Choosing the suitable shed material is critical to ensuring a great experience with your purchase. Two popular options are plastic vs. wood sheds, but how do you decide which is best for you? Let’s explore the differences between plastic and wooden sheds to help you make an informed choice.
Plastic Sheds: Plastic vs. Wood
Plastic sheds are structures usually made from vinyl (polyvinyl chloride or PVC) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). They are affordable, lightweight, and require minimal maintenance, making them a popular choice for many.
Are Plastic Sheds a Good Option?
Plastic sheds can be an excellent choice, depending on your location and how you plan to use them.
Advantages of Plastic Sheds
Durability: While plastic may not be the most durable material, it has a crucial advantage: it doesn’t rot like wood. Plastic sheds, with an average lifespan of 5-7 years, are a better choice for wet environments.
Low Maintenance: Plastic sheds require minimal upkeep. Unlike metal, they won’t rust, and unlike wood, they aren’t vulnerable to termites. Maintenance involves simple cleaning and occasionally applying a protective spray.
Affordability: Plastic sheds offer an economical option for those on a budget, starting at just a few hundred dollars. They are typically smaller and often don’t require a foundation, saving even more on setup costs.
Weather Resistance: Plastic sheds are waterproof, keeping tools and other items dry in rainy or snowy weather. Their impermeable material prevents moisture from seeping in, making them ideal for safeguarding your belongings.
Portability: Lightweight and easy to move, plastic sheds are an easy option for people who often change their yard or may want to take their shed along when driving.
Disadvantages of Plastic Sheds
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. A determined intruder could damage the door or hinges, so plastic sheds may not fully protect valuable items.
Lack of Customization: Plastic sheds aren’t very customizable. Unlike wood, you can’t cut walls to add windows or paint them effectively. Adding features like shelving can also be challenging.
Low Wind Resistance: Because plastic sheds are lightweight, they can be easily moved or tipped over in high winds. Securing the shed with anchors in windy areas can help, but it may not entirely prevent movement.
UV Damage: Plastic can degrade under direct sunlight. Extended exposure may cause it to fade, crack, or become brittle, which can shorten the shed’s lifespan and impact its appearance.
Wooden Sheds
A wooden shed is an outbuilding made with wood siding, and there are many options to choose from. Siding types include engineered wood, cedar, pine, and spruce. Wooden sheds also come in various styles, such as board and batten, panels, shingles, and shake siding, giving you plenty of choices to suit your taste!
Are Plastic Sheds Better than Wood?
The answer depends on where you live and how you plan to use the shed. Comparing plastic and wooden sheds reveals that each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Wooden Sheds
Durability: Wood is an excellent material if you're looking for a durable shed. Wood can handle strong winds and extreme temperatures well. You can expect a wooden shed to last 20-25 years on average! Here at Carolina Storage Solutions, our shed framing is pressure-treated, adding to the lifespan of your shed. Also, unlike plastic sheds, you don't have to worry about sun damage.
Appearance: A wooden shed gives you that classic and blends great with any surrounding flora. If you're big on appearances, a wooden shed is the way to go! You can paint your wooden shed whatever color you'd like, not to mention the many siding styles.
Natural Insulation: Did you know that wood itself works as an insulator? Wood has air pockets in its cellular structure, which makes it harder for heat to be transferred through it. This will keep your wooden shed warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer!
Customizability: A wooden shed is more customizable than a plastic shed. Unlike a plastic shed, you can install shelving in a wooden shed. You can attempt this with a plastic shed, but the shelf is not guaranteed to be fastened securely. While we're on shelving, click here if you need organization tips! You can also paint a wooden shed the color you choose and even install windows, which would be difficult to achieve with a plastic shed.
Easy to Repair: If a part of your wooden shed gets damaged, replacing it shouldn't be an issue. Wooden sheds are built in many different pieces, so replacing one piece is as simple as buying a new one. Lumber is also readily available all over the world!
However, plastic sheds are usually made in one piece, so if you'd like to replace a damaged part, you may have to replace the entire shed. Or, you will have to patch it up if you can.
Security: A wooden shed is more secure than a plastic shed. Heat can easily damage a plastic shed; depending on the type of plastic and hinge, even the doors can be pulled off. This makes it hard to place a lock on a plastic shed; the most you can do is add a security camera. On the other hand, you can put a lock on a wooden shed that will be more secure than plastic.
Disadvantages of Wooden Sheds
Prone to Rot and Pests: Wooden sheds are vulnerable to rot and pests. Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause fungi to grow, weakening and discoloring the wood. Wood also attracts pests like termites, carpenter ants, and carpenter bees.
Regular Maintenance Required: Unlike plastic sheds, wooden sheds need upkeep. Maintenance includes regular cleaning, painting, sealing cracks, and applying protective coatings to keep the shed in good condition.
Higher Cost: Wooden sheds usually cost more than plastic ones. A quality wooden shed can cost around $2,000, while plastic sheds are often available at half that price.
As mentioned, the best choice between plastic and wooden sheds depends on your needs and situation. A plastic shed is an excellent option if you want something affordable, lightweight, and low-maintenance. On the other hand, a wooden shed is ideal if you’re looking for something customizable, durable, and secure.
Comparing Plastic and Wooden Sheds
Several features stand out when comparing plastic and wooden sheds. Plastic sheds are generally more affordable and require less maintenance. They are resistant to rot and pests, making them a practical choice for many. Additionally, plastic sheds are lightweight and portable, making them easy to move.
On the other hand, wooden sheds tend to last longer and appear more attractive. They are easier to repair and provide better security for your belongings. Wooden sheds also offer more excellent customization options and act as natural insulators, which can be beneficial depending on your needs.
Conclusion
Now you have a clearer idea of whether a plastic or wooden shed is better for you. If you're looking for an affordable, portable shed that requires little maintenance, then a plastic shed is a great choice. However, a wooden shed is the way to go if you prefer a high-quality, durable, customizable, and secure shed. The main difference between these two types of sheds is their price; you often get what you pay for.