Having a garden shed can transform your outdoor space into a better organized and more pleasant place. If you need it store your gardening tools, store outdoor furniture or create a small workshopa shed turns out to be an ideal solution.
Opt for one Garden shed of 5 m2or slightly less, it has numerous advantages: it generally does not require no administrative process for its installation and it is exempt from development tax.
In this article you will discover a reference to the legislation regarding outdoor sheds, tips for making the most of its surface and I will introduce you a selection of economical 5 m² models well rated by customers.
Regulations for 5 m² garden sheds
Warning: The information presented in this section on legislation is provided for general and informational purposes only. They do not constitute legal advice and may not reflect recent regulatory changes. Local laws or laws specific to your municipality may also apply. I advise you to check the latest legal updates and consult your municipality for advice suited to your situation.
No declaration or building permit for shelters of 5 m² and less
The legislation specifies that a refuge having a surface area and size of 5 m² or less are not subject to any authorisation for its installation.
In comparison, a model of more than 5 m² and up to 20 m² requires a prior declaration of work.
If it exceeds 20 m², it will be a building permit.
However, there is an exception : If your land is located in a protected or protected area, for example near a historical monument, you will have to make a prior declaration to the municipality, even for a 5 m² shelter.
How to calculate the surface area of the garden shed
The floor surface is the closed and covered part, therefore the interior of the shelter.
The footprint is the space occupied by the shelter on the ground, including the thickness of the walls. It will be greater than the walkable surface and is therefore the footprint that interests us.
The website of a public service indicates that thefootprint it's a «Vertical projection of the volume of the construction, including all overhangs and overhangs. However, ornaments (example: canopies) roof overhangs are excluded when not supported by uprights or shelves».
If the roof overhangs of the garden shed are not supported by uprights, as is often the case with small models, it will therefore be the external dimensions that count.
No development tax
The development fee is payable when the surface area is more than 5 m².
With a shed of 5 m2 or less, you are exempt from this tax.
Other legal information to check
Even without formalities, your garden shed must comply with local planning regulations (PLU, co-ownership rules, etc.). Here are some things to check:
- Respect distances from property lines.
- Respect for height limits imposed by some Municipalities.
- Compliance of materials and external appearance with local regulations.
- Intended Use of the Shelter: Use other than storage may require additional permits.
In conclusion, even if the regulations are lighter for sheds of 5 m² and less, it is always prudent to check the local regulations with your municipality before installing the garden shed.
What can you store in a 5 m² shelter?
Before purchasing it is best to check whether 5m² is enough for you.
In this section I will explain what a garden shed of this size can accommodate and how to make the most of the space.
Storage capacity
With 5 m², you have enough space to store several essential items for the maintenance of your garden and home. Here's what you can store inside:
- Garden tools : shovels, rakes, scissors and much more.
- Larger material : lawnmower, brush cutter.
- Garden furniture : folding tables and chairs, umbrellas.
- Children's bicycles.
- Seasonal equipment : Christmas decorations, flower pots out of season.
Even with limited space, good organization will allow you to store everything you need.
Space optimization
To get the most out of your 5 m², well-thought-out organization is essential. Here are some tips for maximizing the use of available space:
- Shelves : allow you to create additional levels to neatly store small utensils.
- Hooks and tool holders : Perfect for hanging bulky accessories like garden hoses and shovels.
- Storage boxes : ideal for grouping small items and avoiding clutter.
By optimizing the interior of your shelter with these solutions, you will gain space and practicality.
My selection of economical and excellent quality 5m2 garden sheds
If you've already started your search, you know that entry-level sheds can have disastrous ratings due to poor-quality materials.
I have selected several models for you economicwith good reviews left by customers on commercial sites and whose external dimensions do not exceed 5 m².
Prices are automatically updated every day.
Reviews are as of this writing in October 2024. You can see if they have evolved by going to the merchants' sites (links are under the photos).
Anthracite gray metal garden shed – 4.77 m²
The Duramax ECO 8 x 6 model is a metal garden shed made of hot-dip galvanized steel. This gives him a robust protection against corrosion, ensuring long life.
The doors are sliding, thus facilitating access. A padlock can be added for added security.
He owns two ventilation grills to allow air circulation inside.
His end anthracite grey gives it a modern look.

ECO 8×6 model – Duramax
Dove gray metal garden shed – 4.07 m²
The «Archerbta» metal garden shed is very close to the model presented shortly before: walls and structure in galvanized steel to guarantee protection from the elements, sliding doors and ventilation grills.
The difference lies in a slightly smaller surface area and a aesthetic dove gray color.

Archerbta – Archer model
Wood effect metal garden shed – 4.07 m²
The Gardiun Surrey garden shed is mainly characterized by son's drawing.
This model has a look grained wood effectoffering the aesthetics of wood without the disadvantages of its maintenance.
Like the other metal versions presented so far: it is in anti-corrosion galvanized steelha air vents and benefits from sliding doors very practical.
It has the particularity of having a side windowwhich allows natural light to enter.

Surrey Mode – Garden
Resin garden shed with single pitch roof – 4.71 m²
This resin garden shed from Keter is a modern and robust storage solution.
This model stands out for its contemporary design and its material polypropylene brushed anti-UV treatment, offer wood effect.
This shed offers numerous advantages.
It's as customizable as you can paint the walls to your taste.
It has a double door with padlock lock.
He did it several transparent windows to let in natural lightas well as an aeration system for adequate ventilation.
The floor is included.

The Artanta 77 -Sesses
Garden shed in brown wood effect resin – 4.64 m2
Again from the Keter manufacturer, here is the Darwin 68 model.
Made of anti-UV treated polypropylene, it imitates the look and color of woodoffering a natural look in your garden.
Equipped with a double door with lockof a side window fixed for natural light and ventilation system to avoid condensation, it is practical.
THE floor included protects your accessories from moisture.

Darwin 68 Brown Model – Keter
Gray resin garden shed – 4.41 m²
The Manor 68 garden shed is elegant and practical.
Son Modern design and its gray color allow it to integrate harmoniously into any garden decor.
Constructed from fibre-reinforced polypropylene, this model is highly weather resistant and durable.
ON double door wide with sturdy metal zippers for easy access, while the window integrated ensures good light entry. Comes with a flooring.
This shelter, like all those made of resin, requires minimal maintenance.

Model Manor 68 – Keter
Beige and brown resin garden shed – 4.68 m2
This garden shed model remains in the wake of the three previously seen as it is also made of resin and produced by Keter.
We find the double door with lockTHE side windowTHE ventilation grills and the plan provided.
This shed stands out for its beige and brown color which will fit wonderfully into gardens where natural colors are favoured.

Factor 86 Model – Keter
Wooden garden shed – 4.84 m²
Affordable wooden garden sheds with good ratings are becoming rare. I will introduce you to just one: the M396 model from Timbela.
This outdoor shed is characterized by its 19 mm thick wallssection two windows for abundant input of natural light and sound roof covered with bituminous covering for protection from bad weather.
This shelter is made of natural wood and you will need to treat it with an exterior wood protectant.

Model M369 – Timbela
Investing in a 5 m² garden shed is the ideal solution for optimize your outdoor space. These sheds, free from complex administrative procedures, are not only practical but also aesthetic and durable.
Whether you want to store your tools or create a workshop, the models presented are varied and I am sure that one of them will suit your needs. From the solidity of metal, to the elegance of resin, passing through the timeless charm of wood, there is a shed for every garden style.
Don't let clutter invade your outdoor space. Choose the outdoor shed that best suits you.
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