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If you're running out of creative ways to store your lawn care equipment, it’s time to find a better way to organize this stuff—namely, a sturdy metal shed. With your garage already packed to the brim and your car parked right next to your bike rack, a shed can help store extra essentials and keep them safe from damage.
Finding a great metal shed can be a daunting task—they vary so much in price, size, and functionality. But the investment is worth it, considering it'll protect your expensive outdoor tools from the elements. Plus, once your tools are organized, you may find that you're more motivated to maintain your outdoor space.
Looking for a shed type of shed? Check out our coverage of the best wood sheds and plastic sheds.
The Best Metal Sheds
- Best Overall: Arrow High Point Metal Shed
- Best Value: JT Metal Backyard Shed
- Best Small Metal Shed: Shintenchi Metal Storage Shed
- Best Lean-To Shed: AECOJOY Outdoor Metal Storage Shed
- Best Large Metal Shed: VidaXL Metal Garden Shed
What to Consider
Shed Size
If you’re primarily focused on keeping garden supplies and other small items out of the elements, then a small- or medium-sized shed is your best bet. They don’t take up much space in your yard, with just enough storage for your essentials. If you have a large collection of power tools or plan to store your outdoor furniture in there, you’ll need a larger shed. For your tools, look for one with additional shelf space, so there’s a spot for everything to stay organized and off the ground.
Materials and Durability
While metal sheds tend to be durable outright, it’s still a good idea to check out what kind of metal they're made of before making your purchase. Alloy steel is typically more heat- and rust-resistant than galvanized steel, and the addition of a vinyl coating typically improves steel’s UV resistance and durability. However, galvanized steel is also treated with zinc to prevent rusting.
Door Size
A shed with a single door is probably fine if you’re only storing smaller garden tools and maybe a bike or two. However, if you’ll be using the shed to store a larger lawnmower, some furniture, firewood for the winter, or anything else that has some size to it, look for a shed with double doors, or at least a wider single door.
How We Selected
Our picks for the best metal sheds range in size and functionality for a variety of properties and outdoor spaces. We searched for products that are constructed from durable materials and checked for features like UV protection, lockable doors, and vents to prevent moisture build-up. We considered a variety of storage needs, as well as ease of assembly. We also selected attractive options to keep your shed from becoming an eyesore. To pare down our pool, we read reviews from verified buyers to ensure these sheds stand up to their promises of quality construction.
Pros
Nearly 7 feet of headroom - Large sliding doors
Cons
- Tedious installation
This best-selling metal shed is simple yet modern, so it can work with practically any home’s outdoor aesthetic. This shed offers 440 cubic feet of interior storage, with doors to match the size—the opening is large enough that you can wheel snow blowers and lawn mowers through. Even better, the doors slide open and closed for easy access.
This shed is durable thanks to a UV-resistant coating on the outside to protect against sun damage, and its galvanized steel frame works well against rain, wind, and snow. Not only does this keep all your outdoor equipment be protected—the shed itself is protected, too.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 10 x 8 x 6.8 ft |
|---|---|
| Weight | 189 lb |
| Material | Galvanized steel |
| Door Size/Type | 4.7 x 5–ft sliding double-doors |
2
Best Value
JT Metal Backyard Shed
Pros
- Inexpensive compared to other options
- Hinged door is easier to work with
- Great for gardeners
Cons
- Not as much storage space as other options
Avid gardeners in search of a versatile place to store all their tools and products: This shed is for you. At nearly six feet tall and six feet wide, it’s just big enough for all of your gardening necessities and can hold larger step stools and rakes if needed. It’s built out of sturdy aluminum and has an extra coating of eco-friendly paint that endures rain, wind, snow, and sleet.
This shed has a heavy-duty hinge door that’s easy to open, and reviewers say the assembly process is relatively smooth.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 54.72 x 72.44 x 70.86 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 67 lb |
| Material | Steel aluminum |
| Door Size/Type | 2.5 x 5.2–ft hinged door |
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Small footprint
- Padlock-ready
Cons
- Won't fit larger items
When you only need to store a few things, a small shed like this is so helpful. It’s large enough to store rakes, shovels, and garden tools, and it won’t take up too much space in your yard. It comes with ventilation holes, and you can add your own padlock to the existing front door lock.
It shouldn’t take too long to build, and for a shed this size, it’s definitely no more than a two-person job.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 29.5 x 59.1 x 71.3 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 75.6 lb |
| Material | Metal |
| Door Size/Type | 2.3 x 5-ft, swing-open door |
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Pros
- Spacious inside
- Can assemble with 1-2 people
Cons
- Might take up too much patio space
For a shed that blends in, a lean-to model like this is ideal. The one downside is that you’ll have fewer options for where to put it, but if you have the patio (or driveway) space, a compact shed right near your house or garage is a great convenience.
This one is spacious inside, with more than enough room for a lawnmower or portable home generator, and you can put up shelves inside for smaller items as well. You can probably build this one yourself, but it would be easier with two people.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 84.3 x 50.6 x 66.3 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 112 lb |
| Material | Galvanized metal |
| Door Size/Type | 5.4 x 2.3-ft, swing-open door |
Pros
- Lots of interior storage
- Swinging, hinged doors
- Durable exterior
Cons
- Overkill for some homes
This premium storage shed is worth the big bucks if you’re looking for durability, space, and an attractive design. It’s made of galvanized steel and finished with a wrinkle paint, both of which offer protection against corrosion and a variety of weather conditions.
The contemporary design of this shed can fit just about any backyard aesthetic, but it’s also small enough to suit petite outdoor spaces. The double doors swing open, making it easy to roll in items like lawn mowers and snow blowers, as well as larger pieces of furniture.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 6 x 8.3 x 7.7 ft |
|---|---|
| Weight | 250 lb |
| Material | Galvanized steel |
| Door Size/Type | 5.25 x 5.3–ft swing-open doors |
Pros
- One of the biggest options
- Sliding door
- Material is incredibly durable
Cons
- Cumbersome to assemble
This large metal shed has plenty of room to store a variety of outdoor tools, gardening supplies, appliances, and even some pieces of furniture. The shed offers protection from a wide range of weather conditions and has great airflow inside thanks to vents located at both the front and back.
Because this shed is a bit larger compared to other options, it’ll take up a good amount of space in your backyard. You’ll likely need more than one person to put it together.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 154.3 x 101.2 x 71.3 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | N/A |
| Material | Alloy steel |
| Door Size/Type | 2.6 x 5–ft sliding door |
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Metal Shed FAQs
Do metal sheds need a floor?
Yes, they do. For these metal sheds, you’ll have to build a base–either a concrete slab or treated hardwood. If you have the space, the shed can go on your patio. Whichever base you choose, you need to be able to anchor your metal shed to it. Some metal sheds come with a floor, but this usually only applies to pre-built sheds, which can get very expensive.
What is the best metal shed insulation?
Insulating your metal shed is a good idea if you need to control the temperature and humidity inside, make it soundproof, or protect against pests. Fiberglass batting and foam board are some popular affordable options, while an insulating spray foam will cost more, but may last longer.
What is the best paint for metal sheds?
Most metal sheds come in a range of yard-friendly colors, but if you decide to paint yours, there are a few things to know. First, clean the shed thoroughly and buff out any rust spots. You’ll need to apply a primer since galvanized steel is coated with zinc, which is difficult to paint. Finally, use an exterior acrylic latex paint for the smoothest results.
Jessica Dukes
Commerce Editor
Jess is a Commerce Editor, covering best-selling products for Hearst Magazines. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and two kids.
Danny Perez
Commerce Editor
Danny Perez is a Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on men's style, gear, and home goods. Recently, he was coordinator of partnership content at another product journalism outlet. Prior to that, he was a buyer for an independent men's shop in Houston, Texas, where he learned all about what makes great products great. He enjoys thrifting for 90s Broadway tees and vintage pajama sets. His spare time is occupied by watching movies and running to impress strangers on Strava.
