Key Takeaways
In this guide, we'll show you how to select the right shed based on the size, material and its intended use.
Here are a few considerations.
- Size is critical: Choose a shed 25% larger than what’s needed to allow for easy access and future storage.
- Material matters: Consider the pros and considerations of wood, metal, resin or vinyl sheds.
- Function drives design: Consider what you’re storing when deciding on layout, door size and accessories.
- Placement is key: Select the proper location and create a stable foundation.
Step 1: Check Local Restrictions
Before you choose a shed or convert a shed for a use other than storage, check for any restrictions and requirements in your area including:
- Local zoning ordinances
- Building codes
- Homeowners' association covenants
Some areas may not allow certain types of sheds, and building or converting a shed may require a permit and inspections. There may be limitations on how you use the shed in addition to restrictions around size, foundation type, distance to property lines and structures, etc.
Step 2: Select the Size
Whether you want a basic garden shed or a large shed for lawn equipment, they come in a variety of sizes to accommodate your needs. When calculating the storage capacity for a shed, plan for about 25% more space than you need to ensure there’s room to access your items and to add more in the future.
If you plan to store garden tools, you’ll need wall space. Large or heavy items, like bagged fertilizer and equipment, mowers, snow blowers or wheelbarrows require floor space and an open surrounding area. Some shed manufacturers offer expansion kits you can add for even more storage space.
Check the shed design to see if the layout will work with the items you need to store. Make sure the doorway easily accommodates the largest stored item. For example, if you have a riding mower or a large snow blower, double doors will make it easier to get your machine in and out of storage.
Here are the common shed size ranges and examples of how you can use different options for storage.
Small Storage Sheds
Small sheds are under 36 square feet. These outdoor units make great backyard garden sheds. They’re good for hanging tools and storing lawn and garden supplies, such as a push mower and bags of fertilizer. Their smaller footprint can give you more options for placement in your yard.
Medium Storage Sheds
Medium-sized outside storage sheds are approximately 37 to 100 square feet in size. For example, an 8-foot-by-10-foot and 10-foot-by-10-foot storage shed would both be considered medium-sized sheds. They can hold larger garden equipment, such as a riding mower and a tiller, as well as bulky tools. Even if you don’t have a lot of items to store, this size can give you more room to move around for easy access to your supplies and tools. It’ll also allow room for additional outdoor equipment as you take on more projects.
Large Sheds
Large sheds of 100 square feet or more, such as a 10-foot-by-12-foot shed, offer more space. They can handle anything from large pieces of lawn equipment to recreational vehicles. If you’re feeling creative, turn your shed into a workshop, greenhouse or hobby space. Make sure you have adequate space in your yard not just for the shed itself, but room to easily move equipment in and out.
Sometimes you don’t need a standalone shed in your yard, but you still want a place to store your tools. A lean-to shed is the perfect structure. It’s cost-effective and supported by your home or garage.
Step 3: Budget and Features
Budget
The price of a shed is determined by several factors including size, materials and any extra accessories.
- Small sheds (up to 36 square feet): Prices ranges from $200 - $1000
- Medium sheds (up to 37-100 square feet): Prices ranges from $200 - $2000
- Large sheds (over 100 square feet): Prices ranges from $500 - $4000
Features
Next, we'll explore shed materials, weather ratings and accessories.
- Materials: Choose from wood, metal, vinyl and resin.
- Weather ratings: snow and wind
- Accessories: Select from ramps, windows, skylights, shelves, anchors and strengthening kits.
Wood Sheds
Wood storage sheds are sturdy and stylish. Lumber framing provides strength to withstand loads from wind and snow, supporting multiple shelves and hangers. Engineered wood siding resists termites and rot. You can paint these sheds to match your home or to blend in with the landscape. Customize them to create an attractive, as well as practical space. Many models include windows. Do-it-yourself kits may not come with roofing materials, such as shingles, underlayment and drip edges, but if installation is available, it may include the materials. Wood sheds require maintenance. You'll need to repaint or restain them regularly and keep the roof and siding in good repair.
Pros
- Customizable
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Durable and strong
- Excellent for year-round storage
- Easy to assemble
- Multi-use: They can be used as offices, gyms, workshops, she sheds, entertainment cabanas and more.
Considerations
- Prone to rot, mold, mildew
- Can be expensive
- Not as strong or durable as metal
Metal Sheds
Steel sheds are economical storage buildings. They’re available in a variety of colors and feature vinyl-coated steel or galvanized steel with an enamel finish to resist scratches and rust. Metal sheds come in a variety of colors and offer years of maintenance-free service.
Pros
- Durable
- Low maintenance
- Rot-, mold-, fungus-, insect- and fire-resistant
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
- Sustainable
- Budget-friendly
- Can be constructed over any flat and level surface
Considerations
- Prone to corrosion and rust
- They’re not easy to transport
- Not easily customizable. Difficult to modify or repair
- They can get extremely hot in the summer
- Utilitarian in appearance
- Noisy
Vinyl/Resin/Plastic Sheds
Vinyl sheds and resin sheds are made of different types of plastic and are the easiest sheds to assemble. They're also easy to clean and resist rust, insects, mold and rot. Double-wall panels create solid construction. Many vinyl/resin sheds come with steel-reinforced doors for extra security and long service life. You can also find models with windows and skylights to help illuminate the interior. These sheds can endure practically all weather extremes, are easy to clean and virtually maintenance-free.
Pros
- Rot-, insect-, mold- and rust-resistant
- Low maintenance
- Durable and strong
- Easy to assemble
- Portable/easy to relocate
- Doesn’t need painting
- UV protected and water resistant
- Impact and dent resistant
Considerations
- Not easily customizable
- May not do well in adverse weather conditions, especially strong winds
- The sun can fade them or make them change color
- Prone to break or crack with time
Weather Ratings for Outdoor Sheds
In addition to looking for weatherproof materials, pay attention to additional features and ratings that’ll help ensure the items you store are protected from the elements. Waterproof sheds and waterproof shed floors will provide the most protection from water damage. Weatherproof sheds and water-resistant sheds may not be completely waterproof but are designed to provide protection from damage caused by ultraviolet rays and moisture.
Some sheds have snow and wind ratings. These are key factors to look for, particularly if you live in a part of the country that receives a lot of snow or high winds.
Snow Rating
A snow rating, usually measured in pounds per square foot, helps you gauge how much snow the shed roof can take. Consider both the type of snow that’s common for your area (light, heavy or icy snow) and how much might accumulate over a period of time before melting. Regardless of the snow load rating, it’s a good idea to remove as much snow from a shed roof as you can if you can do it safely.
Wind Rating
A wind rating is measured in miles per hour and tells you the force of wind the shed is designed to withstand. Some areas may mandate a wind rating for storage buildings, so check with your local building department.
Keep in mind the ratings are intended only as a reference to give you an idea of the adverse weather the shed is designed to handle. Factors including assembly, installation, anchoring and more may change how a shed handles weather and the elements.
Shed Accessories
If there's something you want to add to your storage shed, chances are it's available as an accessory. Here are a few examples:
- Ramps: A sturdy set of ramps is a must for moving wheeled power equipment, wheelbarrows or hand trucks into or out of your shed.
- Windows and skylights: Natural light increases visibility and makes the space more user-friendly. In some cases, you can even order shutters and window boxes to beautify your shed.
- Shelves: Organize your tools and materials on handy shelves designed by the manufacturer specifically for your shed.
- Anchors: Shed anchors help protect your shed from strong winds. Some manufacturers require their sheds be anchored.
- Roof strengthening kits: These additional supports may be necessary for a metal shed in an area prone to snow accumulation.
Step 4: Shop For a Shed
Once you’ve decided on the size, material and any accessories that you'd like, it's time to shop for a shed. Lowe's has thousands of sheds to choose from to suit any need or budget. When you're searching for a shed, also check the warranty. The terms will vary based on the brand that you purchase from.
Beyond Outdoor Storage
Sheds are great storage solutions for everything from mowers to motorcycles. However, their spacious design, high durability and easy assembly make them excellent choices for some other uses you might not have considered.
- Entertainment cabana or patio bar
- Hobby or craft hut
- She shed
- Office
- Gym
- Playhouse
Let's Get Started
If you need a place to store outdoor equipment, tools, garden materials and more, then a shed is a must. Sheds come in numerous sizes and are made of wood, metal, resin or vinyl. Select from a basic metal or vinyl shed to hold belongings or go all out and customize a wood shed to be used as an office, gym, art studio and more.
Lowe's has thousands of sheds to choose from. You can build your own or our installation team can do the job for you. Shop online now or visit your local Lowe's to get started.
Shed FAQ
How Do I Choose the Right Size Storage Shed?
You'll need to evaluate your belongings to determine what size is needed. Then we recommend adding 25% more space for future storage and room to move around.
- Small sheds are under 36 square feet. It'll hold basic hands tools and outdoor power equipment such as hedge trimmers and leaf blowers. It'll also hold garden supplies and outdoor chemicals.
- Medium sheds run between 37-100 square feet. They'll typically hold one large piece of outdoor power equipment, such as a mower or a snow blower. Hang hand tools and store garden supplies. You can also fit a bike or patio cushions in the off season.
- Large sheds exceed 100 square feet. Use them to store riding mowers or set up a workshop.
What Features Should I Look for in a Storage Shed?
It's important to choose a design that fits your storage needs and is easily accessible. Here are some other considerations:
- Door size and type: Select one with double doors for large outdoor power equipment, such as a mower.
- Interior layout: Look for a shed with wall space to hang tools and floor space for your heavy items.
- Expandability: If you think you'll need more space in the future, look for a shed that offers an add-on kit.
Do I Need to Consider Placement and Accessibility?
Yes. it's important to consider placement because the shed needs to fit comfortably in the yard, while being easily accessible. If you purchase a large shed, get one with a doorway that's wide enough to easily remove big equipment, like a mower or snow blower.