Total Sheds
Buying Guides · 8 min read
Learn how to accurately measure your garden for a new shed with this comprehensive UK guide. Avoid common pitfalls and ensure a perfect fit for your outdoor space.
Consider sunlight, drainage, accessibility, and proximity to power if needed. Think about how the shed will look in your garden and its practical use. Avoid placing it directly under overhanging trees if possible, as falling leaves and branches can cause damage.
Remove any obstacles like overgrown bushes, debris, or old paving slabs. You need a clear, level space to accurately measure. This also helps with preparing the <a href="/knowledge-centre/foundation-options-garden-buildings-explained">shed base</a> later.
Use string and pegs, or even flour/sand, to mark the approximate area where your shed will sit. This gives you a visual representation and helps identify any potential issues.
Using a good quality tape measure (at least 5 metres long), measure the maximum width and depth of the available space. Remember, shed dimensions are often listed as width x depth (e.g., 8ft x 6ft). Always measure at several points to account for any irregularities in your garden boundaries.
Crucially, shed dimensions typically refer to the base size. However, the roof, especially on apex or pent sheds, will have an overhang. You need to allow for this. For most sheds, an extra 15-20cm (6-8 inches) on each side for the roof overhang is a good rule of thumb. This space is also vital for maintenance, painting, and general access around the shed.
Ensure there's enough space for the shed door to open fully without hitting a fence, wall, or other obstruction. The same applies to windows if they open outwards. Think about where the door will be positioned on your chosen shed model (e.g., on the 'width' side for an apex shed or a 'depth' side for a pent shed like our <a href="/shop/f-f-16ft-x-8ft-pent-shed-1352">F&F 16ft x 8ft Pent Shed</a>).
Measure the maximum height available, especially if the shed will be close to a fence, wall, or under tree branches. For planning permission in the UK, if your shed is within 2 metres of a boundary, its maximum height is typically 2.5 metres. If it's further away, it can be up to 4 metres for an apex roof or 3 metres for any other type of roof. Always double-check local authority guidelines.
A simple drawing of your garden space, with all measurements noted, can be incredibly helpful. Include any fixed features like fences, walls, trees, and paths. This visual aid will assist you when comparing shed sizes.
Nominal size (e.g., 8x6) is a rounded figure for marketing. Actual size is the precise external measurement of the shed's base. Always check the product specifications for actual dimensions, as they can vary slightly between manufacturers.
Yes, absolutely. The base should be slightly larger than the shed's footprint to ensure stability and proper drainage. A good rule of thumb is to make your base 5-10cm (2-4 inches) larger on all sides than the shed's actual base dimensions. For more info, see our guide on <a href="/knowledge-centre/foundation-options-garden-buildings-explained">Foundation Options for Garden Buildings</a>.
We recommend at least 60cm (2 feet) of clear space around all sides of your shed if possible. This allows for easy access for painting, treating the timber, roof repairs, and general cleaning. If space is tight, prioritise access to the door side and the side most exposed to weather.
A long, sturdy tape measure (at least 5m/16ft), wooden pegs or stakes, string, a spirit level (to check ground level), and a notepad and pen for your sketch and measurements.
Many UK gardens aren't perfect rectangles. Measure the longest and widest points, and consider if a custom-sized shed or a more flexible shed design (like a pent shed) might work better. You might also need to adjust your chosen location slightly to accommodate the shed, even if it means losing a small amount of garden space.
Ready to put it into practice? Every building is made in our West Midlands workshop with free mainland delivery.
Browse buildings →