The 10 Best Outbuildings
This wiki has been updated 24 times since it was first published in January of 2020. Whether you want extra space to store a lawnmower or just a few garden tools, these outbuildings come in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Some are constructed of resilient materials that stand up to harsh weather, while others made of wood resemble rustic cabins. Many offer features such as vents to help minimize condensation, as well as windows that let in natural light. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Lifetime 60127
2. Arrow Oakbrook OB1014
3. Suncast Cascade 7400
Editor's Notes
July 03, 2020:
All of these outbuildings will require some sort of prep-work to get the site ready to build on. To prepare the Palram Mythos HG5006G, all that's needed is to level out an unused section of backyard. Other manufacturers recommend having a more substantial foundation for models like the Best Barns Millcreek 1220.
Depending on the size of the structure and the codes that govern where you live, some of these options may require a building permit. Make sure to do due-diligence on local regulations. Also, owners need to recognize the potential hazards from storing flammable material in spaces like this. When storing gas, solvents or anything that can ignite, make sure the cap is securely on the container, out of direct sunlight, and away from anything that can create a spark or catch on fire.
It's important for potential buyers to determine what purpose these buildings will serve. More palatial options like the 12' by 26' Duramax Imperial 55131 can store larger items like cars and trucks and the Suncast Cascade 7400 works well for smaller items like rakes, shovels and general garden tools. For storage options just for cars, see our list of best car shelters.
Some choices come with everything needed for a fully finished structure, while others don't include a floor or anything to finish the interior walls. The decorative Lifetime 60127 has a polyethylene floor that can withstand stains from more hazardous items like automotive oil or solvents. The Best Barns Millcreek 1220 is a handsome option made out of wood but the materials to finish the inside are not included, so the framing is exposed unless the buyer purchases additional items.
These options are made with a variety of materials. The polyethylene build of the Lifetime 60127 is extremely durable in rain and snow and the Best Barns Northwood 1010 has exterior walls made out of cedar-finished wood. Our selection of best metal sheds highlights metal-only options that are good for storing garden tools.
Special Honors
18-foot Dome Greenhouse Kit The 18-foot geodesic dome greenhouse from Growing Spaces provides a distinctive space to house a garden. The vents open and close on their own, with hinges made of beeswax that work automatically to help regulate temperature. The kits ship with everything a homeowner needs to build the structure and if you don't want to build it yourself, the company will send installers from its flagship store in Colorado. growingspaces.com
4. Duramax Woodbridge 98001
5. Duramax Imperial 55131
6. Best Barns Millcreek 1220
7. Absco 30232GK
8. Lifetime 60005
9. Palram Mythos HG5006G
10. Best Barns Northwood 1010
Karen Bennett lives in Chicago with her family, and when she’s not writing, she can usually be found practicing yoga or cheering on her kids at soccer games. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s in English, and her writing has been published in various local newspapers, as well as “The Cheat Sheet,” “Illinois Legal Times,” and “USA Today.” She has also written search engine news page headlines and worked as a product manager for a digital marketing company. Her expertise is in literature, nonfiction, textbooks, home products, kids' games and toys, hardware, teaching accessories, and art materials.