Wood Sheds vs Vinyl Sheds for Long Island Backyards

Wood or vinyl is the first choice most people make when they plan a shed. Both can last for years on Long Island. They differ in upkeep, looks and cost. They also differ in how easy they are to change later.

This guide compares a wood shed and a vinyl shed side by side. We build Long Island sheds in both materials. The goal here is to help you pick the right one for your yard.

What a wood shed is

A wood shed is framed with lumber and covered with wood siding. Common siding choices are T1-11 plywood, engineered wood panels and cedar. Most wood sheds are painted or stained to match the house.

The floor usually sits on pressure-treated skids or joists. The roof is typically asphalt shingles, just like a house.

What a vinyl shed is

Most vinyl sheds are not plastic all the way through. They are framed with wood and covered in vinyl siding, much like many homes. The trim and doors are often vinyl or composite.

All-plastic resin sheds are a different product. They come as kits in set sizes and are built for lighter use.

Wood vs vinyl sheds at a glance

How Long Island weather affects each one

Long Island sheds deal with humid summers, freeze-thaw winters and nor'easters. Both materials handle this well when the shed is built and placed right.

Salt air near the bays and the Sound is hard on paint and metal hardware. Near the water, vinyl siding saves you from repainting as often. That matters in South Shore towns like Babylon.

Ground moisture matters for both. Keep the shed off the soil on a gravel pad or a concrete slab. Air moving under the floor helps the frame last.

Which costs more, a wood shed or a vinyl shed?

For the same size and build quality, a vinyl shed often costs more upfront. A wood shed can cost more over time if you pay someone to repaint it.

The size and the foundation move the price more than the siding does. So do doors, windows and permits. Our page on custom wood and vinyl sheds shows common sizes and options.

What makes a well-built shed

Build quality matters more than the siding. Look for these details on any wood or vinyl shed.

• A pressure-treated floor frame that can carry what you store, such as a riding mower.
• Roof overhangs and a drip edge that keep rain off the walls.
• Doors wide enough for your equipment, plus a ramp for anything on wheels.
• Windows or vents that let air move and cut down on damp.
• Anchors that hold the shed down in strong wind.

How to care for a wood shed or a vinyl shed

For a wood shed, check the paint or stain each spring. Touch up bare spots before water gets into the wood. Keep soil, mulch and plants away from the bottom of the siding.

For a vinyl shed, wash the siding with mild soap and water. Check the caulk around doors and windows once a year. Keep grills and fire pits away from the walls, since heat can warp vinyl.

Which shed is right for your yard?

• Choose wood for a custom look or to paint it to match the house.
• Choose wood if you want to hang tools and shelves anywhere on the walls.
• Choose vinyl if you want the least upkeep or live near salt water.
• Either works for storage. Build quality and the foundation matter more than the siding.

Shed permits and placement on Long Island

Many Long Island towns require a permit for larger sheds. A permanent foundation can also trigger one. The size limit and the setback from property lines vary by town. Our Nassau County shed permit guide explains how the process works.

Many lots in Levittown are small. There, setbacks can decide the shed size before the material does. Measure the space before you pick a size.

When you need shade instead of storage

Some shoppers find they want covered space for grilling or dining rather than storage. A pavilion gives you a roof without walls. Our pavilion builder page covers open and screened designs.

Wood and vinyl shed questions