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How to Choose The Right Size Shed For Your Space

Sheds have become increasingly popular across the country as people are using them as remote work quarters or escapes from their busy households to relax and collect their thoughts. For many years, “she sheds” and “man caves” have been on the rise as special places to work, relax or entertain. These trends have elevated the humble shed to much more than a storage facility for lawn and garden equipment. Regardless of how you intend to use your shed, you’ll want to ensure it’s not so big that it dwarfs your lawn or so small that it won’t meet your needs a few years from now.

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Small Yard Shed

If your city yard is a quarter of an acre and your house takes up a significant portion, chances are you won’t have as much lawn and garden equipment as someone who lives outside of town on a few acres and lots of wide open space.

With a small yard, a standard 8ft. x 12ft. or 10ft. x 12ft. shed would be an ideal size, whether you use it as a storage space or as a place to work, relax or entertain. If your yard is small but you’d like a larger size than either of these two standards, check out a model with a second story. You’ll keep your footprint in check while doubling your interior space.

Medium Yard Shed

If your yard is between a half and full acre, it can nicely accommodate either a standard 8ft. x 16ft. shed or a 10ft. x 16ft. unit. That’s good because a larger lawn often means more lawn and garden equipment. Even if you store all your equipment in your garage, and you still want a quiet place to hang out, either of these sizes is a great choice. If you want even more shed space, consider a 2-story model.

Large Yard Shed

With a few acres in the country, you probably don’t need to worry about a large unit imposing on your lawn, so you’ve got lots of choices – one or more small- or medium-sized sheds in different places on your property, if you prefer, or a large shed.

A standard 10ft. x 20ft. or 12ft. x 20ft. shed would be considered a large shed and big enough to handle several pieces of lawn and garden equipment or several ATVs. Again, depending on how you want to use your shed, you can always look at 2-story units.

An Additional Consideration: Shed Construction Materials

Most sheds have not been designed or constructed as habitats, so if you’re considering using yours as place to work, study, relax or entertain, be sure to carefully check out the material content of any unit of interest to you. Many contain formaldehyde or other contents that compromise the environment for humans but are not a problem for storage. You’ll want to find a shed built from materials safe for habitation.