Garden Storage Box vs Shed: Which Do You Need? (UK Guide)

Quick answer: Choose a garden storage box (about 570 to 1,000 litres) for cushions, toys and hand tools you want to reach from the patio. Choose a shed (about 1,100 litres and up) for a mower, bikes or long-handled tools, or if you want shelves and lockable doors. Most small resin units need no planning permission in England.

Last updated 26 October 2026 · Facts checked by Abdul Aziz

This guide compares the two using real internal measurements, so you can see what fits before you buy. You can browse everything in our garden storage range, or go straight to garden storage boxes or garden sheds.

Garden storage box vs shed: key differences at a glance

A storage box is a lid-opening chest you reach into from above. A shed has doors you open or walk into. That one difference decides most of what each can hold.

	Garden storage box (deck box)	Horizontal / vertical resin shed	Walk-in shed (6ft x 4ft)
Typical capacity	570 to 1,000 litres	1,100 to 3,000 litres	About 4,000 litres and up
Internal height (Elite Store examples)	64 to 84cm	113 to 186cm	212cm
Access	Lid, reach in from above	Double doors, plus lift-up lid on horizontal models	Double doors, step inside
Fits	Cushions, toys, hand tools, hose, BBQ kit	Wheelie bins, mower, long-handled tools, one bike (tall models)	Mower, bikes, tools, shelving and a work space
Base needed	Firm, level surface (patio, slabs, deck)	Level concrete, slabs or timber deck	Level concrete, slabs or timber deck
Security	Padlock hasp on lid	Lockable doors, padlock usually not included	Lock hasp, padlock usually not included
Assembly (manufacturer guide)	About 30 minutes	2 to 6 hours	About 2 hours on a level base

Source: manufacturer specifications on Elite Store product pages (Keter, Lifetime), checked 26 October 2026. Capacity ranges reflect the in-stock models listed below.

How many litres is a shed compared with a storage box?

A large deck box holds under 1,000 litres. A 6ft x 4ft walk-in shed holds roughly four times that. Small horizontal and vertical resin sheds sit in between.

To compare any shed with a box, use this rule: floor area in square metres x usable height in metres x 1,000 = litres. A 6ft x 4ft shed has about 2.2m² of floor, so every metre of height you can use adds about 2,200 litres. An 8ft x 6ft shed has about 4.5m² of floor, so it doubles that.

Listed litres and usable space are not always the same. We multiplied the manufacturer's internal dimensions for each in-stock model:

Model	Listed capacity	Internal H x W x D (cm)	Box-shaped space from internal size
Keter Cortina 570 deck box	570L	63.9 x 142.8 x 63.4	About 579L
Keter Cortina 757 deck box	757L	84.3 x 142.6 x 63.4	About 762L
Keter Rosewood 870 deck box	870L	79 x 132 x 72	About 751L
Keter Rosewood 1150L horizontal shed	1,150L	113 x 134 x 75	About 1,136L
Lifetime 1300L horizontal shed	1,300L	121 x 134 x 85	About 1,378L
Keter Rosewood vertical shed	1,400L	164.4 x 130.8 x 66.2	About 1,424L
Keter Cortina Vertical XL 3000	3,000L	186 x 178.5 x 94	About 3,121L
Keter Evotech 6ft 2" x 4ft shed	Not listed	212 x 176 x 113	Up to about 4,216L

Source: internal dimensions from manufacturer specifications on Elite Store product pages, checked 26 October 2026; litres calculated by Elite Store (cm³ ÷ 1,000). The Evotech figure uses peak internal height, so usable space under a sloping roof is lower.

The Rosewood 870 is the one to note: its internal measurements give about 751 litres of box-shaped space, so measure bulky items against the internal size rather than the litre figure.

What fits in a garden storage box, and what needs a shed?

Boxes suit soft and small items. Anything tall, long or wheeled usually needs a shed. Measure each item and compare it with the internal size, allowing a few centimetres of clearance.

• Cushions and covers: a box is the better fit. You can lift cushions out without walking anywhere, and a lid on gas struts stays open while you load. The Rosewood 870 has a removable divider to keep cushions apart from muddy tools.
• Lawn mower: possible in a large box only if the mower fits under the internal height with its handle folded. The deepest box here is 84.3cm inside. A horizontal shed gives 113 to 121cm of height and front doors, so you roll the mower in instead of lifting it.
• Bikes: need a shed. None of the deck boxes is tall or long enough for an adult bike. Keter lists the Cortina Vertical XL 3000 (178.5cm wide inside) as suitable for adult bicycles, and the Evotech 6ft x 4ft has wide double doors.
• Long-handled tools: spades and rakes stand upright in a vertical shed. The Keter Rosewood vertical shed has 164.4cm of internal height and two shelves.
• Wheelie bins: Keter and Lifetime list both the Rosewood 1150L and Lifetime 1300L horizontal sheds as holding two 240L wheelie bins, and both lift the bin lids when you open the roof.

Plastic vs wood vs metal: which material is best?

For low maintenance, plastic (resin) wins. Wood looks traditional but needs treating. Metal is strong but can rust and gets condensation.

Material	Maintenance	Main weakness	Typical lifespan
Plastic / resin (HDPE, Evotech, DecoCoat)	Wipe with mild soap and water; no painting	Lighter, so must be anchored or weighted in exposed spots	10 to 20 years
Wood	Refinish with sealant or paint every few years; check for rot	Rot and damp if left untreated or sat on wet ground	10 to 15 years
Metal	Lubricate hinges and locks; treat rust spots promptly	Rust and condensation on cold panels	20 to 30 years (well maintained)

Sources: maintenance from Keter, "Top maintenance tips for resin, wood and metal sheds"; lifespans from Garden Buildings Direct, "How to choose a garden shed". Both checked 26 October 2026.

Every storage box and shed we have in stock is resin. Several are steel reinforced, such as the Lifetime 1300L, whose walls are steel-reinforced HDPE. Keter's Evotech and DecoCoat panels are double-walled resin with a wood-grain finish.

Which is more secure, a storage box or a shed?

A shed with a good padlock and fixings is more secure. A box keeps things out of sight, but the boxes with a listed weight (20.3 to 26.6kg empty) are light enough to carry off, so keep valuable tools and bikes in a locked shed.

The Metropolitan Police advises:

• Fit a good padlock with no exposed screws, and keep the shed locked even when you are at home.
• Check the hinges, as some can be removed easily.
• Chain bikes to a ground anchor or a lockable stand, and cover mowers and bikes so they cannot be seen.
• Mark tools with your postcode, photograph them, and register serial-numbered items on Immobilise.
• Check that your home insurance covers shed contents.

Secured by Design adds that a ground anchor needs a concrete base. If you plan to anchor a bike inside, choose a concrete base from the start. Most of the units here have a lockable hasp, but the padlock is usually sold separately: Keter lists it as not included on the Cortina 757 and Cortina Vertical XL, and so does the Evotech listing.

What base does a storage box or shed need?

Both need a firm, flat, level base. A box can sit on an existing patio or deck. A shed needs concrete, paving slabs or a timber deck before you build it.

• Storage boxes: a level patio or deck is enough. On grass, lay a few paving slabs first so the box does not sink unevenly and the lid still closes squarely.
• Resin sheds: Lifetime lists the 1300L as needing level concrete, flat paving slabs or a timber deck before you build. Keter says the Evotech 6ft x 4ft should go on a flat, level concrete, paved or timber base so the panels line up and the doors swing smoothly.
• Drainage: Keter notes gravel drains well and that concrete needs a drainage path. Keep the base slightly larger than the footprint and stop rainwater pooling at the edges.
• Space: allow room for the lid to lift or the doors to open fully. The Lifetime 1300L doors open 180 degrees.

Do you need planning permission for a garden storage box or shed?

Usually not in England. Sheds and other outbuildings are normally permitted development if they meet the Planning Portal's limits. Storage boxes are well below every height limit.

Rule (England, houses)	Limit	Elite Store units
Within 2m of a boundary	Max 2.5m tall	Tallest is the Evotech at 2.21m external height, so all fit
Further from a boundary	Single storey; eaves max 2.5m; overall max 4m (dual-pitched roof) or 3m (other roofs)	All well within
Garden coverage	Outbuildings and extensions together must not cover more than half the land around the original house	Evotech footprint is about 2.2m²
Position	No outbuilding forward of the principal elevation (usually the front of the house)	Check with your council before putting a bin store in a front garden
Listed buildings	Any outbuilding needs permission	Applies to all
Flats and maisonettes	Permitted development rights do not apply	Applies to all

Source: Planning Portal, "Outbuildings: planning permission", checked 26 October 2026. Conservation areas, National Parks and AONBs have extra limits.

The Planning Portal's 2.5m boundary rule covers a "building, enclosure or container", so it is worth knowing even for large storage units. Building regulations normally do not apply to a detached shed under 15m² with no sleeping accommodation (Planning Portal, "Is building regulations approval needed for an outbuilding?"). Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so check with your local council there.

Are storage boxes and plastic sheds weatherproof, and do they need ventilation?

They are weather-resistant, not watertight. Rain is kept out by overlapping lids, sealed panels and a level base. Ventilation matters because trapped damp air causes condensation and mould.

• Look for drainage and vents in the spec. The Cortina 3000 has a sloped floor to drain water. Keter lists built-in ventilation on the Evotech 6ft x 4ft and ventilation channels on the Rosewood 1150L. The Cortina 570 lid overlaps the box to shed rain while letting air move.
• Do not store things wet. Garden Buildings Direct lists damp items, poor airflow and damp floors as the main causes of shed condensation. Dry cushions and tools before putting them away.
• Air it out. Open the doors on dry days, keep items off the floor and away from walls, and use shelves so air can circulate.
• Use moisture absorbers or a small dehumidifier if condensation keeps coming back in colder months.
• Keep the base dry. Standing water at the base is the most common way water gets in.

Elite Store storage boxes and sheds compared

All of these are in stock and based on manufacturer specs. Standard UK mainland delivery 3 to 5 working days; see the product page for the full price including delivery.

Model	Type	Capacity	External H x W x D (cm)	Key specs	Best for	Link
Keter Cortina 570 Litre	Deck box	570L	70 x 151.7 x 72.5	Evotech resin, gas struts, padlock hasp, 26.6kg	Cushions for a small set	View
Keter Cortina 757 Litre	Deck box	757L	90 x 151.7 x 72.5	Evotech resin, gas struts, lockable (padlock not included), not for sitting	Larger cushion sets, toys, BBQ kit	View
Keter Rosewood 870 Litre	Deck box	870L	86 x 147 x 83	DecoCoat resin, removable divider, gas struts, padlock hasp, 20.3kg	Cushions and tools kept apart	View
Keter Rosewood 1150L	Horizontal shed	1,150L	120 x 141 x 82	DecoCoat, lift-up lid, lockable doors, bin-lid chains, vents	Two 240L wheelie bins	View
Lifetime 1300L (60350)	Horizontal shed	1,300L	128 x 146 x 94	Steel-reinforced HDPE, 180-degree doors, lockable latch, six hooks	Bins or a mower and tools	View
Keter Rosewood Vertical	Vertical shed	1,400L	170.4 x 140 x 73.6	DecoCoat, steel-reinforced walls, two shelves, lockable	Long-handled tools in a narrow space	View
Keter Cortina Vertical XL 3000	Vertical shed	3,000L	195 x 188 x 106.5	Evotech, sloped drainage floor, metal hinges, shelf brackets	A bike, mower and tools together	View
Keter Evotech 6ft 2" x 4ft	Walk-in shed	Not listed (about 4,200L by internal size)	221 x 190 x 122.6	Double-walled Evotech, floor panel, windows, skylight, vents, lock hasp	Bikes, mower and a potting space	View

For shelving inside a shed, see the Lifetime 3 Piece Shelf Accessory Kit and the Keter 74cm Multi-Purpose Tool Hanger.

How to choose between a storage box and a shed

1. List what you will store and measure the largest item: mower with the handle folded, bike wheel to wheel, longest tool.
2. Compare with internal dimensions, not litres. If anything is taller than about 85cm, rule out deck boxes.
3. Decide how you will use it. Daily patio items suit a box by the back door. Heavy or wheeled kit suits a shed with front doors.
4. Measure the space, including clearance for the lid or doors and room to walk round for assembly.
5. Check planning limits if the unit goes within 2m of a boundary, in a front garden, at a listed building or a flat.
6. Plan the base: patio or slabs for a box; level concrete, slabs or a timber deck for a shed, and concrete if you want a ground anchor.
7. Budget for a padlock, as most units do not include one.
8. Check ventilation and drainage features if you will store cushions or anything that can go mouldy.

Frequently asked questions

Can a garden storage box fit a lawn mower?

Only a small mower, and only if it fits under the internal height with the handle folded. Our tallest deck box, the Keter Cortina 757, is 84.3cm high inside. Lifting a mower in is awkward, so a horizontal shed with front doors, such as the Lifetime 1300L at 121cm inside, is usually easier.

Can you put a garden storage box on grass?

You can, but it is better on a few paving slabs or a patio. Grass is soft and uneven, so the box can sink at one corner, stopping the lid closing squarely and letting water in. A level, firm base also keeps the bottom out of wet ground and helps air move underneath.

Do plastic sheds need a base?

Yes. Manufacturers list a level base as essential: Lifetime specifies level concrete, flat paving slabs or a timber deck for the 1300L shed, and Keter says the Evotech should sit on a flat concrete, paved or timber base. Without one, panels may not line up and doors can stick.

Do plastic sheds get condensation?

They can, like any shed. Condensation forms when damp air is trapped inside, often from wet items, poor airflow or a damp floor. Choose a model with vents, dry things before storing them, open the doors on dry days and keep items off the floor. A moisture absorber helps in winter.

Will a plastic shed blow away in strong wind?

A light resin shed can move in strong wind if it is not fixed down, so anchoring is advised for plastic and metal sheds. Build it on a solid base, fix it with a suitable anchor kit, and keep the doors locked so wind cannot get inside. Heavier stored items help, but do not replace anchoring.

Ready to compare sizes side by side? Browse our full garden storage range, or narrow it down to garden storage boxes for patio items and garden sheds for bikes, mowers and tools.