Want some extra storage space without spending much money? The venerable metal tool or garden shed is the entry-priced member of the shed family. These sheds, made of painted aluminum or galvanized steel, are available in sizes up from approximately 28 to 140 sq feet.

Now for the drawbacks - painted metal sheds don't hold up as well or last as long as the pricier models. Aluminum won't rust like steel, but both steel and aluminum are prone to denting, sagging, wear and fading paint. They are also not as wind or snow-resistant as materials like vinyl, resin or wood.

Aluminum sheds don't require much maintenance, but you should repaint steel buildings regularly to prevent rust.

Vinyl coating enhances both the appearance and the durability of the basic steel shed. Slightly more costly than painted metal, these sheds are available in a wide range of sizes.

Athough they don't need to be painted, they are still prone to denting, and can rust if the finish wears.

If you decide to purchase a vinyl coated shed, we recommend you take a look at the sheds made by Arrow. Arrow's vinyl coating is thicker than that of most other manufacturers which further increases the durability of their products.

Like vinyl coatings, a baked-on enamel finish makes a galvanized steel building or shed more resistant to rust, fading and wear. Prices are comparable to or a little less than similar vinyl coated steel buildings.

A step up from metal, vinyl sheds offer greater durability, better appearance and stronger construction at a slightly higher initial cost. Maintenance-free vinyl sheds won't rust, rot, sag, dent, mildew or fade and never require painting! They can typically withstand weather conditions of up to 20 lb per sq foot snow load and 115 mile per hour winds (varies by model - check individual product specs for details).

Most vinyl shed kits are fairly easy to assemble. They make a good choice for freestanding garages or utility buildings.

Slightly pricier than vinyl sheds but similar in performance are resin sheds. Usually constructed from steel-reinforced polyethelene, resin sheds come in styles from attractive storage buildings to smaller vertical or horizontal tool and garden sheds. They tend to be slightly stronger (in terms of snow load and wind resistance) than vinyl, and are an ideal choice for workshops, pool houses, boat houses and general storage.

If you're looking for the best combination of attractiveness and practicality, you can't do any better than a wood shed or building. Featuring details like shuttered windows and colored trim, these kits come in many styles to match or complement your home and are suitable for use as sheds, pool houses, boat houses, general storage or even as a space devoted to your hobby or business.

Another benefit of wood sheds is their strength and durability. Wood structures generally boast the best resistance to snow loads and wind. They don't rust, dent or sag. They require some maintenance - damaged or worn finishes or excessive exposure to moisture is an invitation to rot, mold or insects. However they are easy to maintain - most are primed and made from pressure-treated lumber, offering good resistance to water and insect damage. A careful inspection once or twice a year should catch minor wear while before damage occurs.

Wood sheds are more expensive than other materials, but they're an investment in beauty and durability that will last for many years!

These temporary structures which are in a completely different class than the more permanent metal, vinyl and wood sheds, but for comparison's sake, we're including them here. The main advantage of portable sheds and vehicle covers is their versatility and ease of storage -making them perfect to take on camping trips, vacations or to use as a temporary outdoor shelter. They are generally easier to assemble than hard-sided structures and quite inexpensive in relation to their size, though very large canopies like party tents and portable RV garages can cost over $1,000.

Extra large structures, like domed truss buildings, are soft-sided shelters with a galvanized steel frame. These weatherproof, fire-retardant buildings are much stronger and more durable than other portable sheds and are suitable for long-term commercial and agricultural use such as salt/sand storage, riding arenas, truch shelters, job site storage, or even to house a small plane!