What Shed Size and Style is Right for Me?

Investing in a shed is a great idea for any homeowner. It allows you to add functional style to your yard for everything from storage to a specialty space.

However, a shed doesn’t work if you get the wrong style or size. Nobody wants a shed that hogs the whole lawn or one too petite to fit your lawnmower. It’s critical to find the right shed for you, your needs, and your space. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the right shed size.

Measure Your Yard

Do you know the exact square footage of your yard? Few homeowners know the exact dimensions of their yards. Break out the tape measure or other measuring tools and take a little time to learn exactly how large your space is.

Sheds come in a number of sizes such as 6×6, 7×5, 8×6, 10×6, 12×8, and as large as 16×24. This wide range in size means two things: 1. There is a shed that will work perfectly in your yard. 2. You need to ensure you have the space before you install one.

After your measure your whole yard, use stakes and string to map out a 6×6, 10×6, 16×24, or whatever size shed you’re thinking rectangular space. This will allow you to visualize how the prospective shed will interact with the rest of your space. It’s a great way to avoid mistakes and find the optimal shed for your home.

Think About Your Planned Use and Keep the Tape Measure Out

Your yard is far from the only spatial determinant on what type of shed you should invest in. In addition to ensuring the shed will fit in your yard, you need to be certain the shed will fit the belongings you want to store there.

Think about what the purpose of the shed is and what belongings that means storing. Then, take out the tape measure and start measuring these items. Start with larger pieces – grills, lawnmowers, snow blowers, ladders, work benches, shelves – then move to smaller considerations like wheelbarrows, generators, vacuums, power tools, and storage bins. You can use this data to calculate the square footage you require and compare it to available sheds or simply give yourself a better idea of how much room you’ll need. Remember to leave enough extra space to walk around and add more.

If you want to use your shed as a garage for jet skis or snowmobiles, these should be the top considerations, but don’t forget about the smaller items you want to add as well.

Learn About Shed Styles

Take a few minutes and examine the style of sheds available. Some styles, such as the Gambrel, include more “headspace” for taller items, while others like the Quaker have roof overhangs. These styles each come in a number of sizes, so that you can fit whatever you need to without sacrificing the look you desire.

Look at the styles of shed and ask yourself important questions. Would you prefer a single slope roof to sit flush against your fence or do you want a more elaborate structure to stand alone?

Don’t Forget About Doors and Ramps

When calculating the size of a prospective shed be sure to include any ramps or door clearance in your calculations. Ramps can add a couple of square feet and failing to account for a front or side door clearance may limit your shed’s functionality.

Always Go Larger

What size shed should you invest in? The simple answer is the largest one that will fit comfortably in your yard. People rarely complain about having extra space, but often are concerned about not having enough room for newly acquired items.

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