Popular Small Shed Sizes
Small sheds have become essential in modern British gardens, where outdoor space is often limited yet storage needs remain significant. Choosing the right size ensures you can keep tools, bikes and garden accessories neatly stored without overwhelming your garden. Among the most popular small shed sizes in the UK are the 6 × 4 ft, 7 × 5 ft, and 8 × 6 ft models. Each provides a different balance of space and practicality, making them suitable for a wide range of garden layouts.
The 6 × 4 ft Shed – Compact and Efficient
The 6 × 4 ft shed remains the UK’s most popular small shed size, ideal for modest gardens, courtyards and patios. Measuring about 1.83 × 1.22 metres, it offers compact but valuable storage for everyday garden essentials.
Despite its small footprint, it comfortably holds:
Lawn mowers, strimmers and garden tools
Bags of compost and plant pots
Folding furniture and garden accessories
Children’s outdoor toys or a single bike
By using shelves, hooks and wall-mounted storage, you can make the most of every inch inside. This shed is perfect for homeowners who want functional, discreet storage that tucks neatly against a wall or fence while leaving the rest of the garden open for use.
The 7 × 5 ft Shed – A Popular Step Up
For those needing just a little more space, the 7 × 5 ft shed is a close competitor in the small shed market. At approximately 2.13 × 1.52 metres, it offers noticeably more floor area and internal height, allowing you to store bulkier items or mix storage with light workspace.
Common uses for this shed size include:
Storing garden machinery, tools and furniture together
Setting up a compact potting bench for seedlings and plants
Creating a tidy workshop area for small DIY projects
The 7 × 5 ft shed suits medium gardens where space is still a concern but a touch more capacity is needed. It strikes a superb balance between manageability and practicality.
The 8 × 6 ft Shed – Compact, Yet Nearing Medium
At around 2.44 × 1.83 metres, the 8 × 6 ft shed sits at the upper end of the small category and starts to enter the medium-size range. It provides a significant upgrade in space without feeling intrusive, making it ideal for gardeners who need a bit more flexibility.
This size offers enough room to store bikes, garden machinery, power tools and patio furniture while leaving space to move comfortably inside. It is a great choice for those who want to combine storage with workspace, perhaps using part of the shed for DIY, potting, or household storage overflow.
Its rectangular footprint also fits neatly along garden boundaries, making it suitable for both wider gardens and narrow plots. With thoughtful layout planning, an 8 × 6 ft shed can feel surprisingly spacious and adaptable.
-
8 x 6 Ultimate Tantalised Apex shed
Original price was: £960.00.£800.00Current price is: £800.00. Add to cart -
8 x 6 Ultimate Pent Shed with 2FT Canopy
Original price was: £990.00.£900.00Current price is: £900.00. Add to cart -
8 x 6 Heavy Duty Apex Shed
Original price was: £960.00.£800.00Current price is: £800.00. Add to cart
Why Small Sheds Are Essential in Modern Gardens
In modern homes, outdoor areas are often modest in size. A small shed makes it possible to store everything neatly while keeping the garden attractive and functional. Compact sheds like these can transform a limited space, freeing patios and lawns from clutter and allowing more room for plants or leisure.
For even greater efficiency, lean-to and corner sheds are excellent space-saving options. These designs fit snugly against fences or walls, ensuring you make the best use of every inch available.
Planning Permission for Small Sheds
Most small sheds do not require planning permission, as they fall under permitted development rights. The basic rules are:
The shed must not exceed 2.5 metres in height if within 2 metres of a boundary.
Outbuildings, including sheds, must not cover more than 50% of your total garden area.
The structure must be used for domestic purposes only, not as a living space or business premises.
Because small sheds have compact footprints, they almost never exceed these limits, even in smaller gardens. Only in the tightest spaces might a shed risk taking up too much of the available outdoor area, so it is worth checking measurements before installation.
Final Thoughts
Small sheds such as the 6 × 4 ft, 7 × 5 ft, and 8 × 6 ft models remain the most popular and practical choices for UK homeowners. They offer a perfect mix of storage capacity, accessibility and visual balance, helping you maintain a tidy, functional and enjoyable garden regardless of its size.
