Buying a Garden Shed or Back Garden Cabin: Types, Benefits, Buying Tips & Top Picks

When it comes to buying a new shed or back garden (backyard) cabin, here’s your comprehensive guide—from choosing materials to where to buy, what to watch out for, and top picks to consider.

🛠️ Types of Sheds

Wooden Sheds

• Classic aesthetics that blend with garden greenery.
• Treatable and paintable for longevity and style.
• Provide better insulation, making them suitable for workshops or offices.

Metal Sheds

• Durable and low maintenance with resistance to rot, insects.
• Often more affordable per square foot.
• Light and easily assembled, though they can be noisier in weather.

Plastic (Resin) Sheds

• Weather and UV resistant, won’t warp or rust.
• Require virtually no maintenance.
• Lightweight, but can feel * less sturdy and may rely on internal frames.

⚖️ Why Choose One Material Over Another

🌟 Benefits of Owning a Shed

1. Declutter your home—store tools, bikes, garden gear.
2. Add usable space—as a potting shed, hobby room, or garden office *.
3. Enhance organisation—custom shelves, pegboards, bike racks.
4. Increase property value—a well-built, maintained shed adds appeal.
5. Seasonal protection—insulate in winter, vent in summer.

♻️ Buying Second-Hand: A Word of Caution

• Pros: budget-friendly, often bigger for less.
• Cons:
  • Rot and mould—especially in wooden sheds.
  • Structural flaws—rust, damaged frames, missing parts.
  • Dodgy sellers—no guarantees, potential hidden issues.
  • Important: inspect thoroughly, check joinery, seals, fixings, and get a return agreement.

✅ Buying From Reputable Retailers

• Guarantees and warranties provide peace of mind.
• After-sales support, replacements for damaged parts.
• Consistent specifications, easy to reorder panels or trims.
• Delivery & installation options may be included.

💷 Cost: Size & Features Matter

• Base models (e.g. 6′ × 4′ wooden) often around £400–£600.
• Medium (7′ × 5′) typically £500–£800.
• Large cabins (over 4 m) can run £1,500–£7,000+.
• Factors influencing price:
  • Material quality (e.g. 25 yr treated timber)
  • Foundations and flooring
  • Windows, double doors, bike shelters
  • Roof style, thickness
  • Extras: glazing, locks, paint, installation

🔍 Top Picks from MegaSavingDeals

• Forest Beckwood 6′ × 4′ Wooden Shed – 25 yr guarantee, windowless double-door pent roof — £439.99
• Forest Beckwood 7′ × 5′ Wooden Shed – same style, slightly bigger — £529.99
• Palmako Leif 13′ × 6′ Wooden Shed with Bike Shelter – heavy-duty, ideal for storage — £1,589

• Yardmaster Castleton 10′ × 10′ Anthracite Metal Shed — strong, modern, £479.99
• Keter Premier 7′ × 11′ Plastic Garden Shed — UV-resistant, low maintenance, £1,479
• Palmako Grace 4.4m × 3.9m Log Cabin Pent — luxury double-glazed sliding doors (56 mm) — £7,219

Check out more structures here.

🇬🇧 10 Recommended Sheds on Amazon UK (with Reviews)

Here are 10 top-rated sheds available on Amazon * UK, each linked directly for easy viewing and purchase:

🌲 Wooden Sheds

• Mercia Garden Products Apex Wooden Shed (6 × 4 ft) – Classic overlap timber, solid build, double doors; rated around 3.2 ★ (235+ reviews).
  View on Amazon » – Ideal for garden storage.
• Mercia Overlap Apex Windowless Double Door Value Shed (6 × 4 ft) (no product data) – sturdy, budget-friendly (£330 approx), user‑rated 3.6‑3.7★ from ~160 reviews.
  View on Amazon * »

🛠️ Metal Sheds

• Yardmaster Deluxe Apex Metal Shed – Steel apex design, ~£230, durable and compact.
  View on Amazon »
• YardMaster Store All Pent Metal Shed – Pent‑roof metal, similar pricing, easy access, solid 4★ reviews.
  View on Amazon »
• 5 × 3 ft Metal Garden Shed – compact, functional & basic (4★ from 8 reviews).
  View on Amazon »

🧱 Plastic (Resin) Sheds

• Outsunny 4 × 6 ft Plastic Shed with Foundation Kit – Lockable, weather-resistant resin+aluminium, ~£293.
  View on Amazon »
• Outsunny 6 × 6 ft Plastic Garden Shed with Windows & Vents – Spacious and sturdy; mixed 2.5‑3★ reviews.
  View on Amazon »
• Outsunny 6 × 4 ft Plastic Shed – Compact and weatherproof.
  View on Amazon »

📝 Summary Table

*Prices may fluctuate—please check current listings.

These sheds cover a range of materials, sizes, and budgets, with real customer ratings. Use the provided Amazon * links to explore full specs and read detailed reviews on fit, durability, and assembly.

🧩 Final Tips on Choosing & Buying

1. Decide size by measuring available space—allow for external fittings and maintenance access.
2. Pick material based on use, budget, and upkeep – wood for offices, metal or resin for storage.
3. Check retailer reputation—look for warranties, return policies, and installation help.
4. For used options, inspect thoroughly: look for rot, rust, missing parts. Only buy if solid and from a reliable seller.
5. Budget realistically—factor in foundations, linings, paint, insulation, electrics, and installation costs.

✔️ In Summary:

• Wood = beautiful, insulated—but needs upkeep.
• Metal = affordable, low maintenance, though possibly noisier.
• Plastic = weather-proof and easy but less substantial.
• Buy new from trusted retailers for peace of mind—warranties, support.
• Second‑hand is cheap, but riskier; inspect thoroughly.

Armed with this guide, you’ll be able to choose the perfect shed—whether for storage, workspace, or hobby use—and enjoy it for years to come. Happy building!

Where to buy a garden shed in the UK

Benefits of having a backyard cabin

Wooden vs metal vs plastic sheds

Top-rated garden sheds on Amazon * UK

How to spot faulty second-hand sheds

Best sheds with 25-year guarantee

Heavy-duty garden sheds for bikes

Luxury log cabins for gardens