Garden Shed Buying Guide: Steel Sizes, Doors and What to Check
A garden shed is one of those buys where the size mistake is expensive twice — once when you buy it, and again when you outgrow it and replace it. A bit of planning up front saves that. Here's how to think it through before you commit.
Size it for three years from now, not today
Mowers, whipper snippers, wheelbarrows and bikes all seem to multiply. Don't measure what you own today — picture what the yard needs in a few years, then round up. If you're stuck between two sizes, the bigger one almost always turns out to be the right call.
Compact (under 1.7m wide)
Good for hand tools, chemicals, a whipper snipper and general garden gear you want locked away and out of the weather. A sliding door earns its keep here because it needs almost no swing clearance — handy when the shed tucks against a fence or wall.
Mid-size (around 2–2.6m wide)
The sweet spot for most backyards. Room for a mower, tools, garden gear and some general storage without eating the whole yard. A double door on this size makes loading a mower or wheelbarrow straight in far easier than squeezing through a single opening.
Large (3m+ wide)
Once you're storing a ride-on, a workbench, or gear for a few different hobbies, you're in this bracket. These give you room to actually move around inside rather than playing Tetris every time you need the mower out.
The details people forget to check
- Door type. Sliding doors save clearance against a fence; double doors make loading bulky gear easier. Pick for the spot the shed's going in.
- Base. If a metal base isn't included, budget for a concrete pad or pavers. Sitting steel straight on dirt invites moisture and rust from underneath.
- Anchoring. Every steel shed needs securing to its base or the ground, especially anywhere that cops strong wind. Don't treat it as optional.
- Council rules. Some councils have size and setback limits before you need approval — a two-minute check before you buy the biggest option is worth it.
Browse the full size range in Garden Sheds, all with fast Australia-wide shipping.
For shed structural, siting and anchoring requirements, see the Australian Building Codes Board.
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About the author: Ryan Griffiths is based in Newcastle, NSW, and works with the Toolaroo team helping tradies, farmers, and home workshop owners choose the right storage and equipment for their setup.