So you are wondering what sort of garden shed to buy? There are basically 4 types you can choose from:  

1. Complete Knock-Down metal sheds in kits of individual components, supplied in cartons. 

2. Plastic sheds in kits of individual components, supplied in cartons. 

3. Timber pre-assembled panel sheds 

4. Pre-assembled panel metal sheds 

See below for the pros and cons of each.

1. Completely Knocked Down Metal sheds

Typically made from high-tensile steel sheet with maximum thickness of 0.35mm TCT (Total Coated Thickness).

Some brands are less than this. 

PROS 

• Available in a wide range of sizes and colours  
• Cartons containing components are relatively easy to transport 
• Pricing is competitive, especially on smaller units 

CONS 

• Layout of shed (e.g. placement of doors, wall height, etc) is fixed 
• Assembly and installation is time-consuming  
• Limited range of accessories available 

2. Plastic sheds 

There are several brands of plastic sheds available in Australia

Available at LANDERA Plastic Sheds and STILLA Keter Plastic Sheds

PROS 

• Available in a good range of sizes  
• Most are supplied with flooring as part of the kit 
• Sturdy and relatively quick to assemble 
• High level of design detail and finish 
• Limited range of accessories available 

CONS 

• Expensive – typically 3 to 4 times that of similar sized Colorbond steel shed 
• Layout of shed (e.g. placement of doors, wall height, etc) is fixed 

3. Timber sheds 

There are a number of brands available in Australia.

Check STILLA Cedar Sheds and LANDERA Timber Garden Sheds

PROS 

• Available in a good range of sizes  
• Floor kit available as an option with most brands 
• Sturdy and relatively quick to assemble 
• Reasonable level of design detail and finish 
• Can be painted and lined to meet a wide variety of requirements 

CONS 

• Expensive – typically 3 to 4 times that of similar sized Colorbond steel shed 

4. Pre-assembled panel metal sheds, like GARDENSTAR

PROS 

• Available in a wide range of standard sizes 
• Available in Zinc or any of 16 colours 
• Competitive pricing – especially on larger models 
• High-tensile rolled SIX-RIB sheet – 0.40mm TCT for extra strength 
• Supplied as fully riveted panels with doors prefitted 
• Quick and easy to assemble 
• Ideal for bike sheds, workshops, tool storage, etc
• Wide range of options available including flooring kits 
• CUSTOM range can be modified to your requirements – including placement of doors, windows, skylights, wall length and height, etc. 
• Manufactured in Tasmania – quick delivery 
• 20-year guarantee 

CONS 

• Pre-assembled panels can be difficult to transport, although a delivery service is available in the Hobart area, and from most Gardenstar retailers in Northern Tasmania.