Patiowell or Rubbermaid? Storage Sheds Compared in 2026
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When you compare the patiowell vs rubbermaid storage shed options, you face a choice between vertical and horizontal designs. Both offer lockable security and weather-resistant materials for outdoor use. The Patiowell model is a tall, galvanized steel structure with a sloping roof. The Rubbermaid unit is a low-profile resin box with a built-in floor. Your decision depends on whether you need height for tall tools or a low footprint for patio spaces.
Key differences
| Aspect | Patiowell 5x3 ft Galvanized Steel Shed, Brown | Rubbermaid Small Horizontal Resin Shed 18 cu ft |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Galvanized steel | UV resistant resin |
| Orientation | Vertical | Horizontal |
| Footprint Size | 5 x 3 ft | 4.5 x 3 ft |
| Height | 71 inches | 11.8 inches |
| Floor | Not listed | Impact resistant flooring included |
| Capacity | Not listed | 18 cu ft |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Patiowell 5x3 ft Galvanized Steel Shed, Brown if
- You need vertical space to store long-handled tools or tall equipment.
- You prefer the durability and non-corrosive properties of galvanized steel.
- You want a shed that blends into a garden or backyard without a floor.
Choose Rubbermaid Small Horizontal Resin Shed 18 cu ft if
- You have limited height clearance or need a low-profile storage solution.
- You want a built-in floor that can handle heavy items and spills.
- You need a compact unit that doubles as seating or an end table.
Verdict: Choose the Patiowell if you require vertical storage for tall items and prefer steel construction. Select the Rubbermaid if you need a low-profile unit with a durable, built-in floor for patio or deck use. Your choice hinges on whether height or footprint is more important for your space.
Vertical Steel vs Horizontal Resin
Material and build
The Patiowell shed uses galvanized steel for its walls and roof. This metal construction is thick, non-corrosive, and UV resistant. It features overlapped wallboards that are waterproof and moisture-proof. The structure includes plastic protective caps on sharp corners and screws to prevent injury. The Rubbermaid shed is made from UV resistant resin. It uses a double-wall construction for extra strength and durability. This resin material will not rust, rot, or fade. It is designed to be maintenance-free and impact resistant.
Orientation and size
You must decide between a vertical footprint or a horizontal one. The Patiowell model has a vertical design with a 5 x 3 ft footprint. It stands 71 inches tall with a sloping roof. The Rubbermaid unit is a horizontal shed with a 4.5 x 3 ft footprint. It is much lower, standing only 11.8 inches tall. The Patiowell offers more vertical height for tall items. The Rubbermaid provides a low profile that blends into patios. Both fit in small spaces, but their shapes differ significantly.
Storage capacity
Storage volume is a key difference between these two units. The Rubbermaid shed offers 18 cubic feet of space. This horizontal design is suitable for pillows, cushions, and pool chemicals. The Patiowell shed does not list a specific cubic footage in its specs. However, its 5 x 3 ft base and 71-inch height suggest a larger internal volume than the Rubbermaid. The Patiowell is better for general tools and equipment. The Rubbermaid is optimized for flatter, bulkier items.
Flooring and base
The base construction affects how you use the shed. The Rubbermaid shed includes an impact-resistant floor. This floor is built to last and can handle heavy items, drops, and spills. It is made from high-quality material. The Patiowell shed does not include a base. You need to build one yourself if you need a floor. The Rubbermaid unit is ready to use immediately. The Patiowell requires additional preparation for a solid foundation.
Security and access
Both sheds offer lockable access for security. The Patiowell features a lockable door that keeps tools safe and prevents small animals from entering. The Rubbermaid has a lockable lid. However, the lock is sold separately for the Rubbermaid model. The Patiowell design includes a sloping roof that prevents rainwater accumulation. This helps avoid rusting over time. The Rubbermaid lid design also keeps water out effectively. Both provide good protection against theft and weather.
Which Storage Shed Suits Your Needs
You need vertical space for tall tools
The Patiowell shed offers a 71-inch height in a 5x3 foot footprint. This vertical design maximizes storage volume without taking up much floor space. The galvanized steel construction provides durability against weather. You get a lockable door and a sloping roof that prevents water accumulation. Plastic caps protect corners and screws during assembly.
You want low-profile storage with a floor
The Rubbermaid unit is a horizontal shed measuring 58.5 inches long but only 11.8 inches high. It includes an impact-resistant floor built into the design. This low profile blends well on patios or decks. The double-wall resin construction resists rust and fading. You get 18 cubic feet of capacity for cushions or pool supplies.
You prefer metal over plastic for strength
Patiowell uses galvanized steel, which is non-corrosive and UV resistant. The overlapped wallboards are waterproof and moisture-proof. This material choice suits buyers who want a rigid structure. The shed weighs 54.5 pounds, indicating substantial build quality. You receive protective caps for sharp edges and screws to ensure safe handling.
You need a unit that doubles as seating
The Rubbermaid horizontal shed features a top lid that serves as extra seating. Its neutral beige and brown tones blend with any yard. The double-wall construction provides strength while keeping the profile low. You can store pillows or patio cushions safely. The lockable lid adds security, though the lock is sold separately.
The products compared
Patiowell 5x3 ft Galvanized Steel Shed, Brown
Best for: small tool storage in tight yards
- Material
- Galvanized steel
- Footprint Size
- 5x3 FT
- Door Type
- Lockable door
- Assembly
- Detailed installation instructions
- Roof Style
- Sloping roof
- Features
- Lockable door, protective caps
View on Amazon: Patiowell 5x3 ft Galvanized Steel Shed, Brown Affiliate link
This Patiowell outdoor storage shed measures 5 by 3 feet with a footprint of 63.4 by 34.2 inches. It stands 71 inches tall and weighs 54.5 pounds. The structure uses galvanized steel for durability and UV resistance. A lockable door and sloping roof add security and weather protection. Plastic caps cover sharp corners and screws for safety during use.
Pros
- Galvanized steel construction resists corrosion
- Lockable door secures stored items
- Sloping roof prevents water accumulation
- Protective caps shield sharp edges
Cons
- Small 5x3 ft footprint limits capacity
- No included base requires separate setup
- Manual assembly needed for installation
Good fit if
- You need a compact spot for garden tools
- You want a corrosion-resistant outdoor unit
- You prefer a simple sloping roof design
Skip if
- You require a large storage volume
- You need a pre-built floor base
- You want a wide horizontal layout
Verdict: Patiowell 5x3 ft Galvanized Steel Shed fits users with limited yard space who need a secure, weather-resistant spot for small items. Its compact steel build suits tight gardens but offers minimal storage volume.
Rubbermaid Small Horizontal Resin Shed 18 cu ft
Best for: Small patios and deck storage
- Material
- UV resistant resin
- Footprint Size
- 4.5 x 3 ft
- Capacity
- 18 cu ft
- Door Type
- Lockable lid
- Frame Material
- Double-wall construction
- Features
- Impact resistant flooring, lockable
View on Amazon: Rubbermaid Small Horizontal Resin Shed 18 cu ft Affiliate link
This Rubbermaid horizontal shed offers 18 cubic feet of storage in a compact 4.5 by 3 foot footprint. It features double-wall UV resistant resin construction and an impact-resistant floor. The beige and brown design blends into outdoor spaces. The top doubles as seating. It includes a lockable lid for security. You need a separate lock. This unit suits small patios or decks where space is limited.
Pros
- 18 cubic feet of storage capacity
- Double-wall UV resistant resin construction
- Impact resistant flooring for heavy items
- Lockable lid for added security
- Top surface doubles as seating
Cons
- Lock is sold separately
- Limited height at 11.8 inches
- No internal shelving or organization
Good fit if
- You have a small patio or deck
- You need to store pool chemicals or cushions
- You want a maintenance-free outdoor storage solution
Skip if
- You need to store tall tools or ladders
- You require a built-in locking mechanism
- You need more than 18 cubic feet of space
Verdict: Rubbermaid 4.5x3 Ft Horizontal Resin Shed fits users with limited outdoor space who need secure, low-profile storage for patio items. Its compact footprint and durable resin build make it ideal for decks.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Patiowell 5x3 ft Galvanized Steel Shed, Brown | Rubbermaid Small Horizontal Resin Shed 18 cu ft |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Galvanized steel | UV resistant resin |
| Footprint Size | 5x3 FT | 4.5 x 3 ft |
| Capacity | not stated | 18 cu ft |
| Door Type | Lockable door | Lockable lid |
| Frame Material | not stated | Double-wall construction |
| Assembly | Detailed installation instructions | not stated |
| Roof Style | Sloping roof | not stated |
| Features | Lockable door, protective caps | Impact resistant flooring, lockable |
| Recommended Use | Storage room, tool room | Pillows, patio cushions, pool chemicals |
| Orientation | not stated | Horizontal |
| Color | Brown | Beige/Brown |
| Dimensions | 34.2 × 63.4 × 71 inches | 58.5 × 35.8 × 11.8 inches |
| Weight | 54.5 pounds | 49.7 pounds |
| Size | 5x3 FT | 18 Ft³ Horizontal Shed |
| Model | PS1053-BN | FG374801OLVSS |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Patiowell shed suitable for tall equipment?
Yes, it offers significant vertical clearance. The Patiowell 5x3 ft model stands 71 inches high. This height accommodates long-handled tools like shovels or rakes. Its compact 34.2-inch width keeps the footprint small. You gain storage volume without expanding your yard space. The galvanized steel walls provide a secure enclosure for these items.
Which shed fits better on a small deck?
The Rubbermaid horizontal unit is the better choice for decks. It measures only 11.8 inches in height. This low profile prevents it from overwhelming small patio areas. The resin construction is lightweight at 49.7 pounds. It sits flat on the ground or deck surface. Its 18 cubic foot capacity holds cushions and pool supplies securely.
How heavy are these storage sheds to move?
Both units are relatively light for their size. The Patiowell steel shed weighs 54.5 pounds. The Rubbermaid resin shed weighs 49.7 pounds. These weights make them manageable for two people to reposition. The Rubbermaid unit is slightly lighter due to its resin material. The Patiowell unit is slightly heavier due to its steel frame.
Does the Patiowell shed have a sloping roof?
Yes, the Patiowell model features a sloping roof design. This structure helps shed rain and snow effectively. The galvanized steel panels overlap to prevent water ingress. This design protects your stored items from moisture damage. The roof angle also contributes to the shed's 71-inch peak height. It ensures efficient water runoff during heavy weather conditions.
What is the interior volume of the Rubbermaid shed?
The Rubbermaid shed provides 18 cubic feet of storage space. This volume is defined by its horizontal orientation. It measures 58.5 inches long and 35.8 inches wide. The low height of 11.8 inches limits tall items. However, it offers ample room for flat or wide objects. This capacity is ideal for patio furniture and garden accessories.
Is the Patiowell shed made of plastic or metal?
The Patiowell shed is made of galvanized steel. It is not made of plastic or resin. The steel walls and roof are thick and durable. This metal construction resists corrosion and UV damage. The overlapped panels create a waterproof barrier. You get a sturdy, secure structure that withstands outdoor elements better than thin plastic.
Can the Rubbermaid shed store large garden tools?
It depends on the tool length. The Rubbermaid shed is only 11.8 inches tall. Long-handled tools like rakes will not fit vertically. However, you can store wide items like lawnmowers or wheelbarrows. Its 58.5-inch length accommodates bulky equipment. The horizontal design is best for flat storage rather than tall tool organization.

