Craftsman 7ft. x 7ft. Gable Resin Storage Shed (Floor Included)

As someone who has spent a fair amount of time assembling and using various outdoor storage solutions, I was quite intrigued by the Craftsman 7ft. x 7ft. Gable Resin Storage Shed. This shed promises a blend of functionality and durability, and it's designed to house everything from gardening tools to larger outdoor equipment like bicycles and riding lawn mowers.

Initial Impressions

The shed's dimensions, 7ft. x 7ft., provide ample storage space, and the included floor is a significant plus. The multi-wall resin panel construction feels robust, and the metal reinforcement adds an extra layer of durability. However, the real test lies in the assembly and long-term performance.

Assembly Experience

Assembling this shed was a mixed bag. The instructions provided were somewhat clear but left room for improvement. The manual lists parts in the middle, and the instructions aren't always in the most logical order. This led to a few moments of frustration as I tried to figure out which part went where.

The assembly process is definitely not a one-person job. You’ll need at least two people, especially when it comes to the roof. The roof panels are particularly tricky; they require one person to press down from the outside while another screws them in from the inside. This setup is cumbersome and would benefit from a redesign to make it more user-friendly.

One notable issue during assembly was the alignment of the panels. Getting everything to line up perfectly was a challenge, and I had to use a fair amount of force to get some sections to fit together. This is not ideal and adds unnecessary complexity to the assembly process.

Build Quality and Design

Once assembled, the shed looks quite attractive. The double doors with metal hinges provide easy access, and the pad-lockable metal hasp offers a sense of security. However, the build quality leaves something to be desired. The plastic windows are a weak point; they yellow and crack over time, which is disappointing for an outdoor product.

The floor is sturdy, but I noticed that it needs to be on a perfectly level surface for the walls and roof to align correctly. If your ground isn't level, you'll face additional challenges during assembly. I opted to build a wooden frame foundation, which helped stabilize the shed and made the assembly a bit smoother.

Storage and Organization

The shed's storage capacity of 327 cubic feet is impressive. It easily accommodated all my gardening tools, a push mower, and even some seasonal items. The shed is also compatible with the VERSATRACK™ system, which allows for added storage and organization. However, the system isn't intuitive to install, and I had to purchase additional metal pieces to make it work.

Weather Resistance and Durability

The shed is designed to withstand various weather conditions, but it has its limitations. The roof design is not entirely waterproof, and the vents allow water to seep in during heavy rain. I had to add some waterproof tape and sealant to ensure that my stored items remained dry.

The shed's durability is a mixed bag as well. While the resin panels and metal reinforcements provide a solid structure, the corners and some other parts are prone to cracking. This is especially concerning given the shed's price point. The doors also don't always align perfectly, which can make them difficult to close securely.

Long-Term Use

Over time, the shed has held up reasonably well, but it's not without its issues. The plastic windows have continued to degrade, and I've had to replace them with more durable acrylic sheets. The roof has required periodic maintenance to ensure it remains weatherproof, and the doors have needed adjustments to keep them aligned.

Customer Support and Warranty

One area where the Craftsman shed falls short is customer support. Getting replacement parts or warranty service is cumbersome and often unhelpful. Given the shed's 10-year warranty, I expected better support from the manufacturer. Unfortunately, the warranty seems to be more of a marketing gimmick than a reliable promise.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Craftsman 7ft. x 7ft. Gable Resin Storage Shed offers a good amount of storage space and has some robust features like metal reinforcements and compatibility with the VERSATRACK™ system. However, the assembly process is challenging, and the build quality has notable shortcomings, especially with the plastic windows and alignment issues.

Would I recommend this shed? It depends on your needs and expectations. If you're looking for a reasonably priced storage solution and are willing to put in the extra effort during assembly and maintenance, this shed can serve you well. However, if you value ease of assembly, long-term durability without frequent maintenance, and strong customer support, you might want to consider other options.

Overall, this shed is a decent choice for those on a budget but comes with some caveats that potential buyers should be aware of.