How to select the best size shed for your home, lifestyle, & family
Every day, we match folks with the perfect sheds for their needs. The first question most people ask is: How do I choose the right size shed?
Over 50 years of experience has taught us that shed size selection often comes down to three main factors: property, purpose, and possibilities.
Find the Perfect Shed Size for Your Needs
Property
Baseline shed sizes & what they can hold
Your new shed should complement your property and also be able to handle the equipment needed to maintain it. Identify your home type from the choices below to find the ideal size range and best baseline shed dimension to use as your starting point. We also include a helpful list of items each starter size holds well.
WHAT FITS INSIDE AN 8×12 SHED? EQUIPMENT FOR A SMALL YARD:
- Push Mower
- Rake & Shovels
- Tool Box
- Flower Pots
- Watering Can
- Gas Can
- 1-2 Bikes
- Hose
- String Trimmer
We always design for access as well as storage capacity. All our suggestions account for a minimum of 3 feet of clearance around the shed’s main pathway. The dimensions listed are just the beginning! Explore our custom shed models for more options within each category.
WHAT FITS INSIDE A 12×16 SHED? EQUIPMENT FOR A LARGER YARD:
- Small Riding Mower & Snow Blower
- Rakes, Shovels, & Hand Tools
- Tool Cabinet
- 3-4 Bikes
- Lawn Furniture or Gas Grill
- String Trimmer
- Leaf Blower
- Flower Pots
- Trash Can
We always design for access as well as storage capacity. All our suggestions account for a minimum of 3 feet of clearance around the shed’s main pathway. The dimensions listed are just the beginning! Explore our shed models for more options within each category.
WHAT FITS INSIDE A 14×20 SHED? SERIOUS YARD EQUIPMENT:
- Riding Mower or Small Tractor
- Rakes, Shovels, & Hand Tools
- Built-in Workbench
- ATV/Motorcycle & Several Bikes
- Lawn Furniture
- Power Tools
- Ladders
- Wheel Barrow
- Gas Grill
We always design for access as well as storage capacity. All our suggestions account for a minimum of 3 feet of clearance around the shed’s main pathway. The dimensions listed are just the beginning! Explore our shed models for more options within each category.
Small Yard
WHAT FITS INSIDE AN 8×12 SHED? EQUIPMENT FOR A SMALL YARD:
- 1-2 Bikes
- Gas Can
- Hose
- String Trimmer
- Push Mower
- Rake & Shovels
- Tool Box
- Flower Pots
- Watering Can
- Gas Can
An Acre Plus
WHAT FITS INSIDE A 12×16 SHED? EQUIPMENT FOR A LARGER YARD:
- 3-4 Bikes
- Lawn Furniture or Gas Grill
- String Trimmer
- Small Riding Mower & Snow Blower
- Rakes, Shovels, & Hand Tools
- Tool Cabinet
- Leaf Blower
- Flower Pots
- Trash Can
Large Acreage
WHAT FITS INSIDE A 14×20 SHED? SERIOUS YARD EQUIPMENT:
- ATV/Motorcycle & Several Bikes
- Lawn Furniture
- Power Tools
- Riding Mower or Small Tractor
- Rakes, Shovels, & Hand Tools
- Built-in Workbench
- Ladders
- Wheel Barrow
- Gas Grill
We always design for access as well as storage capacity. All our suggestions account for a minimum of 3 feet of clearance around the shed’s main pathway. The dimensions listed are just the beginning! Explore our shed models for more options within each category.
PURPOSE
Adjusting for lifestyle & storage
Now that you have a baseline shed size in mind, let us take your specific storage needs into account. Many items people house in sheds take up more room than you might imagine, especially when you factor in access. The proper size shed allows enough room for you to stow and retrieve your items without having to rearrange everything inside during the process!
IF YOU INTEND TO MAKE YOUR NEW SHED A HOME FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING, CONSIDER GOING 1-2 SIZES UP FROM THE BASELINE (INSTEAD OF A “BIGGER 12×16, YOU MAY NEED A 12×18 OR A 12×20):
Riding Mower with Bagger
Equipment & Large Ladders
Generators & Window AC Units
Seasonal Storage & Decorations
Kayaks & Sporting Goods
Multiple off Road Vehicles
It is important to mention that shed dimensions go upward as well as outward. When storing taller items like kayaks or ladders we suggest choosing a design with additional overhead clearance, such as the Brunswick with its gambrel roof or theLexington with an additional foot of wall height. To keep seasonal items out of the way, you may consider adding a loft above to maximize overhead space.
PURPOSE
Specialty use & hobbies
We know sheds are not just for stuff! When it comes to what you can do with your shed, your imagination is the limit. You may wish to devote your new building to a hobby or craft. Perhaps you have a specific purpose in mind, like a pool house or a serving shed for cookouts. If so, you may wish to adjust the dimensions a size or two up from the recommended baseline.
SOME SHED TRANSFORMATIONS THAT BENEFIT FROM ADDITIONAL ROOM INCLUDE:
Workshop, Artist Studio, Hobby Shed
designed for your unique passion.
Pool House or Cabana
for pool supplies and a changing area too.
Backyard Entertaining Hub
can even include a bartop and serving window.
She Shed, Man Cave, Clubhouse
or personal backyard retreat.
Garden Shed / Potting Shed
pot your plants inside and protect them overwinter.
Stand-Alone Office
for extra peace and quiet when working from “home.”
POSSIBILITIES
Room for the future
Your new shed will be part of your property for a lifetime. When making your final size selection, there is no need to box yourself in. We recommend embracing the possibilities and giving yourself, your family, and your hobbies some growing room. We promise that down the road you will really appreciate the extra space! If you have something larger than our standard sizes in mind, talk to us about designing a custom shed or larger building just for you. When it comes to building your dream shed, let’s dream big!
Next Steps
Now that you know what size shed is just right for you, it is time for the really fun part: picking a style and layout, and adding the customized touches that will make your shed truly yours. For more shed-spiration, browse our styles page, play with some designs using our 3D Shed View Tool, or visit us in person. It would be our pleasure to build you the shed of your dreams.
