Building a mini shed is a smart way to create extra storage, a hobby space, or even a compact home office – but before you start, choosing the best materials to build a shed is key. The material you select will impact not only the overall cost but also the longevity, maintenance needs, and performance of your shed.
With options like wood, plastic, and metal on the market, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to find the best fit for your needs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to confidently choose the best shed material for your mini shed build.
Why Build a Mini Shed?
If you don’t have enough storage space or need a separate workspace, adding a small shed can be a great solution. Building a mini shed is an excellent investment for both homeowners and business owners. But it’s important to learn about the industry so you can invest in a shed that will hold up for many years.
Storage sheds come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with the option to custom-design the specs to match your unique needs. There are many online resources with blueprints and building instructions, but it can be costly and time-consuming to build a shed from scratch. Instead, many people find it easier to purchase a DIY shed kit and either install it themselves or have a contractor do it.
With the right team, your mini shed can be installed in half the time of a conventional build. First, you will need to select the materials, colours, and design features for your new shed. Our team will then deliver all the building materials so you can get started on your shed right away!
Uses of DIY Steel Building Kits are growing in popularity because of their versatility and durability. Whether you are building a small shed or a large workshop, these kits offer a solid foundation for a long-lasting structure.
Shed Material Comparison: What Are Your Options?
You might be asking, “what is the best material for a shed?” As you learn more about the industry, you’ll find sellers who offer sheds in various materials: plastic, wood, and metal. The materials you choose will have a long-term impact on the performance and durability of the structure. So, take a bit of time to research your options before finalizing the design of your mini shed.
Here are a few things you need to know about these common materials:
Wood Sheds
Wood is the traditional material used for mini sheds. When homeowners choose a DIY approach, they often choose wood because it’s easier to work with when someone doesn’t have formal training in the industry.
The outside of a wooden shed can be painted and designed to make it stylish. Often, the goal is to match the appearance of the shed to the colours and design themes on other main buildings on site. Inside, wood sheds have exposed beams and an unfinished appearance.
Even though wood is versatile, there are some notable drawbacks to using this material for mini shed construction.
For example, wood can attract insects and be challenging to clean if nests or infestations occur.
Additionally, wood is vulnerable in harsh weather, resulting in deterioration and rotting that can happen over time. The risk of rotting is higher if the shed is improperly built or designed with low-quality materials.
It’s necessary to repaint a woodshed regularly since the paint will fade and peel over time. This restoration process can be time-consuming, requiring that the exterior surface of the shed be sanded and repainted, every few years.
While wood sheds offer a traditional look and are often the go-to for DIY enthusiasts, they come with ongoing maintenance demands and vulnerabilities that can add up over time. For those seeking a structure that resists weather damage and pests, while keeping upkeep costs low, it’s worth exploring more durable alternatives, as wood might not be the best shed material for your needs.
Plastic Sheds
Materials used for plastic sheds include vinyl, resin, or high-density polyethylene. These materials are typically lighter in weight compared to wood and metal, but the plastic can be strong and durable in all weather conditions. Sometimes, plastic sheds are reinforced using double-wall construction and integrated steel supports.
The advantage of plastic over wood is that the materials require little maintenance. You don’t need to worry about rusting or rotting because of weather conditions. Also, there is no need to paint or refinish the surface. The plastic is built to last, ensuring long-term durability for many years. Over time, the sunlight can deteriorate the plastic, causing the surface to fade and crack.
One drawback of a plastic mini shed is that the plastic can’t hold much weight hanging from the ceiling or walls. Some people don’t like the appearance of these sheds because the plastic looks more like a “playhouse” than a functional structure.
While plastic sheds may seem like an easy, low-maintenance solution, they lack the strength and lifespan that many homeowners and business owners need. If you’re storing valuable tools or need a structure that lasts decades and not just years, then plastic may not be the best material for shed use.
Metal Sheds
Metal is a great choice if you are looking for a material that meets all requirements for durability and quality. One of the most notable benefits of metal is that these sheds offer better security than the features offered with wood or plastic sheds, making it a leading option when choosing the best material for shed builds.
Metal sheds are a smart investment because the material outlasts wood and plastic. Metal stays strong in all weather conditions, is fire resistant, and requires little to no maintenance. Additionally, solid construction ensures that metal sheds are rodent-proof and insect resistant. You don’t need to worry about potential damage to the shed walls because of insect infestations.
Keep in mind that there is a big difference in the quality of a cheap metal shed kit compared to the services offered by a more professional team like Norsteel. Cheap kits come with thin panels that often corrode over time. On the other hand, high-end metal sheds are made with rigid, strong metal that is corrosion-resistant.
Higher grade steel buildings offer security and quality that is unmatched compared to other shed materials. If you want to protect your tools or equipment, then a metal mini shed is the industry’s top choice. This superior quality costs a bit more compared to cheaper alternatives in the industry. But the extra cost is an excellent investment because of the long-term durability that comes from a well-built mini shed.
Pros and Cons of Shed Materials: Quick Reference
Now that we have gone through all our options, let’s look at our options again, but in chart form to get a true side by side comparison. Then, we’ll discuss what the best shed material is.
| Feature | Wood | Plastic | Metal |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ease of DIY Build |
Easy to work with, no formal industry training necessary |
Lightweight and simple to assemble, but limited in options |
Pre-engineered kits make installation fast, accurate, and hassle-free
|
|
Appearance & Customization |
Can be painted to match nearby buildings |
Basic look; often resembles a toy-like structure |
Clean, modern finishes with customizable panels, doors, and colours
|
|
Durability in Weather |
Can warp, rot, or deteriorate in moisture and extreme climates
|
Holds up in mild conditions; UV damage over time
|
Engineered to perform in all climates – resistant to rot, warping, and corrosion
|
|
Maintenance Needs |
Needs repainting and repairs every few years |
Low-maintenance, but appearance fades and cracks with age |
Virtually maintenance-free – no repainting or repairs needed |
|
Pest & Insect Resistance |
Attracts termites and insects if untreated |
Pest-resistant but not fully secure |
100% rodent and insect-proof with solid steel panels |
|
Security |
Moderate – needs reinforcements for tool storage |
Low – not ideal for securing valuables |
Best-in-class security; protects high-value items year-round |
|
Lifespan |
Moderate – requires regular upkeep and will deteriorate under unfavourable conditions |
Moderate – limited by sun and material aging |
Built to last decades with no structural compromise |
|
Long-Term Value |
Lower initial cost, but high maintenance over time |
Budget-friendly, but wears out faster |
Excellent return on investment – durability pays for itself long-term |
After going through this, it is safe to say that metal is the best material to build a shed.
Why Metal Is the Best Shed Material Overall
To finally answer the question, “What is the best material for a storage shed?” – the answer is clear: metal. Metal storage sheds offer a variety of benefits that aren’t available from wood or plastic. At first, it might be tempting to invest in wood because of the lower upfront cost. But the long-term costs can add up for maintenance and repair work on wood sheds. Installing the right shed gives you the advantage of protecting your equipment and avoiding expensive repair or replacement costs in the future.
When you look at the overall value of this investment, it’s easy to see that metal is the material of choice for mini shed design. We offer pre-engineered steel that is designed to provide the best functionality and durability features that you need. The value and strength of these materials provide the lasting quality that you need in the future.
If you have questions about mini shed design, then Norsteel Buildings is here to help. We provide a personalized experience for our clients. Reach out to learn more about available building applications. You can contact us online or call if you have questions or comments: 1-866-822-4022.
