Craftsman Extra Large Vertical Storage Shed

Craftsman has long been a trusted name when it comes to tools and storage solutions, and their Extra Large Vertical Storage Shed certainly caught my eye. When I first got my hands on this shed, my initial impression was that it seemed to offer a practical solution for those tight on space but needing considerable storage. Having now spent some time assembling and using it, I have a clearer picture of its strengths and weaknesses.

Design and Build Quality

The shed is constructed from multi-wall resin panels, which are designed to provide durability and strength. The material feels robust enough for garden tools and outdoor equipment, which is exactly what I needed. Its tall profile is perfect for accommodating long-handled tools like rakes, shovels, and brooms. However, when I first started putting it together, I did notice that the plastic felt thinner than I had expected. It’s sturdy, but it doesn’t give off that heavy-duty vibe some might expect from a Craftsman product.

Ease of Assembly

One of the standout features of this shed is its ease of assembly. The instructions were fairly straightforward, and I managed to put it together in about an hour with minimal tools. The pieces snapped into place with relative ease, although I did encounter some difficulty with the back panels fitting into the side slots. A bit of patience and some extra hands helped get everything aligned properly.

Functionality and Storage Capacity

In terms of functionality, this shed does its job well. It offers a significant amount of vertical storage, making it ideal for long tools and other garden equipment. However, one glaring omission is the lack of built-in shelves. While the shed does have notches for shelves, Craftsman doesn’t provide any, nor are there compatible parts readily available. I ended up having to make my own shelves, which was an additional hassle. If you’re planning on storing smaller items, you might need to invest in a freestanding shelving unit or get creative with your storage solutions.

Security and Weather Resistance

The shed comes with padlock-ready doors, which is a nice touch for added security. However, given the overall lightness of the structure, it’s clear that a determined individual could break in without too much effort. The metal hinges are a positive aspect, providing smooth door operation and some added durability. I’ve also found the shed to be reasonably weather-resistant. It has held up well through a few rainstorms without any leakage, which is always a concern with outdoor storage.

Maintenance and Longevity

One of the advantages of the resin construction is that it’s low maintenance and easy to clean. A quick rinse with a hose is usually enough to keep it looking good. However, the lightweight nature of the resin means that it’s essential to anchor the shed, especially if you live in a windy area. I added some concrete blocks to the base for extra stability, which has worked out well so far.

Customer Experience

I did have a couple of issues with missing parts, specifically screws for the door hinges. This was frustrating, especially since getting replacement parts from Craftsman or Suncast (the manufacturer) proved to be quite a challenge. The customer service left much to be desired, which was disappointing given the brand’s reputation.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Craftsman Extra Large Vertical Storage Shed is a decent option for those needing vertical storage space for garden tools and other outdoor equipment. Its ease of assembly, tall profile, and low maintenance are definite pluses. However, the lack of built-in shelves, the somewhat flimsy feel of the plastic, and the mediocre customer service are significant drawbacks.

Would I recommend this shed? If you’re looking for a straightforward, easy-to-assemble storage solution and are willing to put in a bit of extra work to customize it to your needs, then yes, it’s a good choice. However, if you’re expecting a high-end, heavy-duty storage unit that comes with all the bells and whistles, you might want to look at other options. This shed gets the job done, but it’s clear that there’s room for improvement.