Ask anyone who owns a shed what they’d change, and the answer’s nearly always the same: “I wish I’d gone bigger.” Sheds fill up fast. But go too big and you’ve lost half the lawn. Here’s how to land on the right size first time.
Start with what’s going in
Make a quick list of everything you want to store, today and in a couple of years. The mower, bikes, tools, garden furniture over winter, the kids’ outdoor toys, the barbecue. Then add a bit for the things you haven’t thought of yet.
UK shed sizes at a glance
| Size (feet) | Approx. metres | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 4×3 | 1.2 x 0.9m | Hand tools, hose, a few pots |
| 6×4 | 1.8 x 1.2m | Mower, tools, folding chairs |
| 7×5 | 2.1 x 1.5m | A bike or two plus garden kit |
| 8×6 | 2.4 x 1.8m | The family all-rounder |
| 10×8 | 3.0 x 2.4m | Storage plus a workbench |
| 12×8 | 3.7 x 2.4m | Workshop or hobby space |
Tip: Shed sizes are usually rounded, and sometimes refer to the base rather than the roof. Always check the external footprint, including the overhang, before you buy.
How to measure your garden properly
- Mark out the shed’s footprint with string or canes.
- Add at least 60cm on any side you need to reach, for treating the timber and clearing leaves.
- Check where the door opens and that you can get a mower or bike in and out easily.
- Look up: overhanging trees drop sap and leaves, and roots make a level base harder.
- If you’re close to a boundary, check the height limits. More in our planning permission guide.
Our size picks
A great 7×5
Forest Garden 7×5 Apex Wooden Shed
Room for bikes and tools without taking over a small garden. Two windows make it a nice space to potter in.
- Popular family size
- Two windows
- Apex roof
A roomy 10×8
WALTONS 10 x 8 Overlap Storage Shed
A 10×8 gives you space for a workbench along one wall and storage along the other. A real step up.
- Space for a workbench
- Apex roof
- Great value per square foot
A workshop-sized 12×8
WALTONS 12 x 8 Overlap Windowless Storage Shed
No windows means more wall space for shelving and better security. Ideal for a serious workshop or bulky gear.
- Masses of wall space
- Secure, windowless design
- Apex roof
Bigger than 12×8?
Once you’re past 12×8 and you want to spend time in it, not just store things, a log cabin or garden office might be a better fit. They’re built for comfort, with thicker walls, bigger windows and better floors.
Still stuck?
Go one size up if your garden allows. You’ll very rarely regret it. Then have a look at our round-ups of the best small sheds and the best 8×6 sheds.
