As an improved more modern version of previous editions, and the smaller brother to the Garage-in-a-box, the Shed-in-a-Box from ShelterLogic has been a favorite for many looking for storage of their outdoor supplies and small vehicles at their house.
With a wide range of size options, this portable carport shelter comes in two different shapes to suit any backyard, driveway, or worksite.
Scoring great customer reviews around the internet, we wanted to dig deeper into what we can expect from this portable garage and what features and specs make it stand out from other similar priced models.
Table could not be displayed.The affordable price for such an important piece of equipment, it’s worthy of a full analysis, as we all know, expensive doesn’t always equate to high-quality.
Today we’re getting into all the nitty-gritty details to see if this model lives up to the quality and durability that you would expect from a top portable carport.
Page Contents:
ShelterLogic Shed-In-A-Box – Full Review
Our First Thoughts
Even though this Shed-in-a-Box series falls into the soft-top category of carports, we believe that they are a little more heavy-duty than your average soft material model. Due to the rather heavy construction of each one, these are ideal for more permanent or at least long-term installation. We love that they’re made for basically all-season protection, even though they’re not as industrial as hard top car shelters.
While it is advertised as also serving as a carport, we think that this model serves a much better purpose as a storage shed, much like the name implies.
The Rounded Roof Version Provides a Slightly Larger Interior Feel
The largest size seems even too small to cover average sized sedans, let alone anything bigger. We think this series is ideal for keeping all your other outdoor equipment and to protect wood from getting damp.
Small vehicles, like Smart electric cars, ATVs, motorbikes, snow mobiles, and small trailers are stored well in these models. They certainly rank as affordable units, as even the largest size can be found at under $200 at some retailers. To add more space for all your bits and bobs, we think this range is a great and reliable choice.
Important Specs at a Glance
| Type
Portable Shed/Storage |
Price $124 – $300+ depending on size and shape
|
| Weight
6ft x 6ft: 51 lbs 6ft x 10ft: 84 lbs 6ft x 12ft: 100 lbs 6ft x 8ft: 79 lbs 10ft x 10ft: 88 lbs 12ft x 12ft: 115 lbs |
Dimensions (Multiple Sizes)
6ft x 6ft: 72”L x 72”W x 72”H 6ft x 10ft: 120”L x 72”W x 78”H 6ft x 12ft: 144”L x 72”W x 96”H 6ft x 8ft: 96”L x 72”W x 96”H 10ft x 10ft: 120”L x 120”W x 96”H 12ft x 12ft: 144”L x 144”W x 96”H |
| Set Up Time
1 Hour + depending on the size |
Add-Ons
15” Auger Anchors & Step-by-Step Instructions Included |
| Materials
Steel Frame Polyethylene Canopy |
Waterproof
Yes |
Overview of Features
- Available in 6 different sizes
- High-grade steel frame with powder coated finish
- Thick 35mm poles for stability
- Triple-layered polyethylene
- Heat sealed seams
- Water & rust proof
- UV treated material
- Patented ShelterLock stabilizers for increased durability
- 4 season protection
- Heavy-duty auger anchors included
What We Love – Our Top 3 Features
GOLD QUALITY – High Stability
High performing stability can often be a problem for soft top shelters, as the flexible outer material doesn’t usually protect the inner frame as well as a hard top would. With this model, that is certainly not the case.
Perfect for Storing Garden Tools
Many users have confirmed that this unit stays put (when properly anchored down as well though, of course) because the interior structure is so well designed.
Made from top-grade steel, the poles are much thicker than similar models in this price range. We appreciate that there is much less of a risk for the structure to buckle or break seeing as the quality is so high.
SILVER FEATURE – Good Materials
Our next favorite feature is the use of fantastic quality materials for both the outside and the inner frame. Everything has been treated to resist aging and damage that can occur from long-term use. We think it’s important because you need something that’s going to last and be able to withstand unpredictable conditions.
Peaked Roof Provides Natural Rain Run-Off Points
The outer fabric is designed to prevent rotting, resist water leaks, and the colour won’t fade even in the harshest of sun. Even though these models have been designed as portable and you can assemble and disassemble them as many times as you want, many people have used them as a permanent storage solution.
BRONZE HIGHLIGHT – Various Options
Offered in 6 sizes, you have plenty to choose from when it comes to picking one that will suit your needs. The first 5 don’t differ too much in style, until you get to the largest 12ft x 12ft model. It’s much longer and wider in the peaked version than the others.
It also looks like it comes in blue instead of the silver grey of the others. While it is the largest, we still think it’s a little small to fit an average car, so keep this in mind.
Larger Version Ideal for Vehicles and Resources
As well as size selections, each model is also available in either a round or peak design. The latter stays true to a cabin shape, with very straight walls and a tall center height.
The rounded one reminds us of tunnel tents, with slightly sloping walls and a very round roof. We like that they allow you to choose from your preferred style, as not everyone will want the same kind of style.
Main Overview – Breaking Down Every Detail
Wind Resistance
We think this is an important topic to mention because both styles will work very differently in the wind. With proper anchoring, both can remain stable, but the round version will work better in harsh winds.
This is because the tunnel shape is much more aerodynamic – wind can pass by easier without getting stuck on any sharp edges or flat surfaces. If you live in an area known for being windy, we recommend choosing the round model over the cabin.
Set Up
With an assembly time of roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes, the set up certainly isn’t as long or over complicated as some other large models. It’s recommended that you set it up with 2 people as some of the bigger sizes are heavy and the other person can hold the frame for you while you put the poles together.
Capable of All Year Round Use
With the included detailed instruction manual, you don’t need a wrench to screw in any of the bolts, it’s super easy to do with your hands.
The ShelterLock 3x steel stabilizers are patented to ensure ultimate stability – they keep the joints extra secured so that it isn’t easily swayed during strong winds. Another great addition is the innovative Rachet-Tite anchors. They keep the outer fabric tight and neat, so that nothing ever sags or loosens. You’ll also find Slide-Across Rails which allow continuous tightening if things loosen up over time.
More than Enough Space for Wood Storage and Equipment
Also, you have a high-profile white interior fabric that helps to reflect light easier for better visibility. This will help you see everything as easy as possible when you’re putting all your equipment inside after setting it up.
Materials
To protect from all kinds of weather, tough PE fabric is heat-treated with sealed seams. There is actually no stitching to be found, which we think is a cool idea because it means that virtually no water can get inside through stitching holes. This robust ripstop PE fabric is incredibly durable and prevents cuts, is anti-mold, and is UV treated on the outside, inside, and in between the folds.
Other Weatherproof Features
As we’ve mentioned above, this model can withstand weather from all 4 seasons. Completely waterproof, UV treated to prevent fading from the sun, plus anti-fungal agents so that the material doesn’t weaken.
The outer design also assists with weather protection. Ground flaps run the length of each wall and fold out as they touch the ground. This stops water from easily splashing up and entering, so things can remain dry inside. The front and back entrances can be fully zipped and closed with the panels or left open for a bit more ventilation.
Most Asked Questions – We’ve Got You Covered
How Do I Secure it to the Ground?
Using ground stakes is the best way to tie and secure these models to the ground for maximum stability. While you can certainly use the anchors that are provided in the package, these are more for temporary use and we recommend purchasing your own more heavy-duty ones. Sandbags would not be a suitable anchor option as they wouldn’t keep it as locked down as stakes.
What Size Anchors Does it Come With?
Each model, no matter if its peak or rounded design, they all come with 30” auger anchors. These are ideal for securing in most terrain and will fix it in place in a robust manner.
Our Final Thoughts on the Shed in a Box
After diving into every hidden detail, we can conclude that the ShelterLogic Shed-in-a-Box is an awesome affordable storage solution to a congested garage. This means we think it’s better suited as an additional storage space, rather than something you would use to park your car.
They are designed for keeping smaller vehicles inside, freeing up some much-needed space in your own garage. These models serve more as a shed than a parking cover, and I guess that’s why they made it so obvious with the name.
In saying that though, if you don’t have a garage and you need somewhere to put your tools and other outdoor equipment, these are a great buy. You’re getting high-grade materials, a solid frame, and plenty of size and style options to choose from.
