Popular Large Shed Sizes
Large sheds are an increasingly popular choice in UK gardens, offering far more than just storage space. They create versatile, functional areas that can transform how you use your outdoor space while adding real value to your property.
Why Choose a Large Shed?
Large sheds, typically 10 × 8 ft and above, open up countless possibilities far beyond simply storing garden tools. Their generous interior space allows you to design a highly functional, purpose-built area tailored to your needs. Below are some of the most popular and practical uses, with ideas on how you could maximise every square foot.
1. A Fully Equipped Workshop
One of the most common reasons people choose a large shed is to create a dedicated workshop. With floor space of 80 to 120 square feet or more, you have ample room for multiple workbenches, a full-size tool chest, wall-mounted storage racks and even heavy-duty equipment such as pillar drills, mitre saws or bench grinders. This makes it possible to carry out woodwork, metalwork, bike repairs or even small-scale engineering projects without taking over space inside your home. You could easily store large timber sheets, bulk hardware supplies, paints and finishes, keeping everything organised and accessible.
2. A Serious Gardening and Potting Station
Gardeners often find small sheds too cramped for storing everything they need. A larger shed can become a dedicated horticultural hub, housing multiple shelving units for pots and seeds, bags of compost, watering systems and even large machinery like rotavators and lawn tractors. A 14 × 10 ft shed offers enough room to install a potting bench with a built-in sink, while still leaving space for seedling trays and grow lights. With space for tall shelving, you can also store fertilisers, pesticides and large garden tools like spades, forks and edging tools safely and neatly.
3. A Hobby or Craft Studio
If you are into hobbies that demand space, a large shed can become a creative retreat. Artists can install easels, drying racks and storage units for canvases and paints. Model builders and crafters can set up large tables, display cabinets and cutting stations. Even musical enthusiasts can use a well-insulated shed as a band practice room, with space for drum kits, amps and recording equipment. The added floor space allows you to keep materials organised and out of sight, turning the shed into a productive environment that encourages creativity.
4. A Home Office or Business Base
As remote working continues to grow, more homeowners are converting large sheds into fully functional offices. With space for desks, filing cabinets, shelving units and even meeting areas, you can separate your work life from your home life while remaining on your property. Many choose to insulate, wire and heat these sheds, creating a year-round workspace with reliable internet, lighting and power. This setup can also support small home businesses, such as online retail operations, where space for inventory storage, packing stations and printing equipment is essential.
5. A Gym or Fitness Suite
Fitness enthusiasts can turn a large shed into a private workout space. A 12 × 10 ft shed has enough room for a treadmill, exercise bike, free weights, racks and benches, plus wall storage for mats and resistance bands. You can install mirrors, flooring and ventilation to create a comfortable environment. With the added ceiling height of many large sheds, even a squat rack or cable machine can fit comfortably.
6. An Entertainment or Social Space
For those who love hosting friends and family, a large shed can transform into a garden bar, games room or home cinema. There is space for a full-size bar counter, fridge and seating, or a pool table, dartboard and sound system. You could even integrate bi-fold doors to extend the space outdoors for summer gatherings.
7. Secure Storage for Large Equipment
Finally, large sheds remain unmatched for storage capacity. They can hold multiple bikes, ride-on mowers, large patio furniture sets, BBQ equipment, ladders and bulky DIY tools all under one roof. With clever shelving and hooks, even a 10 × 8 ft shed can house an impressive collection of gear while still leaving a central working area clear.
Popular Sizes for Large Sheds
Some of the most common large shed sizes in the UK include:
10 × 8 shed (3.05 × 2.44 m): A versatile size suitable for both storage and workspace.
10 × 10 shed (3.05 × 3.05 m): Provides extra room for hobbies or small garden offices.
12 × 8 shed (3.66 × 2.44 m): A popular choice for workshops or dual-use spaces.
12 × 10 shed (3.66 × 3.05 m): Ideal when you need significant storage or want to create a dedicated leisure area.
You can explore our full Large Shed Collection for a range of options to suit different gardens and budgets.
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20 x 8 Heavy Duty Apex Summerhouse
£3,608.00Original price was: £3,608.00.£3,280.00Current price is: £3,280.00. Add to cart -
23 x 10 Georgian Style Pent Summerhouse
£5,421.00Original price was: £5,421.00.£4,928.00Current price is: £4,928.00. Add to cart -
20 x 10 Ultimate Heavy Duty UPVC Summerhouse
£7,733.00Original price was: £7,733.00.£7,030.00Current price is: £7,030.00. Add to cart -
16 x 12 Ultimate Pent Summerhouse
£3,840.00Original price was: £3,840.00.£3,200.00Current price is: £3,200.00. Add to cart -
20 x 10 Ultimate Heavy Duty Summerhouse
£4,422.00Original price was: £4,422.00.£3,685.00Current price is: £3,685.00. Select options -
13 x 6 Heavy Duty Pent Combi Summerhouse
£2,714.00Original price was: £2,714.00.£2,262.00Current price is: £2,262.00. Select options -
23 x 14 Ultimate UPVC Summerhouse
£10,450.00Original price was: £10,450.00.£9,500.00Current price is: £9,500.00. Add to cart -
20 x 13 Ultimate UPVC Summerhouse
£7,007.00Original price was: £7,007.00.£6,370.00Current price is: £6,370.00. Add to cart
Greater Flexibility with Larger Sheds
Another key advantage of investing in a large shed is the greater flexibility in size and layout compared to smaller models. Most small and medium sheds come in fixed, standard dimensions such as 6 × 4 ft, 7 × 5 ft or 8 × 6 ft, which are often sufficient for basic storage but leave little room for variation. Large sheds, however, are not limited to these standardised measurements. They can be significantly deeper, longer or wider, often extending beyond 14, 16 or even 20 feet in length if desired.
This increased flexibility means you can tailor the building precisely to how you plan to use it. Whether you need an extended workshop with dedicated tool zones and machinery areas, a long garden office with multiple workstations, or a deep storage shed that accommodates bulky equipment with space left over for shelving and worktops, the options are far broader.
At Midlands Sheds and Summerhouses, we specialise in bespoke shed design. Our team can create a structure that maximises its usefulness for your specific needs while ensuring it stays within the maximum size permitted under planning rules. By carefully designing the length, depth and height, we help you take full advantage of the available space without exceeding permitted development allowances.
Planning Permission for Large Sheds in the UK
In many cases, garden sheds are considered permitted development, meaning you do not need planning permission. However, large sheds are subject to specific rules, and it is essential to check these before installation. Key points include:
Height limits: The shed must not exceed 2.5 m in height if within 2 m of a boundary, or 4 m overall if it has a dual-pitched roof.
Coverage: Outbuildings should not cover more than half of the total area of land around your house.
Use: The structure must be for domestic use only, not for commercial purposes or separate living accommodation.
Location: Sheds cannot be built forward of the principal elevation of your house.
If your property is listed or located in a conservation area, national park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, additional restrictions may apply, so always check with your local planning authority before starting work.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a large shed opens up a world of possibilities, from practical storage to creative spaces. With careful planning and attention to legal requirements, you can create a valuable and attractive addition to your garden that enhances your lifestyle and property.







