12X20 Sheds: Everything You Need to Know

12x20 sheds

If you’re fighting for space in your garage and need a little more room to store some of the items that you don’t use regularly, then 12×20 sheds may just be the perfect answer. 

These larger storage sheds are good for those who need to store items such as ATVs, motorcycles, and other vehicles that aren’t used on a daily basis. They’re also great for storing outdoor equipment like lawnmowers or tools that you use once or twice a year during certain seasons of the year. 

In this article, we’ll be providing you with a complete overview of 12×20 sheds, from how much they cost to the different styles available to how you should start with your shed plans. Of course, we also got smaller sizes as well, like 200 sq. ft. sheds.

Let’s dive in!

How Much Does a 12×20 Shed Cost?

rainy day in autumn

An old cabin with a fence line on a rainy day during Fall of the year.

Firstly, let’s talk price. 

12×20 sheds are larger than the average shed that you’d typically find in most backyards or driveways. This means they’re usually more expensive to purchase when compared with smaller storage sheds, like an outdoor garden tool shed, for example. If you’re interested in learning more about garden sheds, check out our “Garden Sheds: The Complete Guide” article to read more.

To get a better idea of cost, let’s break down the expenses for a pre-built 12×20 shed vs. a DIY 12×20 shed. 

Before we get into the price specifics, our “Outdoor Shed Cost: 2024 Overview” is another great article that talks about outdoor shed costs.

How Much Does a Pre-Built 12×20 Shed Cost?

Base Price

In general, the price for a 12×20 shed ranges from about $5,000 to $16,000+, depending on the size, style, the number of add-ons, and other factors. As of 2021, most of our basic 12×20 shed styles start between $6000 – $7000. For an idea of current shed pricing, check out our current inventory or request a custom shed quote.

Delivery Cost

Delivery costs can also vary when it comes to 12×20 sheds. It all depends on what type of shed you have purchased. For instance, a 12×20 shed with loft, a 12×20 storage shed, a 12×20 wood shed, etc. Most shed builders or shed delivery companies charge a per-mile fee; some also include a flat base delivery fee. Here at Esh’s Utility Buildings, we offer free delivery of 12×20 sheds within 50 miles of any of our sales locations; we charge a per-mile price after the first 50 miles.

How Much Does a DIY 12×20 Shed Cost?

If you want to DIY it, you’ll need to factor in the price of materials and tools, plus whatever your labor is worth. If you do not have these items on hand already, this could bump up your building costs considerably.

Material Options and Its Costs 

The common materials used to build these 12×20 sheds include: 

● Plastic 

Vinyl

● Wood (painted or stained)

Metal 

It’s essential to keep in mind that the material you choose for your shed will affect the cost dramatically. 

Cost Effect of Materials at a Glance 

The cost of materials for building a 12×20 shed varies widely depending on the exact design of the shed, the time of the year, and material availability. As of 2021, the approximate price range of materials for building several popular types of 12×20 sheds are as follows:

Vinyl Siding – $2,500 – $6,000 

Wood – $4,250 – $9,800 

Metal – $4,000 – $12,000 

The Tools 

The following is a list of some tools that are useful to have on hand if you plan to build your own 12×20 shed. Depending on the materials and construction style you choose, this may be an incomplete list:

● Safety glasses 

● Safety gloves 

● Miter saw 

● Jigsaw 

● Chalk line 

● Tape measure 

● Spirit level 

● Carpentry pencil 

● Drill machinery and drill bits 

The Time

If you’re skilled and determined enough, building your own 12×20 shed can be done over a weekend.

12×20 Shed Styles 

When it comes to the style of your 12×20 shed, there are several different choices that you have to choose from. Here’s how each style differs:

12×20 Ranch/A-Frame Sheds

12x20 ranch a frame shed in ky and tn

The most common 12×20 shed type is the traditional A-frame design, which can add some architectural interest to your backyard. At the same time, it can also act as an efficient storage space. These particular sheds typically have exteriors made out of wood, vinyl, or metal, all of which have advantages and disadvantages compared to each other.

See Our In-Stock 12×20 Ranch Sheds

To see more ranch sheds, browse our entire 12×20 ranch shed inventory.

12×20 High Barn Sheds

12x20 high barn sheds in ky and tn

These high-style barn sheds are timeless and will definitely help improve the look of your property. 

Thanks to a gambrel roof design, this storage building comes standard with two overhead lofts, which means there’s plenty of space for that extra stuff. 

When you purchase your high barn loft from us, it comes completely customizable. You choose the colors, roofing material, siding style, doors…everything you need to create the perfect outdoor shed for your property.

See Our In-Stock 12×20 High Barn Sheds

To see more high barn sheds, browse our entire 12×20 high barn shed inventory.

12×20 Low Barn Sheds

12x20 low barn shed in ky and tn

Simple and portable, the beautiful 12X20 Low Barn Sheds are the most affordable option for a storage shed. You can let your imagination take root with these low-profile 12X20 storage sheds as you use our online shed designer tool to create your dream shed.

12×20 Garage Sheds

12x20 garage shed in ky and tn

The 12×20 garage shed is a very practical choice for anyone who needs affordable vehicle storage space and has the extra room to accommodate this larger-sized shed.

As the name states, these 12×20 storage sheds are often used to store recreational vehicles such as ATVs, motorcycles, and lawnmowers because they can easily fit in the garage-style doors found on most of these buildings. If you’re interested in garage sheds, feel free to read our comprehensive guide on garage sheds.

12×20 Cabin Sheds

12x20 cabin shed in ky and tn

The 12×20 cabin shed is a very stylish design that will make you feel like you’re living in the mountains. Transforming you to another place and time, these cabin-style sheds are an excellent option for anyone who wants the country feel in their backyard. 

The 12×20 storage shed can be constructed from different types of wood materials, depending on your preference. 12×20 wood sheds are sure to add a rustic touch to your home. This style of shed is perfect for hunting cabins, summer camp lodging, or even as additional storage space on your property.

Although this article is about 12×20 sheds, we’ve got plenty of other shed sizes; if you want to see our a wide selection of in-stock sheds, feel free to browse our entire shed inventory.

12×20 Shed Plans

12x20 shed plan in ky and tn

It can be a daunting task to custom design your 12×20 shed. There are so many factors involved, from the dimensions of your property to where you want to place it on that land to the color of the roof and siding. It’s enough for anyone to get overwhelmed when looking at building a large storage shed. 

Luckily, there’s an easy solution: shed plans. 

With a solid shed plan, you can create all the room you need to organize tools, stack up lawn furniture, and even work on hobbies or a business. 

Important Features of Your 12×20 Shed Plan 

Depending on your needs for storage space, you’ll want to take note of the most important features that each shed plan offers. Here are some important questions to consider: 

● How much room do I have in my backyard? 

● Do I have any restrictions from local ordinances or homeowners associations? ● What is my budget? 

● What is the weather like where I live? Do I need to pay extra attention to waterproofing or insulation features in my shed plan? 

● Do I want a design that will stand out from other buildings on my property, or blend into the natural landscape around it? 

● How much time do I have for construction? Do I need something that will work for a do-it-yourself project?

● Are there any other features I would like to add to my 12×20 shed plan, such as: garage doors, windows, or sliding doors? Do I want a 12×20 shed with loft? 

● What size and style of the door should be included in the design plans for my 12×20 shed? ● What specific tools will I need to build my 12×20 shed? 

● Is there anything else I need to consider for the project, such as safety equipment or job site storage bins? 

● How long do I expect this process to take me? What level of experience do I have at building projects like these? 

Planning a 12×20 Shed With a 3D Shed Builder

12x20 shed with a 3d shed builder

Once you have a good idea of what your 12×20 shed plans need to include, you can bring your idea to life with our online 3D shed design tool. With this easy-to-use platform, you’ll be able to effortlessly configure your shed plans and view them in a three-dimensional rendering that will give you an accurate idea of what the final product looks like before it’s ever built! 

This is fantastic news for anyone who’s ever struggled with designing a building plan or been frustrated by the lack of options when it comes to customizing their own shed plans. With so many different factors to consider when planning out your 12×20 storage shed, this tool will ensure you get every detail right from start to finish!

How Big is a 12×20 Shed?

how big is a 12x20 shed

At its most straightforward, a 12×20 shed covers 240 square feet, although the interior size will be a bit smaller given the thickness of the walls.

A 12×20 shed is a relatively simple design but has enough room to fit almost anything you would need in it. It’s often used as a workshop or storage space for larger tools and equipment that cannot be kept inside the home. As a side note, if you’re looking for a little bit more of a cheaper shed option, you can learn more about the 12×16 shed size.

The Exterior Dimensions of a 12×20 Storage Shed

exterior of a 12x20 storage shed

The exterior dimensions are typically around 12′-1 1/2″ W x 20′-1 1/2″ L x 11′-6″ H. This gives you ample space for storage and work projects, depending on what your needs for this type of structure might be. 

The Interior Dimensions of a 12×20 Storage Shed

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After accounting for the thickness of the walls, a 12’×20′ shed gives you approximately 220 square feet of interior storage space, which is enough space to house 2-3 lawn care equipment as well as a workbench. A 12×20 shed with a loft would offer a bit of additional overhead storage space.

How Much Does a 12×20 Shed Weigh?

While it depends on the exact style and the materials used, the base weight for a 12×20 shed is around 3100 lbs.

What Can You Fit in a 12×20 Shed?

A 12×20 storage shed is ideal for keeping larger tools and equipment, such as: 

● Bicycles 

● Lawnmower 

● Vehicle 

● Boat 

● Snowmobile 

● ATV 

● Motorcycles 

● Tools you use infrequently (extra shovels/rakes) 

● Or seasonal items like holiday decorations 

While it’s fantastic for storage, a 12×20 shed is also a great place to work on projects such as:

● Painting 

● Fixing household appliances

● Woodworking and carpentry-related projects like furniture, shelving, etc. This space can even double as an art studio! 

It can even be turned into a separate living space, man cave, or a she-shed. Or, you could transform your shed into an office space. If an office shed interests you, this article has some great office shed ideas. The possibilities are truly endless! 

Does a 12×20 Shed Need a Foundation?

does a 12x20 shed need a foundation

It is recommended to have a 12×20 shed foundation for supporting your structure.

Blocks are the most affordable option and least labor-intensive. However, if you’re looking for something with a bit more structural integrity, we recommend building your shed on a 12×20 gravel foundation. This option is excellent for those who want to go above and beyond with their building plans, as the gravel pad drains better and provides superior support that will last over time. 

How Much Does the Foundation Cost for a 12×20 shed? 

Foundation costs depend primarily on the type of foundation and whether or not you need to hire professionals for installation. 

Hiring a contractor is the easiest way of ensuring that your 12×20 shed plans are brought to life as you imagined them, and this will also save time on research and legwork!

If you’re interested in constructing a gravel shed foundation yourself, this guide gives an excellent step-by-step overview of how to do that.

Here are some of the most popular 12×20 shed foundation options: 

Blocks – The cheapest option, but also the least durable.

Gravel (best) – Strikes a nice balance of affordability, durability, and ease-of-installation.

Concrete – The most durable and the most expensive option; concrete foundations are best for sheds that are built on-site and don’t include a built-in wood floor.

The Conclusion 

All in all, 12X20 sheds provide a space for your belongings and offer you the ability to work on projects, create more storage, or move your office out of the house. It’ll look great in any garden, and allow you to do more with your land than you could before! Our “Garden Sheds: The Complete Guide” is a great place to start if you’re interested in learning more about garden sheds. Or, if you’re looking for more of a shed for your livestock, you could learn more about loafing sheds in this article.

We hope that this informative guide has been helpful in your decision to purchase a 12×20 storage shed. You can learn more about 12×20 sheds by exploring our website, where you’ll find detailed specifications like base size, peak height, window dimensions, and much more. If you want to get a little bit of a larger shed, you could read this article on 12×24 storage buildings. We also offer prefab detached garage sheds; if you want to learn more about these garage sheds, read this article.

We also offer a 3D online design tool, so customers can get a good idea of how they would want the inside set up before making a purchase decision! Use the 3D shed builder today and see what our beautiful structures have to offer!