Quick answer
A good workshop shed has room to work round a bench, wide doors for machinery and materials, plenty of light and a frame strong enough for shelving and tools. Think about power and insulation early if you will use it all year.
A workshop is a shed you spend time in, not just store things in. That changes what matters: light, headroom, how easily you can get long timber or a workbench through the door, and whether you can make it comfortable in winter.
Who a workshop shed suits
- Woodworkers, bike and motorbike tinkerers, model makers and crafters.
- Tradespeople who need secure space for tools and materials at home.
- Anyone outgrowing a garage corner or a standard shed.
What to look for in a workshop shed
- Size: 10x8 is a sensible minimum for a bench plus storage. See our 10x8 sheds and sizes guide.
- Doors: the Suresheds Wharfedale has 1500mm double doors as standard, with an optional extra side door.
- Light: more windows mean better light to work by. The Shedlands Hobby has two front and two side windows.
- Frame: shelving and wall-hung tools need a sturdy frame. See heavy-duty sheds.
- Power and insulation: some buildings, like the Suresheds Ingleton Lodge and Settle Cottage, include a vapour barrier, which helps if you plan to insulate. Read insulated sheds with electricity before you plan the wiring.
- Base: machinery is heavy, so the base needs to be solid and level. See our base guide and matching base kits.
Workshop sheds we sell
- Suresheds – Wharfedale Workshop: built as a workshop: 3"x2" frame, double doors, 3 or 4 pane workshop windows, apex or pent, up to 24x12.
- Shedlands – Hobby Shed: apex shed with windows front and side, works as a workshop or storage.
- Shedlands – Hobby Plus Verandah Shed: the Hobby with a 2ft 6in veranda for covered space outside the door.
- Shedlands – Heavy Duty 50x50mm Framed Building: Shedlands' heavy duty range, ideal for workshops, apex or pent.
- Power Sheds – Power Premium Apex Shed: pressure-treated 58x44mm frame, sizes up to 20x10.
- Sovereign – The Cumbria Robust Apex Shed: 914mm wide joinery door, bench staging and 44x44mm framing.
- Suresheds – Ingleton Lodge: metre-wide security-hinged door, vapour barrier and rubber roof.
- Suresheds – Settle Cottage (Composite): composite cladding that never needs painting, vapour barrier fitted so it is ready to insulate.
- Lifelong Apex Shed - 12ft Wide: steel apex up to 12ft wide, fitted by Lifelong's own team.
Before you order
- Measure your space and leave room to walk round the building. Our shed sizes guide explains nominal and actual sizes.
- Every timber building needs a firm, level base. See choosing and preparing a base.
- Check the height rules with our planning permission checker, especially if you are close to a boundary.
- Want a price for a building plus extras in one go? Use Build Your Quote.
- Want somewhere to work at a desk instead? See our garden office guide.
- Browse the full range in garden sheds.
Common questions
What size shed do I need for a workshop?
For a bench plus storage, 10x8 is a good starting point. If you use machinery or work on bikes, go bigger so you can move round all sides of the bench.
Can I put electricity in a workshop shed?
Yes, but it must be installed safely by a qualified electrician. Our insulated sheds with electricity guide explains what is involved.
Size up your workshop in person
Our Display Site at Buzzards Valley, Tamworth, Staffordshire B78 3EQ is open 7 days a week. You can drop by any day to walk round the buildings, or book a time. We are not on site every day and what is on show changes, so call 01543 398778 if you would like someone there or want to see something in particular. You can also WhatsApp us a photo of your garden and we will help you choose. More help in our Guides & Advice.
Sizes, specifications and options vary by model, so always check the product page before you order.