Building a garden shed can be a great way to add useful storage or create a dedicated space for hobbies and DIY projects. But before you buy timber or start cutting materials, it pays to spend some time thinking about the design.
The right shed isn't necessarily the biggest one you can fit into your garden. It's the one that gives you the space you need, works with your garden layout, and suits the way you actually plan to use it.
Start With How You Will Use the Shed
The first question to ask is what you want your shed to do.
A small shed may be all you need for garden tools, pots and outdoor equipment. If you're storing a lawn mower, bicycles or larger items, you'll need more floor space and a door wide enough to get everything inside.
If you want somewhere to work on DIY projects or hobbies, you'll also need room for a workbench, tools and comfortable working space.
Thinking about how you'll use the shed before choosing a design can prevent you from ending up with a building that's too small or a layout that doesn't work for you.
Measure Your Available Space
Once you've decided what you want to store, measure the area where the shed will go.
Don't measure only the width and depth. Think about access to the shed, the surrounding space needed for construction and maintenance, and where the doors and windows will be positioned.
It's also worth considering how the shed will look in relation to the rest of your garden. A well-planned shed should feel like it belongs in the space rather than simply being placed wherever there happens to be room.
Before settling on a size, check any applicable setbacks, height restrictions and local building requirements.
Choose the Right Shed Style
There are several shed designs to consider, each with its own practical advantages.
An apex shed has a traditional pitched roof with a central ridge. It can provide useful headroom and suits many garden storage projects.
A pent shed has a single sloping roof and can work particularly well where the building needs to sit against a wall or fence.
A lean-to shed can make use of an existing wall or structure and is useful when available space is limited.
You can also design a shed specifically around its intended purpose, such as a storage shed, tool shed or workshop.
If you're planning a practical backyard building for garden tools, lawn equipment and outdoor supplies,
explore our Garden Storage Shed Plans for design ideas and detailed plans.
Think About Doors, Windows and Storage
These details can make a big difference to how useful your finished shed will be.
Consider the size of the items you'll be moving inside before deciding where the door should go. A narrow doorway may be fine for hand tools but frustrating if you're trying to move a lawn mower or bicycle through it.
Windows can provide natural light and ventilation, while shelves, hooks and workbenches help you make better use of the available wall space.
Planning the interior before construction also helps you understand how much clear floor area you'll really need.
Create a Detailed Plan Before Buying Materials
Once you've decided on the size, style and layout, having a detailed plan can make the construction process much easier.
A good set of shed plans should provide measurements, diagrams, materials information and clear building instructions. This gives you something to work from rather than having to work out every detail as you go.
If you're planning a storage shed, for example, you can start with a fixed footprint and then position the doors, windows, shelving and interior layout around those dimensions.
Having a plan also helps you estimate materials and organise your project before construction begins.
Try an Online Shed Design Tool
If you're still experimenting with different sizes and layouts, an online design tool can be useful.
For example, ShedBuilder offers a shed design tool that allows users to explore custom dimensions, layouts and building information.
The tool is designed for UK garden and building regulations, so users elsewhere should check their own local requirements before starting construction.
An online tool can help you visualise a design, but it doesn't replace checking structural requirements, site conditions or applicable building rules.
Don't Forget the Foundation
The shed design is only part of the project. You'll also need to think about the base.
A shed needs a stable, level foundation appropriate for its size and intended use.
Depending on the design and site conditions, possible options include a compacted gravel base with treated skids, concrete piers or a concrete slab.
Planning the foundation at the same time as the shed helps ensure the finished building has suitable support from the beginning.
It's also worth checking local building or planning requirements before construction, as these can vary depending on where you live.
Choose Your Shed Plans
Once you know the size, style and purpose of your shed, the next step is finding plans that give you enough information to build it properly.
At The Shed Nerd, we're building a collection of shed plans and DIY resources to help builders find the information they need before starting their projects.
For a practical backyard storage building, our Garden Storage Shed Plans provide a starting point for exploring designs, blueprints, materials and building instructions.
You can also browse our wider collection of shed plans to compare different sizes and styles for your project.
Plan First, Build With Confidence
The best projects start with good planning.
Take the time to measure your space, decide what you'll use the shed for, choose a practical layout and work out the details before buying materials.
A little planning at the beginning can make the building process much easier and help you end up with a shed that works for you for years to come.
Find the Right Shed Plan for Your Project
Explore our collection of 12,000 shed plans, including garden sheds, storage buildings, workshops, garages and other DIY designs.
Find detailed plans, drawings and ideas to help you choose a design that's right for your backyard.