History of Lifetime Sheds

What is the story behind Lifetime storage sheds? Many people associate Lifetime with basketball systems, so it's a fair question. Lifetime Products began manufacturing storage sheds about 10 years ago, and now, they are commonly available at local hardware stores and through reputable online dealers. At that time, most storage sheds were metal or wood. Producing large, durable items from plastic, such as picnic tables, benches, and chairs, was relatively new.

Model History of Lifetime Sheds
Lifetime’s first storage shed model was 8 feet wide by 10 feet deep, and initially, they were only available in certain retail stores. Over time, they became a staple in stores like Lowe’s and Sam’s Club, and now, many neighborhoods in the U.S. have these sheds. Customers appreciate them for their attractive, maintenance-free design—no staining or painting needed, and their plastic construction resists rot and corrosion.

As time went on, Lifetime introduced more shed sizes, such as the 7-foot model. They also developed new accessories, including a tool corral and window shutters. The tool corral, designed for the shed’s corners, received mixed reviews due to its placement but is built with sturdy, powder-coated steel. The shutters, however, have been well-received for adding style.

Lighting Improvements
Originally, Lifetime sheds included only skylights along the roof ridge, which provided limited light on cloudy days. Battery-operated lights were briefly added but later discontinued due to quality issues. Today, many models offer multiple skylights or larger, bubble-style skylights, such as those in models like 60056 and 60005, allowing more sunlight. The side-entry sheds provide maximum natural light with a combination of skylights and windows on each side of the double doors.

Structural and Accessory Variations
Some Lifetime models differ mainly in their accessories. For example, models 60001 and 60005 are identical in size and structure, but the latter includes additional shelving and tool hooks. Lifetime also offers optional reinforcement kits like snow load kits for heavy snow areas and storm kits to strengthen sheds against high winds. These sheds can also be anchored to concrete slabs for added stability.

Looking to the Future
Lifetime continues to innovate, and we can expect to see more accessories, possibly battery-operated lighting options, and expanded size options beyond the current 8-foot and 11-foot widths. Lifetime also may explore ways to incorporate electricity options or storage solutions for bikes and other equipment.

Are you a pleased owner of a Lifetime shed? What do you think of Lifetime’s evolution in the storage shed market?