With plastic designs continuing to win an increasing share of the UK garden storage market, a recent customer survey by the UK’s leading brand shows that 83% believe they offer major improvements over traditional wooden alternatives.

Keter is the world’s largest garden storage business and the UK brand leader in plastic garden sheds and outdoor storage containers. The company asked existing owners of resin products a series of questions comparing their product to traditional wooden sheds and storage units.

An astonishing 83% agreed with the statement that plastic garden sheds and patio storage boxes offer major improvements over traditional wooden alternatives.

The top three benefits for sheds were identified as:
1. Minimum maintenance (87%)
2. Long life (57%)
3. Easy to assemble (41%)

For plastic patio storage boxes the benefits were:
1. Minimum maintenance (75%)
2. Long life (48%)
3. Can be relocated in the garden with ease (43%)

83% of respondents said that they would recommend a plastic design to friends or family who were purchasing a garden shed, while – even higher - 90% said that they would recommend a plastic design for storage boxes.

Craig Saul, Marketing Manager for the Halesowen based Keter UK, said: “This research confirms that once people have experienced the benefits of resin the vast majority are likely to stay with that material in the future. They quickly recognise that it is virtually maintenance-free, doesn’t fade and is easy to clean and keep clean. With the advent of textured and rattan finishes, it’s designed to look good in your garden too.

“We recognise that some people will always prefer traditional materials such as timber but plastic is increasingly the material of choice. Tradition isn’t fixed. For example, when was the last time anyone played with a wooden tennis racquet at Wimbledon?”

Keter UK Limited emailed 680 existing customers in February 2011 and these results are based on a 22% response.

ENDS