How We Research
Every guide on Three Porches starts with one question: will this shed or box hold your things and hold up where you put it? That means your gear, your space and your weather.
Here is how we answer it.
1. We start with what you store
A push mower, a riding mower and a stack of patio cushions need very different spaces. We look at the inside size, the door opening and the height, not only the outside footprint.
For deck boxes, we look at the gallons and the inside measurements. A box that sounds big can still be too short for long cushions or tools.
2. We compare specs and features
We check the material (resin, plastic or galvanized steel), the floor, the doors or lid, vents, windows and locks. We also note the assembly parts, the weight and what kind of base the maker asks for.
Makers describe their products in their own words, so we name the brand for every claim. We also note the warranty terms the maker lists.
3. We look at owner feedback
We read what owners report after a few seasons. We look for patterns, like leaks at the roof seams, warped doors, rust, fading, lids that won't stay up and hard assembly.
One bad review doesn't sink a product. A pattern does.
4. We score each product
Our score weighs specs, features and owner feedback against what you're shopping for. A shed that's great for bikes may score lower in a guide about riding mowers.
Scores spread out on purpose. A 10 is rare.
5. We keep pages up to date
Sheds and boxes change, and some disappear from stores. Makers also sell near-identical models under new names, so we check each pick and only link new units.
We skip products with a known recall. When we update a guide, the "Updated on" date at the top changes with it.
What our picks are not
Our picks are research, not hands-on trials. We don't claim to have assembled every shed or box we write about.
A shed that isn't level and anchored can shift or blow over in strong wind. Follow the maker's base and anchoring steps, and never keep fuel or chemicals where the maker says not to.