Storage Shed size

[nate379]

I haven't decided yet on a size to build a shed and was just looking for some input.

I have in mind around 14x16 or 16x16. I'll be used to store yard stuff (tractor, weed wacker, etc), fuel cans, and whatever else would be found in an attic/crawlspace since I have neither.

 

[sammerdog]

Let me be the first of many to say "build as big as your township and wallet will let you".

Seems like no matter how big you go, when you're done you wish you would have gone 2' deeper or 3' wider.

 

[rsanter]

I need a storage shed that is about 30x30

bob

 

[nate379]

I have been told 24x24 is as big as I can go without having to pull a permit. Can't be on a slab either.

 

[sammerdog]

My crystal ball fortells of a 24x24 with a floor of brick pavers in your future.

 

[nate379]

Too much $$ to build. Shoot my garage is barely that size

 

[buening]

Well I can tell you that my 8'x12' in my back yard just barely holds my John Deere 214, push mower, and the gardening basics. 14x16 would be the minimum I would go, but all depends on your budget and what exactly you plan on using it for. Keep in mind the door opening width if you have a mower with a wide deck. My 48" deck barely fits (1/4" each side, makes for a precision entry/exit) through when both doors are open.

 

[vette-kid]

I am "getting by" on an 8x10. So from someone who recently made this mistake...take the size you think you need...and add a few feet either way. I did a kit shed (on a budget), and really wish I would have shelled out for the 4ft extension to make it a 12x10. Try to plan out everything you will want to store in there and then layout a plan of how it will fit in there. Remember to plan for some shelving and hooks to hang things like ladder and weed-eaters. You can can a lot of floor space that way.

Odd that you cant have it on a slab I did a slab and the only permit I had to get was from the HOA, took about 3 days and cost me $20.

 

[inurface]

I built a 14x16x10 and it is a great size. Not too big but a lot better then the small sheds you usually find. I added a second floor for storage too. 10' walls are a good addition over 8' as well.

You will always want bigger, but it is a good size.



I love the concrete floor!

A permit is not hard to get, just get the permit and build it as you want.

 

[Kevin54]

I have a 12x16 shed which is jamb packed full. John Deere tractor, tires, table saw, lawn ornaments, then the typical shovels, rakes, etc. 7' walls with a 4:12 pitch. A friend of mine has a 12x16 with a high pitch roof and a loft. He has 7' walls but the loft makes all the difference in the world. He can store way more than I can.

 

[mulepackin]

I built mine 11 x 18 (198 sq. ft.). Anything over 200 sq. ft. or on a slab, required a permit and I just chose to avoid that hassle. It has a pressure treated floor frame, sitting on patio blocks. I used a plan from Popular Mechanics as a basis, and modified for my needs.

www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/home_improvement/1276536.html

 

[Vince1955]

Without impacting taxes, my township allowed 168 sq ft and a max height of 13 ft. I built a 12'x14' at 12'11" high (with a 3/12 sloping roofline) with 3 small casement windows on the high portion of the large wall (even in the open position the shed is secure and allows natural light). Shelving from floor to ceiling with hooks on center ceiling rafters. After specifying locations for the lawn-tractor, snowblowers, yard tools, yard furnature, etc. I was still able to build a 3'x6' workbench. Whatever size you construct, go as high as you can.

 

[Bevis]

I built a 32 x 48...and i'm thinking about building another one on the other side of my house for trailers storage and lawn equip. building dept says go ahead.

 

[blh]

I just built a 16x20 shed with a second story and it is full. In my county I had to get a permit, cost 90.00 bucks but it was only a formality to get your money. when it was finished the inspector looked inside and slapped an approval sticker on it

 

[nate379]

I can't put another building on the property other than a shed and the shed can't be on a slab (this is per the HOA).

Can't be taller than the house, house has 9ft ceilings so that's what I'm going to do.

Will put a normal garage door on it. Just a cheap 6 foot wide one will be fine.

I'm going to have to figure out what lengths I can get 2x4s and 2x6s in and go from there. Probably will do 2x8s for the floor 16" o.c.

For a 16x16 the floor alone is going to be around $600. I'm looking to stay under $3000 all said and done including a garage door and vinyl siding to match the house.

 

[Fidget]

That sounds weird. Most HOA's want something that looks nice and uniform with the neighborhood. Since you can't have a slab per the HOA, how do they expect you to build a decent shed that won't offend the HOA standards? No offense to those who don't have slabs, but usually HOA's want slabed out buildings. Is the no slab thing due to the ground conditions?

I think what Mulepackin did will be your only option. My shed is on a slab, and is 14'x16'. It originally had doors on it. I replaced that with a roll-up door. Custom size cost me $400 installed with a lock. I also built a shelf inside that is approximately 8' deep, and 4' below the ceiling. That took a lot of the little used stuff off the floor, Christmas decorations, kids old toys, etc. The shelf was built with scrap lumber, 4'x6's, and I used large bolts to hold it in place. Shed was covered in left over HP siding from the house. When I reside the house, I'll reside the shed again. Also, like everyone said, make it as big as you can. You will always use up the space, but once it's built, you really can't add onto it.

 

[nate379]

Dunno why on teh slab. Maybe no slab = non permanent building and that's why it's ok?

There are about 6 rules for the HOA and that happens to be one of them.

Cheaper to do a wood floor anyhow though after you figure in the dirt work, rebar, mesh, forms and concrete.

 

[Fidget]

Cheaper to do a wood floor anyhow though after you figure in the dirt work, rebar, mesh, forms and concrete.

Unfortunatly, it sounds like you don't have much of a choice!!! If you raise it off the ground, think about putting some type of skirt around the edge to keep the nesting critters out from under it.

 

[bookman51]

They all come in one size: too small!

Hard to be disciplined enough not to full it up and then still have more stuff to put into it. Go as big as you can.

Bookman

 

[Boyd Who]

I just built a 16x20 shed with a second story and it is full. In my county I had to get a permit, cost 90.00 bucks but it was only a formality to get your money. when it was finished the inspector looked inside and slapped an approval sticker on it

That is a great looking shed! Do you have the plans for it?