The size of the outdoor storage shed that you select can really affect the organization and utility of your backyard. Too small of a shed can be quickly overrun and too large of a shed can be an unnecessary expense and a waste of outdoor space.
So, what size outdoor storage shed do I require? This will depend on the type of object you want to store, space limitations, and whether it is for storage or as a workspace.
This information will help you understand shed sizes, what they are best suited for, and help you select the shed storage unit you need.
How Do I Choose the Right Outdoor Storage Shed Size?
Make a list of all the items you are going to put in the shed before selecting your shed. Take into account the following:
- Lawn mowers
- Garden tools
- Bicycles
- Outdoor furniture
- Gardening supplies
- Trash and recycling bins
- Sports equipment
- Seasonal decorations
- Pool equipment
- Power tools
- Snow blowers
- Shelving and storage containers
Think about how much you have in your portfolio now, but also what you might have in the future. Consider the purchase or storage of items in the next several years.
A good guideline is to determine how much area your property needs and then leave some headroom for walking and storing items. When items are not tightly packed, easier access to storage items.
Common Outdoor Shed Sizes
There are a number of sizes of outdoor storage sheds available, but some are more common for the home backyard.
4 x 6 Feet: Compact Storage
For minimal storage needs and if space is limited, a 4 x 6 outdoor storage shed is adequate.
Smaller gardening tools, hoses, hand tools, pots, outdoor fertilizers and accessories can fit in this size. With wall-mounted hooks or narrow shelving, you can make efficient use of the vertical space.
But, many times a 4 x 6 shed is too small for large lawn equipment or more than one bicycle.
6 x 8 Feet: A Versatile Choice
A 6 x 8 shed offers significantly more room for storage, and can fit into many homes' yards.
It can store gardening tools, bicycles, lawn equipment, storage boxes, shelving, seasonal items and much more. For homeowners who want a somewhat more sophisticated tool storage system than just a shed but do not require a shed that takes up a significant amount of space in their backyard, this size will be suitable.
An 8' x 6' house is a good compromise for many homes when it comes to space and outdoor area.
8 x 10 Feet: More Room for Equipment
Homeowners with greater storage needs will find an 8 x 10 outdoor storage shed to be the best choice.
Usually this size can be used on lawn mowers, bicycles, garden tools, outdoor furniture, tools or storage containers. It also offers adequate capacity for shelving and has a reasonable walking surface.
If you will need more storage or more space in the future then you may want to get an 8 x 10 shed rather than a smaller shed.
10 x 12 Feet: Large Backyard Storage
A 10' x 12' shed can have several functions, and it offers a great amount of storage.
It can also be used to store larger tools, bicycles, outdoor furniture, seasonal decorations, and organized shelving in addition to storing lawn and garden equipment.
This size could also work for a hobby room or small shed for a workshop, depending on local building codes and the type of shed designed.
What Shed Size Do I Need for a Lawn Mower?
When considering storage for a lawn mower, you should not only assess the mower itself, but also consider storage space.
Other considerations are the door opening, space around the equipment and room for other tools.
A small shed can be used for a push mower. A riding mower usually will need an ample size shed with a wide door with easy access to a ramp.
For those homeowners who want to store a riding mower, along with gardening tools and other equipment in an 8 x 10 shed or larger, this may be more suitable.
Make sure to measure the mower before buying a shed.
What Shed Size Do I Need for Bikes?
Bicycles are high cyclinders and can take up a lot of ground space when put out to store.
A 6 x 8 shed might be enough space for one or two bikes. If you have a few bicycles, kids bikes, bike tools and other outdoor gear, though, an 8 x 10 shed can make things easier.
Wall mounted bike racks can also help to free up floor space by getting bikes off the ground.
What Size Shed Do I Need for a Workshop?
If you want your shed for an outdoor workshop, you will need something bigger than just an outdoor shed.
A workshop should be large enough to accommodate:
- A workbench
- Tools
- Shelving
- Electrical equipment
- Materials
- Comfortable movement
If you are a small business man who just needs a space for working on small projects, an 8 x 10 shed could be the perfect choice. Sheds 10 x 12 or larger are much more flexible and could be ideal for larger projects.
Don't forget that the work space must have usable "floor" room, not just "volume".
Don't Forget Shed Height
Although size of the floor is significant, the height is not always given attention.
Using a taller shed means that you can fit shelves, hooks, overhead storage, and wall-mounted organizers. If you have a relatively small shed, but do need a lot of space for storage, then one of the ways you can achieve this is by using vertical space.
For instance, store all garden tools on the walls rather than the ground, such as hanging shovels, rakes, hoses and other tools.
When you're comparing sheds, you want to consider the exterior size, as well as the interior area that will be useful for your purposes.
Consider the Door Size
A sufficiently large shed can be made small in use if the shed door is too narrow.
When purchasing measure the largest item that will fit in. Riding lawn mowers, wheelbarrows, bicycles, snow blowers and large outdoor equipment are particularly important.
If you're moving large equipment in and out of the shed often, then you might need the wider double door.
Check Your Available Yard Space
The bigger shed you can pay for isn't the ideal shed for your home.
Before buying, make sure to take note of the space available. To install, maintain, drain and operate doors, allow enough clearance around the shed.
Local zoning, property limitations, HOA restrictions and building permit requirements should also be considered prior to installation. Requirements vary greatly in different locations and for different sized sheds.
Plan for Future Storage Needs
A frequent error is selecting a shed to fit what you need now, rather than for what you will need in the future.
Requirements for storage can grow with age. Maybe later, you'll buy more garden tools, bicycles, outdoor furniture, tools, or fall or summer decorations.
If space and financial constraints permit, selecting a shed that is just a bit bigger than what's needed now can also be more beneficial down the road.
But don't purchase a lot of space that you don't plan to use in reality.
Final Answer: What Size Outdoor Storage Shed Do I Need?
So then, how big of an outdoor storage shed do I require?
A 4 x 6 or 6 x 8 shed might be all that's needed if you have basic gardening tools and small outdoor items. An 8 x 10 shed is more versatile for storing lawn equipment, bicycles, and for general backyard storage. For those who require lots of storage, a workshop or for large equipment, then a 10 x 12 shed or bigger should be taken into consideration.
The size of the shed depends on the contents, the size of the yard, equipment size, organization plan and future requirements.
When buying, make an inventory list, make measurements on the largest items, make sure you can open the door and map out how you will utilize the interior room. Planning the size right from the start can make it easier to create a more efficient, well-organized and durable storage space for outdoor items.
