When selecting a size for your backyard storage building there are several questions to ask yourself. Use this list as you start your research, and contact a Leonard storage shed specialist with your questions.
What are the common sizes for storage sheds?
The table below shows the available length and widths which can be easily ordered. The shaded boxes represent the most popular sizes that we sell. Leonard Buildings manufactures its sheds here in North Carolina and is equipped to handle custom requests that are not represented on this size chart. Contact a storage shed specialist.
Important Note: Sizes are represented as "Nominal Measurements" across the entire industry — meaning they are not exact. Example: a 2x4 board is not exactly 2"x4" but the reference is useful and simple. In the same way, a 10x12 shed in one model may only have an interior footprint of 9'-2"x 11'-2" while another may be 9'-10" x 11'-10". This is due to several factors. The outside dimensions from the Department of Transportation's point of view is from tip to tip; therefore, if your shed has an overhang or boxed eave, the outside edge is driving the dimensional constraint. Also, the thickness of the exterior wall varies depending on siding and frame material. Be sure to contact a specialist before you make your final decision so we can provide better specifications for your project.
How much room do you have where you want to place the shed?
Consider all three measurements: Length, Width, and Height (look for wires, tree limbs, etc.). Also look at the terrain. While the spot need not be perfectly flat, you want to measure an area where the drop at the lowest corner does not exceed 3.5 feet from the highest corner. If you do not plan on doing a lot of preparation work, this may influence your placement area and affect the size of your unit. Many of our customers find it useful to purchase a few stakes, string and a simple line level. If you don't have time, perhaps we can help you during a site visit.
How do you plan to use your storage shed?
We find that this is not as obvious as it may first appear given that so many of our customers later discover multiple purposes for the extra space. Will the building’s primary use be:
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storage shed for lawn mower and other yard equipment and supplies
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a workshop
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a hobby house
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what else? see "Assessing your Needs" to find out more about how others are finding multiple uses for their storage building
What do you plan on storing in your unit?
It is useful to make an actual list of your major items with a rough estimate of each item’s size. In general, you can group your items into three categories:
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those items you can easily lift over your head,
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those you can lift and move around by yourself but not necessarily over your head, and
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those you cannot lift by yourself: (lawn mower, refrigerator, etc.).
This will also help you assess your loft, workbench or shelving needs whether you get it from the factory or add it yourself later.
What are the dimensions of the largest items you plan to store in your shed?
In some cases a large door (perhaps a garage style door) is required, and this will determine the minimum width of at least one side of your storage shed. Also the height of the largest stored items may rule out building styles or sizes that have shorter sidewall heights or built-in lofts.
Path to Placement?
How will the building be brought in? What will fit through, or will it need to be built on-site? We have some pretty crazy stories of obstacle courses we’ve delivered our buildings through. Our delivery specialists are incredible, but even they have limits. It’s very important to think through exactly how the building will arrive at its final destination. Yes, your beautiful privacy fence with narrow gated entrances may require that your building be built on-site.
Note about Size Restrictions:
For fully assembled shed deliveries, the DOT (Department of Transportation) restricts the width to 14’, length to 50’ and the height to 14’-2” in most places. The height restriction often affects the pitch of the roof as this height includes the distance from the ground to the bed of the truck. Also, units wider than 12 feet require us to provide a driving escort in most areas. Leonard offers a built-on-site program that may better suit your needs.