Sofia Martinez
Plastic sheds are a convenient option for those seeking a quick, easy, and relatively affordable storage solution. They are generally easier to assemble than wooden sheds, but they do come with their own set of challenges. Before embarking on the assembly process, it is crucial to ensure a level foundation, remove any vegetation, and refer to the manufacturer's instructions. While plastic sheds offer a simple and fast installation, they may not be as versatile or secure as their wooden counterparts, and customisation can be costly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Assembly Difficulty | Plastic sheds are generally considered more difficult to assemble than wooden sheds, as each part must click in precisely. However, small plastic sheds are quicker and easier to build than larger wooden sheds. |
| Assembly Time | The time required to assemble a plastic shed depends on its size. A small plastic shed can be assembled in about a day, while a larger 15- by 8-foot shed can take nearly three days. |
| Foundation | Plastic sheds require a firm and level foundation, such as paving slabs, concrete, or plastic bases. The ground must be levelled, and any vegetation removed before assembly. |
| Weather Conditions | Plastic sheds are sensitive to temperature extremes. It is best to assemble them in mild, non-windy weather to avoid potential issues with plastic panels expanding or becoming brittle. |
| Customization | Plastic sheds have limited configurations and can be expensive or impossible to customize. They often cannot support shelves or hooks, and additional parts from the manufacturer can be costly. |
| Durability | Plastic sheds may be less durable than wooden sheds, especially in strong winds and extreme temperatures. They may also be less secure and more susceptible to break-ins. |
| Aesthetics | Plastic sheds may lose their luster over time and may not suit all decor styles, unlike wooden sheds, which are considered more attractive and timeless. |
| Maintenance | Wooden sheds are generally considered easier to maintain, protect, and repair than plastic sheds. Pre-treated wooden sheds can also be bug-resistant and weather-resistant. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic sheds are harder to assemble than wooden ones
Wooden sheds come in kits that have all the materials and tools you need to complete the assembly. They are also easier to customise and make your own. You can add shelves and hooks to a wooden shed to suit your needs, whereas plastic shed walls often cannot support these additions.
Plastic sheds, on the other hand, are difficult to assemble because each part must click in precisely. They are also harder to repair. If a screw doesn't go in correctly and the hole in the plastic resin is stripped, it takes more time and labour to fix than in wood, where you can simply move over and re-drill.
Building a shed of any material is a challenging project. Before you begin, you must level the ground and remove any vegetation. You should also read the instructions at least twice and refer to them often during the build. It's also a good idea to watch instructional videos online, which can give you valuable insight into a manufacturer's construction methods.
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Plastic sheds are more prone to damage from weather
Plastic sheds are generally easy to assemble and are known to create a tight seal, which keeps water out and protects your tools and shed from damage. They are also resistant to pests like rodents and are easy to clean. However, they are more prone to damage from weather conditions in the long term.
While plastic sheds are built to withstand various weather conditions and are made from materials like HDPE, designed to endure extreme temperatures, they are not as strong as their metal or wooden counterparts. Plastic sheds with reinforced steel frames are highly durable, but weaker models may struggle in severe weather conditions.
In addition, plastic panels can be affected by hot and cold weather during the assembly process. If left out in the sun, plastic panels may expand and become difficult to fit. Cold weather can also adversely affect the plastic, so it is best to assemble a plastic shed in mild weather.
Although plastic sheds are resistant to pests and rot, they may be more susceptible to damage from high winds and extreme weather conditions over time. While stories of plastic sheds being blown away in the wind are often exaggerated, it is important to note that their structural integrity can be compromised, especially if they are not properly secured to the ground.
Furthermore, plastic sheds cannot bear as much weight on their walls as wooden sheds, which limits the number of shelves or hooks that can be added. This can be a significant disadvantage in high-wind areas, as it may prevent the secure storage of items that could become dangerous projectiles in strong winds.
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Plastic sheds are more difficult to customise
Plastic sheds are generally easier to assemble than wooden sheds, but they are more difficult to customise. While plastic sheds are often cheaper, quicker to build, and require less labour, they are not always the best option.
Plastic shed walls are not designed to support shelves or hooks, so storage space is limited. This means that customising a plastic shed can be extremely expensive, if not impossible. If you want to add extra features to a plastic shed, you will have to purchase them from the manufacturer, and these can come at a sky-high price.
Wooden sheds, on the other hand, are much easier to customise and make your own. They come in kits that include all the materials and tools needed for assembly, and they offer a lot more strength and versatility than plastic sheds. For example, if you want to hang tool racks and add shelves to store plastic bins, a wooden shed is a better option.
Additionally, wooden sheds can be just as secure as residential homes, whereas plastic sheds can be broken into quite easily. Wooden sheds can also stand up to strong winds and extreme temperatures, making them a good option for those who live in unpredictable climates.
Therefore, while plastic sheds may be initially cheaper and easier to assemble, they are more difficult to customise and may end up costing you more in the long run.
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Plastic sheds are more expensive
While small plastic resin sheds are cheaper than their wooden counterparts, the price gap lessens as the size of the shed increases. A 15- by 8-foot plastic shed, for instance, can cost about $2500, while a slightly smaller wooden shed with professional installation costs only $200 more.
Plastic sheds are also more expensive because they are difficult to assemble. Each part must click in precisely, and assembling a plastic shed can take nearly three days. In contrast, wooden sheds are much easier to assemble and come in kits that include all the necessary materials and tools.
Additionally, plastic shed walls often cannot support shelves or hooks, so storage space may be limited. Customizing a plastic shed can be extremely expensive, if not impossible. You may have to purchase extra parts from the manufacturer, and these extras often come at a sky-high price.
Finally, plastic sheds may require additional features to ensure security. They can be broken into quite easily, so you may need to buy extra security features to protect your belongings.
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Plastic sheds are less secure
Wooden sheds, on the other hand, can provide the same level of security as a residential home. They are more durable and can withstand strong winds and extreme temperatures, making them ideal for unpredictable climates. Wooden sheds also offer greater customisation options, allowing you to tailor the storage space to your needs. You can easily add shelves or hooks to the walls of a wooden shed, whereas plastic shed walls often cannot support such modifications.
The customisability of wooden sheds is further enhanced by the availability of kits that include all the necessary materials and tools for assembly. In contrast, customising a plastic shed can be extremely expensive, if not impossible. This limits the flexibility of plastic sheds and may not meet your storage requirements, especially if you intend to store items that require hanging or shelving.
Additionally, wooden sheds have a timeless and attractive appearance that complements various property styles, whether modern or classical. Plastic sheds, over time, tend to lose their lustre and may not age as gracefully. The ability to customise and adapt a wooden shed to your specific needs and aesthetic preferences makes it a more appealing and secure option for storing valuable belongings.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic sheds are generally considered more difficult to assemble than wooden sheds. Each part must click in precisely, and the plastic panels can be affected by hot and cold weather. However, they are usually quicker and easier to build than wooden sheds, and they are often cheaper.
Before you begin to build any type of shed, the ground must be levelled and any vegetation removed. You can use paving slabs, concrete, or a plastic base. Then, read the instructions and check for any instructional videos online.
First, lay the floor by clipping and/or screwing the panels together. Then, erect the side panels around the edge of the floor. You may need a third person to help with installing the doors and roof.
Screws don’t always go in correctly, and the holes in the plastic can be stripped out. This can be more difficult to repair than with a wooden shed. Plastic shed walls often cannot support shelves or hooks, so storage space may be limited.
Plastic sheds are generally cheaper and quicker to build than wooden sheds. They are also less susceptible to termites and other pests.
