Why Everyone Is Talking About The Gorilla Shed From Costco (And Whether It's Worth Buying)

The Gorilla Shed brand has been creating something of a stir, and if you've been considering any of the endless possibilities for adding a shed to your backyard, you'll want to know whether it's worth buying. These are wooden constructions, with protective coatings on the walls and floors. The exteriors are primed and ready for painting. Depending on the model, shelves, a workbench, metal pegboard, and loft space are included, as are sliding windows with mesh screens.

On the smallest, the budget-friendly Imperial 8x8-foot Garden Tool Storage Shed, the door is wooden. On larger models (they go up to 12x16 feet) like the Elite Shed, the extra-wide doors are polyurethane foam for heat retention with a fiberglass skin for added strength and security. The Elite Shed has the added advantage of flexible door installation: either under the eaves or in the gable end.

Arguably the biggest feature with these sheds is that they are installed by Gorilla themselves, yet as you would expect from Costco, still retain competitive pricing. You may have seen top-rated DIY shed kits that can be put up in no time, but unless you have the skills and an extensive tool kit, larger models may not be practical for some. There can also be questions regarding what's included. One 10x16 shed we looked at doesn't include roof shingles. In addition, Gorilla Shed offers a 15-year warranty. It sounds like the kind of thing that might well be worth buying, but there are some caveats.

The most popular Gorilla Shed, based on reviews, is the Elite, and 234 ratings with an average of 4.1 is enough to give a balanced view. The majority think the shed itself is great, and they were happy with their purchase. There were complaints about product quality, but they are rare. Most problems were with delivery and installation. The claimed two to four weeks could extend to several months, and sometimes the workmanship was considered substandard.

It's important to note that Gorilla Shed will not do any groundwork. They expect a level plot to be prepared, so you'll need to consider which shed foundation options are best for your yard, and either do the work yourself or get someone in. The sheds are not available in all states, and Florida buyers need to purchase a separate installation permit before ordering. It's the homeowner's responsibility to arrange local permits if necessary or HOA approval, but that's true with any shed.

Gorilla Shed talks a lot about the material quality, weatherproofing, and the versatility of their products, and most customers seem to agree that they are worth buying. However, in addition to long delays, a number of people had delivery and installation rescheduled numerous times. Several also recommended keeping a close eye on installation contractors. When faults do occur, it can require persistence and patience to get them fixed.