Adding a backyard shed is one of the best ways to get more storage and keep your property organized. But before you get started, one of the biggest questions you’ll need to answer is: what size shed do I actually need? Choosing the right dimensions is key to making sure your shed fits your property, your storage needs, and your future plans.
Step 1: Measure Your Available Space
Start by looking at the space where you’d like your shed to go. Use a tape measure to get the length and width of the area. Be sure to leave a little extra room around the shed for walking space, landscaping, or future expansion. If your shed will sit near a fence, keep in mind setback requirements that may apply in your city or neighborhood.
Pro tip: Mark out the shed’s footprint with stakes or spray paint. This will give you a visual sense of how much yard space the shed will take up before you commit to a size.
Step 2: Think About What You’ll Store
The size of your shed depends largely on what you want to put inside. Make a quick list of the items you plan to store, then group them by size. For example:
- Small items: garden tools, bins, sports equipment
- Medium items: bicycles, lawn mowers, wheelbarrows
- Large items: riding mowers, ATVs, seasonal furniture
If you’re storing only small garden tools, a 6’ x 8’ shed may be plenty. But if you need room for a riding mower or multiple large items, you’ll likely want something closer to 12’ x 16’ or larger.
Step 3: Plan for Growth
It’s easy to underestimate how much storage you’ll need in the future. Home projects, kids’ sports gear, or new hobbies often add more clutter than expected. Choosing a shed that’s one size larger than your current needs can save you from outgrowing your shed too quickly.
Step 4: Match the Shed to Your Lifestyle
Your shed isn’t just for storage—it can also be a workspace, hobby area, or even a backyard retreat. Ask yourself:
- Do I need shelving or a workbench?
- Will I want to store seasonal décor or bulky equipment?
- Do I want extra height for better organization?
Answering these questions will help determine if you need higher sidewalls, double doors, or even a custom layout to make the most of your space.
Step 5: Design Your Shed Online with Custom Shed Pros
Once you know the size and purpose of your shed, it’s time to bring your vision to life. With Custom Shed Pros’ online shed design tool, you can create the perfect shed right from your computer. Select the exact dimensions you need, then customize the colors, windows, doors, and accessories to match your style and specific needs. Whether you want extra windows for natural light, a double-door for easy mower access, or custom trim colors to match your home, the design tool makes it simple to see your shed before it’s built. Once you're finished designing your shed, you'll receive an immediate quote and be able to select a time for our crew to come and build your shed. We make the whole experience quick and easy.
Common Shed Sizes and Uses
- 6’ x 8’ – Perfect for garden tools and bikes
- 8’ x 10’ – Great for lawn equipment and small outdoor projects
- 10’ x 12’ – Ideal for families who need storage for multiple items
- 12’ x 16’ and up – Best for riding mowers, ATVs, or anyone wanting a workshop-style shed
Let Custom Shed Pros Build the Perfect Shed for You
Whether you need a compact storage solution or a spacious workshop, the team at Custom Shed Pros can design and build the perfect shed for your backyard. Our sheds are built on-site, customized to your needs, and built to last for years.