One of the biggest advantages of metal shelters is their flexibility. Whether you need a compact cover for your car or a large commercial structure for storage or equipment, metal buildings can be designed to fit almost any purpose. But with so many dimensions to choose from, finding the right metal shelter size can feel overwhelming.
At Bull Buildings, we make this decision easy. As a nationwide broker working with 28 trusted manufacturers, we compare prices, layouts, and engineering specs to find the perfect structure for your needs. Here’s how to determine the best size for your shelter and what each standard dimension can offer.
Why Shelter Size Matters
Choosing the correct size isn’t just about fitting your belongings under a roof; it’s about ensuring your structure serves its purpose efficiently for years to come. A shelter that’s too small limits usability, while one that’s too large can inflate costs unnecessarily.
Your metal shelter’s size will depend on factors such as:
- Primary use: Are you storing vehicles, machinery, or livestock?
- Property space: How much room do you have to build on?
- Future expansion: Do you anticipate growing your storage or workspace needs?
- Local regulations: Zoning and setback requirements may restrict maximum width or height.
Thinking ahead ensures your building remains practical and cost-effective long after installation.
Common Metal Shelter Sizes and Their Uses
While metal buildings can be fully customized, some dimensions have become industry standards due to their versatility and cost-efficiency. Below are the most popular metal shelter sizes and what they’re best suited for.
18×20 Shelter
This is one of the most popular residential sizes — ideal for single-car garages, compact workshops, or small storage units. It’s large enough to protect a sedan or small truck while leaving room for tools or equipment.
Typical Uses:
- Single-vehicle parking
- Motorcycle or ATV storage
- Garden tool shed or small hobby shop
20×30 Shelter
Stepping up in both width and length, a 20×30 metal shelter offers around 600 square feet of covered space. It’s a great middle-ground size that can accommodate two vehicles or serve as a multipurpose workshop.
Typical Uses:
- Two-car garage or carport
- Small repair or woodworking shop
- Residential equipment storage
This size is also ideal for homeowners who want a balance between functionality and affordability.
30×40 Shelter
Once you reach the 30×40 range, your shelter begins to enter light commercial territory. With 1,200 square feet, you can easily store larger machinery, farm tools, or even operate a small business space.
Typical Uses:
- Agricultural storage
- Equipment sheds
- Small warehouse or maintenance shop
- Recreational vehicle or boat cover
For farms and rural properties, a 30×40 metal building provides exceptional utility without requiring a massive footprint.
40×60 Shelter
At this size, you’re firmly in commercial or agricultural use. A 40×60 metal building offers 2,400 square feet of space — enough for multiple bays, offices, or large storage areas.
Typical Uses:
- Commercial auto repair garages
- Hay barns or pole barns
- Equipment storage
- Retail or storefront structures
One consideration at this size is foundation strength. Heavier, wide-span shelters may require thicker concrete pads or additional footings, so be sure to consult your building provider about load requirements.
50×100 Shelter
A 50×100 metal building provides 5,000 square feet of fully usable space, large enough for warehouses, manufacturing, or multi-unit commercial operations.
Typical Uses:
- Manufacturing or assembly plants
- Distribution centers
- Multi-bay storage or garages
- Large farm or ranch facilities
This size allows flexible layouts for offices, loading docks, or partitions. You can even divide the space into sections for different purposes.
60×120 Shelter and Beyond
For industrial-scale needs, shelters above 60×120 offer over 7,000 square feet of space, perfect for heavy machinery, agricultural co-ops, or large event facilities.
Typical Uses:
- Heavy equipment storage
- Bulk crop or grain storage
- Industrial workshops
- Aviation hangars or logistics hubs
Larger shelters can be engineered with clear-span interiors, meaning no interior support columns, allowing unobstructed floor space for wide or tall equipment.
How to Choose the Right Size for Your Application
When selecting your metal shelter size, consider these practical factors:
1. Measure What You’re Storing
Start with accurate dimensions of vehicles, trailers, or equipment. Include height clearance for tall items like RVs or tractors. Always allow at least 2–3 feet of clearance on all sides for safe movement and future additions.
2. Think About Functionality
If your structure will double as a workspace, leave room for benches, aisles, or shelving. For shelters housing livestock or feed, plan for proper ventilation and access paths.
3. Leave Room for Growth
It’s often more cost-effective to size up now than expand later. Adding just an extra 10 feet in width or length can significantly increase long-term flexibility.
4. Check Local Building Codes
Counties and cities often have rules about maximum height, property line setbacks, and roof load requirements. Confirm these before ordering to avoid delays or redesigns.
5. Match Roof Height to Purpose
- 8–10 ft: Standard for cars and small sheds.
- 12–14 ft: Ideal for trucks, farm vehicles, and RVs.
- 16 ft and above: Suited for large commercial or industrial operations.
Customizing Your Metal Shelter
Once you’ve chosen a size, you can fine-tune your building to match your exact needs. Popular options include:
- Roof styles: Regular, boxed-eave, or vertical for better drainage.
- Gables and side panels: Add weather protection without full enclosure.
- Doors and windows: Improve ventilation and usability.
- Insulation: Reduces condensation and temperature fluctuations.
- Color choices: Coordinate with existing property structures.
At Bull Buildings, we handle all the comparisons for you, ensuring your design is optimized for function, cost, and regional building standards.
The Bull Buildings Advantage
Selecting the right metal shelter size can be a major investment decision, but with Bull Buildings, you don’t have to go it alone. Our team works with dozens of top U.S. suppliers to find the best fit at the lowest available price.
Because we broker over $40 million in annual metal building sales, we secure volume-based discounts that individual buyers can’t access. That means you get:
- Certified engineering and compliance with local codes.
- Stronger structural integrity for your region’s weather conditions.
- Transparent, no-hassle pricing with nationwide delivery options.
Explore our selection of metal structures for sale to start customizing your shelter today — whether you need a small garage or a large-scale commercial building.
Metal Shelters: Finding the Right Fit
Your metal shelter should fit your property, your purpose, and your future plans. Choosing the right size is about more than just measurements. It’s about designing a space that works for you today and for years to come.
From compact 18×20 garages to massive 100×100 industrial structures, Bull Buildings helps you find exactly what you need without overpaying. When it comes to quality, customization, and cost savings, we shop for you so you can build with confidence.
