What Size Garden Shed Do I Need? Your Complete Guide
The most common shed mistake — and how to avoid it
If there's one thing we've learned in over 30 years of selling garden buildings, it's this: most people wish they'd bought a bigger shed. It's almost a universal experience — you measure the space, choose what seems like a practical size, and six months later you're struggling to fit everything in.
Choosing the right shed size isn't complicated, but it does require a bit of thought upfront. This guide will walk you through everything you need to consider, so you end up with a shed that genuinely works for your garden and your life.
Step 1: Think About What You're Storing
Before you measure your garden, make a list of what you actually need to store. Be honest and thorough — include everything, even seasonal items you might have forgotten about. Common shed contents include:
• Lawnmower (ride-on or push) — this is often bigger than people expect
• Garden tools — forks, spades, rakes, long-handled equipment
• Bicycles and cycling gear
• Power tools and workbench equipment
• Seasonal furniture cushions and garden accessories
• Children's outdoor toys and sports equipment
• Compost, fertilisers and potting supplies
• Pots, planters and growing equipment
Once you have your list, think about how you'll need to access these items. A shed where everything is stacked to the ceiling and you can't reach anything is barely better than no shed at all. You want to be able to walk in, move around, and access what you need without a major reorganisation each time.
Step 2: Measure Your Available Space
Now look at your garden. Identify where your shed will go — ideally on a flat, well-drained spot with access on at least two sides for maintenance and painting. Measure the available footprint carefully, and remember to consider:
• Clearance from fences and boundaries (at least 150–300mm for maintenance access and ventilation)
• Overhang from the roof — many sheds have eaves that extend 150–300mm beyond the shed walls
• Gate and path widths — can you actually get the shed panels through?
• Sunlight and shade — a south-facing position can make a shed uncomfortably hot in summer
Step 3: Understand Shed Size Naming
UK garden sheds are typically described in feet, when ordering be sure to check the width and depth are the way you want them. Some things to know:
• Nominal sizes are usually the external measurements — internal space will be slightly smaller
• Door width and position affects how useful the shed is in practice — check these details before buying
• Height matters — standard apex shed ridge heights range from around 1.8m to 2.4m
As a rough guide: a 6x4 or 6x6 shed suits basic garden tool storage. An 8x6 gives you room to move around and store larger items. A 10x8 or larger is needed for bikes, a workshop setup, or a dual-purpose space.
Step 4: Add Space for How You'll Use It
Will your shed be purely storage, or do you want to use it as a workspace? A potting shed, hobby space or DIY workshop needs considerably more room than a pure storage shed — you'll want to be able to work comfortably, with bench space, good light and room to move.
If you're thinking about a more substantial garden building — a log cabin, summerhouse or insulated garden room — we have a full range of those too, covering everything from leisure spaces to dedicated year-round home offices.
Our Recommendation
Whatever your budget, we'd always encourage you to buy the largest shed you can comfortably fit in your space. The cost difference between a 6x4 and an 8x6 is relatively modest — but the difference in usefulness is significant. You'll never regret having more space.
Browse our full shed range at Taylors Garden Buildings, or get in touch with our team if you'd like some personal advice. We've been doing this for over 30 years and love helping people find exactly the right fit.