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What your garden storage is made of plays a big role in how waterproof it is. Some, if used as is, won’t be enough to qualify, hence the use of treatments to compensate. Others are naturally good at it, giving them an advantage.
Here’s how wood, metal, and plastic compare in waterproofing.
How Wooden Garden Storage Deals with Water Exposure
Wood is a popular material used for various garden storage structures, particularly sheds. There are plenty of good things about it, one being that it’s a natural insulator. This gives it an edge over its counterparts, helping with temperature and humidity regulation.
However, it doesn’t mean it’s waterproof. If left untreated, wood tends to absorb moisture, which renders it weak when exposed to wet conditions.
To make up for this, wood treatments, such as waterproof sealants, exterior wood paint, or oil-based finishes, are added. They work as a barrier to prevent water from seeping in. Roofing felt can also be used on shed roofs to stop leaks. Pressure treatment also helps with water resistance, but it doesn’t make wood fully waterproof. Still, it helps when it comes to rot, fungi and insect infestation.
Pressure-treated options can come as standard or an upgrade. If you can, it’s worth spending a bit extra to make your shed last longer and keep it protected from water damage. Trust us, it’ll be worth it in the long run!
Waterproofing Levels of Metal Garden Storage
Metal is naturally waterproof, so it resists water, unlike wood. Even better, certain types of metal are just as resistant to water damage.
Galvanised steel has a zinc coating that helps keep rust at bay. Aluminium offers similar protection, thanks to its protective oxide layer when exposed to air. Overall, both reduce the risk of rust and corrosion. As long as the coating remains undamaged, these materials will not allow water through.
There are plenty of good options on the market, including our range of outdoor storage cabinets.
Plastic Garden Storage Waterproof Qualities
Plastic garden storage perhaps has the best waterproof resistance among the three. Plastic is made from non-porous synthetic polymers that prevent water from soaking through the surface.
It has no natural fibres to hold onto moisture, to add, unlike wood. And since it doesn’t contain metal, there’s no risk of rust either. The interior stays dry without the need for extra treatments.
Plastics like polyethylene (PE) and PVC make excellent waterproof garden storage options, including:
- Plastic outdoor storage boxes: Like our Duramax Cedargrain Durabox 416 Litre Plastic Storage Box.
- Plastic arden storage cabinets: Our Duramax StoreAway Horizontal Shed 1200L Arc Lid is a great example.
- Plastic garden tool sheds: Take a look at our BillyOh Stafford Pent White Plastic Shed for reference.
General Maintenance for Wood, Metal, and Plastic Garden Storage
Keep in mind that whether an outdoor storage unit is naturally waterproof or has been treated for resistance, it won’t stay that way forever. Wear and tear over time will reduce its effectiveness, so maintenance is crucial.
Treated wooden garden storage may need a fresh coat of treatment every couple of years to stay water-resistant. Metal garden storage should also be checked for rust. Apply an anti-rust coating as needed, and make sure there’s good ventilation.
Plastic garden storage needs the least upkeep but should still be cleaned now and then to stop dirt and algae from affecting its waterproof surface.
If you’re ready to invest in one, our ‘Guide to the Best Garden Storage Solutions’ offers more options.
