How to choose a resin garden shed: sizes and use

A resin garden shed is chosen according to what you need to put inside it and how much space you have to put it on. For hand tools, a lawnmower and outdoor chairs a medium-sized model is enough; for bicycles, materials or work equipment you need the large models, which in this collection reach 327 cm in width and 234 cm in depth. For cushions, hoses and small tools a container or chest of a few hundred litres is more practical.

The types

• Sheds: flat-pack storage units with walls, roof and door, to be assembled on a level base. You will find them in several of the manufacturer's ranges (Signature, Darwin, Stronghold, Factor, Cortina, Artisan, Manor) and in various sizes; many names give the size in feet, for example 7x7ft, 9x7ft, 11x7ft.
• Pent-roof sheds: the roof slopes to one side only, as in the Artisan Pent 7x7ft model, and they sit conveniently against a wall or a fence.
• Storage boxes and chests: capacity expressed in litres (for example 454 L and 570 L in the Darwin models), suited to items that are not too long. They also exist in ranges such as Tuff, Store and Cortina.
• Cabinets: tall and narrow, like the Signature cabinet, for keeping brooms, long tools and garden products upright.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

• Width, depth, height: in the collection the widths range from just over a metre to over three metres, the heights from under 60 cm (chests) to about 238 cm. Always compare the external dimensions with the space available, remembering that the inside is a little smaller.
• Ridge height: if you need to store tall items or want to work inside standing up, you need a model that reaches at least 2 metres.
• Roof type: pent (single slope) or apex (double slope). The pent roof is simpler to place against a wall, but it must shed the water on the right side.
• Number of parts: more parts means longer assembly. The kit is easier to put together with two people.
• Padlock provision: if there are valuable tools inside, choose a model with the locking point already provided, because it is the only protection against opportunist theft.

Common mistakes

• Assembling on ground that is not levelled: walls and doors do not close properly and the kit warps. The base must be level, in concrete or on paving.
• Not anchoring the structure: resin is light and the wind can move an empty shed. It must be fixed to the ground.
• Choosing the size to save money: a shed that is too small fills up in no time. It is better to go one size above what you think you need.
• Forgetting the space in front of the door: the doors must open fully and you need room to get in with a wheelbarrow or lawnmower.
• Leaving snow and leaves on the roof: the weight and the damp damage the covering over time. The roof must be kept clear.

Frequently asked questions

What base do I need to assemble a resin shed?

A flat, level surface, in concrete or on paving. The straighter the base, the more easily the walls and doors close.

How much space do I need beyond the stated size?

Allow a margin of at least 50-60 cm around the shed for assembly and maintenance, plus the space to open the door. Before assembling, also check any local council or condominium rules on outdoor structures.

How do I clean it?

With water and a neutral soap. Avoid aggressive products and keep the roof free of snow and leaves.

Is a shed or a chest better?

A chest is fine for small, light items. If you need to walk in, hang up tools or keep a lawnmower, you need a shed.

You can see all the models in the flat-pack garden sheds collection; for advice on the right size or to request a quote, the AMES technicians are at your disposal.