Plastic or wooden shed?

[mrpaulbradley]

This might be a general topic, so no worries if moved....
But I need to replace my shed (tree fell on it!)
What are the pros and cons of plastic v wood?
Both in terms of renewables/environment, maintence, security, life-span and shear practicality?
Anyone got one?

[veggiechicken]

I've never had a plastic shed but I guess that it might be important to know what size you were thinking of, whether its to be at home or on an allotment, any security issues, whether you need windows....

[mrpaulbradley]

It's for home use and the one I'm looking at does have a window, double doors 6x6ft.
I am a tad concerned by the security aspect. But then again, if someone wants in a shed, they're getting in!

[veggiechicken]

I have 3 sheds at home, only one is ever locked (when I remember) but when I had a shed on an allotment it was always locked. That's why I wondered where it was to go.

[Potstubsdustbins]

I honestly don't see security as a deciding factor here. Like you have said yourself if they want in wood or plastic wouldn't matter they have the window.

Properly sourced timber would be better for the enviroment.

Plastic less maintenance and looking at my neighbours probably more durable.

I keep a lot of tooling in my shed so had one built without a window for security. I went for wood because my neighbour complains of moisture in his plastic one, to the extent he has bought a small wooden one to keep his electric & hand tools in.

Colin

[veggiechicken]

What about a metal shed?

[mrpaulbradley]

Never thought about that! Might be hot in summer. (wait! What am I saying!? I live in Scotland!!!)
I am concerned about moisture. Wood does breath a bit I guess. The plastic one does have a small vent but don't know how effective.
As for window. I'm actually going to build my perimeter fence back around it, which did cause an issue with me treating the old shed.
Goodness me, who'd have thought it would be so tough to choose!

[Ananke]

Our wooden shed had a really good lock on it so when they broke into it they just pulled the whole front the shed off.

So you're right, if they want in they will get in, although it would make a helluva noise breaking into a metal shed I would imagine.

[ladylottie]

I have a small metal shed at home and it's always dripping with condensation - I've learnt over time where most of the drips form and place stuff out of the way of them.
I would think plastic ones are pretty much the same. If I could choose I would have wood (we can't have wood here - fire risk)

[veggiechicken]

You've reminded me that we have a metal roof on our garage that used to drip condensation on the car so we lined it with polystyrene sheets - sorted! Much warmer in there too.

[Two_Sheds]

when I had a shed on an allotment it was always locked.

See, I never lock my lotty shed. Lotties are notorious for attracting thieves & vandals, and they do a lot of damage breaking sheds open ~ it's less grief for you if they don't have to break the shed to look inside

What about a metal shed?

Rust?

[ladylottie]

You've reminded me that we have a metal roof on our garage that used to drip condensation on the car so we lined it with polystyrene sheets - sorted! Much warmer in there too.

Now that's a thought - will give polystyrene a try.

[lottie dolly]

don't what what cost would be,but,how about a wood one,out of palet wood,felt over that,then clad it with the plastic outdoor cladding,it all depends on funds,size ext,that would give warmer and dry,the outside can be just hosed of ,

[mrpaulbradley]

don't what what cost would be,but,how about a wood one,out of palet wood,felt over that,then clad it with the plastic outdoor cladding,it all depends on funds,size ext,that would give warmer and dry,the outside can be just hosed of ,

Lol! Both!? Now there's an answer!
I do like the idea of putting in some polystyrene. I can hopefully re-cycle some from somewhere. As for the old shed, it's next life will be as a composting bin.

[mrpaulbradley]

The plastic shed I'm looking at us 70% re-cycled too, so not too terrible. It should last an age too I'm guessing. And it won't need lots of treating over the years which is a bonus.
But will it feel (and smell) like a shed?

I feel a coin toss coming on!!