Measure Right, Not Tight

Buying a new garage, workshop, carriage house or equestrian building is exciting—but one of the biggest mistakes we see is measuring the available space too tightly.

The Complete Guide to Measuring for a Timber Building

Many customers measure from fence to fence or wall to wall and assume that if the building fits on paper, it will fit perfectly in reality.

Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.

A timber building needs more than just enough space for its footprint. It also requires room for delivery, assembly, levelling, future maintenance and natural airflow.

Leaving a little extra space around your building today can make installation easier and help protect your investment for many years to come.

Why You Should Never Measure Too Tight

Unlike a flat-pack shed, our timber buildings are assembled on site.

Our installers need enough room to:

Carry wall panels into position
Secure corners together
Install roof sections
Fit fascias and bargeboards
Adjust and level the building
Complete the finishing touches

If there isn’t enough working space, installation becomes much more difficult and, in some situations, may not even be possible.

Leave Space Around Every Side

For almost every timber building, we recommend leaving at least 300mm (12″) around the outside whenever possible.

This extra space allows for:

Easier installation
Better airflow around the building
Future timber treatment
Improved drainage
Levelling adjustments
Doors opening freely
Easier access for maintenance

The more room you can allow, the better.

Don’t Measure Like This

Measuring wall-to-wall or fence-to-fence often creates unnecessary problems.

Common issues include:

Difficult or impossible installation
No room for installers to work safely
Reduced ventilation around the timber
Limited access for repainting and maintenance
Damage to fences or walls during installation
No room for future repairs or adjustments

Measure Like This Instead

Allow comfortable working space around your building.

Doing so provides:

Easier delivery
Faster installation
Better ventilation
More accurate positioning
Easier maintenance
Longer building life

A little extra space today can save significant time and expense in the future.

Recommended Minimum Clearances

Before ordering your building, we recommend the following clearances.

Area	Recommended Clearance	Reason
Left Side	300mm (12″) minimum	Installation, airflow and maintenance
Right Side	300mm (12″) minimum	Installation, airflow and maintenance
Rear	300mm (12″) minimum	Maintenance access and ventilation
Front	Enough room to fully open doors	Easy access and safe operation
Roof Overhang	Include in measurements	Roof extends beyond wall panels
Uneven Ground	Extra clearance recommended	Easier levelling
Restricted Access	Contact us first	We can advise before ordering

If your garden allows for more space, we always recommend using it.

Remember the Roof Overhang

Many customers measure only the wall dimensions.

Don’t forget to include:

Roof overhangs
Fascia boards
Gutters (if fitted)
Door swing
External hinges

These small details often make the difference between a straightforward installation and unnecessary problems.

Measure More Than Once

Never rely on a single measurement.

Take measurements:

At the front
In the middle
At the rear

Boundaries are rarely perfectly straight, so measuring in several places gives a much more accurate result.

Check the Ground

Before ordering, make sure your base is suitable.

Ask yourself:

Is it level?
Is it square?
Is the ground firm?
Are there tree roots?
Are there drains or inspection covers?
Is there any noticeable slope?

A good base is just as important as accurate measurements.

Think About Future Maintenance

Timber buildings require occasional maintenance throughout their lifetime.

Leave enough room so you can:

Re-treat the timber
Inspect the walls
Clean behind the building
Remove leaves and debris
Carry out future repairs

You’ll appreciate the extra space for years to come.

Common Measuring Mistakes

Measuring fence to fence

Always allow working space around your building.

Forgetting the roof overhang

The roof is usually wider than the wall below.

Ignoring uneven ground

Even a small slope can affect installation.

Forgetting door clearance

Garage doors, personnel doors and stable doors all need enough room to open fully.

Measuring only once

Take at least three width measurements and three depth measurements before ordering.

Need Help Measuring?

Not sure whether your available space is suitable?

Our experienced team is happy to help before you place your order.

Simply send us:

A few photographs of the area
Your measurements
The building you’re interested in
Details of any fences, walls or access restrictions

We’ll review everything and let you know if your space is suitable before you order.

Why Choose DSB Buildings?

Premium quality timber buildings
Nationwide delivery and professional installation
Expert advice before you order
Thousands of satisfied customers across the UK
Built to last using quality materials
Friendly, knowledgeable UK-based support

Ready to Find the Perfect Timber Building?

Now that you know how to measure correctly, you’re ready to explore our range of handcrafted timber buildings.

Whether you’re looking for a timber garage, wooden workshop, garden shed, carriage house, field shelter or stable, we have a wide range of sizes and styles to suit every property.

If you’re unsure which building is right for you, our friendly team is always happy to help.