Timber vs Metal vs Concrete: Which Shed or Garage?

Whether you need somewhere for the mower, a secure home for bikes or a garage for the car, the first decision is often what it's made of. We sell all three – timber, steel and concrete – so here's an honest comparison.

At a glance

Guarantee figures are the manufacturers' own. See our Warranty and Guarantees page for full terms.

Timber sheds and garages

Timber is the traditional choice, and for good reason. It looks at home in a garden, comes in the widest range of styles, and you can screw shelves, hooks and benches almost anywhere.

• Ranges: Power Sheds, Suresheds, Sovereign and Shedlands, plus timber log cabin garages. Browse all garden sheds.
• Security: the Power Sheds security range adds extra locking points and stronger doors.
• Installation depends on the brand. Sovereign buildings include installation; Suresheds install free within 50 miles of their Rotherham factory; Power Sheds are kits, and we can help you book an approved installer. Log cabin garages come free by HIAB crane to your kerbside.
• Upkeep: treat the timber when it goes up and regularly after. See our timber care guide.

Steel sheds and garages

Lifelong steel buildings are for anyone who wants secure storage without the upkeep.

• No treating, painting or re-felting, and a 15-year guarantee on the structure.
• Installed for you: Lifelong's own team delivers and builds on the same visit, usually arranged with at least a week's notice. No concrete or slab base is needed on level ground.
• Sizes: apex sheds 6ft to 12ft wide, pent sheds 6ft to 10ft wide, and garages 13ft and 15ft wide.
• Fitting out: steel shelving, a workbench, guttering, a light switch and socket panel, and security upgrades including a deadlock, lock cover and window bars.
• Condensation: like any metal building, it can form on cold days. Ventilate, and don't store damp items inside.

More in our Lifelong buying guide.

Concrete stores and garages

Beeston concrete buildings are the most solid and permanent option we sell.

• Won't rot or warp, and carries a 10-year structural guarantee on the wall panels, posts and roof, provided the base is prepared properly.
• A concrete base is essential. Our partner Midland Base Works can lay it as part of the project.
• Installed for you as standard across our local Midlands area, with no set mileage radius. Further afield, check with us first.
• Styles: pent and apex stores, and pent and apex garages.
• Permanent: once it's up, it's not a building you move.

More in our Beeston buying guide.

Planning, whatever the material

Sheds, stores and garages follow the same permitted development rules as any outbuilding in England, including the 2.5m height limit within 2m of a boundary. Read our planning guide.

Which should you choose?

• "I want it to look nice and I'll fit it out myself." Timber.
• "I don't want to maintain anything, and I don't want to lay a base." Lifelong steel.
• "I want the most solid building I can get, and I'm staying put." Beeston concrete.
• "It's for the car." Compare all our garages: timber, steel and concrete.

Common questions

Which lasts longest: a timber, steel or concrete shed?

All three can last many years if looked after. Concrete and steel don't rot and don't need treating. Timber needs regular treatment to stay in good condition. Check each range's guarantee on our Warranty and Guarantees page.

Do metal sheds get condensation?

Any metal building can get condensation on the inside of the roof and walls in cold weather, because the metal cools quickly. Good ventilation and not storing wet items inside help.

Do I need a concrete base for a steel shed?

Not for Lifelong steel sheds on level ground – Lifelong's team installs them without a concrete or slab base. Beeston concrete buildings do need a proper concrete base. Timber buildings need a firm, level base of some kind.

Which type is most secure?

Steel and concrete are harder to break into than standard timber cladding. Timber security sheds add stronger doors and extra locking points. Whatever you choose, a good lock matters most.

Can I put shelves up in a steel or concrete shed?

It's easiest in timber, where you can screw into the frame almost anywhere. Lifelong offers steel shelving and a workbench made to fit its buildings.

This guide is general information, not professional or legal advice. Specifications vary by model, so always check the product page, and check planning and building regulations with your council.