plastic/vinyl storage shed?

[Bigbartguy]

hi Folks

I'm looking at Rubbermaid/Suncast plastic/vinyl ? storage sheds for my backyard and wondering if anyone has one of these sheds?

I'm looking at 7 x 10 or 10 x 10 sizes.

I would prefer wood but I would like it in an area that is 'technically' against code and need the ability to move it if I'm ever called on the carpet by the city. These sheds have to weigh much less than the wood versions

anyone have any experience with these type of sheds? negative/positive?

thanks for your help!

[BoxMN]

I have two that I think are Rubbermaid, about 6x6 or 6x8, can't recall. They are the kind that slide together and each piece is an "enclosed" section - i.e. hollow in middle but smooth on all sides. So the side wall is like a 3x4 grid of smaller pieces. The roof is one piece of course. Got it at Save Big Bucks, tan and brown in color, and a black plastic floor, and two one piece doors.

I put them on dock sections (or the like) so totally "temporary". I have had them for about6-7 years now, and still working like new. The heavy snow this year might have put them out of square just a bit, but then it might be the critter burrowed under my blocks and the floor shifted, but only can tell when shutting doors, they still look good.

Good luck.

edit - you can kind of see them in this pic, sorry for so large... They were pushed a bit during construction so not level...

[Bigbartguy]

Thanks Box. I was looking at bigger sheds (i.e. walk-in) but same general products....but sounds like youve had good luck w/ these type products. I'd just hate spending $1000 and finding out theyre junk!

[Bear55]

Bigbart

I had a 7 by 7 plastic walk in a few years back. I can't say it was terrible because it did the job but the whole thing was pretty flimsy. I was praying a tree or large branch would not fall on it because it would either be crushed or have a large hole in it.

[chad austin]

Check with the city first, as they are all different but I believe if the shed is under 120 SF you do not even need to pull a permit.

[cavalierowner]

Check with the city first, as they are all different but I believe if the shed is under 120 SF you do not even need to pull a permit.

Yes, that's the code in most cities. HOWEVER, it still has to meet the zoning ordinances with respect to distances from property lines.

[Gus]

Co worker of mine had one of those. It came apart in a big wind storm 2 or 3 summers ago. Granted it was a pretty heavy wind (50-60mph gusts) but not nearly a tornado etc. Came apart and anything that wasn't heavy was blown all over the neighborhood. He rebuilt with a wood structure.

[Bigbartguy]

yes, I dont need a permit but I want to throw mine under our deck....

but would end up too close to the house to be legal.

From what I've read it needs to be at least 6ft from the house OR be attached to the house.

[cavalierowner]

It sounds like you've got 2 issues here. One is how well the plastic sheds hold up. I can't answer to that because I've never actually looked at one or had one, so I'll let others answer to that.

BUT, I really don't think it's a good idea to do something in violation of the code. There's usually a real good reason for most codes. Maybe the City would never catch you, but what if you found out the hard way that the reason for the code was fire or life safety? At the very least the insurance company may not pay your claim.

Sorry to sound so preachy, but after 40-some years as an architect I've seen some real good reasons for codes.

[Bear55]

Just to clear things up, by code you only need the ability to move it? It might be much more of a pain to move but I would go with something a little more heavy duty. Odds are you won't have to move the thing but even if you do I think you will be happier with a quality shed.

[Bigbartguy]

yeah I may need to get out my tape and see exactly what I could LEGALLY do.

I think the code probably comes from shed rain runoff

going against the house foundation...(if the shed is too close to the home)

They did say that there needs to be 3? ft gap between the shed and

the house eaves.

[Tator2k]

I purchased one of the 10x12 plastic sheds back in 2005. I built it on 4x4 skids and a treated plywood floor. I thought the price was good about $700-800 in materials.

I was never happy. It always leaked and I always had standing water in it or on top of plastic tubs or other items stored in it.

After the first winter I went through the entire thing inside and out with spray foam and silicon and attempted to seal up all possible gaps that would allow water in. It got better but I never completely got rid of the issue.

Fast forward six years to this winter... All of the huge snowfalls we had this winter finally took it's tool on the shed and buckled the aluminum trusses with the weight of the snow and caved in the center of the roof by almost 2 feet. Needless say any type of sealing I did is no longer a function.

I'm currently working with a shed builder to construct a new 12x16 barn style shed for sometime this spring.

[shizzy]

find out what the city's definition of permanent is. is it possible if the shed is on skids or simply sitting on paver blocks that it is considered a temporary structure and not regulated the same as a permanent building?

[MNice]

This is out of the building code. Keep in mind this work exempts a building permit most cities require a zoning permit to verify setbacks.

Subp. 4. Work exempt from permit.

Exemptions from permit requirements of the

code do not authorize work to be done in any

manner in violation of the code or any other

laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

Permits shall not be required for the

following:

A. Building:

(1) one-story detached accessory

structures, used as tool and storage sheds,

playhouses, and similar uses, provided the

floor area does not exceed 120 square feet

(11.15 mm2);

[bigdog]

I have a 6' x 10', not sure of brand, think it came from Menards originally. Bought used about 5 years ago from someone on this site. So far it has held up fine, I brush heavy snow off the roof.

[solbes]

I have a 10x8' Suncast bought at Menards two years ago and installed it up at our lake place. It came with a plastic floor. I built a treated floor underneath, but probably could have done a better job of that. Overall the install of the shed was much easier than the wood 8x8' one that I have at home. The plastic one went up in 4 or 5 hours I think. It has steel roof joists and seems plenty strong for snow loads. Overall pretty happy with how it looks and so far how it's held up.