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When you know what shed size you need, it narrows down your options from the many dimensions available in the market. But how do you know you’re getting the right measurement, and will it fit in your outdoor space? Use this guide to help you estimate before you invest in or build a shed.
3 Common Garden Shed Sizes
Sheds can be categorised into three standard sizes: small, medium, and large.
Small sheds
The general specifications for small shed units range from 4×4, the smallest, to 8×8 feet. Anything larger can be considered “medium,” which we’ll talk about more later. Small sheds are compact and designed for storing tools and equipment, such as gardening kits and hoses. Most come with in-built wall shelving to maximise the space — these can also be installed if you’re taking the DIY route.
A small shed in this size range might be suitable if you have limited outdoor space. Take this small wooden shed model, for instance. It’s available in various sizes, with the smallest option being 4×4. It has a simple structure with a pitched roof, a single door, and an interior with a couple of shelves for organising items.
Despite its petite size, there’s enough storage for your outdoor essentials but not enough for bulky items like a lawnmower and wheelbarrow stored together.
Medium sheds
The size range for medium sheds is 8×8 to 12×12 feet — bigger structures that offer more storage capacity than smaller sheds. They may feature wide-opening double doors to fit large garden furniture or workshop items with ease, plus a spacious interior.
Have a look at this medium-sized shed unit, the BillyOh Master T&G Pent Shed, for reference. The layout makes efficient use of the available space both for storage and work purposes. You can see a workbench on the left side with a wall-mounted tool organiser above it. A lawnmower and a generator are placed on the right side, along with extra shelving. A cabinet is also positioned against the back wall, while the centre or middle part of the interior is left open for easy movement.
A medium shed might be your best bet if you have enough space in your garden and need to store a lot of equipment.
Large sheds
The larger the shed, the better, especially if you have ample space in your garden and really need it. Anything larger than 12×12 is technically a large shed, and this dimension can go up to 20×23 feet or even larger.
With this kind of square footage, you can use the structure beyond for more than just storage. It could serve as a workshop, shed gym, or living space. If used primarily for storage, you could fit small tractors, ATVs, 4-5 bikes, lawn furniture, and your trusty gas BBQ. The dual entrance of this BillyOh Expert model, for one, makes it easy to access these items in and out.
Planning Permission for a Shed
Once you’ve decided on a shed size, consider the corresponding planning permission rules for that dimension. Here’s what the general rules look like in the UK:
- Shed height: to avoid the planning permission process, your shed must be less than 2.5m tall. Most sheds on the market will come under this threshold. This has the unfortunate side effect of causing low ceiling and door heights. (Sorry, tall people!)
- Ground space: The property must keep at least 50% of its original outdoor space from when it was built. (And really, who would want a shed to take up more than half their garden?)
- Building usage: The shed can’t be used as a domicile.
So when it comes to choosing your shed size, the main one you need to worry about is how much of your garden it will take up. To enjoy your garden properly, you wouldn’t really want to lose more than 30% of your ground space.
Keep in mind that these rules may vary by local authority. Check our guide, ‘Planning Permission For Your Garden Building,’ to learn more.
Other Considerations for Shed Size
Door and ceiling height
Taller people might want to check out the door height specification on their shed purchase. With some models having just 5 feet of door height, it is likely they will have to duck every time they enter and leave the building. Also, be sure to check the internal ceiling height at its highest and lowest points.
Plan how you will use it
With sheds being used for everything from DIY to dance studios, consider how many metaphorical cats you want to swing. If the primary use is not storage or workshopping, perhaps another kind of garden room would be more suitable than a traditional shed.
How much work it will take to build
The larger your shed, the longer it will take to assemble it. This is less of an issue for metal sheds and plastic sheds, which are very simple to put together. Wooden sheds, however, require much more work and typically involve drilling and hammering. While most sheds consist of modular panel walls, log cabin sheds take the most work of all due to their log-by-log construction. Nevertheless, they are a popular option due to their sturdiness and insulating qualities.
Round-up
If you don’t have many items to store or have limited area to fit in a garden room, a small shed will do the job. For something between small and large, choose a medium-sized model; opt for a larger one if you have bigger demands.
Be sure to measure your garden space before making a purchase! It’s also wise to choose a unit slightly larger than you think you need to avoid running out of storage space. For instance, if you think a 4×4 shed size would work, consider going for a 6×6 instead.
While you’re here, check out our range of garden sheds for sale, including plastic and metal sheds, all available in various sizes. Up next on your reading list: Would You Buy Someone a Shed for Christmas? Here’s Why It’s Actually a Great Idea
