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Vinyl vs Resin Shed: A Comprehensive Buying Guide

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published August 27, 2024

Your outdoor shed provides a convenient location to store your yard furniture and garden equipment. Choosing the right material for your shed is essential for a durable storage space. This guide explores the pros and cons of vinyl vs resin sheds to help you decide which material suits your needs.

What is a Resin Shed

Commonly called a plastic shed, resin is made from a variety of synthetic resins. It’s most commonly constructed with high-density polyethylene (HDPE). It’s very similar to vinyl sheds in both structure and design. But, it may not be as weather-resistant.

What is a Vinyl Shed

An outdoor shed constructed with vinyl is highly durable since it’s constructed from a sturdy plastic called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The term is often used interchangeably with resin sheds since they are both made from plastic. The major difference is that vinyl is fire-retardant. This means that it won’t catch on fire and melt.

Pros and Cons of Vinyl Shed

Pros

  • Vinyl is a highly durable material owing to its ability to resist rotting, rust and insects. It’s also fire retardant and will not melt when in contact with fire like most plastics.
  • It’s also versatile in the colors and styles they offer, which makes your shed look attractive while also being functional.
  • Vinyl offers excellent structural integrity which can withstand the test of time. They are built around a metal frame, making it sturdy and tough.
  • It provides a robust barrier against harsh weather and can withstand winds up to 115 mph.

Cons

  • Vinyl is more expensive compared to resin sheds.
  • Since it’s made with a metal frame, it’s heavier than plastic sheds and would require two people for assembly.
  • It’s susceptible to denting on impact or scratches.
  • It provides limited insulation and conducts heat and cold easily. This means the temperature inside the shed will mimic the temperature outside.

Pros and Cons of Resin Shed

Pros

  • Resin sheds are lightweight and easy to assemble and transport compared to vinyl or wood sheds.
  • Resin is also more affordable and budget-friendly compared to vinyl.
  • It requires minimal maintenance.
  • It’s rot, rust and rodent resistant.

Cons

  • Resin is mostly weather resistant, except in extremely cold weather. Cold climate can make it brittle.
  • It’s prone to fading if exposed to sunlight for a long period of time.
  • Compared to vinyl, it’s not fire retardant. This means it can catch fire easily and melt.
  • Resin is not as sturdy as other materials, which means it can break easily.

What is Better: A Vinyl or Resin Shed

While both of these options are quite low maintenance and don’t require painting and staining, each excel in different conditions. When considering vinyl vs resin sheds, the most suitable one depends on your requirements.

When Should You Get a Vinyl Shed

A vinyl shed is more appealing since it has a wide variety of style and colors to match your home or personal preferences. So, if looks are important when buying a storage shed, this might be a good option. They also offer better security with thicker walls to store any valuable items. Additionally, it's ideal if you live in areas that have a high fire risk. The fire retardant feature of a vinyl shed can be highly useful.

When Should You Get a Resin Shed

A resin shed is ideal for you if you value low maintenance above everything else. These are also more affordable and won’t stretch your budget. Since a resin shed is lightweight, it contributes to easy assembly depending on the size of the shed.

Other Considerations

When buying a storage shed, vinyl vs resin isn’t the only thing to consider. Other design and functional aspects also come into play. These determine the ideal outdoor shed to fit all your needs.

Style

The two best known styles of storage sheds are gable sheds and lean to sheds. A vinyl gable shed is a classic shed style consisting of a roof with two symmetrical slopes. These provide a desirable amount of headspace, allowing you to store taller items like lawnmowers. These are versatile spaces that can be customized with various siding options. A resin gable shed is also a budget-friendly option.

Comparatively, a vinyl lean-to shed consists of a single sloped roof leaning against a wall or fence. It’s an ideal option for smaller backyards since it saves space. A resin lean-to shed is more affordable compared to a gable shed due to its one slope design. But, it has less headroom and offers less storage space.

Size

Storage sheds are broadly categorized into three sizes. These are small, medium and large. The correct size for you depends on what you plan to store and how much space you have in your yard. Small sheds cover up to 36 square feet of  area and are great for basic storage needs.

A medium sized shed includes an area up to 100 square feet. These can store lawnmowers and bicycles. A large shed covers over 100 square feet of space and can accommodate large lawn equipment or patio furniture.

Caution

Consider local regulations and permit requirements for larger sheds.

Features

Features like included floors, shelves, skylight and ventilation enhance the functionality of  sheds. Included floors offer a stable surface for storage and prevent moisture buildup. Skylights allow natural light in while reducing the need for electrical lighting, especially in the day time.

Built-in shelves maximize the space available in the shelf for better organization. Ventilation is a great feature since it allows air circulation. This can prevent excess heat buildup and moisture damage.