Compact and practical
Best for simple backyard storage, smaller properties, push mowers, garden tools, seasonal items, and household overflow.
- Garden tools
- Push mower
- Storage totes
- Small yards
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M-F 10:am-5:00pm
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Mountain State Structures Buyer’s Guide
How to Choose the Right Storage Building Size for Your Property
Not sure whether you need an 8', 10', 12', or 14' wide storage building? This guide will help you understand what each size is best for, how much space you really need, and how to avoid buying too small.
The biggest mistake most buyers make? Going too small.
Choosing a storage building sounds simple until a few lawn tools turn into a mower, a side-by-side, totes full of seasonal decorations, hunting gear, gardening supplies, power tools, a workbench, bikes, patio furniture, and the things you keep telling yourself you will organize “one day.”
20–30%
Extra room is a smart target when planning your building. That space becomes walking room, shelf room, and future storage room.
Start with the real question: what are you actually storing?
Before you pick a size, get clear on the purpose of the building. A storage building should not be chosen by guessing. It should be chosen by looking at your property, your equipment, your habits, and your future plans.
Make a list of everything you want to put inside the building. Do not just think about the big items. Think about the smaller things that pile up too, such as gas cans, garden tools, camping gear, hunting equipment, patio cushions, coolers, storage totes, kids’ bikes, and seasonal decorations.
Once you see the full list, you may realize that the building you had in mind is not quite large enough. That is normal. Most people underestimate their storage needs because they picture their items stacked neatly in a perfect little space. Real storage does not usually work that way.
A building that is packed wall to wall is not functional storage.
You need walking room. You need space to open doors. You need space to reach shelves. You need space to get the mower out without unloading half the building.
Why width matters so much
When people shop for storage buildings, they often focus on total square footage. Square footage matters, but width is one of the most important parts of how usable a building feels.
An 8' wide building and a 12' wide building may not sound dramatically different, but once you step inside, the difference is huge. Width controls how easily you can move around, where you can place shelving, whether you can park equipment inside, and whether the building feels tight or comfortable.
The wider the building, the more options you have. A narrow building may work well for basic storage, garden tools, or smaller items. But if you want to store riding equipment, add a workbench, create aisles, or use the building as more than a simple storage box, extra width becomes extremely valuable.
Remember: listed dimensions usually refer to outside dimensions.
Interior space can be slightly less because of walls, framing, and construction materials. That is another reason it is smart to size up when you are unsure.
Storage building size comparison
Here is a simple way to think about the different widths. This is not a hard rule, but it gives you a strong starting point when comparing 8', 10', 12', and 14' wide buildings.
The homeowner sweet spot
A strong all-around option for lawn equipment, better organization, shelving, outdoor gear, and a small workbench.
- Riding mower
- Tool storage
- Outdoor gear
- General storage
More room, more comfort
Great for larger equipment, organized zones, work areas, ATVs, hunting gear, and customers who want extra breathing room.
- Zero-turn mower
- ATV
- Workbench
- Storage zones
Maximum flexibility
Ideal for serious storage, larger properties, multiple pieces of equipment, workshop layouts, and future growth.
- Side-by-side
- Workshop
- Large equipment
- Future growth
8' wide buildings: compact, practical, and great for simple storage
An 8' wide storage building is often the entry point for people who need a clean, affordable way to get clutter out of the garage, basement, porch, or yard. It is compact, easy to place, and a good fit for smaller properties.
This size works especially well for homeowners who need basic storage without taking up too much yard space. If you live on a smaller lot or simply want a building tucked beside the house, behind the garage, or along the edge of the yard, an 8' wide building can be a smart choice.
Best uses for an 8' wide building
An 8' wide storage building is ideal for items such as push mowers, garden tools, seasonal decorations, patio cushions, small outdoor equipment, and household overflow. It can also work well as a dedicated gardening shed or backyard organization space.
When 8' wide may be too small
The main downside of an 8' wide building is limited maneuvering room. If you plan to store larger equipment, build shelving on both sides, or use the space as a workshop, 8' wide can start to feel tight quickly.
10' wide buildings: the sweet spot for many homeowners
A 10' wide storage building is one of the most popular choices because it gives you a noticeable upgrade in usable space without becoming too large for most properties.
For many people, 10' wide is where a storage building starts to feel more flexible. You have more room for equipment, more comfortable walking space, and better options for shelving or a small workbench.
Why 10' wide feels more useful than 8' wide
The extra two feet of width may not sound like much on paper, but it changes the entire feel of the building. In an 8' wide building, shelving, equipment, and walking space compete with each other. In a 10' wide building, you have more flexibility.
When 10' wide may still be too small
If you have a side-by-side, larger lawn tractor, multiple pieces of equipment, or plans for a serious workshop, you may want to look at 12' wide options. A 10' wide building is flexible, but it still has limits.
12' wide buildings: more room, more comfort, more possibilities
A 12' wide storage building is where things really open up. This size is excellent for customers who want serious storage capacity, better equipment access, and the option to use the building for more than basic storage.
For many West Virginia properties, a 12' wide building is a strong long-term choice. It is large enough to handle bigger needs while still being manageable for many residential and rural settings.
The advantage of storage zones
One of the best things about a 12' wide building is the ability to separate your space into zones. Instead of everything being stacked together, you can create a layout that works with how you use your property.
You might have a mower and equipment zone near the main door, a wall storage zone with hooks and racks, a seasonal storage zone toward the back, and a workbench along one side.
14' wide buildings: maximum space for serious storage and bigger plans
A 14' wide building is for customers who want room to spread out. This size is ideal for people with larger properties, more equipment, bigger storage needs, or plans to use the building as a workshop, garage-style space, hobby building, or multi-purpose structure.
If an 8' wide building is compact storage, a 14' wide building is a major property upgrade. The extra width makes a major difference when you want to move around comfortably.
Why 14' wide works well for multi-purpose use
Many customers start with the idea of buying a storage building, but what they really want is a flexible extra space. They may want part storage, part workshop. Or part equipment shed, part hunting room. Or part garden shed, part hobby area.
If you are already asking, “Will the smaller one be enough?” that is usually a warning sign.
For customers with several large items, larger properties, or plans for future growth, the 14' wide option may save them from regret.
Common mistakes to avoid when choosing your building size
A good storage building should make your property easier to manage. These are the common mistakes that cause people to outgrow their building too fast.
1
Buying only for today.
Think about the next five to ten years, not just the items you own right now.
2
Forgetting about walking room.
If the building is packed wall to wall, it becomes frustrating to use.
3
Ignoring wall storage.
Shelves and hooks are great, but they still need enough width to work properly.
4
Guessing equipment measurements.
Measure mowers, ATVs, side-by-sides, workbenches, and shelving before choosing.
5
Not planning door placement.
A larger building with poor access can still be difficult to use.
6
Choosing the cheapest size instead of the right size.
The best value is the building that solves the problem long-term.
Quick comparison guide
| Building Width | Best For | Good Fit If You Need |
|---|---|---|
| 8' Wide | Basic storage and smaller yards | Garden tools, push mower, totes, seasonal items, and simple household overflow |
| 10' Wide | General homeowner storage | Riding mower, tools, shelves, outdoor gear, and a small workbench |
| 12' Wide | Larger storage and equipment | Mower, ATV, workshop area, storage zones, hunting gear, and organized space |
| 14' Wide | Serious storage and multi-purpose use | Multiple large items, equipment, workshop layouts, and future growth |
How to avoid buying too small
If you are stuck between two sizes, there are a few practical ways to make the decision easier.
Lay out the space before you buy
Use tape, stakes, cones, or spray paint to mark the building dimensions in your yard, driveway, or garage. Walk through the space. Picture where the mower would go. Picture the shelves. Picture opening the door, carrying totes, or backing equipment inside.
Gather your largest items together
Seeing your largest items in one place will help you understand how much room they actually take up. Measure the width, length, and height of your mower, ATV, side-by-side, workbench, shelving units, or anything else that will take up major space.
Plan for future purchases
If you are planning to upgrade from a push mower to a riding mower, do not buy a building that only fits the push mower. If you are thinking about getting a side-by-side, do not ignore that possibility.
Leave room for organization
Shelves, hooks, racks, and loft storage help, but they still need space. Do not assume you can solve every size problem with shelving. The best building gives you floor space, wall space, and room to move.
Simple rule:
If the building barely fits everything on paper, it will probably feel too small in real life.
Which size is right for you?
Choose an 8' wide building if you need simple storage, have a smaller yard, and mainly want a clean place for tools, totes, garden supplies, and smaller equipment.
Choose a 10' wide building if you want a strong all-around storage option for lawn equipment, household overflow, and better organization without going too large.
Choose a 12' wide building if you need more serious storage, want room for equipment and shelves, or plan to use the building as a combination storage and workspace.
Choose a 14' wide building if you want maximum flexibility, have larger equipment, need a workshop-style setup, or want a building that can grow with your needs for years.
The best building size is the one that gives you enough room to use the space comfortably. Not just enough room to cram everything inside.
Need help choosing the right size?
A storage building should make your property feel more organized, more useful, and easier to enjoy. Mountain State Structures can help you compare sizes, think through placement, and find a building that fits your property the right way.
Free 30-mile delivery is available from either lot. Contact an office to learn more about availability, delivery, and placement.
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