About this shed
This 8′ x 10′ gable garden shed (80 sq/ft) replaced an old, worn-out shed in East Vancouver. The owners needed a quick, simple storage space, so the new shed was made to fit the concrete block pad that was already in the yard.
Quick facts about this East Vancouver garden shed
- Location: East Vancouver, BC
- Size: 8′ x 10′ (80 sq/ft, about 7.4 m²)
- Design: Gable shed
- Foundation: Existing concrete block pad
- Overhangs: Front 6″
- Siding: LP SmartSide
Made to fit an existing pad
The old pad was kept, so the shed was sized to sit on it. The shed has LP SmartSide siding, painted teal with white trim, and a large door with a small window beside it.
Delivered and set in minutes
The shed was delivered on a shed delivery trailer. The photos show the shed tilting off the trailer onto the pad, and setting it took only minutes.
Inside the shed
The inside is left bare, with exposed wall framing and sheathing. Three vented windows let in light and air.
Why a gable shed suits a garden
A gable shed has a simple peaked roof that sheds rain and snow to both sides. The shape gives headroom under the ridge and is easy to build, which keeps the shed strong and simple. It also looks at home next to a house, a fence or a fruit tree.
Reusing an existing pad
Concrete blocks are a common way to carry a small shed above the ground. If the old pad is level and in good shape, it can be kept, which saves time and mess. The new shed is then built to the size of the pad, so it sits squarely on the blocks with the floor clear of the soil.
What a shed like this stores
An 80 sq/ft shed holds a lawn mower, garden tools, bikes, bins and a few shelves. Vented windows keep air moving, which helps stop damp and mould on stored items. A wide shop door makes it easier to wheel larger items in and out.
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 trees and overhead wires.
- Level the area and set a firm base, such as compacted gravel or a leveled pad, 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 around the shed to open the door fully and to reach the walls for painting.
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 | East Vancouver, BC |
|---|---|
| Size | 8′ x 10′ (80 sq/ft, about 7.4 m²) |
| Design | Gable shed |
| Foundation | Existing concrete block pad |
| Overhangs | Front 6″ |
| Siding | LP SmartSide |
| Ceiling | Bare |
| Door | 40″ shop door |
| Windows | Three vented windows, 18″ x 24″ |
| Electrical | None |
| Heat | None |
What to plan before replacing a garden shed
Replacing a shed is simpler when the site is already prepared.
- Reuse the pad: a level concrete block pad can be kept if the new shed is sized to fit it.
- Access: check that a delivery trailer can reach the spot and has room to tilt.
- Permit: at 80 sq/ft (about 7.4 m²) this shed is under the 10 m² (108 sq/ft) size that the BC Building Code leaves out. Zoning still applies, so check the Vancouver shed rules.
- Windows: vented windows keep air moving in a shed that stores tools and bikes.
Frequently asked questions
How big is this shed?
It’s 8 feet by 10 feet, which is 80 sq/ft (about 7.4 m²).
Was it built on site?
No. It was built ahead of time and delivered on a trailer, and the photos show it tilting off onto the pad.
Does a shed this size 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.
What is the shed made of?
LP SmartSide siding on a framed gable shed, with a shop door and three vented windows.
Why choose a gable roof for a garden shed?
A gable roof is simple, strong and sheds water to both sides. It also adds headroom inside the shed under the ridge.
What can you store in an 8×10 shed?
An 80 sq/ft shed is large enough for a lawn mower, garden tools, bikes and bins, with space for shelves along the walls.
Can an old pad be reused for a new shed?
Yes, if it is level and sound. The new shed can be built to match the size of the pad so it sits squarely on 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.