Shed size · 72 sq ft
What fits in a 6x12 shed?
A 6x12 shed has 72 sq ft of floor. Drawn to scale with a clear aisle, it holds 2 bikes, a wheelbarrow, a push mower but not 2 shelving units, and it can take a 42 in lawn tractor if the door is at least 5 ft wide. Kits this size cost about $1,309 in resin or $378 in steel at median prices.
A 6x12 is the most common first shed size band. At 72 sq ft it takes a full set of garden tools plus bikes, and a lawn tractor only if you give up most of the rest of the floor. Below, two common loads are drawn to scale on a 6x12 floor, so you can see what actually fits once you leave yourself a way in.
What fits in a 6x12 shed, drawn to scale
How many of each item fit in a 6x12?
Each row is that item on its own, packed flat on the floor with a clear aisle kept from the door. Hanging bikes and stacking bins beat these numbers; parking a mower across the aisle does not count.
| Item | Fits |
|---|---|
| Riding mower / lawn tractor (42 in deck) | 1 |
| Zero-turn mower (48 to 54 in deck) | none |
| Push mower (handle folded) | 6 |
| Two-stage snow blower | 2 |
| Wheelbarrow | 2 |
| Adult bike (on the floor) | 4 |
| Trash or recycling can (96 gal) | 4 |
| Gas grill (off-season) | 6 |
| Shelving unit (18 x 48 in) | 8 |
| Workbench (2 x 6 ft) | 4 |
| Kayak (floor) | none |
Is a 6x12 shed big enough for a riding mower?
Yes. A 42 in lawn tractor (about 4.5 x 6 ft parked) fits in a 6x12, but it takes the middle of the floor and leaves narrow strips either side. The real test is the door: you need at least 5 ft of clear opening, so check the kit's door spec before the footprint.
Not sure about your own mix of gear? The shed size calculator adds up every item's footprint, multiplies by 1.5 for aisles and reach, and names the smallest standard size that works.
What does a 6x12 shed cost?
No kit in our catalog is exactly 6x12, which is common for this size: manufacturers cluster around 6x8, 8x10 and 10x12. At the median price per square foot we measured for each material, 72 sq ft works out like this:
| Material | Low (10th pct) | Median | High (90th pct) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resin (HDPE) | $864 | $1,309 | $2,155 |
| Vinyl (PVC) | $935 | $1,457 | $1,918 |
| Steel | $222 | $378 | $948 |
| Wood | $731 | $1,500 | $2,372 |
Kit prices only. Budget about $156 for a 4 in gravel pad, around 6 anchors, and fit-out on top. The shed cost calculator totals it for your material and foundation.
Kits closest to 6x12
Nearest real footprints in our catalog.
Prices change often; the button shows today's price on Amazon.
Closest kits to 6x12
| Kit | Footprint | Material | Floor | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UDPATIO Plastic Storage Shed 7.5x10FT | 7.5 x 10 ft | Resin (HDPE) | not stated | $900 |
| Keter Newton Plus 7.5x9 Ft All-Weather Storage Shed | 7.5 x 9 ft | Resin (HDPE) | not stated | $1,555 |
| Keter Cortina 11x7 Ft All-Weather Storage Shed with Skylight | 7 x 11 ft | Resin (HDPE) | not stated | $1,640 |
| Keter Signature Collection 11x7 Ft All-Weather Storage Shed | 7 x 11 ft | Resin (HDPE) | not stated | $1,660 |
| Rubbermaid Extra Large Resin Outdoor Storage Shed With Floor | 7 x 10 ft | Resin (HDPE) | included | $1,685 |
| Suncast Modernist 10 ft. x 7 ft. Barn Door Storage Shed | 7 x 10 ft | Resin (HDPE) | not stated | $2,000 |
What foundation does a 6x12 shed need?
Most resin and steel kits want a flat, level, well-drained base a little larger than the shed. For a 6x12, that is a 8 x 14 ft gravel pad: about 2.1 tons of crushed stone at 4 in deep, or 3.2 tons at 6 in. A 4 in concrete slab takes 0.98 cubic yards (45 bags of 80 lb mix), and a paver base takes about 43 pavers at 16 in. Full quantities and costs are on the 6x12 shed foundation page.
Does a 6x12 shed need a permit?
At 72 sq ft a 6x12 is exempt by size under all three common thresholds. Height limits (often 10 to 12 ft at the peak), setbacks of 3 to 5 ft from property lines and HOA covenants apply at any size, and wiring always needs an electrical permit. Run your numbers through the permit size checker, then check your local code.
Sizes next to a 6x12
- 7x10 shed (70 sq ft, one step smaller)
- 7x11 shed (77 sq ft, one step larger)
- 6x6 shed (36 sq ft)
- 6x8 shed (48 sq ft)
- 6x10 shed (60 sq ft)
- 7x12 shed (84 sq ft)
- 8x12 shed (96 sq ft)
- 10x12 shed (120 sq ft)
Fit out a 6x12
Wall storage is how a small floor holds more than the table above says.
Prices change often; the button shows today's price on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet is a 6x12 shed?
A 6x12 shed is 72 square feet of nominal floor area. Usable floor is a little less, because kit dimensions are usually measured at the roof or outside the walls, and resin and steel walls take up floor on every side. Compare the interior dimensions in the kit's spec sheet before you commit, especially if a mower or workbench needs every inch.
Can a riding mower fit in a 6x12 shed?
Yes. A 42 in lawn tractor (about 4.5 x 6 ft parked) fits in a 6x12, but it takes the middle of the floor and leaves narrow strips either side. The real test is the door: you need at least 5 ft of clear opening, so check the kit's door spec before the footprint.
Do I need a permit for a 6x12 shed?
At 72 sq ft a 6x12 is exempt by size under all three common thresholds. The International Residential Code exempts one-story storage sheds up to 200 sq ft, but many towns lower that to 120 or 100 sq ft, and setbacks, easements, HOA rules and any electrical work apply at every size. Check your local code before you order the kit.
How much gravel do I need for a 6x12 shed?
With a 1 ft border on every side, a 6x12 shed sits on a 8 x 14 ft pad. At 4 in deep that is 1.52 cubic yards, about 2.1 tons of crushed stone including 10 percent for compaction. At 6 in, for soft or wet ground, order 3.2 tons. Lay weed fabric first and frame the pad with treated timber.
How much does a 6x12 shed cost?
No kit in our catalog is exactly 6x12. At the median kit prices we measured, 72 sq ft costs about $378 in steel, $1,309 in resin and $1,500 as a wood kit, before a foundation of about $156 in gravel.
This page is researched guidance, not professional engineering, legal or building-code advice. Sizes, loads and permit rules vary by product and by town: check your local code and the kit manufacturer's instructions before you build.