By Craig Davison, Director, Lichfield Garden Buildings
Quick answer: A 6x4 shed suits garden tools and a small mower. An 8x6 shed is the most popular all-rounder, with room for a mower, bikes and shelving. A 10x8 shed gives space for a workbench or a lot of storage. If you're torn between two sizes, go one size bigger, as most people fill a shed faster than they expect.
I've been selling sheds for 14 years and been involved in more than 1,000 garden building sales. "I wish I'd gone bigger" is something we hear far more often than "I wish I'd gone smaller". This guide will help you get it right first time.
Shed sizes compared
Shed sizes are given in feet, width by depth. The figures below are the nominal size. The real size varies by maker, so always check the measurements on the product page.
| Size | Approx. floor area | What fits | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6x4 | About 2.2 m² | Hand tools, a small push mower, garden chairs | Small gardens, patios, basic tool storage |
| 7x5 | About 3.3 m² | A mower, tools and a few shelves | A step up for small gardens |
| 8x6 | About 4.5 m² | A mower, two bikes, shelving, garden furniture in winter | Most family gardens |
| 10x8 | About 7.4 m² | All of the above plus a workbench or ride-on mower | Hobby space, workshops, big storage needs |
| 12x8 and up | About 8.9 m² and up | A proper workshop or storage plus seating | Workshops, potting sheds, multi-use |
6x4: the compact choice
A 6x4 shed is great for hand tools, a strimmer, a small mower and a few bags of compost. It fits down the side of a house or in the corner of a small garden. The catch is that you won't have much room to walk inside. If you want to store bikes or furniture, it will be tight.
8x6: the most popular size
For most families, 8x6 is the sweet spot. You can park a mower, hang tools on the wall, fit shelving and still store a couple of bikes. It's big enough to walk into and find things, but small enough for most gardens. If you only buy one shed, this is usually the size I'd point you to first.
10x8: room to work
A 10x8 shed changes what the building can do. You can fit a workbench under the window and still keep storage at the back. It suits DIY, hobbies, a potting bench, or a household with lots of bikes and garden kit. Look at our workshops and potting sheds if you want a building designed for working in.
How to choose the right size
1. List what's going in
Write down everything you want to store. Measure the big items: mower, bikes, barbecue, garden furniture. Then add space to walk in and reach things.
2. Measure the space in your garden
Mark the shed's footprint on the ground with string or canes. Leave room all the way round so you can reach every wall to treat the timber. Check that the door can open fully and that you can get a mower in and out.
3. Think about the door
Single doors suit tools. Double doors make bikes, ride-on mowers and wheelbarrows much easier. Check where the door sits on the building, as it changes how you use the inside.
4. Check the headroom
An apex roof gives the most headroom in the middle. A pent roof slopes one way, which suits fences and boundaries but means a lower back wall. Compare apex sheds and pent sheds to see the heights.
5. Check height and planning
In England, a shed within 2m of a boundary usually needs to be no more than 2.5m tall overall. Most sheds are well under this, but tall apex sheds and workshops are worth checking. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different rules. Read our planning permission guide for more.
Wooden, metal or concrete?
Size isn't the only choice. We sell timber sheds, metal sheds and concrete garages and stores. Metal and concrete need less upkeep. Timber is easier to fit shelves and hooks to. Read metal vs wooden vs concrete sheds for a full comparison.
Don't forget the base
A bigger shed needs a bigger base. The base should usually match the floor size of the building. Read what base do I need for a shed before you order, so the ground is ready on delivery day.
Common sizing mistakes
- Measuring the garden but not the items. A ride-on mower or cargo bike can be longer than you think.
- Forgetting the overhang. The roof often sticks out past the walls. Check the overall size, not just the floor.
- No room for maintenance. If a shed is jammed against a fence, you can't treat the back wall.
- Buying for today. Kids grow, hobbies change and bikes multiply. A little extra space now saves buying a second shed later.
Browse our full range of garden sheds to compare sizes, roof styles and door options.
FAQs
What is the most popular shed size in the UK?
8x6 is one of the most popular sizes. It fits most gardens and has room for a mower, bikes, tools and shelving.
Will a lawn mower fit in a 6x4 shed?
A small push mower will usually fit, along with hand tools. Larger mowers, bikes or garden furniture will be a squeeze, so an 8x6 is a safer choice.
Is a 10x8 shed big enough for a workshop?
Yes, for most hobby work. A 10x8 shed fits a workbench and storage. If you need machinery or more working space, look at 12x8 and larger workshops.
Are shed sizes exact?
No. A "6x4" or "8x6" is a nominal size. The real width and depth vary between makers, so always check the measurements on the product page.
How much space should I leave around a shed?
Leave enough room to walk round and treat every wall, and for the door to open fully. Check the overall size including the roof overhang.
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