Shed Buyer's Guide
Everything you need to know before you buy — size, style, site prep, permits, build quality, and financing. No fluff, just the information that actually matters.
How to Buy a Shed — 8 Steps
Follow this in order and you won't make the mistakes most first-time shed buyers make.
Figure Out What You're Storing
Make a list. Riding mower? Motorcycles? A workshop setup? Holiday decorations? The answer drives the size you need. A common mistake is buying for today's stuff and forgetting tomorrow's.
Pick the Right Size
Add up the square footage of what you're storing, then add 25–30% for walkways and working room. When in doubt, go up one size — you'll thank yourself later.
Choose a Style
Utility for storage. Lofted barn for mixed storage + overhead. Barn cabin for a workspace or bonus room. Side lofted barn for bulk floor storage with a loft on one end.
Check Your Site
The delivery path needs to be 12+ feet wide, 14 feet of clearance overhead, and ground level enough for the driver to set the building. If your yard has a steep slope, talk to us before ordering.
Check Permits and HOA
Most rural and suburban properties under 200 sq ft don't need a permit. HOAs vary wildly. Pull your deed restrictions and call your building department before you order — not after.
Understand the Build Quality
Not all sheds are built the same. Ask about skid size, framing, floor decking, and siding. The specs matter more than the sticker price — a cheap shed costs more in the long run.
Pick a Payment Method
Cash or card for the simplest transaction. Rent-to-own if you want low upfront cost with no credit check. Personal loan financing if you want the lowest monthly payment and total cost.
Order and Prep Your Site
Once you order, clear the delivery path and your building site. If you're adding a gravel pad, get it done before delivery day. We handle everything else.
Size Guide
When in doubt, go up one size. Nobody has ever said their shed is too big.
| Size | Sq Ft | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 8×10 | 80 | Basic lawn equipment, seasonal storage, tools |
| 8×12 | 96 | Lawn mower, bikes, garden supplies |
| 10×12 | 120 | Rider mower + additional storage |
| 10×16 | 160 | Small workshop, hobby space, yard equipment |
| 12×16 | 192 | Workshop, multiple mowers, ATV storage |
| 12×20 | 240 | Full workshop, small boat, golf cart |
| 12×24 | 288 | Vehicle storage + workshop combo |
| 14×32 | 448 | Two vehicles, large workshop, contractor storage |
Portable sheds max out at 14 feet wide for road transport. Need wider? See our steel buildings.
Shed Styles Explained
Same square footage, different use cases. Pick the style that matches how you'll actually use it.
Utility Shed
Simple, affordable, single-pitch or gable roof. Best for pure storage — lawn equipment, tools, seasonal items. Most popular entry-level option.
Browse Utility ShedsLofted Barn
Gambrel (barn-style) roof creates a natural loft. Store bulky items on the floor, lighter items overhead. Same footprint, more cubic capacity.
Browse Lofted BarnsBarn Cabin
Taller walls, loft, windows, and a more finished look. Works as a workshop, home office, craft room, or bonus space. Most versatile style we carry.
Browse Barn CabinsSide Lofted Barn
Loft on one end, open floor space on the other. Good for storing long items (lumber, kayaks) at floor level while keeping small items in the loft.
Browse Side Lofted BarnsWhat to Look For in Build Quality
Most buyers focus on price. The buyers who regret their purchase focused only on price. Here's what actually separates a 30-year shed from a 10-year shed.
Skids
4×6" treated notched
Avoid: 4×4" or nailed 2×6s
Framing
2×6 studs
Avoid: 2×4 studs
Floor Decking
LP tongue-and-groove (T&G)
Avoid: OSB or plywood
Siding
LP SmartSide (50-yr warranty)
Avoid: T1-11 panel
Roof
29ga metal R Panel + OSB
Avoid: Shingles over bare decking
Paint
Urethane (2× lifespan)
Avoid: Alkyd enamel
Permits & HOA
The two things that catch buyers off guard after they order. Check these before you buy, not after.
Permits
- Most areas exempt sheds under 200 sq ft
- Sheds with electrical usually need a permit regardless of size
- Check with your county or city building department
- We can help point you in the right direction
HOA
- Pull your deed restrictions before ordering
- Common restrictions: color match, max size, placement from fence
- Most HOAs approve sheds — they have rules, not bans
- We offer LP SmartSide in colors to match most homes
How to Pay for Your Shed
Three options. Pick the one that fits your situation.
Cash or Card
Pay in full and own it outright. No monthly payments, no interest. Simplest option.
Visa, Mastercard, Discover accepted
Most Popular
Rent-to-Own
Width-based deposit, no credit check. Monthly payments for 36, 48, or 60 months. Return it anytime — no credit impact.
How RTO works →Personal Loan
Lower monthly payments, lower total cost than RTO. Requires a credit check. Good option if you qualify.
View financing options →RTO Assurance — Included on Every RTO Contract
All RTO contracts include Basic Assurance — a payment protection plan baked in at no extra charge. Any buyer (cash or RTO 5-year) can add Plus+ for full physical building protection: labor on repairs, catastrophic loss replacement, and a FREE re-level.
Basic Assurance
$150Required · 3, 4, or 5-year plans · built into your payment
Payment Protection Plan
Protects your RTO payments during the contract term. Flat fee included in the monthly payment — you never write a separate check for it.
- Payment protection for the full contract term
- Available on 3, 4, or 5-year plans
- Already included — no action needed
Assurance Plus+
Available to all buyers · cash or RTO 5-year
Physical Building Protection Plan
A maintenance and catastrophic loss warranty for the building itself — covers labor on repairs and full replacement if the structure is destroyed. Available to cash buyers and RTO 5-year customers alike.
- Full building replacement if destroyed — same model, photos required (no personal contents)
- Labor covered on broken windows, siding, roof, handles, hinges, tie rods — you pay materials only
- FREE re-level — $200 value
- Door handles & knobs mailed at no cost
Frequently Asked Questions
What size shed do I need?
For basic lawn equipment storage, an 8×10 or 8×12 is usually enough. For a workshop or hobby space, a 10×16 or 12×20 gives you room to move around. If you need to park a vehicle or store large equipment, a 12×24 or 14×32 is the right range. When in doubt, go one size bigger — people almost never say their shed is too large.
What shed style should I buy?
Utility sheds are the most affordable and work well for basic storage. Lofted barns add overhead storage without increasing the footprint. Barn cabins work as workshops, hobby rooms, or home offices. Side lofted barns give you more floor-level storage with a loft on one end. The right style depends on what you are storing and how you plan to use the space.
Do I need a permit for a shed in Texas?
It depends on your city and county. Most jurisdictions exempt sheds under 200 square feet. Sheds with electrical usually need a permit regardless of size. If you are in city limits, check with your building department first. If you are in an HOA, check your deed restrictions.
Do I need a concrete pad for a shed?
No. Our sheds sit on pressure-treated skids and are leveled on concrete blocks at delivery. A gravel pad improves drainage and is a good investment, but it is not required. You do need level ground — if your site slopes more than 12 inches end to end, some grading may be needed before delivery.
What is the difference between rent-to-own and financing?
Rent-to-own requires no credit check — just a deposit and monthly payments over 36, 48, or 60 months. All RTO contracts include RTO Assurance Basic (built into your payment). On 5-year plans you can upgrade to Assurance Plus+ for physical building protection including labor on repairs, full replacement if destroyed, and a FREE re-level. Personal loan financing offers a lower total cost but requires a credit check.
What do I need to get started on an RTO shed?
You need your deposit (cash, check, or card), two forms of ID, and about 10 minutes to fill out the RTO form. For ID: your first must be a current (not expired) driver's license or state-issued ID. Your second can be any government ID — even a state fishing license works, photo not required — or a credit card with your name on it. The form asks for your Social Security Number, email, phone, employment info, and two references (name and phone number, neither can live with you). You'll also verify your identity by SMS, so have your cell phone with you. If you rent, bring your landlord's contact info.
What should I look for in shed build quality?
Look at the skids (4×6 treated is the standard to beat), the floor decking (tongue-and-groove LP outperforms OSB), framing size (2×6 vs 2×4), and siding (LP SmartSide vs T1-11 panel). A quality shed will have a double top plate, metal roof, and urethane paint. Ask specifically about these specs — a dealer who can answer them knows what they are selling.
How long does delivery take?
In-stock sheds typically deliver within 1 to 2 weeks. Custom orders take 4 to 6 weeks to build, then 1 to 2 weeks for delivery. Your shed arrives 100% assembled on a trailer and is set in place in about 30 minutes.
How much does a shed cost in North Texas?
Entry-level utility sheds start around $2,700 for an 8×10. A popular 10×16 runs $4,200 to $5,500. A 12×24 barn cabin or workshop ranges from $7,500 to $12,000 depending on options. Custom builds, electrical packages, and premium flooring add to the base price.
Ready to Find Your Shed?
Browse our inventory online or stop by either lot in Denton or Wichita Falls. No appointment needed.