One of the questions we get asked most often is: "what size shed do I actually need?" It's an easy thing to underestimate, and a shed that's too small is one of the most common regrets we hear about after the event. Here's how to think it through before you order.
Start with what's going in it
Rather than picking a size first and hoping things fit, list out what the shed needs to hold: bikes, a mower, garden tools, bins, a workbench, seasonal furniture. Lay it out roughly on the ground with a tape measure, or mark it out with string, so you can see the real footprint rather than guessing.
Add room to move
A shed packed wall-to-wall with no walking space is hard to use day to day. As a rule of thumb, add at least 60-70cm of clear floor space so you can actually get to what's at the back without unpacking the front first. If you want a workbench as well as storage, you'll usually need a step up in size from what you'd think.
If you're torn between two sizes, it's almost always worth sizing up. The cost difference between adjacent sizes is usually modest compared to the cost of the shed itself, and "I wish I'd gone bigger" is a far more common regret than the opposite. You can browse our full size range in Garden Sheds, or if you need something larger with more headroom, our Log Cabins and Garden Offices ranges are worth a look too.
Check what your garden allows
Before you fall in love with a size, check it will actually fit — not just the footprint, but the access route to get it there, and how close it can sit to your boundary. Most garden buildings don't need planning permission, but there are size and position rules that affect this, so it's worth reading our planning permission guide first. You'll also want a suitable base ready before delivery — see our guide on choosing and preparing a base for what's needed for different building types.
Still not sure?
If you're stuck between sizes, get in touch — we're happy to talk through what you need it for and recommend a size, and you're welcome to visit our display site to see the real thing before you decide. You can reach us via our contact page.