Shed size · 160 sq ft
What fits in an 8x20 shed?
An 8x20 shed has 160 sq ft of floor. Drawn to scale with a clear aisle, it holds a lawn tractor, a snow blower, a wheelbarrow, a workbench, 2 shelving units, and it can take a 42 in lawn tractor if the door is at least 5 ft wide. Kits this size run $2,606 to $2,606 on Amazon.
An 8x20 is a large shed at 160 sq ft: space for a ride-on mower, a snow blower and a workbench at the same time, which is why it is the size most people wish they had bought. Below, two common loads are drawn to scale on an 8x20 floor, so you can see what actually fits once you leave yourself a way in.
What fits in an 8x20 shed, drawn to scale
How many of each item fit in an 8x20?
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) | 3 |
| Zero-turn mower (48 to 54 in deck) | 3 |
| Push mower (handle folded) | 12+ |
| Two-stage snow blower | 6 |
| Wheelbarrow | 6 |
| Adult bike (on the floor) | 8 |
| Trash or recycling can (96 gal) | 12+ |
| Gas grill (off-season) | 8 |
| Shelving unit (18 x 48 in) | 12+ |
| Workbench (2 x 6 ft) | 8 |
| Kayak (floor) | none |
Is an 8x20 shed big enough for a riding mower?
Yes. A 42 in lawn tractor (about 4.5 x 6 ft parked) fits in an 8x20 with room to walk past it. 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 an 8x20 shed cost?
We track 1 real 8x20 kit, from $2,606 to $2,606. At the measured median price per square foot for each material, 160 sq ft works out like this:
| Material | Low (10th pct) | Median | High (90th pct) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resin (HDPE) | $1,920 | $2,909 | $4,789 |
| Vinyl (PVC) | $2,078 | $3,238 | $4,262 |
| Steel | $493 | $840 | $2,107 |
| Wood | $1,625 | $3,334 | $5,270 |
Kit prices only. Budget about $248 for a 4 in gravel pad, around 8 anchors, and fit-out on top. The shed cost calculator totals it for your material and foundation.
8x20 shed kits on Amazon
Spread across the price range, cheapest first.
Prices change often; the button shows today's price on Amazon.
Every 8x20 kit we track
| Kit | Footprint | Material | Floor | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lifetime Outdoor Storage Shed | 8 x 20 ft | Resin (HDPE) | not stated | $2,606 |
What foundation does an 8x20 shed need?
Most resin and steel kits want a flat, level, well-drained base a little larger than the shed. For an 8x20, that is a 10 x 22 ft gravel pad: about 4.2 tons of crushed stone at 4 in deep, or 6.3 tons at 6 in. A 4 in concrete slab takes 2.17 cubic yards (98 bags of 80 lb mix), and a paver base takes about 95 pavers at 16 in. Full quantities and costs are on the 8x20 shed foundation page.
Does an 8x20 shed need a permit?
At 160 sq ft an 8x20 is exempt only where the 200 sq ft IRC exemption is adopted unamended. 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 an 8x20
- 10x16 shed (160 sq ft, one step smaller)
- 12x14 shed (168 sq ft, one step larger)
- 8x8 shed (64 sq ft)
- 8x10 shed (80 sq ft)
- 8x12 shed (96 sq ft)
- 8x14 shed (112 sq ft)
- 8x15 shed (120 sq ft)
- 8x16 shed (128 sq ft)
Fit out an 8x20
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 an 8x20 shed?
An 8x20 shed is 160 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 an 8x20 shed?
Yes. A 42 in lawn tractor (about 4.5 x 6 ft parked) fits in an 8x20 with room to walk past it. 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 an 8x20 shed?
At 160 sq ft an 8x20 is exempt only where the 200 sq ft IRC exemption is adopted unamended. 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 an 8x20 shed?
With a 1 ft border on every side, an 8x20 shed sits on a 10 x 22 ft pad. At 4 in deep that is 2.99 cubic yards, about 4.2 tons of crushed stone including 10 percent for compaction. At 6 in, for soft or wet ground, order 6.3 tons. Lay weed fabric first and frame the pad with treated timber.
How much does an 8x20 shed cost?
The 1 8x20 kit in our catalog run from $2,606 to $2,606. Add about $248 for a gravel pad, $96 or so for anchors, and $150 or more for shelving, a light and a lock. Prices change often, so check the live price before budgeting.
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.