When it comes to building the ultimate man cave, one of the most important considerations is determining the right size shed you need. The shed size will depend on factors like the number of activities and features you want to include, how many people need to fit comfortably, and the dimensions of your backyard. With some planning and forethought, you can figure out the perfect shed size to create your ideal man cave retreat.
Page Contents
- 1 What will you use the man cave for?
- 2 How many people do you want it to fit?
- 3 What are the backyard space limitations?
- 4 How much budget do you have for the project?
- 5 What shed foundation is best?
- 6 What size shed is needed for common man cave features?
- 7 What are the best shed dimensions?
- 8 Should you maximize height too?
- 9 What building codes apply to man cave sheds?
- 10 Can I turn a shed into a man cave? 7 tips
- 11 10 stunning man cave shed ideas
- 11.1 1. Rustic pub shed
- 11.2 2. Backyard sports cave
- 11.3 3. Poker lounge
- 11.4 4. Man cave shed-garage
- 11.5 5. Palace man cave
- 11.6 6. Backyard theater
- 11.7 7. Arcade game shed
- 11.8 8. Sports bar shed
- 11.9 9. Music studio shed A soundproof shed with acoustic treatment provides space to rock out on your instruments far from any noise complaints. 10. Backyard gym shed
- 12 Conclusion
What will you use the man cave for?
The main activities and purposes you have in mind for the man cave will play a big role in determining how much space you will need. Think about elements you definitely want to incorporate like:
- A seating/lounge area with couches, chairs, a coffee table, etc.
- A media zone with a large TV, speakers, gaming consoles, etc.
- A bar area with bar stools and drinking/entertaining space
- A table for playing card games, board games, doing crafts projects, etc.
- One or more focal features like a pool table, ping pong table, dartboard area, golf simulator, etc.
- Storage space for gear, tools, sports equipment, etc.
- A workbench or desk area for projects
- A small bathroom/changing area
- A mini fridge, cabinets, and counter space for food/drinks
Making a list of everything you ideally want to put in the man cave space will give you a better idea of the required square footage. Be sure to consider circulation space around furniture and focal features too.
How many people do you want it to fit?
In addition to the features, the number of people the man cave needs to accommodate comfortably is key. A few questions to ask:
- Will this mostly just be a personal retreat for 1 or 2 people at a time?
- Or is the goal to entertain larger groups of friends to watch games?
- Do you want enough room for the whole family to hang out together sometimes?
- Will guests need seating space when they visit?
If the man cave will only realistically fit 1-2 people using it at once, a relatively small shed around 8×8 feet could work. However, if you want space for 4+ people to mingle and move around, aim for at least 10×12 feet or larger.
What are the backyard space limitations?
The physical footprint of your backyard is another major factor. Take measurements of your outdoor area to determine the maximum dimensions available for placing a shed or building. Watch out for setback requirements from property lines, easements, septic fields, overhead wires, and other barriers that could limit shed size and placement. A few tips:
- Focus on back corners or edges of the yard with the most usable space.
- You can also remove or relocate existing structures like a small garden shed to open up room.
- For large yards, central locations can work well to create a dedicated man cave “zone”.
- A narrower shed may fit better in a tight backyard layout.
It’s better to be realistic about backyard constraints from the start rather than ending up with a shed that is too big. Careful spacing and positioning your man cave shed will help it blend into the yard naturally too.
How much budget do you have for the project?
Your budget is a pragmatic limitation that can dictate the maximum shed size within reason. Larger sheds get progressively more expensive. Some cost factors include:
- Permit fees based on shed footprint/volume
- Materials for foundation, framing, roofing, siding, finishes, etc.
- Extent of customization with insulation, windows, electrical system, etc.
- Utility connections for power, water, sewer/septic
- HVAC system installation costs
- Labor expenses for construction and contracted work
For a more basic 8×8 feet shed just to have a bit of extra hanging out space, you may be able to build it for under $2,000. But for a fully-finished and plumbed 12×16 feet shed that serves as an extension of your home, expect to invest $15,000 to $20,000 or more.
What shed foundation is best?
The foundation type you choose for the man cave shed will depend on budget, yard conditions, and local building codes. Here are some of the most common foundation options to consider:
Slab
A concrete slab foundation is the most stable and long-lasting choice. It involves pouring a solid concrete pad, installing anchor bolts to attach the shed, and adding reinforcing rebar. This is the best option for larger sheds, heavy equipment/features inside, and areas with poor drainage.
Skids
Skid foundations use a frame of timber “skids” set on gravel, pavers, or patio blocks. The shed frame attaches directly to the skids which raise it off the ground. Skids work well for smaller, lighter sheds in drier climates. Leveling and anchoring the skids is crucial.
Floating Slab
A floating slab combines aspects of full slabs and skids. It uses a 4″ concrete pad with an embedded wood sill plate and gravel base. Floating slabs offer stability while being cheaper and easier to install than a thickened slab. But they can shift more over time.
Raised Platform
For low or wet spots, a raised platform can lift the shed above grade. Built from materials like concrete block, gravel, and treated lumber, the platform needs to be level and structurally reinforced. Building steps is advised for accessibility.
Proper foundation construction is vital for any shed, so consult your local codes and get professional help as needed. This will prevent major foundation issues down the road.
What size shed is needed for common man cave features?
To get an idea of how much space typical man cave features require, here are some rough estimates (keep in mind these may vary based on specific items selected):
| Man Cave Feature | Approximate Shed Size Needed |
|---|---|
| Bar area with stools | 8 x 8 feet |
| Media zone with couch & TV | 10 x 12 feet |
| Poker table | 10 x 10 feet |
| Pool table (standard 4′ x 8′) | 14 x 16 feet |
| Small bathroom or half bath | 6 x 6 feet |
| Table tennis | 9 x 12 feet |
| Dart board area | 8 x 8 feet |
| Compact workbench | 4 x 8 feet |
| Mini fridge, cabinets & counter | 6 x 6 feet |
Take into account any circulation space needed around games tables and allow extra width for shed entryways. Combining multiple features will increase the total shed footprint needed. Creating a rough floorplan sketch is useful for visualizing layouts in different shed sizes.
What are the best shed dimensions?
Man cave sheds are commonly available in the following standard lengths and widths:
- 8 x 8 feet
- 8 x 10 feet
- 8 x 12 feet
- 10 x 10 feet
- 10 x 12 feet
- 10 x 14 feet
- 12 x 12 feet
- 12 x 16 feet
- 12 x 20 feet
8×8 is great for a small personal hangout spot. 10×12 works for fitting a few friends. Up to 12×20 lets you accommodate groups and more features. Avoid going much bigger unless you want a large standalone building.
The shape and ratio of the dimensions matters too. Sheds with similar overall square footage can feel very different based on if they are wider vs. longer. A 10×16 shed will function differently than a 16×10 shed for furniture layouts, so plan accordingly.
Should you maximize height too?
Most man cave shed kits and plans offer standard sidewall heights of 8 feet or 12 feet. The extra 4 feet of interior height with a 12-foot wall has advantages:
- Higher ceiling creates more open, airy interior space
- Allows for installation of ceiling fans, hanging lights
- Accommodates taller features/games like a basketball hoop or golf simulator
- Feels more like an addition or mini-house rather than shed
The downside is that increasing the height also increases cost. Make sure to check whether 12-foot walls are allowed by your local codes too. Overall, maximize the ceiling height for a more enjoyable interior if it fits within budget.
What building codes apply to man cave sheds?
Most municipalities have various regulations for shed and accessory structure construction. Some key codes that determine man cave shed size include:
- Setbacks – Minimum distance from property lines, easements, other buildings.
- Separation – Required space between detached structures.
- Coverage – Maximum percentage of yard area that can be covered.
- Height – Limited based on zones, proximity to other buildings, etc.
- Size – Total square footage and/or footprint limits.
Many areas have exemptions for smaller sheds under 100-200 square feet. But larger man cave builds often need permits and will be subject to stricter rules. Research local zoning codes thoroughly before planning to avoid any violations.
Can I turn a shed into a man cave? 7 tips
If you already have a shed in your yard, converting it into a man cave is often cheaper than building a brand new one. Here are 7 tips for shed conversion projects:
1. Assess the structure and layout
Carefully examine the existing shed to make sure it is structurally sound with no major issues. Check if the layout allows enough space for your needs or can be adapted.
2. Plan power and lighting
Electricity will be vital, so evaluate options to run new circuits and add interior lights, outlets, switches, and fixtures.
3. Insulate the walls
Adding fiberglass batt insulation between wall studs will improve comfort and temperature control.
4. Install flooring
Replace basic dirt or concrete floors with wood, composite decking, tile, or vinyl for an enhanced man cave feel.
5. Finish the interior
Drywall, paneling, and trim will help transform the ambiance from basic shed to man cave oasis.
6. Add creature comforts
Heating, cooling, ventilation and plumbing take it to the next level for extended hangouts.
7. Deck out the decor
Furnish and decorate the renovated shed to match the vibe and activities you want for your new man cave.
Following construction codes and getting permits for any major electrical or plumbing work is also crucial when converting an existing shed.
10 stunning man cave shed ideas
Looking for inspiration for your future shed man cave build? Here are 10 awesome man cave shed ideas:
1. Rustic pub shed
This pub-themed shed features a corner bar, cafe tables, corrugated metal siding, and string lights for an awesome backcountry vibe.
2. Backyard sports cave
With a pool table, foosball, darts, TV area, and bar, this shed is a sports lover’s dream.
3. Poker lounge
What guy wouldn’t love their own private poker lounge shed, complete with felt table, rustic wood walls, and cigar cabinet?
4. Man cave shed-garage
For avid DIYers, a workshop-shed combo provides space for serious projects with all the comforts of an adjoining man cave.
5. Palace man cave
This high-ceiling shed with full electricity, insulation, and finished drywall really goes all out to mimic a mini indoor room.
6. Backyard theater
Instead of a traditional lounge, make your shed a private movie theater with surround sound, rows of seats, and a huge drop-down screen.
7. Arcade game shed
Relive your youth with a retro arcade shed full of classic standalone video games like PacMan, pinball, and skeeball.
8. Sports bar shed
Have all your friends over to watch games on a giant flatscreen TV surrounded by team banners and memorabilia.
9. Music studio shed
A soundproof shed with acoustic treatment provides space to rock out on your instruments far from any noise complaints.
10. Backyard gym shed
Never fight crowds at the gym again when you have a fully-equipped strength training and cardio shed in your backyard.
Regardless of your particular man cave vision, choosing the right shed size and layout is the crucial first step to making it a reality.
Conclusion
Determining the ideal shed size for a man cave depends on weighing several key factors. First, assess how you plan to use the space based on your must-have activities, features, and occupant capacity. Measure backyard dimensions and look into zoning codes to nail down physical size limitations. Create a budget to target a realistic shed footprint that fits your funds. Standard shed footprints of 8×8 to 12×20 feet work for most man cave needs. Maximizing height to 12 foot ceilings will open up interior space. And don’t forget to account for circulation room around games, seating, and features. With some advance planning, you can dial in the perfect shed dimensions to build your ultimate personalized man cave retreat.
A soundproof shed with acoustic treatment provides space to rock out on your instruments far from any noise complaints.
10. Backyard gym shed
Never fight crowds at the gym again when you have a fully-equipped strength training and cardio shed in your backyard.
Regardless of your particular man cave vision, choosing the right shed size and layout is the crucial first step to making it a reality.
Conclusion
Determining the ideal shed size for a man cave depends on weighing several key factors. First, assess how you plan to use the space based on your must-have activities, features, and occupant capacity. Measure backyard dimensions and look into zoning codes to nail down physical size limitations. Create a budget to target a realistic shed footprint that fits your funds. Standard shed footprints of 8×8 to 12×20 feet work for most man cave needs. Maximizing height to 12 foot ceilings will open up interior space. And don’t forget to account for circulation room around games, seating, and features. With some advance planning, you can dial in the perfect shed dimensions to build your ultimate personalized man cave retreat.