Picking the right shed size is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when buying a shed. Go too small and you’ll run out of room by next spring. Go too big and you’ll give up more of your yard than you need to. Shed sizes range from compact 8′ x 8′ units for yard tools all the way up to 16′ x 52′ buildings used as workshops and vehicle storage, so there’s a lot to choose from.
So what size shed do you need? It comes down to what you’re storing, how you’ll use the space, how much room your yard has, and what your municipality allows. Our team has helped homeowners across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Western Ontario answer that question for more than a decade. Here’s how we walk our customers through it.
Common Shed Sizes and What Fits in Each
Use this chart as a starting point. The square footage is floor space only. A loft or wall shelving will give you extra storage in any size.
| Shed Size | Floor Space | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| 8′ x 8′ | 64 sq. ft. | Hand tools, a push mower, garden supplies and a couple of bikes |
| 8′ x 10′ to 8′ x 12′ | 80 to 96 sq. ft. | A push mower, snowblower, bikes, shovels and patio cushions |
| 10′ x 10′ | 100 sq. ft. | General yard storage with room for a small potting bench |
| 10′ x 12′ to 10′ x 16′ | 120 to 160 sq. ft. | A riding mower, snowblower and patio furniture with room to walk around |
| 12′ x 16′ to 12′ x 20′ | 192 to 240 sq. ft. | A workbench plus storage, an ATV or garden tractor, or a small home office |
| 12′ x 24′ to 14′ x 28′ | 288 to 392 sq. ft. | A full workshop, home office, snowmobile or small boat |
| 16′ x 24′ and up | 384+ sq. ft. | Vehicles, boats, large workshops and multi-use buildings |
A good rule of thumb: measure your largest item, then add 2 to 3 feet of clearance on any side you’ll need to walk around. If you’re storing a riding mower or ATV, make sure the doors are wide enough and plan for a ramp. Floor space alone isn’t enough if you can’t get your equipment through the door.
How to Choose the Right Shed Size
How Will You Use Your Shed?
How you plan to use your shed has the biggest impact on how big it needs to be. Thinking about a greenhouse shed? You’ll need room for every plant you want to grow, plus the new ones that come along. Building a potting shed? You’ll want space to move around, a spot for your pots and tools, and room for a work table. Want to turn your shed into a home office? Plan for your desk, chair, equipment and supplies, with at least 3 feet of open floor so you can move comfortably.
Picture yourself working in the space, not just what will fit against the walls.
What Will You Store in Your Shed?
Make a list of everything you plan to keep in your shed and think about how it changes through the year. Here on the prairies, a storage shed might hold a snowblower and shovels all winter, then patio furniture, ATVs or motorcycles once the snow flies. Size your shed for your busiest season, not your lightest one. A good shed organization plan can also help you get more out of every square foot.
Will You Need Room to Grow?
Some sheds clearly need room to grow. If your greenhouse or garden shed does well, you’ll end up with more plants and need more space.
For other sheds, the reasons aren’t as obvious, but they’re almost always there. An office shed may need room for new equipment or client visits as your business grows. A storage shed tends to fill up over the years.
That’s why we always recommend going a little bigger than you think you’ll need. A slightly larger shed costs far less than buying a second one because the first shed was too small.
How Much Room Does Your Yard Have?
Your yard sets the upper limit on your shed size. Measure the spot where you want your shed and leave room for setbacks from property lines, fences and other buildings. You’ll also want space to open the doors all the way, get a mower or ATV in and out, and still enjoy your yard for gardening, entertaining and play. Our shed placement tips cover what to look for when choosing a spot.
What Do Your Local Bylaws Allow?
Zoning and building bylaws can limit how big your shed can be and where it can go. In Winnipeg, detached accessory buildings larger than 10 m² (108 sq. ft.) need a building permit. That makes 8′ x 12′ (96 sq. ft.) and 10′ x 10′ (100 sq. ft.) the largest common shed sizes that stay under that limit. Many municipalities also cap shed height and the total space accessory buildings can take up on your lot.
Rules vary from one municipality to the next across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Western Ontario, so check with yours before you order. Our guide on shed permits in Manitoba and Saskatchewan covers the most common requirements.
Shed Sizes Available at Horizon Storage Sheds
As a family-operated business, we build every Horizon shed locally in a wide range of sizes and styles, including:
- Ranch sheds: 8′ x 8′ up to 16′ x 52′
- Big Ranch sheds: 16′ x 20′ up to 16′ x 52′
- Low Barn sheds: 8′ x 8′ up to 12′ x 28′
- High Lofted Barn sheds: 8′ x 8′ up to 14′ x 40′
- Cottage sheds: 8′ x 8′ up to 12′ x 40′
- Workshop sheds: 12′ x 16′ up to 14′ x 40′
Need something that doesn’t fit a standard size? A custom shed lets you choose the exact size, doors, windows and layout for your space.
Shed Size FAQs
What is the most common shed size?
10′ x 12′ is one of the most popular shed sizes. It fits a riding mower, snowblower and seasonal gear without taking over your yard. Smaller 8′ x 10′ and 10′ x 10′ sheds are also popular with homeowners who want to stay under local permit limits.
What size shed do I need for a riding mower?
Most riding mowers fit in a 10′ x 12′ shed or larger. Look for double doors at least 5 feet wide and add a ramp so you can drive in and out easily.
What size shed can I build without a permit in Winnipeg?
In Winnipeg, sheds 10 m² (108 sq. ft.) or smaller don’t need a building permit. Sizes like 8′ x 12′ and 10′ x 10′ fall under that limit. Other rules, like setbacks, may still apply, so confirm with the City before you build.
What size shed do I need for a workshop?
A 12′ x 16′ shed gives you room for a workbench and tool storage. If you’re taking on bigger projects or using larger power tools, 12′ x 20′ or bigger is a better fit.
Find the Right Size Shed With Horizon Storage Sheds
Still not sure which size is right for you? Our shed experts are happy to help you compare sizes and styles and find a shed that fits your yard, your needs and your local rules. We’ll give you honest advice and clear pricing, with no surprises from quote to delivery. Contact us or visit one of our lots across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Western Ontario to get started.
