For anyone on the first rung of the property ladder, buying your first garden shed is a bit of a milestone. Suddenly you’re a proper homeowner with lots of ‘stuff’ — bikes, lawnmowers, tools you swear you’ll learn to use, and boxes you don’t quite know what to do with yet.
The good news? With a bit of forward thinking, it’s actually pretty easy to get it right.
What do you need your shed for?
Before you even look at shed sizes, take five minutes to list what the shed is mainly for, at this moment in time. Is it simple storage for garden tools and outdoor furniture cushions? A safe place for bikes? Somewhere to tinker with DIY projects at the weekend?
For straightforward storage, smaller sheds often do the job nicely. A compact 7x5 apex or 7x5 pent roof shed can comfortably hold a mower, a few tools and shelves for paint tins and odds and ends. If bikes, bins or bulky items are involved, you’ll want to step up a size to something like an 8x6 or 10x6 so you’re not playing shed-Tetris every time you open the door.
What will you need your shed for in the future?
Here’s where many first-time shed buyers get caught out. What you need today isn’t always what you’ll need in a year or two. That empty corner of the shed? It fills up fast. So think about future-you (they’ll thank you!).
Maybe you’ll buy a bigger mower, start growing your own veg, or realise you need somewhere dry to store camping gear, kids’ toys or tools for new DIY ambitions. As a rule of thumb, if you’re torn between two sizes and your garden allows it, go slightly bigger. It’s far easier to fill space than magically create more of it later.
How to measure for a shed
It sounds obvious, but measuring is essential — and guessing almost always leads to regret. Measure the area where the shed will sit, then double-check it. Remember to allow a bit of breathing room around the shed for maintenance and airflow, not just the footprint itself.
Also think about how the shed fits visually. A large shed can look brilliant and purposeful in a big garden, but overwhelming in a small one. Balance is key.
Consider doors, layout and headroom
Doors, layout and headroom matter more than you think - two sheds with the same floor size can feel completely different inside, depending on orientation and layout. Wide double doors make a huge difference if you’re storing bikes or wheelbarrows. Apex sheds give you more vertical storage than a pent roof shed, which can be a lifesaver when floor space is limited.
To help you make an informed decision, ask yourself the following questions:
• Will you need to walk inside comfortably?
• Do you want shelves or hooks on the walls?
• Will you be lifting things in and out regularly?
If the answer is yes, make sure the size and design of the shed support that, rather than fight against it.
Where will the shed sit in the garden?
The position of your shed can influence the size you choose. Tucked neatly into a corner? A rectangular shed might work better than a square one. Near the house? You might want it slightly larger so it doubles as a mini workspace. Further down the garden? Consider paths and access — carrying heavy items across wet grass isn’t much fun.
Ground conditions matter too. A level, well-prepared base is essential, especially for larger sheds. Learn more about this in our guide to shed bases and foundations.
Check planning permission rules
Most standard garden sheds fall within permitted development, meaning you won’t need planning permission. However, height, placement and size can all play a part, especially in smaller gardens. It’s always worth a quick check before you commit. Our handy article ‘Does my shed need planning permission?’ is a great starting point.
Is the quality of a shed as important as size?
Finally, remember that a well-built wooden shed will always make better use of space than a flimsy one. Strong frames, proper doors and good-quality timber mean you can add shelves, hang tools and use every inch confidently.
Wooden garden sheds from Sutton Sheds
Our family-run business here in Lincolnshire has been trading for over 45 years and in that time we’ve helped plenty of first-time homeowners choose sheds that suit their gardens and their lifestyles — not just today, but for years to come.
Browse our range of apex sheds (single door and double door models) and pent roof sheds (single-door or double-door variations) which are all made to order with a 5-week lead time. If you can’t see exactly what you want, we offer a custom build service where we will work with you to bring your ideas to life.
Contact us
To find out more about any of the garden structures we supply, email us or call on 01526 342777.
