Sheds & Other Residential Outdoor Storage

Report Overview

This report examines the US market for sheds and other residential outdoor storage products, presenting historical demand data (2008, 2013, and 2018) and forecasts for 2023 for outdoor sheds by material, and for other products used by consumers to store various items outside of the home.

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The report also evaluates the retail environment, with retail level sales for each product type and type of retail outlet.

Products                                                                          

• storage sheds
• outdoor deck boxes
• outdoor storage benches
• bins and totes
• shelves
• cabinets
• other products (hanging storage products, hooks, racks, slatwall, pegboard, and other items typically used in sheds)

Shed Materials

• fabric
• resin
• metal
• vinyl
• wood

Retail Outlets

• direct sales and dealers
• discount stores
• e-commerce
• hardware stores
• home centers

Additional analysis includes consumer insight trends, and company market share and competitive strategies for key industry players like Backyard Products, Keter Group, ShelterLogic, and Tuff Shed.

Products excluded from the scope of this study include:

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• outdoor structures not specifically designed for consumer residential storage including barns, garages, carports, and cabins that can be lived in
• deck, patio, and other furniture not specifically designed or marketed for storage
• accessories for sheds – such as extensions, foundation kits, shutters – that are considered to be part of shed sales

US demand for outdoor storage products is forecast to rise 3.8% annually to $1.6 billion in 2023. Gains will reflect continued consumer spending on home repairs and renovations, which will correspond with an increasing need for storage products outside of the home. Demand for outdoor storage products will also be supported by:

• consumers’ ongoing accumulation of possessions, which can be stored in outdoor sheds once basements and garages are full
• continuation of the outdoor living trend in which indoor style living spaces are installed outside the home
• continued active lifestyles that require gear (e.g., bicycles, skis, camping equipment) and a place store it
• the popularity of gardening and consumers’ penchant for maintaining their lawns

Key Findings in the Sheds & Other Residential Outdoor Storage Study:

Customization & Alternative Uses for Sheds Represent Opportunities for Suppliers

Consumers expect durability, functionality, convenience and ease-of-use, aesthetics, and customization from outdoor storage products. It is important for suppliers to take advantage of opportunities for value-added products and market expansion. For instance, suppliers should:

• continue to expand offerings and promote alternative uses for sheds beyond storage, such as retreats (“man caves”, “she sheds”), pool houses, hobby rooms, workspaces, offices, and garden space
• create affordable products for people living in smaller spaces, including urbanites and millennials, that maximize storage using the least amount of space
• continue development of customizable and specialized products that serve specific needs; such as for bikes, garbage/recycling, and firewood

E-Commerce Helping Drive Sales of Outdoor Storage

E-commerce is the fastest growing distribution channel for outdoor storage products as consumers increasingly shop and order online due to convenience and wide product selection. Outdoor storage products can be ordered online and delivered, but they can also be ordered online and picked up in-store – often known as the “bricks and clicks” or BOPIS (buy online pickup in store) model.

Sheds that require installation – typically wood models that are often sold directly to consumers by producers or through a dealer network– are also being sold online by manufacturers or retailers, allowing shoppers to research, design, order, and arrange for the delivery and installation of their shed.

Study Coverage

This Freedonia industry study analyzes the $1.3 billion US market for sheds and other outdoor storage products. It presents historical demand data (2008, 2013, and 2018) and forecasts for 2023 for outdoor sheds by material (wood, resin/plastic, metal, other) and for other products (e.g., deck boxes, bins, and totes; outdoor shelves; outdoor storage benches and cabinets). The report also evaluates the retail environment, with retail level sales for each product type. Retail level sales of sheds and other outdoor storage products are also broken out by type of retail outlet (e.g., direct sales and dealers, discount stores, e-commerce, hardware stores, home centers). Additionally, consumer insight trends are analyzed. Furthermore, the study evaluates company market share and competitive strategies, analyzing key industry competitors including Backyard Products, Keter Group, ShelterLogic, and Tuff Shed.