Material helps narrow the choice, but the assembly instructions often tell you more. Compare the floor, roof, ventilation, doors and permitted fixings for the actual model.
| Material | Questions worth asking | Avoid assuming |
|---|---|---|
| Timber | Which treatment is used? What aftercare is required? Where can shelves be fixed? | Every treated shed needs the same maintenance |
| Metal | How is it ventilated and anchored? Is the floor included? What happens if the finish is damaged? | Every metal shed has an independently tested security rating |
| Resin or plastic | What base is required? Which wall accessories are approved? Are replacement parts available? | Any hook or shelf can be screwed into a panel |
Timber: treatment is part of the comparison
Forest Garden distinguishes dip-treated and pressure-treated products in its care guidance. It advises periodic retreatment for dip-treated items and following the maker's instructions for finishes and cut ends. Read the individual guarantee rather than transferring one product's treatment schedule to another.
Leave room to reach the sides and rear if the building requires ongoing treatment. A narrow gap that makes painting impossible can become a practical problem later.
Metal: check airflow and installation
Asgard describes ventilation built into its shed eaves. That is a feature of its range, not proof that every metal shed has the same ventilation arrangement. Ask where air enters and leaves, and keep those routes clear when planning shelves and storage.
Compare the whole delivered package. A listing may treat the floor, base frame, anchoring kit or assembly service as separate options.
Plastic: check accessory compatibility
Some resin products have specific shelf supports or compatible accessories. Use the manual to establish which parts carry a load; a panel's appearance doesn't tell you where it is safe to drill.
Compare like for like
Write down internal dimensions, clear opening, floor inclusion, assembly requirements and aftercare for each candidate. Then compare the cost of the complete installation using current supplier quotations. We don't publish unsourced prices.
Finally, check planning requirements for the site and security for what you intend to keep inside. Material alone settles neither question.
Sources and further reading
- Forest Garden: caring for timber products · Checked 2026-10-25
- Asgard: shed ventilation · Checked 2026-10-25
- Keter: Darwin box construction · Checked 2026-10-25