How to Choose the Right Shed Size (Without Regretting It Later)

4 days ago

3 min read

The number one thing we hear from customers a year after delivery is "I wish I'd gone bigger." A shed fills up faster than you think. So before you pick a size, take a few minutes to plan it out. Here's how we help folks decide at our Lake City lot.

Step 1: Make a list of what's going in it

Walk around your garage, porch, and yard and write down everything you want to store. Think about the big items first:

Riding mower or zero-turn
Push mower, weed eater, and blower
Bikes, kayaks, or fishing gear
Holiday decorations and totes
Tools, a workbench, or shelving
Patio furniture for the off season

If you're planning a workshop, she shed, man cave, or home office, think about how much room you need to actually move around, not just store things.

Step 2: Leave room to grow

Add about 25% more space than your list calls for. You'll want room to walk in, reach the back, and add the things you buy next year. Going up one size usually costs a lot less than buying a second shed later.

Step 3: Measure your spot

Measure the area where the shed will sit, and leave a few feet around it for access and delivery. Check for low branches, fences, septic tanks, and soft or sloped ground. Also look at how the delivery truck will get to the spot. If you're not sure your yard will work, send us a photo and we'll help you figure it out.

A quick size guide

8x12: A good starter shed. It fits a push mower, yard tools, and some totes. It's great for small yards.

10x16: The size most families end up happy with. It has room for a riding mower plus tools and shelves, and with a loft you get extra overhead storage too. Our 10x16 side lofted barn is $5,645, or $220/mo plus tax rent-to-own with just $150 down.

10x20 to 10x24: Room for a workshop corner, a mower, and storage, or a small cabin setup. Our 10x24 cabin is $8,945, or $342/mo plus tax with $150 down.

12x24 to 12x32: Big enough for a full workshop, a hobby room, a home office, or a backyard getaway. Our 12x32 center lofted porch cabin is $13,545, or $513/mo plus tax with $250 down.

Bigger than that: Wood buildings go all the way up to 16x54. If you need room for vehicles, equipment, or a shop, our steel buildings come up to 50 feet wide and as long as you need.

Always go bigger than you think you need.

Size is an investment, not just a cost

A well-built shed adds usable space and value to your property. Picking the right size the first time means you're getting the most out of that investment instead of outgrowing it in a year.

Pricing you can actually see

We don't hide our prices. Every building on our lot has the sale price and the rent-to-own monthly payment right on it.

With rent-to-own, you only need the deposit and 2 IDs to get started. Deposits are $100 for 8 ft wide, $150 for 10 ft wide, and $250 for 12 ft wide. Your first monthly payment isn't due until 30 days after you order. There's no credit check and approval is instant. If you'd rather finance, we also have options based on credit approval with lower rates.

Come see the sizes in person

The easiest way to pick a size is to stand inside one. Come walk the lot and see the difference between a 10x16 and a 12x24 for yourself.

5 Star Portable Buildings 1438 W US Hwy 90, Lake City, FL 32025 (one block east of the new Wawa) Call 386-487-5363 or visit 5starportablebuildings.com