What size shed do I need for a riding mower?

A riding mower typically needs at least a 10'×12' shed, but a 10'×16' gives you room for the mower plus additional tools and supplies. Make sure the door opening is at least 5 feet wide for easy access.

What is the most popular shed size?

The 10'×12' is our most popular shed size. It provides 120 square feet of storage — enough for a riding mower, garden tools, bikes, and seasonal items — while staying under the 200 sq ft permit threshold in most Michigan townships.

How far does a shed need to be from the property line?

Most Michigan townships require sheds to be set back 5–10 feet from side and rear property lines and 15–30 feet from the front property line. Always check with your local zoning office for exact requirements.

Can I go bigger if I'm not sure?

We rarely hear customers say they wish they'd bought a smaller shed. If you're torn between two sizes, going one size up gives you room to grow. Just confirm your setback and permit situation first.

What Size Shed Do I Need? A Complete Sizing Guide

Choosing the right shed size is the single most important decision in the buying process. Too small and you'll outgrow it in a year; too big and you may trigger permit requirements or overwhelm your yard. This guide walks you through exactly how to choose the right shed size for your needs, your property, and your budget.

Start With What You're Storing

Before looking at dimensions, make a list of everything you plan to keep in the shed. Walk around your garage, basement, and yard and take inventory. Here are common items and their approximate footprints:

Push mower: 4'×2'
Riding mower: 6'×4'
Wheelbarrow: 4'×2'
Bicycles (2): 6'×2'
Lawn chairs (4): 3'×3'
Trash/recycling bins (2): 3'×2'
Garden tools (rack): 3'×1'
Snow blower: 4'×2'
Workbench: 6'×2'

Add up the footprints of your items, then add 30–40% extra space for walking around, future additions, and things you haven't thought of yet. That total gives you a starting square footage target.

Common Shed Sizes by Use Case

Here's a quick reference for what each size range is best suited for:

| Size | Square Feet | Best For | |------|------------|----------| | 8'×8' | 64 | Basic tools, push mower, small yard | | 8'×10' | 80 | Push mower + garden tools + bins | | 8'×12' | 96 | Above + bikes and seasonal items | | 10'×12' | 120 | Riding mower + tools + storage (most popular) | | 10'×16' | 160 | Riding mower + workshop space | | 12'×16' | 192 | Workshop, she-shed, or large storage | | 12'×24' | 288 | Workshop + storage + potential office | | 12'×32' | 384 | Garage alternative, tiny home shell | | 14'×32'+ | 448+ | Cabin, garage, or commercial storage |

Measuring Your Yard

Once you have a target size, measure your available yard space:

Mark the footprint — Use stakes and string or a garden hose to outline the shed dimensions on the ground. This gives you a visual sense of how the building will fill the space.
Leave breathing room — Add at least 2–3 feet of clearance on all sides for maintenance access, airflow, and delivery placement.
Check overhead clearance — Look for power lines, tree branches, and roof overhangs that could interfere with delivery or the building itself.
Consider the path to the site — Our delivery truck needs adequate access. Measure gates, fence openings, and the path from the street to the pad. We need at least 10–12 feet of width and adequate overhead clearance.

The 200 Square Foot Permit Threshold

In most Michigan townships, sheds under 200 square feet don't require a building permit. This is why our 10'×12' (120 sq ft) and 12'×16' (192 sq ft) models are so popular — they maximize storage while staying under the threshold.

If you're considering a larger shed (12'×20' or bigger), check with your local zoning office first. Read our complete Michigan shed permit guide →

Property Line Setbacks

Even without a permit, most townships require setbacks from property lines:

Side and rear setbacks: typically 5–10 feet
Front setback: typically 15–30 feet (front-yard placement is often restricted)
Easements: buildings can't be placed over underground utilities or drainage easements

Measure from your property lines — not from your fence, which may not be exactly on the line. If you're unsure where your property line is, check your property survey or contact your county register of deeds.

Roof Style Affects Usable Space

The roof style you choose affects how much usable space you get:

Utility (gable roof) — Maximum headroom throughout, no loft. Best for tall items and workshops.
Lofted barn (gambrel roof) — Adds overhead loft storage without increasing the footprint. The loft area is perfect for lightweight seasonal items.
Garden shed — Often has steeper roof pitch for visual appeal, with windows for natural light.

A lofted barn shed gives you roughly 30–40% more usable storage volume than a utility shed of the same footprint, because the loft takes advantage of otherwise wasted vertical space.

Explore our shed styles →

Ceiling Height Matters

Don't just think about floor space — think about vertical space too:

Standard wall height (6'4"–6'6"): adequate for storage, but taller adults may need to duck near the walls
Workshop height (7'+): comfortable standing room, room for overhead storage, and a more spacious feel
Extra-tall (8'+): ideal for workshops, garages, or conversion projects

If you plan to use the shed as a workshop or office, taller walls make a big difference in comfort. Our workshop sheds come standard with extra-height walls.

Door Placement and Width

Think about how you'll get things in and out:

Single door (3' wide): fine for hand tools and small items
Double door (5'–6' wide): needed for riding mowers, ATVs, and large equipment
Overhead garage door: available on garage models for vehicle access

Also consider door placement — a front-facing door is standard, but a side door can be more convenient depending on your site layout and how you'll use the space.

Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting future needs — Kids get bigger, hobbies grow, equipment multiplies. Buy for what you'll need in 5 years, not just today.
Ignoring the loft option — A lofted barn shed can effectively double your storage capacity without a bigger footprint.
Underestimating door width — A riding mower won't fit through a 3' door. Always check equipment width against door opening.
Not checking setbacks before ordering — Discovering you can't place the shed where you planned after delivery is a costly mistake.
Going too big without checking permits — A 12'×20' shed is 240 sq ft — likely over the permit threshold. Check first.

Cost by Size

Larger sheds cost more, but the cost per square foot actually decreases as you go bigger. Here's what to expect:

| Size | Starting Price | RTO From | |------|---------------|----------| | 8'×10' | ~$2,200 | $59/mo | | 10'×12' | ~$3,200 | $89/mo | | 12'×16' | ~$4,500 | $125/mo | | 12'×24' | ~$6,500 | $180/mo |

See our complete shed cost guide →

Still Not Sure? Let's Talk

If you're torn between sizes, the best thing to do is visit our lot in Bangor and walk through our display models. Seeing a 10'×12' and a 12'×16' side by side makes the decision much clearer.

We'll help you measure, plan, and choose the perfect size for your yard and your budget.

What Size Shed Do I Need? A Complete Sizing Guide