Outdoor Storage Buying Guide
If you are looking for a better place to keep your garden tools, pool toys and other outdoor gear, Canadian Tire has your solution. Garden sheds and deck boxes provide a safe, dry space to store your equipment, and are easy to install.
Finding the right type of garden shed is easy if you know what you are looking for. It's important to consider size, height, door opening, what you will be storing, type of door opening, features you are looking for, preferred material, assembly required, and the warranty offered. Sheds can be a great way to protect lawn and gardening equipment from the weather and there are many options to choose from.
Deck boxes can range from functional to decorative. When choosing a deck box, make sure you consider the largest item you would like to store, available space, functions and features. Most deck boxes are constructed of resin to provide protection from the elements, and some are designed to provide extra seating. Deck boxes are available in many colours and designs to blend with your patio furniture. Canadian Tire also carries wood and hybrid (wood & resin) deck boxes that offer a natural look and feel.
Garden Shed Styles and Sizes
There are a number of size and style options. Garden sheds offer more storage room, and many can house large pieces of equipment such as lawnmowers, lawn tractors, ATVs and garden tools. Be sure to consider the size of the largest equipment you will be storing and choose accordingly. When you measure the area where you will be installing the shed, be sure to measure accurately, and take into account extra dimensions such as roof overhang. Select a garden shed high enough to allow you to store your tallest item, and with doors wide enough for storage of your largest item.
Smaller storage options, including deck boxes and benches, are also available. These are available in horizontal or vertical styles and are ideal for smaller spaces such as balconies, decks, or small yards . They can be used for garden tool storage, patio furniture cushions, storing of outdoor toys & accessories, or refuse storage. They are lightweight, making them easy to move around and are easy to set up. Some also come with a seating option built into the unit for further utility in a small space.
Garden Shed Materials
Garden sheds and deck boxes sold at Canadian Tire are constructed of metal (galvanized steel), fabric, viny, wood or resin. All offer unique features and benefits that contribute to style and design.
| 3-layer ripstop polyethylene fabric with a UV treatment is a portable solution for temporary storage. This low cost option assembles easily and offers 4 season protection. | |
| Hot-dipped galvanized steel sheds provide a tough double baked-on polyester enamel finish and years of maintenance-free use. Steel is scratch- and fade-resistant, designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, and provides long-term durability. It is an inexpensive way to increase storage space in your backyard. |
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| Single wall resin sheds are a less expensive option to a double wall resin shed. They are durable and light weight with a thin wall construction that is dent and chip resistant. | |
| Vinyl sheds offer the durability and strength of a double wall resin shed but with a wall thickness of a single wall resin shed. Vinyl sheds are also retardant. | |
| Double wall resin sheds feature all of the benefits of traditional resin, with added strength in the wall panels to further avoid denting and sagging. | |
| Blow-mould resin sheds are extremely durable and offer similar qualities as a traditional injection mold double wall resin shed. The benefit of blow moulding is a one piece double wall construction. | |
| Wood sheds are decorative and offer a natural look. One of the advantages of wood sheds is the ability to paint, stain or varnish them with a colour of your choice. The polycarbonate roof which is exclusive to Canadian Tire's wood shed, allows natural sunlight into the shed. |
**When referencing resin we are equating to polypropylene.
*When referencing vinyl we are equating to PVC or polyvinyl chloride.
| Shed Material | Price Point | Floor Included | Base Kit Included | Lockable (locks sold seperatly) | UV, Rust & Mildew Resistant | Maintenance Required |
| Fabric | $ | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Metal | $$ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Vinyl | $$$ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Single Wall Resin | $$$ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Double Wall Resin | $$$$ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Blow Mold Resin | $$$$ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Wood | $$$$ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Garden Shed Features
Before you choose a garden shed or storage box, you should compare the features. The size of the door opening is an important consideration. Is it big enough to accommodate your largest equipment? Do the doors lock for security? Some garden sheds also have windows, skylights or lighting that can make finding stored equipment easier. We also carry garden sheds with a power package that can enable you to power your equipment from your shed.
Deck boxes can range from functional to fashionable. Most are constructed of resin to provide protection from the elements, and some are designed to provide extra seating. We also carry deck boxes in colours or designs to blend with your patio furniture.
Garden Shed Assembly
Assembling a garden shed is typically a two-person job. The garden shed must be assembled following the manufacturer's instructions, and it may be beneficial to check municipal bylaws for permit regulations, as these do vary by region (although typically not needed for a pre-fabricated garden shed). Consult your manual before starting to set up your new shed, to make sure that you have all tools required to do the job.
When choosing a location, remember that a garden shed must be set up on a level foundation to ensure it is square and level to make it easier to line up screw holes when connecting panels. Cement slabs, patio slabs/stones, wood or gravel provide a great base and are easy to construct. However, a more permanent option would be to pour a concrete foundation – although this option requires a little more planning and prep-work it will last much longer. Whichever you choose, ensure that the foundation is larger than the base of your garden shed by about 1' (30.5 cm) in each direction, and that the shed is anchored to the foundation. The preparation done for the foundation will help with assembly and life of your shed.
Assembling a deck box is easier, and typically a one-person job, as many can be put together without tools.
Garden Shed Maintenance
The material that the garden shed or deck box is constructed of will determine the type of maintenance required.
Metal (galvanized steel) sheds are typically rust-proofed by the manufacturer, but most recommend certain precautions. The shed should be situated in an area with good drainage. Vents should be open and unobstructed so the shed has good air circulation, minimizing internal condensation. Ensure that fertilizers do not come into contact with the metal; this will cause corrosion.
Resin and Vinyl sheds are already rust-resistant and the only maintenance that may be required would be to clean away dirt or debris. Dirt can be easily scrubbed with soapy water to clean, followed by a light rinse. Some resin sheds may come with a rain gutter system that is recommended to be cleaned and free of debris. Overall, garden sheds and deck boxes are maintenance-free, but taking extra care to preserve it may lengthen its lifespan.
Wood sheds and deck boxes require some up front maintenance and should be checked yearly. Before or after setting up your wood shed or deck box it is highly recommended that you paint, stain or varnish the wood. By doing this you will prevent discolouration, splitting or rotting of the wood. This allows you to match your new shed or deck box to the rest of your back yard furniture. Before painting, staining, or varnishing lightly sand the wood to remove any lose debris to allow for better adhesion. It is recommended to apply 2-3 coats the first time and 1 new coat every year or when needed.