When you’re using nice equipment, it’s important to take care of it. If you’ve landed here in need of a storage shed for things like your lawn mower or general lawn goods, this is the right place.
There are different types of sheds to consider for storage: wood, resin, and metal. Each material has its own benefits depending on the weight, price, and durability. If you are a DIY-type, go for a wood shed and build it.
Running short on time? Head to Amazon for immediate shed comparisons.
You might agree that when trying to find extra space for the lawn equipment used the majority of the time, it seems that it’s best to have a dedicated storage area for just that. Especially when trying to find lawn mower storage, there are a few reasons why it might be better to keep it stored in it’s own little box.
In this post, we’re going to cover different types of storage sheds used for lawn mowers. That may be a push mower, a zero turn, or just a riding lawn mower. Which ever mower you own, you’re going to find some great information to help you decide what’s right for your situation.
Types Of Storage Sheds: Wood, Resin, and Metal
There are really three different types of material to compare when looking at a shed – wood, resin, and metal. Here are a few key differences with each type.
Wood Sheds – The Good and The Bad
Wooden sheds have been around for a very long time and are generally the more traditional approach. For those looking to create their own shed plan, build it from scratch, or follow a pre-made plan, you might consider this option.
With the options of things like customizing and not having to worry about a pre-defined size, some might think this is the way to go.
Take a look at the below advantages and disadvantages for a wood lawn mower shed.
✅ Highly customizable
✅ Not limited by size/shape
✅ Paintable
✅ Add things like windows
❌ Possible unfinished interior
❌ Typically more expensive
❌ Usually needs re-painted over time
❌ Wood is vulnerable material
Some areas of the country might not be the best suitable environment for a wood shed simply because of harsh weather, excess amounts of water, or even the amount of insects. These things are detrimental to a wood shed.
Resin Shed – The Good and The Bad
Sometimes these sheds may be known as a plastic or vinyl shed. The material is some type of plastic (usually a high-density polyethylene) and in a high quality form or another when different terms are used.
✅ Lighter than wood
✅ Stronger & more durable
✅ Virtually maintenance free
✅ Easy to set up
✅ UV-protected
❌ Doesn’t support as much weight
❌ Cannot be painted
❌ Cannot be shingled
A big plus for resin sheds is that they come in neutral colors, look very nice, and many have a textured look to stand out.
There’s also many accessories including windows and shelves which require no cutting or additional “construction” work to be added.
Metal Shed – The Good and The Bad
Most metal sheds are made with one of two types of metal: steel or aluminum. The aluminum is usually galvanized to protect it in weather – but does not always prevent rusting.
✅ Cheapest option – affordable
✅ Can be painted
✅ Easy to set up
✅ Lightweight and low maintenance
❌ Not as strong as wood or resin
❌ Easily dented or rust
❌ Less size/shape options
❌ Complicated setup
Also important to note: metal sheds may be prone to leaking if not properly sealed. This is an important factor to consider if storing items in the shed that need to be kept dry.
Which Outdoor Storage Shed Is Best For A Lawn Mower?
This depends on what type of mower you need to store. Are you talking about a riding lawn mower or a push mower? Does your push mower collapse with handles for compact storage?
If you are storing an electric lawn mower, you’ll definitely want to make sure the shed has minimal water intrusion around the outside and possibly an elevated foundation or platform for the mower to sit on.
There are different reasons to pick a certain shed over the other. You might find that a horizontal shed (used for a compact push mower like an EGO model) doesn’t fit your mower well enough and/or you’re looking for something more spacious.
Also, other barriers you might run into include lack of time (need for quicker installation) or an even smaller space. Again, take a look at a horizontal shed if you have a collapsible push mower.
If you’re looking for a budget friendly shed and happen to have a mower with handles that fold or are removable, take a look at the shed below. Also, your current mower might even fit, as long as the height is correct.
Keter Store-It-Out: Woodland Outdoor Resin Horizontal Storage Shed
This is also perfect for patio furniture or accessories like swing pillows, deck chair cushions, or other things that can be stored lightly.
This particular Keter storage shed has been a best seller on Amazon and comes in 30 cu. ft. or 42 cu. ft. options. In addition to some of the other benefits/features, you can lock the shed to protect your belongings.
Can I Use A Horizontal Shed For Lawn Mower Storage?
The question really depends on your current situation. Do you have a foldable lawn mower? Or, do they slide down in some way that reduces the need for a high clearance?
Maybe there’s a chance that it’s an old fashioned reel mower and it’s not as tall as the shed. Whatever the case may be, horizontal sheds are made for low clearance areas, but still providing the cubic feet necessary to keep a lot of lawn items inside.
Horizontal Shed Options (Great for landscaping tools)
Even if you aren’t storing a lawn mower in this shed, there’s plenty of room to store things like firewood, outdoor games, fertilizer items, and more. A nice part about these sheds are the stronger floor – perfect for heavier equipment.
Are Most Outdoor Sheds Waterproof?
The great thing about the newer plastic sheds (also known as resin sheds) is that they are becoming more designed with a pitched roof and angle to allow run-off of water around the outside.
Why does this matter? Having items in the garage like pesticides, oil, chemicals, power tools, mowers, and other lawn equipment or items is extremely dangerous for kids that will be in that area.
Hopefully we can both agree that the best way to prevent mishaps is to not let the whatever-will-cause-the-mishap to even exist.
How Are Storage Sheds Measured?
When looking to buy a storage shed, the dimensions will typically be in feet. Two common sizes include 4×6 and 6×8.
Companies typically stick with the even numbers of sizes simply because this is usually how materials are found. For example, if you are using plywood to build a shed, they come in 4×8 sheets. It’s easier to build, if for example, a wood shed’s interior is being constructed.
Here’s a great article on how to calculate materials needed for a shed. It goes over finding building codes, the need for different types of items (nails, trim, etc.).
Who Can Move A Storage Shed?
Once a storage shed is built, it’s not very easy to move it. Especially if you’ve purchased a miniature barn! But, there are alternatives that you might consider.
One option is to get a smaller, portable split-lid storage shed (more like a bin). This would be much easier to move given you might be the type that craves change around the yard.
What Is The Best Foundation To Use?
Some of the sheds that can be purchased will not even require a special foundation.
One thing to remember is that as you get ready to build the shed, or have it placed on the lawn, having surface that’s not level can potentially cause the shed to move around and lose it’s stability.
This is definitely not something you want to have happen, so it’s appropriate to say that laying a foundation is the recommended method. Although in some cases it’s not required, it’s still a great idea and technically “the right way”.
Thoughts to consider for a firm foundation:
- Do you have level ground?
- Is there an existing slab you might be able to use (i.e. from a previous structure)?
Materials that can be used for a solid foundation:
- Pavers (find them at places like Home Depot)
- Concrete Slab
- Kit that comes w/shed
- Gravel
However, if you are required to create a foundation for your storage shed, it must be leveled and in a good place where you have clearance from water and moisture damage.
A good guideline to keep in mind is to have a minimum of 24″. Up to three feet around the outside of the shed will definitely help – this is space for things like fences, other buildings, or equipment that may not be going into the shed.
For perspective, a typical push mower averages 21 inches so having three feet around the shed will allow the push mower to feet along with area to turn/rotate around corners.
How Does The Shed Get Leveled?
When using concrete as a foundation, you’ll be able to follow the concrete installation instructions and properly level it before placing the shed on the slab.
If you’re using something like wood, make sure to properly align and account for any overlaps, proper flooring, and the possibility of surrounding bushes or plants growing roots below the surface.
In some cases, you’ll want to inset the foundation in the ground, other scenarios may call for the foundation to be raised above ground.
Where’s The Best Place To Locate A Storage Shed?
A couple of things you will want to keep in mind when choosing the proper location for a shed is power and lighting. If you don’t have the chance to install a skylight in the shed, it will be hard to see inside without some type of light.
Also, if you plan to maybe use power tools down the road, it’s certainly going to be helpful if you can have an outlet to plug directly into without having to track around an extension cable for power.
Unless of course, you’re one of the people using an electric lawn mower with cordless batteries.
You can also consider pairing a metal shed with a solar panel to be grid-free and charge that electric mower!
Is Buying A Storage Shed A Good Investment?
This can be looked at a couple of ways.
First, let’s consider the obvious. What happens when you DON’T have a storage shed? Well, your lawn equipment, tools, gas, and many other things you own sit outside on the lawn.
Trust me. From experience, this is NOT a good thing. Our pressure washer hose ended up cracking from the elements and our mowers started to fade from the sun.
Some of you might be saying, “I put all of my stuff in the garage”. But, consider this: the smell of gas if you’ve got a riding lawn mower, a push mower, oil, and other items in there with it? Maybe it’s worth it, maybe not.
Secondly, installation of a shed can increase your home’s appraised value. Here’s an article from RISMedia that outlines some thoughts to consider for making the decision to invest in a shed.
Another thought – how much room might you have for a vehicle? Something to think about.
When Do Storage Sheds Go On Sale?
Typically toward the beginning of spring and early summer, you can see prices lower or discount sales on sheds. Businesses try to get the spring sales off to a strong start by offering an opportunity for customers at the start of gardening/lawn season.
Quick Tip: a lot of people don’t know this, but at Lowes, you can negotiate a price if you talk to the right person. Consider talking to a manager or someone who actually cares about your business. Many times they can take off $10-$20 just because you negotiate.
What Type Of Shed Should I Buy?
There are a few factors to consider when answering this question. A big question to yourself is – am I trying to store something like a zero turn mower? Otherwise, one of the smaller options will work.
It does come along with personal preference as well. Are you the traditional type of person who likes to see natural wood? Do you enjoy painting? Do you need to meet a budget?
Questions like these will help you to decide which storage shed might be right for you. If you’d like to compare some sheds right now, go ahead and check out storage sheds on Amazon.
Amazon is a great place to see the types available along with comparisons and fast shipping. If you are a more local type, you can take a look at storage sheds available at Home Depot before you drive over.
For the ultimate space savers out there, you’ll really be pleased to see the functionality of this what’s called a “glidetop” shed. It’s short enough to store away goods like bikes, mowers, and other garden tools.
I’m Looking For A Larger Option – What Are My Choices?
Okay, you may be the one that has the 1+ acre lawn with plenty of room to splurge on lawn mower storage. Heck, you might even have a zero turn AND a riding lawn mower.
But, only one of the two options below will actually fit BOTH of those! Remember, bigger is not always the best solution.
Think about what you own – equipment, lawn goods, deck furniture, etc. Do you actually need the extra space, or is there a more condensed option you could look into?
Anyway, since you’re still thinking big, let’s see what’s in store for you…
Arrow LX1014 10 x 14 ft. Barn Style Galvanized Taupe/Eggshell Steel Storage Shed: Store Patio Furniture, Zero Turn or Riding Lawn Mower
8x15ft Lifetime Outdoor Storage Shed: with included Shutters, Windows, and Skylights 🙂
Now, this is the big one…You’re looking at nearly a guest home you could offer to your next visitor!
Need some windows? Done.
How about some shutters? Done. Skylights? Done!
Not only do you get all the above listed features, but here’s some other things to look forward to:
- 6 skylights, 2 shatterproof windows, 2 screened vents, 2 shutters, and 4 corner shelves!
- Very low maintenance; dual wall stell supports
- Heavy-duty trusses for the roof; with 10-year limited warranty
- Nice looking design, high-pitched roof for easy runoff of rain or other types of weather
If you’re really serious about getting a shed, try this on for size! I don’t think you’ll be dissatisfied with your next home shed purchase.
How Do I Store My Lawn Mower Without A Shed?
Three options that will work if you don’t own a shed are a garage, outdoor canopy, or even a tarp/covering.
Usually the next place to store your lawn mower for storage would be in the garage. Especially if it’s an electric mower, this is a suitable option.
If you don’t happen to have the privilege of a garage, another option (albeit a minimal one) would be under an outdoor canopy.
A tarp will help keep water runoff to the outside of your mower. Plus, it will restrict sunlight from discoloring your mower.
For even more ideas for storage, take a look at this article: 14 ways to store a mower from Reboot My Garage.
You will gain some extra storage space with something like this Abba Patio Outdoor Storage Shelter with Rollup Door, but keep in mind the cost where you could potentially spend a bit more for an actual shed.
Summary & Thoughts
It’s invaluable to have the options to store your lawn equipment in a protected place for it’s next time use. Sometimes, we just don’t want to put our stuff in the garage due to chemicals, things like oil, or simply because we want to park the car in there.
Finding a spot in the yard to place a storage shed is definitely a plus because it adds more space, easy access, and a way to separate the “lawn stuff” versus the “garage stuff”.
If you’ve got the area needed, more space can certainly help with future purchases such as a riding mower if you don’t have one, an extra bike or two, and even winter items; however, saving space can be just as nice for a clean, minimalistic-type approach to a simple, organized yard.
One decision is not better than the other, but simply a means of your preference and likeness. Take a look through these shed options leave a comment if you want!
Whether you’re searching for a lawn mower storage shed, something to store lawn goods, or just an extra shed in addition to one you already own, keep in mind the above thoughts, questions, and needs. It will help when deciding which shed to buy.
I find that a good way to think about this type of purchase is to consider what’s inside. If you’re storing a couple thousand dollars worth of stuff, shouldn’t there be a long term thought process involved?
