What Size Shed Do I Need for a Riding Lawn Mower?
When it comes to storing your valuable riding lawn mower, choosing the right shed size is essential to protect your investment from the elements. A well-fitted shed not only safeguards your equipment but also ensures easy access and maintenance.
The most riding lawn mowers require a minimum shed size of 8×8 feet, but a 10×10 or 12×12 foot shed will provide ample room for storage and maneuvering.
This article provides key considerations for choosing the right shed size to fit your specific riding mower model and accessories.
Measure Your Riding Lawn Mower
The first step in determining the right sized shed is to take measurements of your actual mower to understand its footprint. This section covers the key dimensions needed and how to allow room to maneuver the mower inside the shed.
Get the mower’s dimensions
You’ll want to measure the length, width, and height of your particular riding mower. This includes the mower deck fully extended.
These measurements represent the minimum interior dimensions the shed will need to contain the mower itself. Be sure to note the maximum width and height points.
Allow room to maneuver
In addition to the actual mower dimensions, be sure to add an extra 2-3 feet of clearance on all sides.
This wiggle room is critical to allow opening of the mower’s doors and rolling the mower comfortably in and out of the shed without bumping into walls.
If entry is through a narrow door, allow extra lengthwise clearance for angled roll-in.
Consider opened doors
Take note of how wide the shed’s doors open to. When fully extended, the door opening should easily accommodate rolling the mower straight through without squeezing or bumping the side mirrors. Double doors that open extra wide are ideal.
Shed Size Recommendations
This section provides general recommended shed sizes based on your mower’s width. However, it’s still important to measure your specific mower and doors as outlined above.
Minimum size
For very compact riding mowers less than 40 inches wide, an 8×8 foot shed provides the absolute minimum storage size. But maneuvering will be very tight.
Standard size
A 10×10 foot shed is suitable for most mid-sized riding mowers up to approximately 50 inches wide. This provides comfortable room to maneuver plus space for some accessories.
Large mowers or extra storage
For wider garden tractor style riding mowers up to 60 inches wide, or if you need room for additional equipment, a 12×12 foot shed is recommended. This provides ample maneuvering clearance.
Allow Headroom for Ramps
Ramps often require extra ceiling height so measure your mower height and ramp to ensure adequate overhead room.
Measure mower height
Consider the overall height of your riding mower with the roll bar fully upright. This represents the minimum interior clearance the shed ceiling will need to contain the mower.
Factor in ramp height
If using a ramp to load the mower, the ramp angle will add 12-18 inches or more above the mower’s height. Make sure to allow headroom for this added ramp height.
Standard ceiling height
An 8 foot shed ceiling height usually works for mowers under 48 inches tall. For larger mowers, opt for more overhead clearance with 10 foot side walls.
Entry Door Size and Placement
The entry door size and location impacts ease of access. Wider openings are better and doors on the end allow straight roll-through.
Standard shed door opening
A common shed door opening size is about 4 feet wide x 6.5 feet tall. This accommodates many mid-size riding mowers. But wider doors are better.
Wider door needed
If your mower is over 46 inches wide, look for sheds with double door openings 5 feet or more for comfortable access.
Door location
Ideally, position the door on the end of the shed rather than the side so you can roll the mower straight out without maneuvering.
Sliding vs swing doors
For easiest access, select roll-up doors or out-swing doors. Inward opening doors can get knocked into by the mower.
Plan for Additional Storage Needs
Be sure to account for space needed for mower attachments, shelves, workbenches and other accessories.
Space for accessories
Riding mowers often have attachments like bagger units, mulch kits, snow throwers etc. These take up wall and floor space so add a few extra square feet.
Shelving/wall hooks
Maximize vertical storage with shelving units and wall hooks for smaller items like gas cans, tools, oil etc. This minimizes floor space needed.
Room to work
If doing maintenance, allow floor space for a small workbench, jack stands, vice etc. Working on the mower takes up some room.
Ventilation and Flooring Considerations
Proper ventilation and drainage are important in shed flooring to keep the mower dry.
Allow air circulation
Look for shed models with ventilation openings, windows, or vents to encourage airflow. Good air circulation prevents humidity buildup inside.
Raised floor
Having the floor raised above ground level improves airflow underneath and discourages standing water if site drainage is poor.
Drainage solutions
For dryness, add plastic grids, gravel beds, drain tiles etc. to keep the floor from puddling water and moisture damage.
FAQ on Sizing Sheds for Riding Mowers
This summarizes the key questions and answers on choosing the right shed size for your riding lawn mower’s storage needs.
What Is The Minimum Shed Size I Need For My Riding Mower?
The absolute minimum is 8×8 feet, but this won’t leave much room to maneuver. Allow 10×10 feet for most mid-size mowers.
How Much Space Should I Allow Around The Mower To Move It?
Allow 2-3 feet clearance on all sides for comfortable access and opening of doors. More is better.
How Wide Do The Shed Doors Need To Be?
Doors should be wide enough for straight roll-through. For mowers up to 46 inches wide, 4 feet usually works. Go wider as needed.
What If My Mower Is Over 48 Inches Tall?
For mowers over 48 inches tall, look for 10 foot side walls or taller to ensure adequate overhead clearance, especially with a ramp.
Should I Put Shelves Or Workbenches In The Shed?
Yes, but be sure to account for floor space needed for mower maneuvering when adding these accessories. Size up if needed.
Conclusion
Selecting the right shed size for your riding lawn mower is a crucial decision that ensures not only the protection of your valuable equipment but also the convenience of access and storage for related accessories.
Careful measurement of your mower’s dimensions, consideration of door size and placement, and provisions for additional storage needs are key factors to keep in mind.
Proper ventilation, flooring, and drainage are also essential for maintaining the mower’s condition. With the right shed, you’ll safeguard your investment and simplify your lawn care routine.