About this shed
This 5′ x 5′ storage shed (25 sq/ft) was made for a heritage-style townhouse development in Kitsilano, Vancouver. A shed from a big-box store would not have suited the buildings around it, so this one was made to match: a single-slope roof, painted LP SmartSide siding, tan trim and a black roll-top door.
Quick facts about this 5×5 storage shed
- Location: Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC
- Size: 5′ x 5′ (25 sq/ft, about 2.3 m²)
- Design: Single-slope storage shed
- Siding: LP SmartSide, painted to match the townhouses
- Door: 36″ roll-top door
- Roof: Asphalt shingles
A shed made to match
The owners had recently moved into a heritage-style townhouse project, and a shed from a big-box store would not have looked right there. So a small custom shed was made with a tilted roof, tan trim and a paint colour matched to the buildings around it. The roll-top door is black.
Fitting a tight courtyard
The shed sits in a narrow paved courtyard beside a cedar fence. A roll-top door rolls up instead of swinging out, so it doesn’t need clearance in front of the shed, which matters in a lane or courtyard this tight.
Sides and trim
The side walls are plain painted siding, framed with tan corner trim and a small roof overhang. The photos show the shed from both sides and from the stairs beside it.
Why a small shed suits a tight lot
Townhouse yards are often a few feet wide. A shed of 5 feet by 5 feet keeps tools, bins and gear out of sight without taking over the courtyard. A single-slope roof drains water to one side, away from the neighbours, and it is a clean shape that sits well against a wall or a fence.
What a 25 sq/ft shed stores
A 25 sq/ft shed is large enough for garden tools, a push mower, bins, folding chairs and a few bikes stored on end, with room for a shelf along one wall. The roll-top door opens the whole front, so items can be reached without moving everything out.
Why a roll-top door
A roll-top door rolls up and stays out of the way. It does not swing into a path or a neighbour’s yard, it keeps the full opening clear, and it can take a padlock. It is a common choice for small sheds in narrow spaces.
Shop-built and quick to place
Prefab sheds are built in a shop, where the lumber stays dry and the cuts stay accurate. A small shed like this one can be carried to the site and set on the base in a short visit, which keeps noise and mess in a shared development to a minimum.
Preparing the site
A shed is only as flat and solid as the ground under it. Before delivery, it helps to:
- Pick a spot with clear access for people and materials, and keep it away from overhead wires.
- Level the area and set a firm base, such as pavers or compacted gravel, so the floor stays flat and water drains away.
- Check the setbacks from the property lines and any easements in your city’s shed rules.
- Leave room in front of the shed so the roll-top door can roll up fully.
Keeping the siding in good shape
The siding is LP SmartSide, a primed engineered wood siding that is painted after it is installed. Like any painted wood product, it lasts longest when the paint is kept in good condition. Look the shed over once a year, repaint any worn spots, keep soil and mulch from touching the bottom of the siding, and trim back plants that hold moisture against the walls.
| Location | Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC |
|---|---|
| Size | 5′ x 5′ (25 sq/ft, about 2.3 m²) |
| Design | Single-slope storage shed |
| Overhangs | Front and rear 6″; sides 6″ |
| Siding | LP SmartSide |
| Ceiling | Open stud |
| Door | 36″ roll-top door |
| Windows | None |
| Roofing | Asphalt shingles |
| Electrical | None |
| Heat | None |
| Customization | Paint match to the buildings |
What to plan before building a small shed
A small shed is simple, but a shared or heritage setting adds a few things to check.
- Permit: at 25 sq/ft (about 2.3 m²) this shed is far under the 10 m² (108 sq/ft) size that the BC Building Code leaves out. Zoning still applies, so check the Vancouver shed rules.
- Approval: in a townhouse development, check with the strata or owners group before adding a building.
- Colour: a paint match to the walls beside it makes the shed look part of the building.
- Door: a roll-top door saves the clearance a swinging door needs.
Frequently asked questions
How big is this shed?
It’s 5 feet by 5 feet, which is 25 sq/ft (about 2.3 m²).
Does a shed this small need a building permit?
Under the BC Building Code, an accessory building under 10 m² (108 sq/ft) that does not create a hazard is outside the Code. Zoning rules still apply, so check the Vancouver shed rules and confirm with the City.
Why does the shed have a roll-top door?
A roll-top door rolls up out of the way, so it needs no space in front of the shed. That helps in a narrow courtyard or lane.
What is the shed made of?
LP SmartSide siding on a framed single-slope shed, with asphalt shingles on the roof and an open-stud inside.
Can a shed match the colour of the buildings around it?
Yes. This shed was painted to match the townhouses beside it, which helps it blend in.
What can you store in a 5×5 shed?
A 25 sq/ft shed holds garden tools, bins, a push mower and folding chairs, with a shelf along one wall.
Is a custom shed better than a store-bought shed?
A store-bought shed is a fixed size and look. A custom shed can be made to fit a tight space and match the paint and trim of the buildings around it.
More outbuildings to explore
Browse more Backyard Outbuildings, see all sheds, garages and barns, or read the Maximum Shed Size Without a Permit guide.