What Size Shed Do I Need? A Guide to Choosing the Right Shed

If you're in the market for a shed, one of the biggest questions you'll face is: "What size shed do I need?" It’s a simple question, but the answer can get complicated quickly. A shed isn’t just a place to toss your lawn mower — it’s a long-term storage solution, a possible workshop, or even a future home office or retreat. Choosing the right size can make all the difference between loving your shed... or outgrowing it way too fast.

At Eagle Ridge Barn Builders, we’ve seen it all — and we’re here to help you make the right call. Below, we’ll walk you through popular sizes, give visual examples, and share practical tips on how to decide what’s best for your needs.

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🔹 Popular Shed Sizes & What Fits in Them

1. 8x10 Shed – The Compact Solution

This is a great starter size for homeowners looking for a small footprint with useful space. It fits comfortably in most backyards and is ideal for:

• A small lawn mower
• A few yard tools
• A stack of boxes or plastic storage bins

Visualization: Think of it like the size of a walk-in closet. Great for tidying up the yard, but don’t expect to walk around much inside once it’s full.

2. 10x12 Shed – The Backyard Utility Champ

A step up in both width and depth, this is one of our most popular sizes. It gives you that little extra room that makes a big difference.

• Push or riding mower
• Yard tools and shovels on the wall
• Two bicycles
• Extra seasonal decorations

Visualization: About the size of a small bedroom. Enough space to walk in and move around while keeping your things organized.

3. 10x16 Shed – Serious Storage & Workspace

Now we’re talking. This shed gives you real room to stretch — both in terms of walking space and storage potential.

• Lawn mower, ATV, or motorcycle
• Workbench with tool wall
• Wall shelving
• Gardening or DIY project zone

Visualization: This is roughly the size of a parking space, with room to spare. It’s also a great option if you’re thinking about future hobby or workshop use.

4. 12x20 Shed – Small Garage Alternative

A 12x20 is about the size of a one-car garage, and opens up a whole new world of use cases. This size can comfortably hold:

• Two ATVs or motorcycles
• A workbench and full set of tools
• Seasonal décor and furniture storage
• Bicycles, yard tools, and more

Visualization: This shed feels open. It gives you room to walk, work, and organize — or even use part of it as a home gym, office, or man cave.

5. 12x24 Shed – Extra Room for Long-Term Flexibility

Think of this as the 12x20 with a bonus storage section. That extra 4 feet can go a long way!

• Park a small car or riding mower
• Add shelving along the back wall
• Still have room for a workbench, bicycles, tools, and even a freezer

Visualization: Roomy, efficient, and versatile. If you want storage now and workspace later, this is the size to aim for.

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🧠 How to Visualize Shed Size Before You Buy

Still not sure? Here are some quick ways to get a better sense of the space:

✅ Use Your Garage for Reference

A standard one-car garage is about 12x20. If your garage feels “tight” with your car inside, that gives you a sense of how much space you’ll need for similar-sized storage.

✅ Tape It Out on Your Lawn

Take a measuring tape, four stakes, and some string or even a garden hose. Outline the shed dimensions on your yard, step inside the outline, and imagine shelves, bins, or equipment where they’d go.

✅ Lay Out Your Storage Items

Stack your lawn mower, bicycles, bins, and tools in a group outside. Measure the space they take up — then give yourself a little extra walking room and wall space.

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⚠️ Don’t Regret Going Too Small

If there’s one thing we hear often from shed buyers, it’s this:

“I wish I had gone a little bigger.”

No one regrets going bigger — but many regret going too small. When you’re investing in a high-quality shed that can last a lifetime, it’s worth thinking ahead. You might only need space for a mower now, but in five years, that shed might be your workshop, your storage overflow, or even your side business HQ.

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💡 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Shed Size

• Balance budget, size, and long-term need — going slightly bigger often makes more sense than having to replace or upgrade later.
• Look at the layout, not just the square footage — a lofted barn might give you more vertical storage.
• Think about access and maneuverability — don’t pack it wall-to-wall; leave walking space.
• Check HOA or city codes — you might be limited in height or square footage in some areas.

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🏠 Built to Last — The Eagle Ridge Difference

Not all sheds are created equal. If you’re storing expensive tools, finishing out the interior, or considering long-term use, you want a shed that’s built like a house — not like a box store kit.

At Eagle Ridge Barn Builders, our sheds are:

• Built with 16” on-center framing
• Include highest quality finishing materials in the market
• And Most Styles Backed by a lifetime warranty against leaks and decay

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📏 Ready to Find Your Perfect Fit?

Whether you need a tidy 8x10 or a spacious 12x24, we’re here to help you figure it out. Browse online, or give us a call — we’ll walk you through all the options.

And remember: a great shed today can be your favorite space tomorrow. Choose wisely, and it’ll serve you for decades.

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