Choosing the Right Commercial Shed Size: Factors to Consider for Optimal Efficiency

When it comes to nailing down the best specifications for your commercial shed, there are quite a few points to consider. Utilising a commercial shed to run your business or having it as an adjunct structure on your commercial property- or at a location that better suits your needs – can open up increased productivity and a healthier bottom line for your business.

As a rule, your commercial shed will be larger than a barn and smaller than an industrial warehouse, and it should be fit for purpose.

Before you make the call to order a shed for your business, take a moment to read our latest blog which deals with this topic. Read on to explore four major questions to answer before you make any final decisions.

What operations will you be running from your shed?

This is your primary consideration, as it will dictate the type of layout, ventilation, entry points, flooring – and size – that will work best for you. For example, if you are working with toxic chemicals, you must have good airflow, which may mean a higher ceiling. If your operation involves B2C traffic, you will need to be able to heat all or some portions of your commercial shed to ensure that during the colder months, you can still provide a welcoming environment. Think about the machinery and equipment you will need to move into and out of your space and account for that height and width when deciding on your shed design.

Will you require vehicle entry?

If you are running an auto shop or you need trucks, cars and trailers, forklifts or other vehicles to be able to safely and comfortably get in and out of your commercial shed, this will be a deciding factor when it comes to size. Think about whether you need to create enough space for a turning circle within the shed, if multiple vehicles will need to enter or operate at the same time, and definitely factor in the ceiling height and the door height. Vehicles also create exhaust fumes, so if you have lots of vehicle ingress, be certain to consider whether you may need to add extra space to form part of your ventilation strategy.

 

Will your commercial shed operate as a storage facility?

This is a vital point to incorporate into your planning when it comes to the size of your commercial shed. If you are going to be utilising the structure as an on or offsite storage facility, you likely will need extensive shelving or racks, and you must have these set up in a way that is going to make it easy for you to access items in a fast and efficient way. This calls for a good amount of space for each aisle, which may involve creating space for ladders, forklifts, or other small vehicles that will assist you in shifting stock in and out. You will need to account for large delivery vehicles and think about how you can create lighting profiles on your ceiling that are far enough away to ensure the heat created by your lights does not affect your stock. Don’t forget about a charging bay for any electric vehicles you are using, as this can take up a good chunk of space.

Do you need to future-proof your commercial shed size?

If your business is a start-up, it can be difficult to predict how your space needs might shift as you begin to create a successful company that has longevity. In this case, there are two approaches that may work for you. You can err on the side of caution and choose a smaller commercial shed that you are certain you can fill for the first few years, then go through the process again as things begin to change and order another shed. This can be problematic if you have limited land space, and in the long run, it is likely to cost you significantly more. 

The other option is to go larger than you need at present in anticipation of success, but choose a layout that can be sectioned off and potentially rented out to other businesses or individuals to work in or use for storage. This may be the smarter move as you could potentially utilise the extra space to create another revenue stream, and if you are smart about your terms, you will have the space back if and when you need it.

Get in Touch

All our commercial sheds are made and manufactured at our factory in Christchurch, and our cold-formed steel can be erected to a height of 7 metres. We offer a 15-year warranty on all Zincalume and Colorsteel painted products, and up to 33% more steel goes into our materials than other shed makers. We offer a wide range of customisation options and we have extensive experience with creating exceptionally useful, durabile and versatile commercial sheds.

So, there you have it. A few things to consider before you settle on the right commercial shed for your business. If you still have questions or want to start a conversation about getting your shed underway, contact the friendly team at Durasteel.