Resin vs. Wood vs. Metal Sheds: Which Material Is Better?

Resin Sheds

Resin sheds are sheds that were created to be a more versatile, affordable, and sustainable shed material. It combines most of the benefits of wood and metal while addressing the large disadvantages of each material. Resin sheds are more environmentally friendly when compared to wood, and Keter takes that one step further by using 100% recyclable materials. In general, resin-based garden sheds are growing in popularity because of their versatility and simplicity. Take a look at the most asked Keter shed questions

Here is a video that summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of resin.



Wooden Sheds

Wooden sheds are the first type of sheds that were ever created and produce a rustic and classic look that can enhance any space. They are usually assembled using framing lumber and pressure-treated plywood to create that traditional wood appeal.

Metal Sheds

Metal sheds are a popular alternative to wood because they come in different gauges of thickness and are created using steel or galvanized aluminum. However, compared to wood and resin garden sheds, metal sheds come in very few designs that mostly look the same with limited features.

Metal / Steel vs. Wood vs. Resin / Plastic Sheds

So, now that we’ve talked about the shed types, are you feeling confused about which material type might be best? Let’s break it down even more, comparing the material types, one-on-one.



Metal / Steel vs. Wood Sheds - Which is Better?

Let’s start off with metal vs. wood sheds. For starters, metal tends to last longer than wood. This is especially true when they’re steel sheds. They’re resistant to pests, rot, and fire, and with basic upkeep, you can expect a metal shed to last potentially 20+ years. Wood sheds, on the other hand, do have a classic look and are sturdy; they need a little more TLC. Moisture, insects, and weather can take a toll if you’re not keeping up with maintenance. A well-cared-for wood shed can last 10–15 years, but it really depends on the climate and how it’s sealed and treated.

Metal / Steel vs. Resin / Plastic Sheds - Which is Better?

Next, let’s compare metal vs. resin/plastic sheds. It’s true that metal and resin sheds are built to go the distance. However, resin is much lower maintenance. Resin and plastic sheds won’t rust, peel, or rot, and they can easily last 15–20 years (or more) with hardly any upkeep. Metal sheds are more vulnerable to rust if not properly coated or maintained, especially in humid or salty climates. So if you’re looking for something durable and low-effort, resin usually wins here.

Wood vs. Resin / Plastic Sheds - Which is Better?

Lastly, let’s look at wood vs. resin/plastic sheds. While wood does have a classic look (like we’ve mentioned), it just doesn’t have the durability or a resin/plastic shed. Wood sheds can last around 10–15 years with regular upkeep, but you’ll need to watch for signs of rot, termites, or mold. They also require a ton of patience to keep them looking sharp. Resin sheds, on the other hand, are pretty much set-it-and-forget-it. They’re weather-resistant, harder for pests to get into and easy to clean. You can expect a resin shed to last 15–20 years without needing to repaint, reseal, or worry about decay.

Common Shed Styles (And What They’re Good For)

Shed shapes aren’t just about looks; they can also impact how much storage you get and how easily you can move around inside. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular shed styles to help you make a better decision about what you need:



Gambrel Sheds

These are also called barn-style sheds. Gambrel roof garden sheds have a wider, more curved shape that gives you lots of vertical space (the reason barns have this roof is to accommodate for storing hay!) These are great if you want a loft or extra headroom for stacking boxes, storing bikes, or even setting up a small workspace.



Gable Sheds

This is hands down the most common shed style and probably what pops into your head when you picture a classic shed. Gable garden sheds have a traditional pitched roof with two sloping sides, which helps with rain runoff and gives you a bit of overhead space for shelves or hanging tools.



Lean-To Sheds

Lean-to sheds have a single-pitch roof that slopes in one direction. So, they’re a good choice if you have a narrow space to fill, like the side of a house or fence line. If you’re tight on yard space but still want a dry spot to store tools or outdoor gear, a lean-to is a solid choice.



Pent and Flat Roof Sheds

These have very minimal roof pitch (or none at all). A pent roof shed angles slightly for water drainage, while flat roofs are totally horizontal. They’re sleek and have a modern look. 



Corner Sheds

They’re made to tuck neatly into a corner of your yard, these can be a clever way to use awkward space. Just be aware that the interior layout can feel a little more compact.

By understanding the different shed styles, you’ll be able to make a much more informed decision about the type of garden shed that would work best in your yard.



Common Questions

Is a resin shed better than a metal shed?

Choosing a resin vs. a metal garden shed depends on the purpose of your shed. Although resin sheds can be more expensive, if you are looking for a shed to work in, the resin is a better option as the metal will get very hot. Resin sheds are also easier to transport, and easy to assemble. The appearance and location of your shed also play an important role because resin sheds come in various textures to make the shed more visually appealing and easier to customize. However, if you’re looking for a durable and inexpensive shed, metal is the better alternative.

Are wood or resin sheds better?

Choosing between metal vs. wood comes down to what qualities you care the most about in your shed. If you are looking for a less expensive and weather-resistant shed, resin is the better option. Resin sheds are weather-resistant against rotting, peeling, rusting, insects, warping, and fading. Resin is also easier to maintain and assemble. If appearance is important to you, both resin and wood will give you the same classic wood appearance. This is because Keter provides resin-based sheds that replicate the look of wooden sheds with all the benefits of a resin shed. However, you can find wooden sheds that are pre-assembled and don’t need to be anchored to the ground. If you’re looking for a quick and easy solution that requires no assembly, wood is the better option.

Do I need to prepare anything before I begin building my shed?

The answer is yes! When you decide which shed type you would like to buy, you’ll need to read over the instructions or carefully research the preparations needed for that type of shed. For example, if you buy a resin shed kit, you’ll want to make sure you’ve located a flat surface to put it on. You’ll want to clear the area of any rocks or debris. Then you’ll want to put down the base of the garden shed. While this varies a little from shed to shed, you’ll always need a clear flat area for your shed so your base is level, which will make the shed more sturdy. In some cases, you may even want to lay a foundation for your shed. You can make the foundation out of pavers, wood, or even concrete. This is totally based on preference and will depend on your outdoor space.



Which Shed Should You Buy?

The final decision on what shed to purchase comes down to your personal preference. The differences between resin vs. wood vs. metal can be narrowed down into 4 categories: price, durability, maintenance, and assembly.

When it comes to price, wood is the most expensive and least environmentally friendly option, the resin is the second-most expensive and the most environmentally friendly option, and metal is the cheapest but the hardest to transport and assemble.

All three materials are durable and will be able to hold anything you store. But you’ll want to remember which options are going to last the longest through the harshest weather elements. Wooden sheds are not necessarily waterproof and are not resistant to fire or rotting. Metal sheds are more durable as they are fire, insect, rot, and weather resistant. They can rust, but they are more durable to the elements vs. wood. Resin is the most durable because it’s weather-resistant to fading, rusting, warping, rotting, insects, and fire.

Assembly is the final factor to consider when purchasing a shed. Some wooden sheds are already built and just require you to install them. However, most wooden sheds are difficult to build and require a lot of work and patience. Metal sheds are also difficult to install and once they are built, it’s very difficult to transport a metal shed. Resin is the easiest to build and easy to move to a new location because of its lightweight material.



What kinds of issues can I run into while building or maintaining a shed?

If not done carefully and following instructions, there are many issues you can run into while building any type of shed whether it be wood, resin, or metal. It’s important to do your research if trouble arises. Just make sure you speak with an expert or research the problem carefully. 

On another note, maintaining your shed year-round, no matter what material you decide to buy is critical to longevity. Make sure you’re inspecting the walls, checking the roof, and keeping an eye on the inside of your shed. This should prevent issues from getting more difficult to fix. For example, if you ran into the issue of water inside your shed, you might be wondering why is my shed leaking? You’ll want to look for any pools of water or discoloration inside the shed. Leaking is usually due to holes and cracks in the shed or maybe even damaged shingles on the roof. If you catch this problem early on, you can get it patched up quickly before the leak ruins too much inside the shed.

So, Which Shed Material is the Best?

While all three shed materials are durable and will get the job done, metal and resin are better alternatives for weather-resistant sheds that can handle the harshest conditions without any maintenance. Wood and resin sheds are the best if you care about the visual appearance of the shed. Resin sheds are the best option if you are looking for a shed that incorporates all the benefits of wood and metal as well as a sustainable option.

Overall, resin sheds were created to address all the disadvantages of wood and metal and are an affordable material for anyone that wants to purchase a shed and never think about it again. You won’t have to worry about fading, rusting, rotting, warping, and more. Simply assemble the shed and get to organizing.



Keter Resin Sheds and Storage Solutions

We encourage you to explore the various shed styles and sizes of sheds that Keter offers. If you are looking for other small storage solutions, Keter also sells boxes, storage benches, storage shed shelving and accessories that you can add to your sheds.

So, you might be wondering what type of resin Keter sheds are made from–and the answer is they’re made from a sturdy polypropylene resin that is durable and beautiful. Keter sheds stand up to the elements including sun, rain, snow, and even wind. The sheds also do this with little to no maintenance, unlike other shed types. All Keter garden shed kits are also eco-friendly. The resin is made from sustainable materials and the structures will last you for years to come. So, you won’t continuously need to send old rotting furniture to the landfill.