Suncast 54 Cubic Feet Vertical Storage Shed with Durable Plastic Construction, Multiple Wall Panels and Ample Space for Outdoor Storage

Why I picked this vertical shed

I needed a compact, weatherproof spot for long-handled yard tools, a string trimmer, and a few bags of soil—something that wouldn’t eat into patio space or demand a full weekend to build. The Suncast BMS5700 vertical shed hits that sweet spot: a tall, slim footprint with 54 cubic feet of storage, multi-wall plastic construction, and simple double doors you can padlock. After several weeks of use through rain and a couple of blustery days, here’s how it stacked up.

Design and capacity

This is a true “vertical” shed: tall and narrow, designed around rakes, shovels, loppers, a hedge trimmer, and similar tools that rarely fit on traditional shelves. The footprint is small enough to tuck beside a fence or garage wall without feeling imposing. Inside, the height is the star. I’ve got a row of long-handled tools along the back, a string trimmer parked along one side, and still room for a bag of fertilizer and a coil of hose on the floor. It’s not cavernous, but 54 cubic feet goes farther than you’d expect when you store upright.

The double doors swing wide enough to make entry easy, and the handles meet in the middle with a padlock hasp. The brown color blends with most fences and landscape edging—visually, it reads more “garden furniture” than “industrial storage,” which I appreciate near a patio seating area.

Materials and weather resistance

Suncast’s multi-wall plastic panels are the highlight. They have a thicker, boxy profile that gives the structure rigidity without adding a lot of weight. The finish is water-resistant and, so far, sheds light rain effortlessly. In a steady, wind-driven downpour, I noticed a few small beads of water collecting on the threshold after I opened the doors, but nothing inside was wet. As with most resin sheds, long-term UV exposure is the question; for peace of mind, I positioned mine where it gets afternoon shade. The surface cleans up with a quick rinse and doesn’t show dirt like lighter colors tend to.

The doors are sturdy for resin, with a reassuringly solid swing when the shed is square and level. The molded texture is subtle and hides scuffs well.

Assembly and setup

From box to standing shed, the process is straightforward. The parts are well labeled and the pictorial instructions are decent, though there are a couple of steps—namely how the roof engages with the wall panels—where paying extra attention to orientation saves time. Here’s how it went for me:

• Site prep took longer than the build. A level, firm base is non-negotiable. I leveled four patio pavers on compacted gravel, which made squaring the shed easy and keeps the bottom edge off soil.
• The wall panels interlock and “stand up” as you go, which helps a solo builder. A second set of hands is handy when setting the roof so you can gently flex panels into alignment without fighting spring tension.
• Total build time was roughly 90 minutes working at a moderate pace, not counting base prep.
• Tools I actually used: a level, rubber mallet, #2 Phillips driver, and a cordless drill/driver with the clutch set low to avoid over-tightening into plastic.

A tip: don’t force any panel that seems misaligned. Back up a step and check that the tongue-and-groove seams are fully seated. With resin, a small misfit at the base becomes a large misfit at the roof.

The shipping carton is bulky and on the heavy side for one person to maneuver; a dolly or a helper makes life easier.

Security and stability

The doors accept a padlock, which is great for keeping kids and pets away from sharp tools and deterring casual snooping. It’s not a high-security enclosure—if you need to secure expensive power equipment in a high-risk area, a metal shed with internal hasps and reinforced panels is a better choice.

For wind, a level base plus anchoring is smart. The shed is light enough that a gust can rack it if it’s not properly supported. I anchored mine to the paver base with masonry anchors through the base lip and used discreet L-brackets inside at the back corners. In gusty conditions the shed stayed put and the doors stayed aligned.

Organization and usability

Because the interior is tall, organization makes or breaks the experience. Out of the box, you get open walls without shelves. The panel design lends itself to adding DIY storage:

• I added a couple of narrow, vertical tool hooks by using self-tapping screws at reinforced ribs; don’t overtighten.
• A lightweight wire rack can fit on one side if you want a small shelf for gloves, twine, or hand tools; measure carefully before buying.
• If you build custom shelves, measure the actual interior span instead of relying on external dimensions—the walls taper slightly, and you want a snug, not forced, fit.

The floor area (or base) is enough for a 5-gallon bucket, a bag or two of soil, and a coiled hose without tripping over things when you step in. The threshold is low enough to roll in a compact hose cart.

Day-to-day, the doors operate smoothly and stay closed without fuss, even in wind, thanks to the way the handles interlock. If your base isn’t level, the doors are the first thing to tell you—fix the base and the problem goes away.

Maintenance

One of the reasons I prefer resin for small footprints is the near-zero maintenance. A seasonal rinse keeps dirt and pollen off. Check screws once or twice a year, especially at the hinges and roof seam, and make sure your anchors remain tight. Unlike wood, there’s no painting, caulking, or rot to chase. Avoid harsh solvents and pressure-washing directly into seams.

What I liked

• Space efficiency: Excellent use of vertical space for long-handled tools; perfect for narrow side yards or along a garage wall.
• Straightforward assembly: Logical panel system with well-labeled parts; doable solo with patience, faster with a helper.
• Weather performance: Keeps contents dry in normal rain with a finish that shrugs off grime.
• Low maintenance: No rot, no repainting; cleans easily.
• Looks: Neutral brown blends into most yards without drawing attention.

Where it falls short

• Security: The padlock hasp is a deterrent, not real security. Don’t rely on it for high-value gear.
• Shelving: No included shelves or accessory kit; you’ll likely DIY hooks or add a freestanding rack to maximize the height.
• Base sensitivity: Any unevenness telegraphs into door alignment. Plan to spend time leveling your site.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners or renters who need tidy, weatherproof storage for brooms, rakes, shovels, a trimmer, and a small stack of garden supplies.
• Anyone short on footprint but tall on vertical space—a side yard, balcony-adjacent patio, or tight corner near the garage.
• People who want quick setup and minimal upkeep over the life of the shed.

Not ideal for:

• Storing a full-size mower or wide power equipment—this isn’t the shed for that.
• High-security needs or exposed, high-wind sites unless you commit to robust anchoring.

Final thoughts and recommendation

After living with the Suncast vertical shed, I’m impressed by how much utility it squeezes from a small footprint. The multi-wall resin panels feel sturdy once assembled, the doors align well on a level base, and the interior height solves a real storage problem for garden tools that never seem to fit anywhere else. Weather resistance has been solid in everyday use, and maintenance is basically a rinse and a quick screw check a couple times a year.

I recommend this shed for anyone who needs compact, upright storage for outdoor tools and wants a straightforward build with minimal upkeep. It’s not a security locker and it won’t replace a full-size outbuilding, but for organizing long-handled tools and clearing up garage or patio clutter, it does exactly what it should—reliably, cleanly, and without taking over your yard.