Most people would agree garden sheds come in three types – wooden, plastic, and metal. But while that is correct, there is another type they’ve missed out, and you may not be aware of it either (not until you read that headline, anyway).

Concrete sheds aren’t that common, but they are available. If you are thinking of adding a new shed to your garden, you should give these consideration alongside the more familiar materials used for building sheds.


How much does a concrete shed cost?

Let’s be clear – a concrete shed is probably going to be the most expensive version you could get. You’ll almost certainly be looking at a four-figure sum regardless of size. One site listed a small 4ft x 4ft shed at around £1,800. A standard 6ft x 4ft shed was just shy of £2,000. Yes, you can shop around and possibly find cheaper prices, but you can see we’re talking about a more expensive material here.

If you’re still reading, it’s possible a concrete garden shed is ideal for you. So, let’s look at the pros and cons of opting for this type of shed for your garden.

Why choose concrete over another material?

This is the big question. If all you want to store in your shed are some garden tools, flowerpots, and similar items, a concrete one may not be required. However, we don’t all store odds and ends like this in our sheds. Some people use a garden shed as an alternative space for a hobby or as a workspace. If you intend to install electricity so you can build a model railway in there or run your business from your computer all year round, you can readily do this inside a concrete shed. If you want that permanence from the shed, this is a good way to get it.

The advantages of a concrete shed

Concrete sheds last far longer than any other material. Oftentimes, the exterior can be finished with pebbledash, which looks good and requires no maintenance. If your home has a pebbledash exterior, a concrete shed can look far more in keeping with your home than anything else.

Another perk is the increased security offered by a concrete garden shed. The solidity of the material makes it far harder for anyone to gain access to its contents. If you fit a solid door with a good-quality lock and bolt, you shouldn’t need to worry about anyone breaking in.

The secure nature of the building also extends to its imperviousness to fire. If a wooden shed caught light for any reason, i.e. a BBQ going out of control, it would likely go up in flames very quickly. That won’t happen with a concrete shed.

The solid nature of the structure also makes it the ideal pick for an outdoor office, a hobby studio, or even somewhere to store a motorbike. When the building is properly lined and insulated, it will provide warmth and security all year round.

The disadvantages of a concrete shed

Cost is obviously a big factor here. However, if you have good reason to buy a concrete shed rather than a wooden or metal one, that cost does allow you to get the shed you need. For instance, you might be able to offset some or all the cost of the shed if you intend to use it as an office.

Another factor to bear in mind is the difficulty of putting it together. Since concrete panels are heavy, it is usually best to hire professionals to construct it for you. That adds to the overall cost. It does however ensure the shed is put together properly so it won’t let water in or suffer from weak joints between the concrete panels.

Some of the cheaper concrete sheds also fail to hide the fact they’re made from concrete. This might be a disadvantage unless you are not too worried by the appearance. Furthermore, it can be difficult to put shelves and hooks up. If you want to do this, it may not be practical to get a concrete shed.

Clearly, you should consider what you are going to use the shed for, how much you can afford to spend, and what you wish the finished product to look like. There may be circumstances where you might want such a shed, but you cannot stretch your budget to accommodate it. Additionally, if you know you will need hanging storage, this may cancel the idea of getting one to start with.

By going through all the pros and cons of buying this type of shed, you can get a better idea of whether it would be right for you. One final point – if you do choose a concrete shed, be sure the size chosen comes within permitted development, otherwise planning permission may be required.