FAQ
The questions customers ask us most often. If yours is not here, contact us.
Sizing and fit
Are the sizes in the product names the exterior or interior dimensions?
Neither exactly. "8 x 10" is the nominal size, the way sheds have always been named. The exact exterior size (including roof overhang) and the interior size are both listed on every product page under Dimensions, along with the door opening. Use the interior width and the door opening to decide whether your mower fits, and the exterior size to check the spot.
How much clearance do I need around a shed?
Plan on at least 12 in. on each side and at the back so you can reach the panels during assembly and the walls stay clear of fences and siding. Lean-to models need at least 6 to 12 in. behind them for drainage. Local setback rules (often 3 to 10 ft from a property line) may require more; see the permit guide.
Will a riding mower fit?
It depends on the deck width. As a rule, a 42 in. deck needs a door opening of at least 48 in. and a 48 in. deck needs about 56 in., because the deck is wider than the tires. Every product page lists the door opening under Dimensions; the Suncast Vista 7 x 7 and Modernist 7 x 7, for example, both have a 60 in. opening. Measure your mower at its widest point first.
What does "capacity in cubic feet" mean?
The interior volume: interior width times depth times height. It is useful for comparing models. Gallons are the same volume in a unit deck boxes are usually sold in (1 cu. ft. is about 7.5 gal.).
Delivery
What is the difference between parcel and freight shipping?
Parcel is UPS or FedEx: cartons come to your door with tracking, no appointment. Freight (LTL) is a pallet on a truck for heavy items over 150 lb: the carrier calls to schedule a window, someone 18 or older signs for it, and the driver lowers it to the curb with a liftgate. Small items go by parcel and walk-in sheds usually go by freight; we email the carrier and tracking as soon as your order ships. Full details are in Shipping & Delivery.
Does curbside delivery really mean the curb?
Yes. The driver puts the pallet on the ground at the end of your driveway or the curb and does not carry cartons into the yard or garage. A walk-in resin shed usually arrives as several cartons of 100 lb or more; have a helper and a hand truck ready.
How long does delivery take?
In-stock orders leave our Minnesota warehouse in 1 to 2 business days. Parcel arrives in 3 to 6 business days; freight in 5 to 10 business days. The West Coast and the Southwest are at the long end of those ranges.
What if it arrives damaged?
For freight, note the damage on the delivery receipt before you sign and photograph it; we replace damaged parts or the unit at no charge. For parcel, photograph the carton and report within 5 days. The Shipping & Delivery page has the exact steps.
Do you ship to Alaska, Hawaii or Canada?
Not currently. We ship to street addresses in the 48 contiguous states only.
Base, assembly and anchoring
Do I need a foundation?
You need a level base. Most of the resin sheds we sell include a floor (the product page says whether yours does) and can sit on patio stones, a concrete pad or 4 in. of compacted gravel. A shed without a floor needs a concrete pad or a treated-lumber platform. Never set a shed directly on soil or turf.
How hard is assembly?
Compact units take one person 15 minutes to an hour with a drill. Walk-in sheds take two people an afternoon or a day; the manufacturer's instructions in the carton list the steps and tools. Panels are pre-cut and pre-drilled. The number one cause of doors that do not line up is a base that is not level, so spend the extra half hour on the base.
Do I have to anchor it?
Yes, for every shed and enclosure. An unanchored shed is the one that ends up in the neighbor's yard after a thunderstorm, and wind ratings only apply to anchored units. An auger-style ground anchor kit works in soil; use expansion anchors in concrete and lag bolts on a deck. See the anchoring and weather guide.
Weather
Which shed is best for heavy snow?
Snow ratings are set by the manufacturer and vary by model; where one is published, it is on the product page (the Lifetime 8 x 12.5, for example, is rated for 23 lb per square foot). Resin sheds with steel-reinforced roof trusses handle snow best. In the heaviest snow regions, clear any roof after a storm that leaves more than about a foot of wet snow.
Will resin fade or get brittle in Arizona or Texas sun?
The brand-name resin sheds we sell are UV-protected, so they do not chalk or go brittle the way cheap plastic does. Expect very slight softening of color over many years. Any shed gets hot inside in full sun, so a shaded site and open vents help.
What about hurricanes and coastal wind?
Wind ratings, where the manufacturer publishes one, are on the product page and apply only to anchored sheds (the Keter Factor 6 x 3, for example, is rated to 65 mph). No kit shed survives a direct hit from a major hurricane. Whatever you buy, anchor it at every corner and keep the doors latched during storms.
Ordering, payment and returns
Which payment methods do you accept?
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay. Payment is processed by Stripe on an encrypted checkout page; we never see your full card number.
Is sales tax included in the price?
No. Prices are in U.S. dollars and exclude sales tax. Tax is calculated at checkout based on the shipping address, in the states where we are required to collect it, and the total is shown before you pay.
Can I return a shed if it does not fit?
Yes, within 30 days of delivery, as long as it is unassembled and in the original cartons. Parcel items go back with a prepaid label ($14.95 or $29.95 deducted). Freight items are picked up by the carrier and the actual return freight, typically $150 to $350, is deducted; we quote it before you commit. Measuring first is cheaper. See Returns & Refunds.
Do you have a showroom?
No. We are an online retailer with a warehouse in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In-stock items can be picked up by appointment.