Choosing the right shed size depends on what you plan to store, how much room you need to move around, and whether you want space to grow. This guide helps Utah homeowners think through common shed sizes and choose a building that fits their needs.
One of the most common questions people ask when shopping for a storage shed is, “What size shed do I need?”
It sounds simple, but the answer depends on what you plan to store, how much room you want to move around, and whether you are trying to solve today’s storage problem or plan ahead for the next several years.
At Apex Shed Company, we have helped a lot of Utah homeowners choose shed sizes, and one thing we see over and over is this: people rarely regret having a little extra space. They are much more likely to regret buying a shed that is too small.
The best way to choose a shed size is to make a list of what will actually go inside.
Think about items like:
Lawn mower
Snow blower
Garden tools
Bikes
Holiday decorations
Patio cushions
Camping gear
Motorcycles
Side-by-sides or ATVs
Toolboxes
Workbench
Shelving
Business inventory
Sports equipment
Kids’ outdoor toys
Once you make that list, think about how often you need to access those items. A shed that technically fits everything may still be frustrating if you have to move five things just to reach the lawn mower.
That is why usable space matters just as much as square footage.
Smaller sheds can be a great fit if you only need simple backyard storage.
Common small shed sizes include:
6x8
8x8
8x10
These sizes can work well for garden tools, a push mower, small outdoor equipment, seasonal decorations, and a few storage bins.
A small shed may be right for you if:
You have limited yard space
You only need basic storage
You want to keep the project more affordable
You do not plan to store large equipment
You want a simple place to keep tools and supplies
The downside is that small sheds fill up quickly. If you are already close to maxing out the space on paper, you may want to go one size larger.
For many Utah homeowners, a medium-size shed is the sweet spot.
Common medium shed sizes include:
10x10
10x12
10x16
12x12
12x16
These sizes usually give you enough room for lawn equipment, bikes, tools, shelves, and seasonal items without taking over the whole backyard.
A 10x12 or 10x16 shed is often a good fit for general household storage. A 12x16 shed gives you more room to organize, add shelves, and move around inside.
A medium shed may be right for you if:
You have a riding mower or larger lawn equipment
You want room for shelving
You need space for bikes and seasonal storage
You want a shed that will still feel useful several years from now
You want a good balance between size and cost
This is the range where many customers find the best long-term value.
Larger sheds are a better choice when you need more than basic storage.
Common larger shed sizes include:
12x20
12x24
12x28
12x32
These sheds can work well for riding mowers, motorcycles, side-by-sides, business storage, workbenches, tools, and larger equipment.
A large shed may be right for you if:
You want workshop space
You need to store larger equipment
You want room for a workbench and shelving
You are storing business tools or inventory
You want separate zones inside the shed
You want the shed to feel open and easy to use
With larger sheds, it is especially important to think about access, foundation, yard layout, and possible permit requirements.
Think About Walking Space
One mistake people make is planning only for the items they want to store.
For example, a shed may technically fit a mower, bikes, tools, and storage bins, but if everything is packed tightly, the shed becomes difficult to use.
You need room to walk, open doors, reach shelves, pull equipment out, and move things around.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a shed that gives you room for your items plus a clear path to move through the space.
Think About Height, Not Just Floor Space
Shed size is not only about length and width. Wall height matters too.
Taller walls can make a shed much more useful because they allow for:
More headroom
Taller doors
Better wall storage
Shelving
Loft storage
A more open feel inside the shed
If you plan to store long-handled tools, ladders, totes, seasonal decorations, or bulky items, taller walls and loft storage can make a big difference.
Sometimes going taller is just as helpful as going wider or longer.
Do You Need a Ramp?
If you are storing anything with wheels, think about whether you need a ramp.
This includes:
Lawn mowers
Snow blowers
Motorcycles
ATVs
Side-by-sides
Wheelbarrows
Large toolboxes
Carts
A ramp adds cost, but it can make the shed much easier and safer to use. It is better to plan for that early instead of realizing later that the shed is hard to access.
Shelving and workbenches can change how much space you need.
Shelving helps get smaller items off the floor, which can make the shed feel much larger. A workbench is great if you want to use the shed for hobbies, repairs, tools, or projects.
But a workbench also takes up wall and floor space, so it is important to plan around it.
If you want both storage and workspace, consider going larger than the minimum size you think you need.
Measure Your Largest Items
Before choosing a shed size, measure the biggest items you plan to store.
Measure things like:
Riding mower
Motorcycle
ATV
Side-by-side
Snow blower
Large tool chest
Workbench
Bikes
Lawn equipment
Then think about door width and interior clearance.
A shed that is big enough inside still needs a door that is wide enough to comfortably move equipment in and out.
Consider Your Yard and Access
The right shed size also depends on your property.
Think about:
Where the shed will go
How much yard space you want to keep
Fence and gate access
Slope
Trees and landscaping
Setbacks from property lines
Drainage
Future yard plans
At Apex Shed Company, most of our sheds are built on site, which gives customers more flexibility when backyard access is tight. This can be especially helpful when a fully built shed would be difficult or impossible to deliver into the yard.
Larger sheds may require a building permit depending on your city, county, shed size, and how the building will be used.
Permit rules vary by location, so it is smart to check local requirements before ordering a larger shed.
If you are choosing between a slightly smaller shed and a much larger one, permit requirements may be part of the decision.
Common Shed Size Examples
Here is a simple way to think about common shed sizes:
8x10: Good for basic tools, small equipment, and seasonal storage.
10x12: A popular size for general backyard storage.
10x16: More comfortable for lawn equipment, bikes, and shelves.
12x16: A strong all-around size with room for larger items and better organization.
12x20: Good for riding mowers, motorcycles, workbenches, and larger storage needs.
12x24 and larger: Better for serious storage, equipment, workshop use, or multi-purpose space.
These are general examples, not hard rules. The best size depends on your property and how you plan to use the shed.
If you are debating between two sizes, it is usually worth thinking hard about the larger option.
That does not mean everyone needs a huge shed. But storage needs tend to grow over time. Once you have a shed, it often becomes the place for everything that does not belong in the garage, basement, or house.
A little extra space can make the shed easier to use and more valuable long term.
The best shed size is the one that fits your property, your budget, and the way you plan to use the space.
If you only need basic storage, a smaller shed may be enough. If you want room for equipment, shelves, a workbench, or future storage needs, a medium or larger shed may be a better investment.
Apex Shed Company builds A-Frame storage sheds, barn sheds, lean-to sheds, chicken coops, greenhouses, and custom backyard buildings throughout Utah. If you are not sure what size shed makes sense, we can help you compare options and choose a shed that fits your yard, your budget, and your storage needs.
Still planning your shed project? These guides may also help:
How Much Does a Storage Shed Cost in Utah?
Learn what affects shed pricing, base prices, options, upgrades, and financing.
What Is the Best Foundation for a Shed in Utah?
Compare common shed foundation options and learn why a level, well-drained base matters.
Apex Shed Company builds high-quality storage sheds, chicken coops, greenhouses, and backyard buildings throughout Utah. Explore our shed styles or request a quote today.
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