Select Page

The Ultimate Guide To Shed Sizes In Australia

Quick Answer: What Size Shed Do You Need?

Most Australian shed buyers choose sizes between 6m x 6m and 12m x 18m, depending on use.

  • Garages: 6m x 6m to 6m x 9m
  • Workshops: 9m x 12m
  • Farm sheds: 12m x 18m or larger

For machinery storage, a minimum height of 4.2m is typically recommended to allow for tractors, headers, and access.

family looking into their shed

Standard Shed Sizes in Australia

Below is a practical guide based on real-world usage across residential, rural, and commercial applications.

Use Case Width Length Height Notes
Single garage 3m 6m 2.4m Tight fit for modern vehicles
Double garage 6m 6m 2.4–2.7m Most common residential
Triple garage 9m 6m 2.7m Extra storage space
Workshop 9m 12m 3–3.6m Ideal for tools + workspace
Small farm shed 12m 12m 4–4.5m Entry-level rural use
Large farm shed 12m 18m 4.5–5m Machinery + storage
Industrial shed 15m+ 20m+ 5m+ Custom engineered

These are starting points — your final design should match your specific use and site conditions.

Shed Sizes by Use Case

Garages

For modern vehicles, sizing is critical.

  • Minimum for 1 car: 3m x 6m
  • Recommended for comfort: 3.5m x 6m
  • Double garage: 6m x 6m or 6m x 7m

If you plan to open doors fully or store tools, go larger.

double garage shed

Workshops

Workshops need more than just floor space — they need usability.

  • Common size: 9m x 12m
  • Height: 3m+
  • Why: allows:
    • workbenches
    • shelving
    • machinery
    • vehicle access

 If in doubt, add an extra bay — most people regret going too small.

Farm Machinery Sheds

This is where size matters most.

Typical machinery requirements:

  • tractors: 2.5–3.5m high
  • headers: up to 4m+
  • implements: long and wide
Farm Shed

Recommended starting point:

  • Width: 12m
  • Length: 18m
  • Height: 4.2m–5m

Always allow clearance for:

  • door height
  • turning space
  • future equipment upgrades
commercial industrial shed

Large / Commercial / Hangars

These are typically custom engineered.

  • Width: 15m+
  • Length: 20m+
  • Height: 5m+

Span, wind region, and engineering become critical here.

Shed Height Guidelines (VERY IMPORTANT)

Height is one of the most common mistakes.

General rules:

  • Garages: 2.4m – 2.7m
  • Workshops: 3m – 3.6m
  • Farm sheds: 4.2m – 5m

Why height matters:

  • door clearance
  • vehicle access
  • airflow & heat
  • future flexibility

If you’re unsure, go higher — increasing height later is expensive.

Door Size Recommendations

Your shed is only as functional as its access.

Common door sizes:

Type

Width

Height

Single roller door

2.4–3m

2.4–2.7m

Double roller door

4.8–6m

2.7–3m

Farm machinery door

5–6m

4–4.5m

Always match door height to your tallest equipment.

Bay Spacing & Layout

Most steel sheds are designed in bays (typically 3m apart).

Example:

  • 12m shed = 4 bays
  • 18m shed = 6 bays

Why this matters:

  • affects cost
  • affects structural design
  • determines door placement

Planning bays early avoids expensive redesigns.

Common Shed Sizing Mistakes

man cave steel shed

1. Going too small

Most people underestimate:

  • storage needs
  • future equipment
  • workspace requirements

Rule: Go at least 20% bigger than you think

garage shed with 2 roller doors - realigned

2. Not allowing for door clearance

A shed might fit your machinery…
…but the door won’t.

farm shed with hay and tractor inside

3. Ignoring height

Too low = unusable space
Too high = small extra cost

Height is cheap to increase during design — expensive later

garden shed

4. Not planning for future use

Today:

  • car storage

Tomorrow:

  • workshop
  • business
  • farm expansion

Build for where you’re going, not where you are

Pro Tips from Shed Experts

» Add extra length — it’s the cheapest way to increase space
» Plan door locations early
» Consider mezzanine floors for storage
» Think about vehicle turning space
» Always confirm wind region and site conditions

Recommended Add-Ons for Your Shed

To maximise usability:

  • Mezzanine flooring » create extra storage space
  • Vermin sealing systems » protect your shed
  • Insulation » reduce heat
  • Lighting » improve functionality

These are easiest to plan during the design stage

Explore

  • To see Vermin Proofing for your home or shed go here
  • To see Windows and Sliding doors for your home or shed go here
  • To find Insulation for your home or shed go here
  • To find steel products for your home or shed project go here
  • Discover steel watertanks for your home or shed go here
  • Explore mezzanine floors for the home or shed here

Not Sure What Size You Need?

Before requesting a quote, make sure you know:

  • intended use
  • equipment dimensions
  • site location
  • access requirements

Get a Shed Quote Here

Ready to move forward?

Use our quoting service to get a tailored design and price based on your needs.

Or upload your requirements and we’ll help you design the perfect shed.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right shed size is one of the most important decisions in your project.

Get it right, and your shed will serve you for decades.
Get it wrong, and you’ll outgrow it quickly.

When in doubt — go bigger, go higher, and plan for the future.