An Introduction to Shed Sizes: Choosing the Right Size for You
If you are considering purchasing a shed, the options may seem overwhelming.
What options are available stylistically? What size shed should you buy? How can you be sure the shed you purchase isn’t too big or too small?
At Colorado Shed Company, sheds are our thing, so we put together this blog to answer some of those questions.
Let’s take a closer look at shed sizing and how to choose the right one for you!
Any type of storage shed is an investment. That means when you finally take the plunge and purchase a shed, you want it to meet your needs. To ensure that happens, we’ve broken sheds into three main size categories: small, medium, and large.
Within each category, we’ll explore some popular shed sizes so you can choose the perfect size for your requirements.
Small Sheds
Sheds under 90 square feet are considered small. These sheds are perfect for a bit of extra storage, some garden tools, a chicken coop, or even a small home office (if you’re willing to squeeze). Let’s take a quick look at some of the common options in this category.
6x8 – 48 sq. ft.
This shed size is probably most popular for making an excellent garden shed or small chicken coop. It’s also well-suited as a dedicated storage space for bicycles, seasonal items, and household overflow, helping maintain a tidy living environment.
Its manageable size makes it an ideal candidate for those with limited outdoor space, fitting well into smaller yards or gardens. It could also be converted into a child’s playhouse if you have kids or a dog house for your pet.
8x8 – 64 sq. ft.
8x8 sheds offer a bit more space while still being a compact option compatible with smaller yards. Like their smaller counterparts, these sheds are most commonly used for storing tools, garden supplies, seasonal items, bikes, small lawn care equipment, and similar items.
Though it offers more space than the 6x8, it still works best as a single-use shed.
What does that mean?
Let’s use this as an example: if you use it to store the inventory for your small business, you probably won’t want to use it as a hobby space as well. It’s only large enough to accommodate one type of storage or activity.
8x10 – 80 sq ft.
The largest shed in the small category, the 8x10 shed offers 80 square feet of usable space. Like its smaller counterparts, it’s well suited for storage and garden supplies. This size also works well as a small loafing shed for animals, a spacious yet compact chicken coop, and a greenhouse. However, it’s still a bit small to comfortably fit a riding mower, ATV, or other large recreational equipment, so if that’s how you’d like to use your shed, size up.
Medium Sheds
Medium sheds usually range between 90-120 square feet. These sheds can have a wide range of uses! Three of the most popular in the category are the 8x10, 10x10, and 10x12.
8x12 – 96 sq ft.
An 8x12 shed comfortably fits larger gardening or outdoor equipment like a riding mower, ATV, or golf cart. Just ensure you have a large enough door for whatever you’d like to store! And keep in mind, if you are using it to store medium-sized outdoor equipment like a riding mower, there won’t be tons of extra space.
It's also large enough for a small home office with room for monitors, a desk, and a filing cabinet. It's quite versatile, offering possibilities like a hobby nook, animal shelter, or pool house.
10x10 – 100 sq ft.
This symmetrical masterpiece offers plenty of space for a variety of uses. Its increased depth makes it well-suited for shorter spaces without sacrificing overall square footage. At an even 100 square feet, the shed can be used for anything from extra storage to a pet grooming studio to a personal library.
10x12 – 120 sq ft.
Considered highly efficient, a 10x12 shed offers ample space while maintaining a modest footprint. This size accommodates larger recreational items such as a standard kayak and can be repurposed as a backyard studio, home office, or hobby nook. In Colorado, it's also the largest shed you can install without a permit.
Large Sheds
Anything over 120 square feet is considered in the Large category. These sheds often require installation permits, so be sure to check your local or state laws before purchasing or installing a large shed.
12x12 – 144 sq ft.
At 144 square feet, the 12x12 shed is ideal for storing sizable items such as a recreational vehicle or a motorcycle (Reminder: make sure the door is large enough.) This spacious shed also serves well as a home gym, hobby space, she shed, or man cave. It's also a comfortable size to house small animals. Its versatility makes it suitable for many purposes and ample storage options.
10x16 – 160 sq ft.
A 10x16 shed offers many versatile uses. It’s a practical storage solution for garden tools, bikes, and seasonal items and can also be transformed into a dedicated workshop for DIY projects or crafting activities.
But let’s get a little more detailed with this one. What are some common items you could store together in a 10x16 shed?
These are all things you could store simultaneously in your 10x16 shed:
- Ride-on toy car
- Average-size riding mower
- Wheelbarrow
- Fuel can
- Charcoal grill
- With room for a workbench and some shelves!
Or, if you want to make your shed into snug guest quarters, you could fit:
- Two small bedside tables
- Queen bed
- Mini fridge
- Love seat
As you can see, by the time you get to a 10x16 shed, you can be quite flexible in how you use it. It’s just up to you to use your creativity!
12x16 – 192 sq ft.
At 192 sq ft., this shed offers ample storage space for four-wheelers, ATVs, riding mowers, and other equipment, with room to spare!
You could also store motorcycles and small vehicles based on design and height. Beyond storage, a 12x16 shed can serve diverse purposes, from a home gym, a backyard studio, a personal library, or even an animal shelter or loafing shed for horses or cows.
10x20 – 200 sq ft.
The 10x20 shed is popular in Colorado for an interesting reason: though it offers more square footage than other sheds (like a 12x16) it does not require a pilot car when transporting the shed. Alternatively some 12 ft. wide sheds require pilot cars when being transported.
Beyond that, the 10x20 never requires a building permit before being installed on your property.
In use, it is similar to sheds of comparable size.
Extra Large Sheds
As you might expect, shed sizes don’t stop at 200 sq. ft. However, once they are over this size, they are generally classed as extra-large sheds and need a building permit to install or build.
Extra-large sheds are popular on larger properties like farms or are often used in a business setting. They typically store larger items like riding mowers, side-by-sides, and 4-wheelers. They are also commonly used for hobby spaces or workspaces.
We won’t explore any specific extra-large sheds in this blog, but if you are interested in an extra-large shed, please contact us at Colorado Shed Company!
Choosing the Best Shed Size
Determining what shed size is best for you will depend on various factors and constraints. Here are ten things to consider when choosing a shed size.
1. Define the Purpose
Identify the primary purpose of the shed. Is it for storing tools, gardening equipment, and bikes, or is it serving as a workshop? Maybe you want a home office or a place for guests to stay. Knowing the intended use will guide you in determining what design and size you’ll need.
2. Take Inventory
Make a list of items you plan to store in the shed. Measure larger items and consider their dimensions. This will give you a better idea of the floor space and height required.
3. Consider Future Needs
Try to anticipate any future needs or potential growth in your storage requirements. It's often better to choose a slightly larger shed than what you currently need to accommodate future items.
4. Check Local Regulations
Be aware of any local regulations or zoning restrictions regarding shed sizes. Some areas have limitations on the size and placement of sheds, so ensure compliance with local laws.
5. Evaluate Available Space
Measure the available space in your yard where you intend to place the shed. Consider factors like setbacks, proximity to other structures, and the overall layout of your outdoor space. This can be especially important if you have a small yard and don’t want to overwhelm the space. Here’s a helpful general guide:
6. Factor in Workspace
If you plan to use the shed as a workspace or hobby area, ensure there's enough room for benches, tools, and other equipment without feeling cramped.
7. Think about Door Size
The size of the door is crucial, especially if you plan to store large items like lawnmowers or bikes. Ensure the door is wide and tall enough to accommodate your largest items.
8. Review Shed Styles
Different shed styles have different spatial arrangements. For example, a barn-style shed might offer more overhead space than a lean-to design. Choose a style that complements your needs, available space, and home aesthetic.
9. Consider Shelving and Organization
If you plan to add shelving or organization systems, factor in that space as well. Ensure there's enough room for storage solutions without crowding the interior.
10. Budget Constraints
Consider your budget for both purchasing and maintaining the shed.
Larger sheds typically cost more upfront and in terms of ongoing maintenance.
Consult with a professional if you're still uncertain about the best shed size or have specific requirements. Shed retailers or contractors can provide valuable insights based on your needs and the available space. By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a shed size that meets your current needs, accommodates potential future growth, and complies with local regulations.
Conclusion
We hope this blog helps you decide which shed size is best for your needs and space!
If you live in Colorado and need a high-quality shed, we’d love to hear from you! We offer various designs including
Browse our current inventory here!
Our sheds are all turnkey projects, fully engineered, and include a 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, get free delivery for the first 50 miles!
If you have questions or want to purchase your shed, get a free quote or call us today. We look forward to hearing from you!