What Size Shed Do You Actually Need? Here’s a Simple Guide
Let’s be honest—figuring out the right shed size is harder than it sounds.
Too small? You’ll regret it every time you open the door.
Too big? You waste money, time, and backyard space.
This simple guide will help you choose the perfect size for your shed—without the guesswork.
If you want to avoid frustration and wasted weekends, read on.
1. Think About What You’ll Store
Are you just putting away a lawn mower and a few garden tools?
Or are we talking bikes, seasonal furniture, maybe even a snow blower?
Make a list of everything you want to store now and in the next 1–2 years.
Most people forget about future needs—until it’s too late.
Quick tip: Group items by size or function to estimate how much floor space you’ll actually need.
2. Don’t Forget the Workspace
Even if storage is your main goal, most sheds become more than that:
- A mini workshop
- A place to repot plants
- A quiet “me zone”
Leave at least 2–4 ft² (0.2–0.4 m²) of open space if you plan to use your shed for more than just storing stuff.
Trust us—you’ll thank yourself later.
3. Check Local Rules and Setbacks
Before you finalize a size, check local building codes and restrictions:
- What’s the maximum shed size without a permit?
- How far does it need to be from your fence or house?
- Are there foundation requirements?
In many areas, sheds under 120 sq ft (10 m²) don’t need a permit. But always double-check with your municipality.
4. Leave Room to Move Around
You don’t want to crawl over boxes or fight with a stuck rake.
Plan for:
- At least 24 inches (600 mm) of walking space inside
- Easy access to shelves, bins, and doors
- Optional wall-mounted tools or vertical storage
Imagine walking into your future shed. Can you grab what you need in under 10 seconds?
5. Shed Size Breakdown (By Purpose)
Here’s a quick reference guide to common shed sizes and what they’re best used for:
| Size (inches) | Area (sq ft / m²) | Best for… |
|---|---|---|
| 60×48 (1500×1200 mm) | 20 ft² / 1.8 m² | Small garden tools, hoses, trash bins |
| 72×96 (1800×2400 mm) | 48 ft² / 4.32 m² | Lawnmower, bikes, general storage |
| 96×120 (2400×3000 mm) | 80 ft² / 7.43 m² | Tools, shelving, small workbench |
| 120×144 (3000×3600 mm) | 120 ft² / 7.2 m² | Workshop, sports gear, larger equipment |
| 144×192 (3600×4800 mm) | 192 ft² / 17.28 m² | Hobby space, garden hub, serious DIY setup |
Pro tip: Don’t just go by the floor area—think vertical too. Our shed plans include space-smart wall layouts.
6. Choosing the Right Plan Is 80% of the Work
Once you know the size you need, building gets way easier:
- No overbuying materials
- No wrong cuts
- No endless back-and-forth decisions
With a clear plan, it’s just step-by-step execution.
At CraftFrame, we design shed plans that make the process painless—even for first-timers.
From the first screw to the final nail, everything’s laid out. Clean, simple, buildable.
Final Thought
The right shed size isn’t just about what you own today—it’s about how your space supports your life tomorrow.
Measure smart, plan ahead, and don’t settle for “maybe it fits.”
Your backyard (and your future self) will thank you.
