Figuring out the right size for a new outdoor structure basically comes down to two things: knowing exactly what you’ll use for now and thinking ahead about what you might need later. The best way to do this is to list absolutely everything you plan to put in there (or the activity you’ll do), and then immediately add about 20% more space for walking around and general breathing room. You need to plan ahead like this because almost everyone who buys one ends up wishing they had gotten a bigger one within a year. So, if you’re planning to store tools and equipment, you really have to map out every single item before you build a shed.
What’s the Point? Defining How You’ll Use It
The whole point of the structure totally determines how much floor space and ceiling height you need. A tiny spot for garden shears has totally different needs than a full-on workshop or an outdoor office.
What Are You Actually Doing In There?
- Just Storing Stuff: If it’s just for the basics—mowers, bikes, bins—mostly focus on the floor dimensions. Just make sure the door is wide enough so you aren’t fighting to get the biggest thing in. A 6×8 ft or 8×10 ft usually works fine for most typical homes.
- Working or Hobbies: If you plan on doing things inside, you need way more than just storage. You have to fit the workbench or table, plus have enough room to move around it comfortably, and have dedicated spots for materials and tools. Think about putting in windows for light, but remember that eats up wall space you might need for shelves.
- Office or Hangout: For these, you need enough space for furniture and easy pathways. Ceiling height is important here, too—a low ceiling feels awful and cramped if you’re spending hours working there.
Map It Out Before You Buy
Seriously, don’t commit to a size until you grab a tape measure and some graph paper (or whatever online tool you like) to sketch everything out. Before you settle on any size, you really have to start by getting detailed. Grab a tape measure and just list every single thing you plan to put inside, making sure you write down the height, width, and depth for all of it. Next, you need to actually sketch those items out on paper to see exactly how they fit together.
Thinking Ahead is Non-Negotiable
Not planning for growth is why people end up hating their new storage unit. You must go bigger.
- The 20% Buffer: After you calculate the minimum space you need, immediately tack on at least 20% more area. That margin covers new tools, those unexpected holiday decorations you bought, or any new hobby that pops up.
- Door Placement Matters: Where you put the door affects everything. A door in the middle means you need a wide central walkway. A door on the side maximises wall space for shelves but might make reaching the back harder. If you have anything wider than about 30 inches, double doors are a must.
Time to Make This Happen
Picking the right size now is going to save you so much pain and expense later when you realise you need an upgrade. Go take inventory of all your stuff this weekend, map out what you actually need for storage, and then call some local companies to start planning the perfect-sized structure.
