How to choose the right garden storage

Garden storage comes in three main shapes: sheds you can walk into, storage boxes you open from the top, and upright cabinets with shelves. The right one depends on what you need to store, how much space you have and how often you need to get things out.

Start with a list of what you are storing

Write down the bulky items first: lawnmower, bikes, wheelie bins, barbecue, garden furniture cushions. Then the smaller things: hand tools, hoses, toys, pots and compost. Bulky items usually decide the size, so measure them.

Match the type to the job

• Storage boxes suit cushions, hoses, toys and small tools. They fit on a patio or balcony and some double as a bench, so check the maximum seat load on the product page if you want to sit on one.
• Outdoor cabinets suit small gardens and side returns. Shelves keep tools, paint and pots organised in a small footprint.
• Sheds suit mowers, bikes and larger collections of tools, or anything you want to lock away. They need a level base and more space around them for doors and assembly.

Measure the space, then measure again

Check the external footprint, the height and the space needed for doors or lids to open. Leave a gap behind and around the unit for air to circulate and for assembly. On product pages, check whether dimensions are internal or external.

Think about the base

Most storage needs a firm, level surface such as paving slabs, a concrete pad or a purpose-made base. An uneven base can stop doors closing properly and may affect the manufacturer’s warranty, so read the installation guidance before you order.

Check materials and features

• Look for the material listed on the product page, for example plastic resin, metal or timber, and the care it needs.
• Check whether the unit is lockable if you are storing tools or bikes.
• Look at the assembly information and how many people it needs.
• Check the delivery details for large items, as some arrive by pallet.

If you are unsure which size or type suits your garden, contact us with what you want to store and the space you have, and we will help.