When it comes to storage sheds, Suncast and Lifetime are two of the most popular and reputable brands on the market. Both offer a wide selection of sheds in different styles, sizes, and materials to meet various needs and budgets.
But when trying to decide between Lifetime and Suncast sheds, how do you determine which is the better choice?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Suncast and Lifetime sheds across several factors: durability and longevity, appearance, ease of assembly, cost, warranties, and more.
Whether you need a large multi-purpose shed or a small one for gardening tools, read on to find out if Suncast or Lifetime sheds are a better match for your needs and preferences.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Factor | Suncast | Lifetime |
| Durability | Decent, 5-7 years | Superior, 10-15+ years |
| Weather Resistance | Moderate wind/snow | Up to 90mph winds & 35psf snow |
| Materials | Polypropylene plastic | Steel-reinforced HDPE plastic |
| Cost | $250 – $1,500 | $1,200 – $4,500+ |
| Warranty | 1-5 years | 10 years |
| Style Selection | Limited | Wide range |
| Customization | None | Windows, shelves, etc |
| Assembly | Relatively easy | Challenging, may need professional |
Key Takeaways
- When comparing Suncast vs. Lifetime sheds, Lifetime comes out ahead for weather resistance, customization and long term durability. Suncast offers more budget-friendly options that suffice for basic storage needs.
- Lifetime sheds withstand heavy snow, high winds and daily wear-and-tear far longer than comparable Suncast models before showing signs of damage or wear.
- Suncast sheds cost significantly less upfront, with smaller resin designs assembling fairly easily. Larger Lifetime sheds require professional assembly but bring better returns on investment.
- Consider how long you intend to own the shed, what level of durability you expect, and your budget flexibility. Lifetime sheds make more sense financially if kept at least 10-15 years.
Durability and Longevity Comparison
A key consideration for any shed purchase is how durable it will be over years of exposure to harsh weather and heavy use. You want your shed to last.
Materials
Both Suncast and Lifetime utilize durable resins in their shed construction. The main differences come down to:
- Suncast uses a blow-molded polypropylene plastic resin that is dent, warp, rot, and rust resistant. Multi-wall panels make the sheds rigid and sturdy.
- Lifetime constructs their sheds from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, reinforced with steel for added wind resistance. The UV-protected double-wall construction is impact resistant.
Based on materials alone, Lifetime sheds edge out Suncast with their steel reinforcement and thicker double-wall resin construction. The structurally superior designs make them better equipped to handle years of wind, rain, snow storms and daily wear-and-tear.
In our experience, a Lifetime shed should easily last 10+ years with proper care and maintenance, whereas Suncast sheds may start showing more wear after 5-7 years.
Weather Resistance
You’ll want confidence that your shed can handle whatever weather comes its way. Lifetime sheds are designed to withstand:
- Snow loads up to 35 PSF
- 90 MPH wind gusts
Specific wind and snow load capacities aren’t as clearly documented for Suncast sheds. But given their materials and construction, it’s reasonable to expect:
- Moderate snow load capacity (~20 PSF)
- Wind resistance up to 70-80 MPH winds
The takeaway is that Lifetime sheds should better withstand heavy snow or wind storms, making them a smarter choice for areas with extreme winters.
Appearance Comparison
Beyond pure durability, sheds also differ quite a bit in their external appearance:
Styles
- Suncast focuses mainly on vertical and barn-style sheds in sizes up to 12′ x 10′. Most have a shingle-style texture on the roof and walls. There are some color options.
- Lifetime has broader style selection including A-frames, cottages, vertically offset sheds, mini-barns and more, in sizes up to 12′ x 31′. You can choose from neutral, natural wood-like colors or brighter shades.
Lifetime sheds come in more styles to match your home or landscaping. Suncast has a narrower range centered around standard vertical and barn designs.
Windows, Skylights & Shelving
Further customizing the look and functionality:
- Suncast sheds do not come with windows or skylights. Some models have floor tracks for adjustable shelving.
- Lifetime offers various window, skylight, ventilation and shelving accessories. You can customize the shed’s storage with shelves, racks, hooks and more.
The ability to add windows, extra daylight or organize the interior gives Lifetime sheds more visual appeal and customization.
Ease of Assembly Comparison
Putting together a shed from scratch is no small task. The more complex it is, the more likely you’ll need to hire a professional crew to assemble it.
- Suncast vertical sheds use a multi-wall panel snap together design that goes together reasonably well as a 1-2 person DIY project. Barn style models with sloped roofs are trickier.
- Lifetime sheds use steel-enforced panels secured mainly with nuts and bolts. The instruction manuals and process are thorough but assembly often requires 3+ people.
When it comes to assembly, Suncast tends to be the easier DIY build that you may be able to tackle solo. Due to their more complex construction, Lifetime sheds often require professional assembly for satisfactory results and to comply with the warranty.
If you plan to assemble the shed yourself and want something moderately straightforward, Suncast is likely the better path. But for maximum durability and customization, Lifetime sheds are worth investing in professional assembly help.
Cost Comparison
Let’s break down the cost differences:
- Suncast vertical sheds range from $250 – $1,100 depending on size. Barn sheds bump up to $1,500+.
- Lifetime sheds range from $1,200 for smaller styles up to $4,500+ for extra large multi-purpose barns.
There’s no doubt Suncast sheds come at lower price points across the board. A Suncast 8′ x 6′ shed costs around $700 while a similar Lifetime unit will run you $1,500 or more.
But remember – you often get what you pay for with sheds. The far superior materials, weather resistance, customization and larger sizing capabilities of Lifetime sheds make them worth the steeper prices for long term value.
If budget is a primary factor, Suncast makes decent starter sheds. But investing more upfront in a Lifetime shed that lasts for decades is often the wiser call.
Comparison of Warranties
It’s important to read the fine print on shed warranties to understand what kind of defects or damage coverage you’ll receive:
- Suncast provides warranties between 1-5 years depending on the product. This covers defects in workmanship and materials only. You’ll have to provide proof of purchase and photos for any claims.
- Lifetime Sheds come with a 10-year limited warranty when properly anchored to the ground. This protects against defects, wind damage under 90 MPH, and snow loads up to 20 PSF with some limitations. Claims require proof of purchase, photos, and a small warranty fee.
The longer and broader warranty provides more valuable protection on your Lifetime shed investment. Just be sure to anchor it properly!
Additional Pros and Cons
To summarize further differences:
Suncast Shed Benefits
- Very affordable, especially smaller vertical models
- Relatively easy solo or 2-person assembly
- Five color choices
- Low maintenance plastic construction
Potential Suncast Drawbacks
- Limited size availability, maxing out around 12′ x 10′
- Not as structurally sturdy long-term vs. Lifetime
- No customization options like windows or shelves
- Shorter warranty periods
Lifetime Shed Benefits
- Very durable, weather-resistant construction
- Larger sizing options, up to 12′ x 31′ designs
- Lots of style, color, window and layout choices
- 10-year limited warranty
- Often increases home resale value
Potential Lifetime Drawbacks
- Considerably higher cost than Suncast
- Complex assembly requiring 3+ people or professionals
- Lack of smaller, more budget-friendly designs
- Resale warranty not transferable
As you can see, there are quite a few trade-offs to weigh up front.
Ultimately, Lifetime sheds boast superior construction and customization at the cost of affordability and easy assembly. They make the better long term investment for serious storage needs.
Suncast provides budget-conscious options that suffice for basic storage but won’t necessarily stand the test of time in harsher climates. Their compact size also limits what you can store.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
With proper anchoring, care, and maintenance, a Lifetime plastic resin shed should last 10-15 years on average. Some make it to 20+ years in milder climates and with less wear. Their thick, steel-reinforced construction withstands punishment that would quickly ruin cheaper sheds.
The longest-lasting sheds are made from durable resins like high density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene. Rather than wood, fabric or cheaper plastics, heavy duty HDPE resins reinforced with steel provide superior longevity against weathering, UV damage and heavy use.
Many Lifetime sheds are molded from HDPE, carrying 10-15 year warranties. Other reputable high-end brands like Keter and Suncast also use durable resins in robust shed designs engineered to maintain structural integrity well past a decade.
The most durable backyard sheds combine thick, all-weather resin construction with steel reinforcements. Lifetime brand sheds are top rated for their proprietary HDPE co-polymer resins molded into rigid, reinforced double walled panels. The steel columns provide exceptional wind and snow load capacity while the resins won’t rot, warp, dent or fade over time.
Lifetime sheds are extremely rigid and sturdy, engineered to withstand:
1. 90 MPH wind loads when properly anchored
2. 35 PSF snow loads
3. High-impact blows and objects without denting
4. Harsh UV rays and temperature fluctuations (-20°F to 115°F tested)
By comparison, cheaper vinyl, wood and metal sheds often fail after a few years exposed to intense weather. Lifetime’s thick polyethylene walls, steel-beam supports and reinforced steel trusses qualify the sheds as “commercial grade” construction.
The takeaway? Invest upfront in a high quality Lifetime resin shed for superior strength and decades of ultra sturdy performance.
Closing Remarks
In conclusion, Lifetime sheds are the superior long term investment if you require durability across harsh weather, heavy use and decades of ownership. They offer extreme rigidity and customization possibilities no Suncast model can match.
However, Suncast provides cheaper shed options that work fine for basic storage needs in the short run. Consider how long you expect your shed to last and what storage demands you expect before choosing one brand over the other.
Lifetime sheds sustain far more punishment over years of ownership.
