What size shed will hold a lawn mower?

When it comes to storing lawn mowers, sheds are an excellent solution. The key factor in determining what size shed you need is the size of the lawn mower you want to store. Here are some quick answers to key questions about selecting the right shed size for your lawn mower:

How big is a typical walk-behind lawn mower?

A standard walk-behind lawn mower with a 20-22 inch wide cutting deck is about 32-34 inches wide, 45-55 inches long, and 36-42 inches tall. Models with wider cutting decks in the range of 24-30 inches can be 38-48 inches wide. Self-propelled walk-behind mowers tend to be on the larger end of these dimensions.

What size shed can fit a standard walk-behind lawn mower?

For a basic push or self-propelled walk-behind mower, a small to mid-sized shed of around 6×3 feet should have enough space. This allows room for not just the mower but also some other small lawn and garden tools or accessories. You may even be able to fit a riding mower in a shed this size, but it will be a very tight squeeze.

What if I have a riding lawn mower?

Riding lawn mowers are significantly larger than walk-behind mowers. Here are some typical dimensions for riding mowers:

Type	Width	Length	Height
Small riding mower	41-43 in	63-74 in	38-42 in
Mid-size riding mower	43-48 in	69-84 in	39-45 in
Full-size riding mower	48-54 in	74-84 in	45-55 in
Zero-turn mower	48-54 in	74-90 in	48-54 in

For a riding lawn mower, you’ll need at least an 8×6 foot shed, and a 10×6 foot shed is better if it needs to fit additional items. Much larger sheds in the 10×10 to 12×8 foot range are ideal for fitting a riding mower comfortably along with other lawn and garden equipment.

What about walk-behind commercial mowers?

Commercial walk-behind mowers designed forextended mowing tasks are larger and heavier-duty than standard consumer models. Here are some typical dimensions:

Type	Width	Length	Height
Mid-size commercial	41-48 in	65-84 in	40-48 in
Large commercial	48-54 in	78-84 in	48-54 in

For these larger commercial mowers, go with a shed in the 8×4 to 8×6 foot range. This allows enough room for the mower plus walkway space.

How much space should I leave around the mower?

In addition to the basic dimensions of the lawn mower itself, allow at least 12-18 inches of space around the mower on all sides. This gives you room to walk around it comfortably and access any parts or features. For sheds on the smaller side, aim for at least 18-24 inches of space around the perimeter to open the doors without hitting the mower.

Should I get the biggest shed I can fit?

When selecting a shed for lawn mower storage, bigger is often better to allow space for growth. But you also don’t want to buy a shed that’s too large for your needs either. Consider these factors to find the right balance:

• Will you add any other equipment in the future?
• Do you need workspace inside the shed?
• What size is your yard and where will the shed be located?
• How much are you willing to spend?

A shed too large for the space can be difficult to situate properly and look overwhelmed. But too small, and you won’t have room to store anything else or work on projects.

What features should I look for in a lawn mower shed?

Here are some useful features to consider when choosing a shed to store your lawn mower:

• Door width – Doors should be wide enough to fit your mower in and out without turning or angling. At least a 4 foot wide double door is recommended.
• Door height – The height should allow you to roll or drive the mower in without ducking. At least 6 foot 6 inches for walk-behind and 7 feet for riding mowers.
• Ramp – A ramp allows you to easily roll mowers and equipment in and out of the shed without lifting.
• Windows – Windows provide light and ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.
• Shelving – Shelves give organized storage for accessories like gas cans, tools, and gear.
• Workbench – A workbench provides a stable area for maintenance and tune-ups.

What building materials are best?

Sheds are available constructed from wood, vinyl, metal, and plastic resin. Each material has different advantages:

• Wood – Very customizable but requires the most maintenance.
• Plastic – No maintenance required but can fade over time.
• Vinyl – Low maintenance and mimics wood appearance.
• Metal – Very durable but prone to denting.

Consider how much maintenance you want to do, as well as the climate in your area. For instance, wood sheds may not fare well in very wet or damp environments unless properly treated and sealed.

Do I need any special considerations for fuel or oil?

Gasoline and oil spills can create a fire hazard and damage your equipment and shed flooring. To store these safely:

• Keep only minimal fuel stored in approved containers.
• Place containers on a low shelf to prevent leaks dripping.
• Absorb any spills immediately with oil absorbent products.
• Consider adding a vent to prevent vapor buildup.
• Mount a fire extinguisher nearby.

A metal shed offers the best fire resistance. Concrete flooring also helps contain spills. When storing oil or fuel, be sure your shed meet local codes for those flammable liquids.

How can I organize and arrange items in the shed?

Careful organization in your shed makes retrieving items easier while keeping the space neat and usable. Some tips:

• Place frequently used tools/items near the door for easy access.
• Group like items together on shelves.
• Label shelves and storage bins.
• Hang tools from hooks on the walls.
• Keep walkways clear for moving equipment.

Consider installing wall-mounted tool racks, hooks, and pegboards to efficiently utilize vertical space. For large equipment like mowers, arrange them so the doors can fully open without blocking access.

What kind of foundation does a shed need?

Sheds are relatively lightweight structures, but still require some type of foundation for proper support and access:

• Concrete slab – Provides the most stable and permanent base.
• Pressure-treated wood – Less permanent but helps level on uneven ground.
• Gravel/stone – Inexpensive but can shift over time and allows weed growth.
• Blocks/pavers – Raises shed up and provides some leveling ability.

For sheds with heavy equipment like riding mowers, a poured concrete slab is the best choice to prevent settling issues over time. Proper drainage around the foundation is also critical.

Do I need to anchor my shed to the ground?

In windy regions, it’s advisable to anchor a storage shed to the ground for safety, especially larger and taller models. Some common anchoring methods include:

• Galvanized steel auger anchors screwed into the ground.
• J-bolts cast into a concrete slab foundation.
• Ratchet tie-downs attached to ground anchors.
• Metal frames bolted to a block or pavers foundation.

If your shed will be located in an area prone to high winds, check manufacturer guidelines for the recommended anchoring system. This prevents the shed from being lifted or blown over in storms.

Should I keep anything besides the mower in the shed?

The shed offers protected storage for all your lawn and garden equipment, not just the mower. Some other items you may want to store include:

• String trimmer, blower, edger
• Rakes, shovels, garden tools
• Fertilizer, grass seed, mulch
• Gasoline and oil
• Pesticides, herbicides
• Water hose and nozzles
• Power equipment batteries

Just be sure to safely store any hazardous chemicals or flammable liquids properly separated and contained. And don’t overfill the shed to the point you can’t access items or move the mower.

Do I need any permits to build a shed?

Most areas require you obtain a permit before constructing or placing a shed on your property. Sheds over a certain size, often 100-200 square feet, generally need a permit. Requirements vary by local zoning and codes, but key things the permit addresses include:

• Shed size and height limitations.
• Setbacks from property lines and structures.
• Shed placement/location on the lot.
• Compliance with building codes.
• Approved materials and foundation.

Review the specific shed permit process for your municipality. Many have permit applications available online. Some may require drawings, site plans, or surveys to issue the permit.

Do I need to weatherproof my shed?

Weatherizing your shed helps protect your mower and equipment from damage while keeping the interior dry and comfortable to work in. Some tips include:

• Seal doors, windows, and seams with caulk and weatherstripping.
• Ventilate with screened vents near roof peaks.
• Insulate walls and ceilings if needed in extreme climates.
• Install rain diverters over doors and reinforce water runoff drainage.
• Consider guttering around roof perimeter.

For wooden sheds, properly treat and seal all exterior wood surfaces to prevent moisture incursion that can warp boards and cause mold. Asphalt shingles are best for heavily rainy regions since metal roofs can be noisy during downpours.

How much does a lawn mower shed usually cost?

The cost of a lawn mower shed can vary quite a bit depending on size, materials, features, and local labor rates. Here are some rough estimates:

• Plastic resin sheds – $400-$2,000
• Wood sheds – $1,000-$5,000
• Vinyl sheds – $1,000-$6,000
• Metal sheds – $1,500-$6,000

Shed size plays a major role, with large 12×10 foot sheds costing anywhere from $5,000-$10,000 or more. Additional costs may include delivery, foundation construction, and assembly or building permit fees.

Key Takeaways

When selecting a shed for storing your lawn mower, the key considerations are:

• Measure mower dimensions and leave adequate space around it.
• Allow for easy door access width and ramps if needed.
• Choose durable, weather-resistant materials.
• Organize and arrange contents efficiently.
• Check permit and code requirements.
• Anchor securely, weatherproof, and ventilate.

With proper planning and preparation, a new shed can provide the ideal space to keep your mower and other equipment protected while saving space in your garage. Just be sure to size it appropriately for both your current and future needs.