Benass 10×8 FT Lockable Outdoor Storage Shed Review: The Backyard Storage Solution We Put to the Test

It starts slowly. First, it’s just a lawnmower tucked under the eaves. Then a set of garden tools leans against the wall, joined by the kids’ bikes, a bag of potting soil, and the folded-up patio chairs. Before you know it, your once-tidy backyard has become an obstacle course of equipment, slowly succumbing to the elements. This was the exact situation we faced. Our garage was overflowing, and the patio was no longer a place for relaxation but a storage overflow zone. We needed a dedicated, secure, and weatherproof space to reclaim our yard. The alternative—leaving expensive tools and equipment exposed to rain, rust, and potential theft—was simply not an option. A proper outdoor storage solution isn’t a luxury; it’s an essential investment in protecting your gear and restoring order to your outdoor living space.

What to Consider Before Buying an Outdoor Storage Shed

An outdoor storage shed is more than just a box for your backyard; it’s a key solution for organization, protection, and peace of mind. It safeguards your investments—from power tools to lawn equipment and bicycles—from harsh weather, preventing rust, sun damage, and deterioration. By providing a centralized, lockable location, it also enhances security, keeping valuable items out of sight and away from opportunistic thieves. More than that, a good shed declutters your garage and patio, transforming chaotic spaces back into functional living areas. It streamlines your workflow, ensuring you can find the right tool at the right time without a frustrating search. Ultimately, a shed adds value to your property by improving its utility and aesthetic appeal.

The ideal customer for a metal shed like the Benass 10×8 is a homeowner with a growing collection of yard equipment who needs a significant amount of secure, long-term storage without the high cost of a wooden or premium resin shed. They should be comfortable with a multi-hour DIY assembly project and have a level, prepared foundation (like a concrete slab or wooden frame) ready. Conversely, this type of shed might not be suitable for those who prioritize rapid, tool-free assembly, as metal sheds are notoriously more involved than their snap-together resin counterparts. Renters or individuals needing a temporary or portable solution would be better served by a smaller, fabric-based storage tent. For those with very limited space, a more compact vertical or horizontal shed might be a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: First, measure your intended location carefully, accounting for door swing and leaving at least two feet of clearance on all sides for assembly and maintenance. A 10×8 shed offers a substantial footprint of 80 square feet. It’s crucial to ensure this doesn’t overwhelm your yard or violate any local building codes or HOA restrictions regarding structure size and placement.
• Capacity/Performance: Think about volume, not just footprint. The Benass 10×8 FT Lockable Outdoor Storage Shed boasts approximately 457 cubic feet of storage. Consider the height—at 81 inches, it can accommodate long-handled tools, shelving units, and even larger items like an ATV, as one user confirmed. A sloped roof is critical for performance, preventing water from pooling and causing leaks or structural stress over time.
• Materials & Durability: Sheds are typically made from resin (plastic), wood, or metal. Wood offers a classic look but requires significant maintenance. Resin is durable and low-maintenance but can be more expensive and susceptible to UV degradation over many years. Metal, specifically the galvanized steel used in this Benass shed, provides excellent strength, fire resistance, and durability against pests and rot at a very competitive price point.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider long-term ownership. Does the shed have features like vents to prevent mustiness? Are the doors wide enough for your lawnmower? Metal sheds are very low-maintenance, typically only requiring an occasional wash-down. However, the initial assembly is the most significant hurdle and should be factored into your decision.

Making the right choice involves balancing your space, budget, and DIY comfort level to find the perfect organizational hub for your backyard.

While the Benass 10×8 FT Lockable Outdoor Storage Shed is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing and First Impressions: A Modern Solution Arrives

The Benass 10×8 FT Lockable Outdoor Storage Shed arrived in several heavy, compact boxes. Our immediate impression upon opening them was a mix of intimidation and anticipation. Hundreds of precisely cut pieces of black alloy steel, bags of hardware, and a detailed instruction manual lay before us. The panels themselves felt light, which initially gave us pause, but the galvanized steel frame components felt reassuringly robust. This aligns with feedback from one user who noted the “thicker & bigger galvanized steel tube” frame. The black finish is sleek and modern, a significant step up from the utilitarian look of older metal sheds. Unlike the rusty eyesores one user mentioned seeing in other yards, this shed has a “classy, modern chic appearance.” We also appreciated the inclusion of protective gloves—a small but thoughtful touch, as the edges of metal panels can be sharp. The bonus accessories—a solar light, work light, leaf bag, and lock—were all neatly packed and felt like a genuine value-add, setting a positive tone before assembly even began.

A Deep Dive into the Benass 10×8 Shed’s Performance

A shed’s true worth is revealed over weeks of use—through rainstorms, sunny days, and the constant shuffling of equipment. We put the Benass 10×8 FT Lockable Outdoor Storage Shed through its paces, evaluating everything from the initial build to its long-term durability and day-to-day functionality. Our comprehensive testing focused on the core promises of this product: providing a sturdy, spacious, and secure home for all our outdoor gear.

The Assembly Gauntlet: A Realistic Look at Construction

Let’s be perfectly clear: assembling a 10×8 foot metal shed is a project. While a couple of users reported that it “went up quick” in “mins,” our experience, and that of the more critical feedback, suggests setting realistic expectations. The manufacturer recommends 2-4 adults, and we wholeheartedly agree. This is not a five-minute, one-person job. We laid out all the parts on a tarp, carefully cross-referencing with the inventory list—an essential first step. The instructions are diagram-based and mostly clear, but you need to pay very close attention to the orientation of each panel and brace. The core frame, made of thicker galvanized steel tubing, went together logically and formed a solid skeleton. This is the foundation of the shed’s strength.

The most time-consuming part is attaching the dozens of wall and roof panels. This is where we encountered some of the issues a critical user review mentioned. We found a few panels with minor corner dings right out of the box, though nothing that compromised structural integrity. More frustratingly, a handful of pre-drilled holes didn’t align perfectly. This required a bit of muscle to flex the panels into place and, in two instances, we used a metal drill bit to slightly widen a hole to accept a screw. This is a common grievance with budget-friendly metal sheds and something a prepared DIYer can overcome. For us, the entire process took two people about seven hours, including breaks. While it required patience and some minor troubleshooting, the end result was a sturdy, rigid structure. It’s a trade-off: you’re saving hundreds of dollars compared to a professionally installed or premium resin shed, and that saving is paid for with your time and effort during assembly. The feeling of accomplishment, however, is immense. You can explore the complete kit and see the parts for yourself before committing.

Cavernous Capacity and Intelligent Design

Once assembled, the sheer volume of the Benass 10×8 FT Lockable Outdoor Storage Shed is its most impressive feature. With approximately 457 cubic feet of space, it swallows gear. We comfortably stored a large push mower, a wheelbarrow, two adult bicycles, a pressure washer, multiple shelves for tools and supplies, and still had a wide-open walkway down the middle. The 81-inch peak height is a game-changer, allowing us to hang long-handled tools like rakes and shovels vertically, maximizing floor space. One user’s claim that it “fits a ATV” is entirely believable; the double hinged doors create a wide opening that would easily accommodate such a vehicle.

Beyond raw space, the design incorporates smart, functional elements. The sloped roof is essential. We experienced a heavy downpour a few days after construction, and the water shed off perfectly with no pooling. We inspected the interior afterward and, thanks to our careful assembly and a bead of silicone sealant we added along the base, it was bone dry inside. This confirms reports that it can “protect the things stored inside from both sun and rain.” The four built-in vents, two on the front and two on the back gable, create passive airflow. This is crucial for preventing the musty smell and condensation buildup that can plague airtight sheds, protecting your tools from moisture even on humid days. The lack of an included floor is a critical point to understand; it keeps the cost down but necessitates a proper foundation—we built ours on a simple pressure-treated wood frame, but a concrete slab would be even better.

Security, Weatherproofing, and Bonus Features

A shed is only as good as its ability to protect its contents. The Benass 10×8 FT Lockable Outdoor Storage Shed performs admirably in this regard. The doors are lockable, and the kit includes a basic but functional lock and key set. For anyone storing particularly valuable equipment, upgrading to a heavier-duty padlock would be a simple and wise investment, but the included hardware is sufficient to deter casual theft and keep children out.

The weather resistance comes from the galvanized steel construction. This material is inherently rust-proof, rot-proof, and impervious to pests like termites that can plague wooden sheds. The overlapping panel design and the sloped, three-beam roof work together to create a waterproof enclosure. We did note the gap one user mentioned where the side roof supports meet the panels. During assembly, we made sure to press these panels down firmly before screwing them in to minimize this gap. For absolute peace of mind, running a line of clear outdoor silicone along these seams is an easy 10-minute job that ensures a completely watertight seal against driving rain.

The included accessories truly elevate the value proposition. The outdoor solar-powered sensor light is fantastic. We mounted it above the door, and it provides a bright, welcoming light when you approach the shed after dark, making it easy to find the keyhole. The handheld work light is useful for finding items tucked away in dark corners. While the leaf bag is a simple item, it’s surprisingly durable and useful. These aren’t just cheap throw-ins; they are practical items that enhance the shed’s usability from day one.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, user feedback reflects a product with significant strengths but some potential quality control weaknesses. The positive sentiment is strong, with many, like one satisfied buyer, calling it a “tough, well designed shed” that serves as a “lifesaver” for waterproof storage. Many praise its spaciousness, with comments that it “can store a whole lot more than you might at first suppose” and is “strong.” The value proposition is another commonly cited benefit, with one person noting that the prices for similar sheds at big-box stores are “outrageous,” making this a much more affordable choice.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the detailed negative feedback, which provides an important counterpoint. One user reported receiving panels that were “dented, right out of the box” despite undamaged packaging, suggesting a factory-level issue. This same user pointed out thin metal on the ridge cap and improperly drilled holes that required purchasing larger screws—a frustration we can sympathize with, having had to make minor adjustments ourselves. Their warning about the roof design potentially letting in rain is valid, though we found it could be mitigated with careful assembly and optional sealant. This feedback paints a picture of a shed where you “get what you pay for”—a great design and size for the money, but one that may require some DIY problem-solving to perfect.

How Does the Benass Shed Compare to the Alternatives?

The outdoor storage market is vast, and the Benass 10×8 metal shed occupies a specific niche. It prioritizes maximum square footage and durability for a minimal price, with the trade-off being a more involved assembly process. To understand if it’s right for you, let’s see how it compares to three popular alternatives with different strengths.

1. Rubbermaid 7×7 Ft Outdoor Storage Shed

The Rubbermaid 7×7 is the “easy button” alternative. Made from durable, double-walled resin, its main selling point is a vastly simpler assembly process, often taking a fraction of the time required for a metal shed. It also includes a heavy-duty floor, eliminating the need to build a separate foundation. While it’s smaller (49 sq ft vs. the Benass’s 80 sq ft) and offers less interior volume, it’s virtually maintenance-free and won’t dent or rust. This is the ideal choice for someone who values quick, hassle-free setup and a trusted brand name, and is willing to sacrifice some space and pay a premium for that convenience.

2. MAIZOA 2-3 Bike Storage Tent

The MAIZOA tent operates in a completely different category. It’s not a shed but a portable, lightweight shelter made of Oxford fabric. Its purpose is highly specific: to provide quick, temporary, and waterproof cover for 2-3 bicycles or a small collection of garden tools. It’s the perfect solution for renters who can’t install a permanent structure, for those with extremely limited space, or for someone needing a budget-friendly, seasonal storage option. It offers no real security and minimal durability against heavy snow or high winds compared to the Benass shed, but for basic shelter and portability, it’s an unbeatable value.

3. Keter Manor 4×6 Resin Outdoor Storage Shed

The Keter Manor is a compact, space-saving solution. Like the Rubbermaid, it’s made from weather-resistant resin and includes a floor, making for a cleaner installation. Its tiny 4×6 footprint is its greatest strength, designed to tuck neatly against the side of a house, on a small patio, or into a corner of a tiny yard. It’s perfect for storing a push mower, a few long-handled tools, and some bags of soil. You would choose the Keter Manor over the much larger Benass shed if your storage needs are modest and your available space is severely restricted. It offers the low-maintenance benefits of resin in a package designed for minimalist storage needs.

Our Final Verdict on the Benass 10×8 FT Lockable Outdoor Storage Shed

After extensive hands-on testing, assembly, and daily use, we can confidently recommend the Benass 10×8 FT Lockable Outdoor Storage Shed, but with an important caveat. This is a fantastic product for the right person. If you are a budget-conscious homeowner with significant storage needs and are comfortable with a weekend DIY project that may require minor troubleshooting, this shed offers incredible value. The sheer amount of secure, weatherproof space you get for the price is hard to beat. Its modern aesthetic, reinforced frame, and thoughtful bonus accessories make it a standout in its price bracket.

However, if you expect a flawless, lightning-fast assembly or are unprepared to deal with a potentially misaligned screw hole, you may be better served by a more expensive resin model. For us, the hours spent on assembly were a worthy investment for a decade or more of reliable, organized outdoor storage. It has successfully tamed the chaos in our backyard, and for that, it earns our strong recommendation. If you’re ready to reclaim your yard and protect your gear, you should seriously check the latest price and availability for the Benass 10×8 shed today.