The size in a garden building's name is a label, not a measurement. An "8x6" shed may be close to those feet on the outside, a bit less inside and quite a lot more once the roof overhang is included. Before ordering, work with three sets of numbers.
The three sizes to find
- Nominal size: the rounded figure in the product name, usually in feet.
- External size: the walls or base footprint, normally given in centimetres or millimetres on the specification sheet.
- Overall size: including roof overhang, canopy, veranda and any guttering. This is the number that has to fit between boundaries.
Inside, the usable floor is smaller again because of wall thickness and framing. Some makers publish internal dimensions; if not, ask before you buy.
Height matters as much as footprint
Check the eaves height and the ridge height, measured from the base the building sits on. Then add the height of your base. In England, outbuilding planning limits depend on these heights and on distance from boundaries; see the planning starting point. Inside, check the door height and the headroom at the lowest point of the roof, especially with a pent or apex design where the sides are low.
How big does a bar need to be?
Work from the inside out:
- Measure the counter you want and the space behind it to work.
- Add the fridge, bin and storage.
- Add seating and the route from the door.
- Leave space to open the door fully.
The layout checker helps with the counter and stools. Draw everything to scale on squared paper or mark it out in the garden with string.
Don't forget the gaps around it
A building pushed hard against a fence can't be treated, cleaned or repaired from that side, and it traps damp. Leave space to walk round it where possible, or at least enough to reach the walls with a brush. Remember gutters and downpipes also stick out.
Metric first, feet second
UK product pages often lead with feet in the name and metric in the specification. Always use the metric specification for planning and setting out, because that is the measurement the maker stands behind.
A practical check
Copy the external and overall dimensions from the specification sheet, then peg them out in the garden. Open an imaginary door, walk to the counter and turn round. If it already feels tight with string lines, it will feel tighter with walls.
Check the size against the rules
A bigger building can change the planning answer. Run the drawings through the planning checker, then check the seating with the layout checker.
Before ordering, email the supplier to confirm internal dimensions and the overall footprint including roof. Keep the reply with your order.