A shed is a reflection of the hands that build it. Choosing between a prefab and a custom garden shed is going to be a real TEST now. 

Both sheds have the ability to guard your stuff and memories. Those unfinished DIY tasks you once started with your loved ones or those stacks of seeds you once brought to start gardening along with your kids—a shed, never mind prefab or custom, can store all. 

But still, there’s a difference. Where one shed reflects your personality as it is all custom-made, the other is the whole opposite. Other is just to make the job done, and store your stuff to minimize the chaos. But it is quickly installed and inexpensive. 

Have that custom warmth in it? Nope! So let’s see which option perfectly suits your needs, prefab vs custom. 


What Are Custom and Prefab Garden Sheds?

Before making a decision and choosing a shed, you must understand the key differences between a prefab and a custom garden shed. 

Prefab Garden Shed

  • Prefab garden sheds don’t give you the choice to have a custom size or design. You have to choose between the premade sizes, layouts, and designs.  
  • A prefab garden shed is not made in front of your eyes on-site. They are just delivered and installed at your property. 
  • As premade sheds are affordable, the price doesn’t surpass the $1500-$4000 range. 
  • While buying a prefab garden shed, it’s crucial to do some research on the manufacturers or suppliers, as all sellers don’t ensure high-quality material used in the prefab sheds. Low-grade material simply means compromise on the durability factor. 

Custom Garden Shed

  • Custom sheds are made while keeping your preferences in mind. The design you want, the size you prefer, and the material you find more durable for your shed, the builder notes it all and follows as mentioned. 
  • From costs to construction time, everything feels too overwhelming. But in reality, it’s just the upfront costs you’ve to take care of, as custom garden sheds don’t add up to any maintenance costs in the long run. As for long construction duration, good things do take time. Don’t they? 
  • As the design and layout will be up to your choice, your shed will increase the STUN of your space. Hence positively affecting your property value. 
  • As the material used will be of high quality as per your choice, your shed is not going to leave you, not for the coming 50 years at least. 

Which One Is More Convenient? Prefab vs Custom!

Convenience, here, is all about time and effort. Let’s see which shed is more convenient. 

Prefab vs Custom Sheds


A: Prefab Garden Shed

The prefab shed comes to your doorstep and is installed within 4-8 hours, as pre-cut panels don’t ask for extra effort. Just a swift assembly and the shed will grace your garden in no time. Instant gratification!

Note:

This convenience might make you feel pink and purple. But keep in mind, this convenience often comes at the cost of durability, only if you invest in a cheap quality prefab garden shed

B: Custom Garden Shed

Custom sheds don’t ensure convenience especially if you have chosen a complex design with complex requirements. But does it check all of your preferences? Yes! 

A custom garden shed can take up to 1-4 weeks to get built. Whether you choose on-site or off-site, there won’t be any difference in the construction time. 

Also, you’ll have to create a proper requirement list and structure plan to let the builder know what your dream shed looks like. You need to mention everything, from built-in shelves to windows, and lofts.

Custom sheds might not be that convenient and will require unlimited PATIENCE from your end, as perfect building and installation take time. But the quality performance they provide in the long run makes them worth it. 


Which One Vows To Last Longer? Prefab vs Custom!

Both prefab and custom garden sheds, when built with strong durable materials, vow to last decades. But it’s not a tie here, one of the sheds clearly wins in terms of lasting longer. Let’s find out. 

1: Prefab Garden Shed

The most commonly used materials in the construction of prefab sheds include:

  • Wood
  • Metal 
  • Plastic

If you invest in a shed that is made up of high-quality material, never mind strong wood, metal, or plastic, it will last 1-3 decades smoothly, only if you properly maintain it and invest in the upkeep. 

2: Custom Garden Shed

No one can compete with custom sheds in terms of durability. 

As the choice is all yours to choose either cedar, pressure-treated lumber, metal, or vinyl, your custom garden shed will stand tall just as the day 1, even after decades. 

Custom sheds don’t ask for consistent upkeep. So without putting any effort into its maintenance, your shed will be there for you, even when your home screams for a scratch-end update. 


Which One Increases The Beauty Of Your Space? Prefab vs Custom!

Homeowners don’t invest in sheds just for sole beauty or aesthetic purposes. But as market research shows that modern households are incomplete without a garden shed, aesthetics is something crucial to consider, before it reduces the value of your property. 

Prefab Garden Shed

Prefab sheds, though, are really convenient and affordable, but they kind of fail when it comes to personalization and beauty. 

As everything is predetermined and fixed, you’ll have to compromise on the color, design, layout, style, and almost everything that makes a shed complement your home. 

So, your prefab shed might look like an outsider in comparison to your whole property, all thanks to the zero flexibility offered. 

Custom Garden Shed

Custom sheds are pricey but they don’t limit your creativity. 

You can make your shed look exactly the way you want it to. From creative add-ons to basic customization including color, layout, and style, everything will satisfy your vision. 

As there’ll be no design limitation, your shed will be as beautiful as your house is. It won’t look as if it’s a new addition to your property but feels like an old member of your space. The charm will be doubled. 


Conclusion

There’s no fight between prefab or custom, it’s all about YOU!

You need to find what your shed speaks about you. If it truly matches your vibe, never mind prefab or custom, it’s perfect for you. 

Homeowners who are not sure of what they really want in their shed, often go for a prefab shed. While those with creative souls, test their architectural minds, and choose a custom garden shed. 

It’s always the little details that make a unique design. So, make your builder work on the little details mentioned in your requirement list, and get the shed that matches your personality from all sides. 

Time has changed. Instead of creating a full file of requirement lists for your custom garden shed, simply try our shed 3D builder technology and build the shed your heart desires. 

Explore Pumpkin Patch Market’s wide range of sheds with unique styles and designs. From pricing to the installation, you’ll find us ultra-reliable and affordable. Now, is the perfect time to get your garden its real partner—our Amish-made garden sheds