finished floor and shingles for the roof, along with exterior hardware and a lock. The only potential drawback is that it lacks windows.

Outdoor Wooden Shed

This shed is ideal for storing relatively small garden and yard tools. Its two shutter doors open to reveal two adjustable shelves and enough floor space to stash stacked large planters or a garden hose.

The shed is constructed of solid wood and features magnetic closure and space for a pad lock. Its roof is slightly sloped to prevent water from pooling, and there are feet on the bottom so the piece doesn’t sit on the ground.

Solid Cedar Wood Lean-To Shed

In addition to the attractive rustic exterior finished with a flower box and a single hinged barn door, this lean-to cedar wood shed accommodates equipment up to seven feet tall, with some room to spare. The window is a decent size for the shed’s eight-by-four dimensions, and it comes with a floor and shingles for the sloped roof. The biggest drawback is that there’s no built-in shelving.

You Might Also Like

• The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Painter’s Tape

• The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere

• Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?