Choosing the right size shed is the single most important decision you’ll make when buying a garden building. Too small and you’ll be back shopping within a year; too large and you waste garden space and money. After nearly four decades supplying sheds across Birmingham and the West Midlands, we’ve seen both mistakes many times. This guide will help you work out exactly what size shed you need — and get it right first time.
Start with what you’ll store
Before looking at any dimensions, make a quick list of what the shed needs to hold. A shed purely for a lawnmower and a few tools has very different requirements from one that will house bikes, garden furniture over winter, or double as a workshop. Group your items into three rough categories: everyday-access items, seasonal storage, and large bulky items such as mowers or bikes.
What size shed do I need? Common sizes and what they suit
The table below maps the most popular shed sizes to the jobs they handle best:
| Shed size | Best for | Typical contents |
|---|---|---|
| 6×4 / 7×5 | Small gardens, basic storage | Tools, mower, a few odds and ends |
| 8×6 | The popular all-rounder | Tools, mower, bikes, shelving, room to step inside |
| 10×8 | Keen gardeners & larger families | Storage plus a workbench or potting area |
| 12×8 and up | Workshops & serious DIY | Workbench, power tools, room to move around |
Don’t forget headroom and the door
Floor area is only half the story. If you plan to stand and work inside, check the eaves and ridge height — an apex roof gives more central headroom than a pent roof. Equally, measure your largest item against the door opening: a ride-on mower or a wheelbarrow needs a wide single or double door, not a narrow single.
Measure your space properly
Measure the footprint available in your garden and then subtract a margin. You’ll want clearance around the shed for maintenance, airflow and treating the timber — ideally at least 30–45cm on the sides and rear. Also check that the route from the gate to the chosen spot is wide enough to actually deliver and install the building.
Buy slightly bigger than you think
If you’re torn between two sizes, the larger one is almost always the better long-term choice. Storage needs grow over time, and the cost difference between sizes is usually modest compared with the frustration of running out of room within a season or two.
When to consider a bespoke shed
If your garden is an awkward shape, or no standard size quite fits, a bespoke shed built to your exact measurements can make use of every inch. This is especially useful for narrow side returns, sloping ground, or corner positions where a standard rectangle wastes space.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular shed size?
The 8×6 is comfortably the most popular all-round size. It holds tools, a mower, bikes and some shelving, with enough room to step inside — suiting the majority of average gardens.
What size shed can I build without planning permission?
Most domestic sheds are fine under permitted development regardless of footprint, provided they stay within the height limits and other conditions. See our guide to shed planning permission for the full rules.
How much clearance should I leave around a shed?
Aim for at least 30–45cm around the sides and rear. This lets air circulate, keeps the timber dry, and gives you access to treat and maintain the building.
Should I size for now or for the future?
For the future. Storage needs almost always grow, and going one size up rarely costs much more — but downsizing later means buying a whole new shed.
Get expert help choosing
Our team is happy to talk through your space and storage needs and recommend the right size. Browse our full range of sheds, take a look at our garden storage options, or contact us for a free quote on a standard or bespoke building.