Are plastic garden sheds any good?
Unsurprisingly, a plastic shed will never rot, rust or need annual treatments, all you may need to do is wipe down the sides from time-to-time. These are generally durable and lightweight garden buildings, this means you can easily relocate but need to ensure they’re not easily blow over in strong winds. Plastic sheds, especially smaller or cheaper plastic sheds, may not be durable enough for harsh weather. Some plastic storage sheds and heavy-duty plastic sheds are reinforced for rain and UV but not all are structurally sound enough to manage wind or snow loads which can cause warping or cracking over time.Settlement/Sinking is Prevented by a Plastic Shed Base As the rain falls over the years, the ground goes through a continual wetting and drying process. If a shed is placed directly on grass or soil, this can mean that the ground becomes saturated and starts to be moulded or indented by any heavy items placed on it.Sheds in the garden on durable materials like pea gravel, wooden shed bases or plastic grid shed bases can withstand strong winds and heavy rain better. For smaller sheds or sheds on existing concrete foundations, a base may not always be needed but drainage is essential.Even if a shed is supplied with an integral floor we recommend that a base is prepared which is solid with a damp proof membrane place underneath to prevent the damp/condensation cycle from commencing.
Do I need to anchor my plastic shed?
Yes, generally, a shed should be anchored. Also, some municipalities require sheds to be anchored before granting building permits. So to protect your shed and get a permit for your building, it is best to anchor it, whether it is a small mini barn or a larger storage shed. Anchoring is critical to keep your shed secure during high winds. Many plastic sheds, including Patiowell plastic sheds, feature pre-drilled anchor points in the floor panel. Use ground anchors, concrete bolts, or screw anchors—depending on your base—to fasten the shed to the foundation.One of the simplest ways to anchor your shed into gravel is to use an arrowhead or bullet anchoring system. With both bullet and arrowhead anchors, the head is driven into the ground, and the cable is connected to the shed. Bullet anchors are especially useful in tough, hard soil.
What is the disadvantage of a plastic shed?
The disadvantages of a plastic shed… While rot and mould are not an issue with plastic sheds they can become brittle over time. This means that they can snap or get damaged, and as a result not last as long as some of the other options on the market. On the downside, plastic sheds may not match the look and feel of a classic wooden garden storage shed. Plastic can also become brittle and fade over time when exposed to harsh UV rays. Cheaper plastic sheds may lack the durability of high-quality wood.In our experience, plastic sheds do not last long enough to make a good shed foundation worth it, so it is probably not worth the time or materials necessary to make a good foundation. However, even plastic sheds will last longer if you set them on a gravel foundation or something similar.Appearance: Compared to other materials, plastic sheds don’t look as high-quality. They can appear somewhat cheap and lack the visual appeal of wood or metal sheds. Limited Security: Plastic isn’t the most robust material, making these sheds easier to break into.Is it better to get a metal or plastic shed? For most homeowners, resin sheds are the better choice. They’re low-maintenance, lightweight and weather-resistant. Metal sheds can be strong but are heavier, harder to assemble and can rust in humid or coastal climates.Plastic (polyethylene/resin) sheds are cheaper up front but more prone to cracking, fading, or damage over time. Vinyl (PVC) sheds offer better durability, UV resistance, and long-term stability. Vinyl sheds allow greater customization (windows, doors, layouts) compared to the limited kit styles of plastic.
How long will a plastic shed last?
Plastic may not be the most resilient material; however, it has a property that other materials lack. Unlike wood, plastic is not susceptible to rot, this means that plastic can last longer in wet conditions than wood. You can expect a plastic shed to last you, on average, 5-7 years! Timber sheds, being heavier, are usually sturdier than plastic ones, providing better security for what’s stored inside. Additionally, plastic sheds are not eco-friendly, are light, and they don’t stand as strong during storms compared to sturdy timber sheds.
How much does it cost to install a plastic shed?
Average Shed Installation Cost By Material Metal sheds: $1,000. Plastic or composite resin sheds: $1,000. Wood sheds: $4,000. For a 12×12 shed, labor rates, and materials together can build cost anywhere from $2,000 to $25,000. The lower end of this range covers basic, pre-designed sheds with no extra features. The higher end includes custom designs, premium materials, and additional features like insulation, electricity, or a fancy roof.So, with the projected price per square feet, a DIY 10×10 Shed would cost anywhere from $1,700 – $2,400. Keep in mind that this is the projected cost of the base materials. Painting, windows, and special customizations will cost more as well.The answer is straightforward: a 10×20 shed provides exactly 200 square feet of space. This size is popular for its versatility, serving as anything from a storage solution to a cozy workspace or even a single-vehicle garage.Size and Scale of the Shed For example, a small garden shed (6ft x 4ft) can cost £580 in supply costs, while a larger shed (12ft x 8ft) can cost £780 or more.While building your own shed can save you a lot of money, it can cost you a lot of time. Depending on your skill, stamina, and strength, a task like this can take you anywhere from days to weeks to complete.
Do I need to put anything under a plastic shed?
It’s clear that plastic sheds do indeed require a base for optimal performance and longevity. Neglecting it may lead to instability, moisture issues, and potential damage. By investing time and effort, you can ensure the durability of your investment! Unless, of course, the ground is already stable. If you have a concrete or slab base that meets shed base requirements and is in good order, you do not need a base kit. However, if you do not have a pre-laid shed base, buying a plastic base kit is the next best thing. This will ensure your shed remains robust, functional, and useable throughout its lifetime.Can A Plastic Shed Base Be Installed Directly Onto Concrete? A very common question that we asked her at the Shed Base Company: “Can I install my plastic shed base directly on top of my existing concrete flooring? To answer simply, yes.