Shed Buying Guide



Everything you need to know before you buy your next backyard structure: size, material, foundation, and budget
Find the Right Size
Start bigger than you think you need. Most customers who buy a shed to "just store a few tools" are back on our site within two years looking for something larger. Before you pick a size, measure the spot in your yard where the shed will actually sit, including at least 2–3 feet of clearance on all sides for maintenance and airflow, and take stock of everything you want to store today and what you'll likely add later (bikes, a mower, seasonal decor, a workbench). As a rule of thumb, add about 25% more square footage than your current list requires.
  • Measure your yard footprint, including required clearance and setback from your property line
  • List everything you need to store now, then add the "someday" items (mower, bikes, kayak, workbench)
  • Check that door width and height will fit your largest item (riding mowers need at least a 5–6 ft. wide opening)
  • Confirm your HOA or local code doesn't cap structure size for your lot
Choose Your Material 

Match the material to your climate and how much upkeep you actually want to do. Every IronLeaf structure is built from one of three core materials, and each is a genuinely good choice for the right situation. This isn't a "good, better, best" ladder. Wood can be stained or painted to match your home, but it will need re-sealing every few years. Metal and steel builds are our most durable option pound-for-pound and shrug off wind and pests, but can dent and will show scratches over time. Resin and plastic sheds are the lowest-maintenance option by far, with no rot, no rust, and no repainting, and hold up well in humid or coastal climates, though they're not built to be modified or expanded later.

Get the Foundation and Placement Right 
A great shed on a bad base won't stay great for long. Your foundation matters more than the brand of shed you buy. A compacted gravel pad is the most budget-friendly option and works well for most metal and resin sheds; a poured concrete slab is the most durable choice and is often required for larger wood structures or anything you plan to run power to. Whatever base you choose, pick the highest and flattest point in your yard with good drainage away from the structure. Pooling water under a shed is the single most common cause of early failure, regardless of material. Every IronLeaf structure ships with our anchoring hardware so the finished setup is wind resistant and code compliant from day one.
Match It to Your Use Case and Your Full Budget

Decide what the structure will be for before you decide what it looks like. Are you building a simple storage space, a workshop you'll spend a lot of time in, a garden shed, or a backyard office? The answer changes what to prioritize: a workshop needs windows, ventilation, and electrical-ready walls; an office benefits from insulation and a solid floor; pure storage just needs a weathertight box with good shelving. Once you've picked a use case, budget for the whole project, not just the sticker price: foundation prep, delivery, and assembly typically add 15–30% on top of the structure itself. Every IronLeaf purchase includes a 10-year warranty, free shipping on orders over $999, and step-by-step video assembly guides, so the number you see at checkout is close to the last number you'll pay.