The Lowdown on Vinyl Outdoor Storage Sheds

Vinyl outdoor storage sheds are ideal for homeowners who are looking for durable, low-maintenance storage options.

They are constructed to look like anything from a miniature barn to a small guest house, creating a visually-pleasing option for storing everything from children’s toys to lawn and garden equipment.

The Durability of Vinyl Storage Sheds

Vinyl sheds don’t dent as easily as metal sheds, which means they can stand up to the occasional impact from bicycles, balls, or wind-blown objects. They are treated with a special UV coating which means the color won’t fade in direct sunlight, ensuring the long-lasting beauty of the building. Most homeowners need only power wash the structure from time to time in order to keep it looking its best.

Should the shed dent or chip from a significant impact, it’s relatively easy to pop off the damaged siding and request a replacement piece from the manufacturer. When a vinyl shed is well cared for, it can last a lifetime.

Ease of Construction

Vinyl outdoor shed kits are some of the most popular on the market because no specialized knowledge is required for construction. If you’ve ever dabbled in DIY home projects, you can construct a vinyl shed with the help of a friend or two.

The kits come with all of the necessary pieces for assembly, which means you won’t need to make a run to the home improvement warehouse for fasteners, screws, or other pieces. The most construction-intensive part of the process is the construction of the foundation. A concrete foundation is ideal, but vinyl sheds can also be erected on a wood foundation. For this step of the process, it is necessary to hire a contractor, even if you are a handy person by nature, as the foundation must be 100% level in order to construct the building.

The Cost-Effectiveness of Vinyl Outdoor Storage Sheds

Vinyl sheds are a cost-effective option for homeowners in terms of both up-front costs and total cost of ownership. As long as you own a simple set of power tools, there are no extra pieces to purchase outside of the shed kit, and because they are so low-maintenance, there are few, if any future costs to consider.

Though the shed itself is cost-effective, homeowners must consider the cost of the foundation when calculating total expense. Metal sheds are often less expensive than vinyl sheds, and could be a viable option when cost is a major consideration.

Vinyl Outdoor Storage Sheds—the Fine Print

Vinyl sheds are extremely versatile and durable, but before spending the money on an outdoor shed, homeowners should weigh the pros and the cons. Vinyl sheds come in a variety of styles and colors, but outside of siding colors, they are limited in their customization options. That means that windows are set in a pre-determined positon, roof styles are pre-determined, and shelving is limited to the options provided by the manufacturer.

Additionally, vinyl outdoor storage sheds cannot be painted. You can only match the color of the shed to your home within the options provided by the manufacturer, and if you chose to change the color of your house, your shed may no longer match.

While vinyl sheds are durable and stand up well against changing seasons and occasional storms, they are not ideal for locations in the north that receive extremely heavy snowfall year in and year out.

Before choosing any outdoor storage shed, always consider the pros and cons of each type of material in order to choose the best option. Vinyl outdoor storage sheds are durable, low-maintenance, and provide long-term value, making them an ideal option for many families.