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How to Choose the Perfect DIY Shed Kit Size: A Guide to 8x10, 10x12, and 12x16
Choosing DIY shed kits is an exciting step toward organizing your yard and protecting your valuable items. However, the first and most critical decision is size. Selecting the correct shed dimensions ensures you have enough room for storage, projects, and future growth. A successful DIY build begins with choosing the right structure.
We created this comprehensive Shed Size Guide to help you determine which size is perfect for your property and purpose. We will focus on three popular dimensions—the 8x10, 10x12, and 12x16—drawing from the excellent range of quality options offered by Best Barns.
Key Takeaways
- Understand the difference: Exterior dimensions are for zoning, interior dimensions are for storage.
- The 8x10 size is perfect for essential storage of mowers and garden tools in tight spaces.
- The 10x12 size provides a great balance for storage plus a small dedicated workbench area.
- The 12x16 size functions as a dedicated workshop or substantial storage unit for large equipment.
- Always calculate 20 percent more space than you currently need for future items.
- Check local zoning and permit requirements before you purchase or begin construction.
- Evaluate your foundation's floor load capacity if storing heavy machinery.
- Vertical organization is the most effective way to maximize space in any shed size.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Shed Dimensions: Exterior vs. Interior
- The Three Core Sizes for Your Best Barns Kit
- 1. The 8x10 Shed: Ideal for Essential Storage
- 2. The 10x12 Shed: The Versatile Sweet Spot
- 3. The 12x16 Shed: Room for Projects and Workshops
- Essential Planning Tips Before You Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Shed Dimensions: Exterior vs. Interior
Note: When we talk about what "fits," we are referring to the interior space.
Now before we discuss specific sizes, you must understand a key distinction:
- Exterior Dimensions: This is the size listed on the kit (e.g., 10x12). This measurement represents the size of the foundation or the longest points of the shed, often including the roof overhang. This is the number you use when checking zoning rules.
- Interior Dimensions: This is the actual usable floor space inside the shed. This is always slightly smaller than the exterior dimensions due to the thickness of the wall framing (typically a loss of about 4 to 6 inches on each dimension).
The Three Core Sizes for Your Best Barns Kit
1. The 8x10 Shed: Ideal for Essential Storage
The 8x10 shed provides a compact footprint perfect for yards with limited space or for those who only need to store basic equipment. You gain roughly 80 square feet of floor space with this size. We recommend this dimension when your primary goal is freeing up garage space and centralizing your outdoor tools. It works great as a centralized storage for small yards.
What Fits Inside:
- Lawn Equipment: This size easily stores a standard push mower, a wheelbarrow, and necessary gardening tools.
- Outdoor Gear: You can hang rakes, shovels, and brooms on the walls. Vertical storage maximizes the utility of this structure.
- Seasonal Items: Storage totes for holiday decorations and summer sporting equipment fit neatly along one wall.
Best Barns offers slightly larger 8-foot-wide options like the 8x12 (seen in the Handmade Haven Mini or Sophisticated Salt Box series). The 8-foot width serves the same purpose: providing efficient, focused storage without dominating your landscape. You should meticulously organize the interior to make the most of this practical size.
2. The 10x12 Shed: The Versatile Sweet Spot
The 10x12 shed is arguably the most popular size for general use. It offers approximately 120 square feet, which provides a significant increase in functionality over the 8x10. This size allows you to transition from pure storage to a structure that includes a dedicated workspace. It's great for general storage, moderate yard equipment, and light hobbies.
What Fits Inside:
- Larger Equipment: You can comfortably park a riding mower or ATV inside this shed with room for passage.
- Workbench Area: The extra width allows you to place a 6-foot workbench along the back or side wall while maintaining clear access to the door.
- Dedicated Shelving: You easily fit deep shelving units, organizing tools and supplies without cluttering the central pathway.
The 10x12 is a core size in the Best Barns catalog, featuring prominently in series like the Handmade Haven. This specific size balances cost, footprint, and utility, making it an excellent choice for a family's growing storage needs. This size is also often the cutoff for requiring a building permit in many areas.
3. The 12x16 Shed: Room for Projects and Workshops
When you need serious space for hobbies, tools, and materials, the 12x16 shed delivers close to 192 square feet of robust potential. This is not just a storage unit; it is a dedicated outdoor building. We suggest this size for homeowners who plan to spend time working in their shed, not just storing items. Great for woodworking, serious workshops, or comprehensive equipment housing.
What Fits Inside:
- Major Power Tools: You can house large equipment, including table saws, drill presses, and air compressors.
- Dual-Use Spaces: The size allows you to partition the interior. You might designate one half for a workshop and the other for lawn equipment storage.
- Extra Height Potential: Best Barns models in this size, such as those in the Planners Paradise or Crafters Connection series, often come with generous wall heights. This extra height allows you to build loft storage for bulky, seasonal items.
When reviewing Best Barns kits like the 12x16, consider adding features like extra windows or a wider entry door. These upgrades improve light and access, enhancing the shed's suitability as a comfortable workshop.
Essential Planning Tips Before You Buy
- Map Your Gear and Calculate Future Needs: Place all items you intend to store in a single area and measure the footprint they occupy. Always increase your required space by at least 20 percent. You will inevitably acquire more items over time. We recommend creating a simple floor plan on paper to visualize placement.
- Check Local Zoning and Permits: Before ordering a shed kit, you must contact your local municipality or homeowner's association. They impose restrictions on the size, height, and setback (the distance from your property line) of new structures. Securing permits saves you time and prevents costly mistakes.
- Evaluate Your Foundation and Floor Load: The floor framing in your kit (or your poured concrete slab) must support the weight of your stored items. If you plan to store an ATV or a fully loaded workbench, ensure you install the foundation correctly, following Best Barns' specifications for maximum floor load capacity.
- Leverage Vertical Space: Do not forget the walls. We highly recommend using sturdy shelving, pegboards, and overhead joists for tools and long-handled items. Vertical storage maximizes square footage, especially in smaller 8x10 or 10x12 units. This can effectively double your usable storage capacity.
Have any questions or would like to place an order? We'd love to help! Chat with our friendly customer service team by calling 1-844-945-3625, chatting in on our website or email us at customersupport@wildoaktrail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which size is best for storing a riding lawn mower?
A 10x12 shed is typically the minimum size required to easily maneuver and store a standard riding mower along with other necessary yard tools.
Do I need a permit for a DIY shed kit?
Most municipalities require a building permit for sheds larger than 120 square feet. Always check local regulations before you start construction.
Should I choose a larger size for future growth?
Yes, always select the next size up from your initial estimate. This prevents immediate clutter and accommodates new equipment you purchase later.
How much space is lost due to the walls?
You generally lose 4 to 6 inches on both the width and length from the exterior dimension to the final usable interior floor space.
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