This 8×12 (96 sq/ft) contemporary garden shed was delivered to a yard in Langdale, near Gibsons on BC’s Sunshine Coast, in June 2016. It has a single-slope roof, dark charcoal vertical siding, a light grey steel door and a long band of high windows above the door. It sits on a gravel pad among tall evergreens.
About this shed
A contemporary shed keeps the shape simple: one roof slope, flat walls and clean trim. On this shed the tall front wall holds a single long window strip right under the roof. It lets daylight in across the whole shed but keeps the walls below free for shelves, hooks and tools.
The dark charcoal siding runs up and down, which makes the shed look taller and helps it blend into the shade of the trees. A light grey steel door and light grey roof trim stand out against the dark walls. The roof overhangs the front and side walls, so rain drips clear of the siding.
| Location | Langdale, Sunshine Coast, BC |
|---|---|
| Size | 8×12 (96 sq/ft) |
| Style | Contemporary, single-slope roof |
| Siding | Vertical siding, painted dark charcoal |
| Door | Light grey steel door |
| Windows | Long clerestory window strip above the door |
| Base | Gravel pad |
| Delivered | June 2016 |
What to plan before building an 8×12 garden shed
Does an 8×12 shed need a building permit?
Often not. At 96 sq/ft it is under the 10 m² (107 sq/ft) size many BC local governments use as the permit cut-off. Langdale is in the Sunshine Coast Regional District, so check its rules for setbacks and height before you pick a spot. See the shed rules by city for more.
Why use a steel door on a shed?
A steel door won’t swell or warp in wet weather, it closes tight and it is harder to break into than a wood door. It is a good choice for a shed that holds tools and yard equipment.
Is a gravel pad a good base for a shed?
Yes. A level, well-packed gravel pad drains water away from the floor and keeps the shed off wet ground. Make the pad a little bigger than the shed so the drip line from the roof lands on gravel, not soil.
Will a dark colour work under big trees?
Dark colours blend into shady yards and hide dirt and needles well. Light trim and a light door keep the shed from looking too heavy.