Where to put a door on a 12′ x 16′ shed?

I am building a 12' x 16' storage shed with a gambrel roof (looks like a barn). I am going to put an 8' x 7' wide garage door on the shed to get my riding mower, etc. in and out.
Should I put the door on the 12' or the 16' side? I am primarily storing a riding mower with a 42" deck, a very small lawn tractor with a 4' finish mower that hooks to the back of it (which is nearly 12 ft. long when attached to the tractor), a push mower, a snow blower, and wheel barrow. I would like to put a 24" deep work bench shelf all the way across one of the 12' walls inside of the shed, it will be open underneath to park the mower(s). I am thinking I should put it on one of the 16' sides so I can get to stuff on either side without having to move everything out of the shed. The only kicker is my lawn tractor having the mower attached is nearly as long as the shed would be deep with the 12'.

Any reccomendations? Why?

Comments

2 Responses to “Where to put a door on a 12′ x 16′ shed?”
  1. mcmdcak says:
    July 22, 2009 at 1:05 am

    Normally you would want the door on the " Gable end" because you will have to add substantial load handling structure if you place it on the side "load bearing" walls.

    Also you would want at least a 3′ eave to protect the entry/door from rain/snow.

    I’m presuming you will go with 12′ span trusses ( as they are much less cost than 16′ span) . . . you could probably add 2-4′ to the "length" (12 x18 or 20) fairly inexpensively if your footprint allows to gain space?

  2. Benedict V Z says:
    July 22, 2009 at 1:05 am

    I would put the door on the 16′ wall. You would have more room to maneuver stuff around.

Leave An Answer

Tell us what you're thinking about this question...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!