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Sheds come in a wide range of sizes to suit compact, medium, and spacious gardens. They usually start at 4×4 feet for the smallest and go up to 12×12 feet or larger for bigger options. If you’re looking for something that’s neither petite nor grand, an 8×6 is a good middle ground. This guide explains in detail what 8×6 sheds are, our best BillyOh picks, and what activities you can do in such a space.
What Are 8×6 Sheds?
8×6 sheds are garden storage units that measure 8 feet in length and 6 feet in width—around 2.4 meters by 1.8 meters. Structures of this size are usually the in-between option for homeowners stuck between a small or larger shed, and for good reasons. They fit in medium-sized outdoor spaces without taking up too much square footage, plus they offer a good balance of space for storage or light activities.
8×6 sheds are available in wooden, metal, and plastic materials, depending on the manufacturer and the store you’re shopping at. To give you ideas on what you can expect, here at Garden Buildings Direct, we have 8×6 shed units for each material.
BillyOh Defender Heavy Duty Tongue and Groove Pent Shed
The BillyOh Defender offers a bespoke storage solution with a huge range of sizes, and the 8×6 is one of our customers’ top choices! True to its name, this wooden shed is built with a thickened shell of 15mm tongue and groove cladding that outlasts models with standard timber panels. It comes pressure-treated as standard with a 15-year BillyOh guarantee for long-lasting resilience. What’s more, with a 6’3” eaves height and double doors, this 8×6 shed feels more spacious and open.
BillyOh Top Woodgrain Apex Metal Shed
If you’re looking for an 8×6 shed that combines the look of wood with the benefits of metal, this BillyOh Top could be it! Its natural wood grain finish gives it a wooden shed feel, but it’s actually made from hot-dipped galvanised steel. This material is rust-resistant, dent-resistant, and an easy to maintain stress-free solution when it comes to maintenance. It’s a practical, low-maintenance option that’s also easy to handle.
BillyOh Ashford Apex Plastic Garden Storage Shed Including Foundation Kit Grey
The BillyOh Ashford provides loads of storage space with minimal maintenance required. Its tough plastic panels are supported by internal metal framing for added strength, and it comes with a steel foundation kit to keep the structure stable. The 8×6 size is just right for storing gardening tools and outdoor furniture when not in use. Among its fantastic features, it also has built-in air ducts that ensure proper ventilation. This helps maintain airflow inside, keeping your items safe from moisture damage.
Are 8×6 and 6×8 Sheds the Same?
No, they’re not the same. The numbers refer to the dimension, so a 6×8 shed is 6 feet long and 8 feet wide—basically the reverse of an 8×6. Basically, the 8×6 shed is deeper but narrower, and the 6×8 shed is wider but shallower. The floor space might be the same, but the layout and shape will differ.
Don’t mix them up, and make sure to double-check the size before you check out if you’re buying online!
What Can You Do With an 8×6 Shed?
Make the most of the available space with these ideas below:
Storage to keep your outdoor space clutter-free
A medium-sized shed gives you plenty of internal space to work with, unlike a smaller shed. This benefit allows for better organisation and a less cramped feel. Here are a few ‘what to store’ ideas to keep everything tidy:
- Rattan garden furniture: Aside from using furniture covers, an 8×6 shed can house your outdoor pieces from extreme weather, like heavy storms, strong winds, and those harsh winter months. There’s enough room for a couple of stacked chairs, folding tables, loungers, or even a 3-seater rattan sofa. While rattan furniture is built for outdoor use, it’s not invincible. Too much sun or rain can eventually cause cracks, splits, or make it brittle, so it’s worth taking extra care to keep it in good shape.
- Outdoor tools and equipment, including bulky ones: Hang tools like rakes, spades, forks, trowels, and a garden hose on hooks to free up floor space. You can also add wall shelves for smaller items like pots, cleaning supplies, or storage containers. Keep the corners for bulkier items such as a medium-sized lawn mower, bicycles, or even your BBQ grill.
- Seasonal decorations and others: Set aside space for bins to store your holiday decorations. Stack them to maximise floor space and label them so you can easily find what you need. Clear containers can also be handy for storing spare pots or bags of compost.
Tip: Consider using the ceiling and attach hooks to hang chairs, your kid’s bike, or fishing rods. This technique especially works for an 8×6 shed that has great headroom.
Garden workshop for your hobbies
An 8×6 shed could be the workshop of your dreams, giving you your own space to focus on hobbies without having to clear everything away when you’re done. You can set it up with all the tools, materials, and furniture you need.
Take inspiration from the smart design of the BillyOh Master Tongue and Groove Pent Shed workshop. They’ve nailed the layout with a pegboard for hanging tools and a mini side table that’s perfect for tinkering or repairs. If you’ve got some extra room, why not use it for storage too? Adding a few shelves, cabinets, or even more pegboards for more storage options.
You can read this guide to learn more about the benefits and pick up some organisation tips: Give Your Hobby a Home with a Garden Workshop
Home office for personal workspace
You can turn an 8×6 shed into a functional workspace if you know how to make the most of the space. Wall-mounted shelves, foldable furniture, and multifunctional pieces, like a desk with built-in storage, can work wonders. Adding windows or extra lighting can also make the shed feel bigger and brighter.
Make the most of the open layout, too. Take the BillyOh Switch Tongue and Groove Apex Shed, for instance. It lets you use every inch efficiently, fitting all your essentials into a compact setup. Plus, it offers an adaptable design, giving you full control over the placement of doors and windows!
Private gym to keep up with your fitness regimen
This shed size can absolutely work as a private garden gym. But you’ll need to get creative with your setup to maximise the space without overcrowding it.
A foldable treadmill, weight bench, and compact exercise bike would fit well. Free weights like dumbbells or kettlebells also don’t take up too much floor space. Resistance bands can be hung on hooks, and you can still have enough room for a mat and some space to stretch or do floor exercises.
Once you’ve got the setup that works for you, there are some exercises worth adding to your routine. And if you’re looking for more equipment ideas, check out this list of ‘What Equipment Do I Need for a Garden Gym’
Tip: If some of the gear from that list won’t quite fit in your 8×6 shed, you might be able to leave it outside, as long as your garden has room for it.
Round-up
The best thing about an 8×6 shed is how versatile it is; whether you’re using it for storage, a workshop, a workspace, or even a gym, you don’t have to sacrifice too much of your garden space.
It’s also the perfect size if you’re a first-time shed owner. It gives you just the right amount of internal space, not too small or too big for whatever you need. If you want something a bit more compact, a 6×8 shed might be a better fit.
Think a bigger shed might work for you? Have a look at our range of 12x10ft garden sheds for excellent options!
Up next on your reading list: The Benefits of Tall Garden Storage
