Types of Multipurpose Storage Sheds

Storage sheds can be a solution to all your outdoor storage needs, whether you want to protect your garden equipment, industrial machines, agriculture tools, or even your day-to-day season-specific household things.

There are a variety of outdoor sheds to consider such as Amish storage sheds, vinyl sheds, and metal storage sheds including steel sheds also known as prefab metal sheds. It’s important to examine well the pros and cons of all different types of outdoor sheds before making the decision about installing your first outdoor shed, adding another one, or replacing one that is worn out.

One of the first considerations is deciding between a custom-built shed, such as those offered as custom-built wooden sheds for sale, or choosing from pre-built sheds or prefab sheds, like those found in the section for Home Depot storage buildings.

The next consideration is the type of material used for the construction of the shed. When considering sheds and outdoor buildings, you will be comparing Amish storage sheds made of strong wood, other wooden sheds for sale, vinyl storage sheds for sale, and metal storage sheds including steel sheds.

AMISH STORAGE SHEDS

Calling a shed “Amish” is really not correct. Amish people may construct the shed or sell it; however, there are really no specific designs that can be actually called an “Amish” shed.

AMISH BUILDINGS PROS

In general, the Amish people like to use good strong wood when making a shed and build it by hand. The Amish people take pride in their work. Sheds made by them are usually very well-built and attractive.

AMISH BUILDINGS CONS

Any wooden structure is subject to termite damage or dry rot and requires significant maintenance and upkeep. For example, a weather-treatment coating needs to be used and re-applied on a regular basis. If the shed is painted, re-painting is needed to keep the shed looking good. Wooden sheds made of high-quality wood may be very costly. That is why there are Amish built sheds rent to own programs to help people acquire a high quality shed and make monthly rental payments, with part of the rent applied towards the purchase price, until they can eventually own it.

VINYL SHEDS

Vinyl sheds are popular for those on a limited budget. They are available as pre-built sheds or prefab sheds that come in kits, which are easily assembled using simple tools. You will find plenty of these in the section for Home Depot storage buildings and in other big-box hardware stores.

VINYL SHEDS PROS

They are cheap. Installation is quick and easy and can be done by do-it-yourself types. Vinyl does not have any problems with termite infestation or dry rot.

VINYL SHEDS CONS

Because they are cheap they are not very durable. For example, if you accidentally back a tractor or a ride-able lawnmower into a wooden shed you might break a few boards that need to be replaced. With a metal shed, you might bend a panel that needs to be bent back into shape. With a vinyl shed, you might easily knock the whole thing down into many broken pieces, making it unusable. Vinyl sheds may be good for simple home backyard-garden uses; however, they are not of sufficient durability for more serious purposes. There are also restrictive limitations in size and expansion is not an easy option.

METAL STORAGE SHEDS

Metal storage sheds, especially steel sheds, have some very attractive features. They are a popular choice and more likely to be used for anything that is more than a garden-hobby purpose.

METAL STORAGE SHEDS PROS

Metal storage sheds do not have any problems with termites or wood rot like the Amish storage sheds made from wood. They are much stronger than flimsy vinyl sheds. They can be customized, built to any size, and are easily expandable. You can even build your own metal storage shed with online estimators.

METAL STORAGE SHEDS CONS

Metal storage sheds require a significant investment; however, financing is usually available. The best installations include having a strong foundation of level ground or even a concrete floor. Insulation is a good idea to reduce interior water condensation. This increases the lifespan of any metal building.

CONCLUSION

When comparing Amish storage sheds, vinyl sheds, and metal storage sheds including steel sheds, the outdoor sheds that are the most versatile, have the longest useful life, and can function for many purposes are the ones made from metal, especially steel.

Amish storage sheds, while attractive at first, if they are made from wood they will degrade more rapidly, especially if infested with termites or dry root. Vinyl sheds lack sufficient durability and have size limitations that make them less useful. This is why for most purposes metal buildings are the preferred choice by many for sheds and outdoor buildings.