Top 10 Prefab She Shed Designs & Permit Tips

Everyone is used to seeing the traditional man caves in every house in their neighborhood. They work as a private space for men to do what they want or just escape from their daily routine. What can women do when they want to do that? Get a prefab she shed.  

Many people didn’t care about the space women needed to escape from their children and husbands before. Now, it's time they have a place to rest from everything. She sheds are excellent for the job.  

What are she sheds? In a nutshell, it’s a shed customized for women to feel free to do anything they want without others bothering them. They can be gyms, art rooms, and more.  

Naturally, you need a shed or pod to custom if you want a woman's cave. 

You can find 10 different prefab she shed designs for your house on this page. Read on to learn more about these pods.

What Are the Best She Sheds This Year?

Now that you know the basic things you should know before installing a backyard she shed, we are here to show you the best ones available on the market.  

All the prefab she sheds below offer different things and have unique designs, but they are all excellent options for a private men-free room. Feel free to pick the one that best suits your needs.  

These are the 10 best prefabricated she sheds:   

1. Autonomous WorkPod

Although Autonomous mostly focuses on developing ergonomic products, it also has something for women looking for a private space. We are talking about the Autonomous WorkPod.  

This prefab accessory dwelling unit comes with everything you would need to work away from noise or distractions.  

As its name suggests, this pod is meant to be used as a home office, but you can also customize it to be a game room or yoga room. Let your imagination run wild.  

The best thing about this prefab she shed is it comes with an ergonomic chair, standing desk, bookshelf, cabinet, cable tray, anti-fatigue mat, dual monitor arm, and an electrical cabinet. In other words, these items are included when you pay the full price of the pod.  

If you are working on a budget, you can order the pod without furniture. 

WorkPod

Next-level WFH.

97 reviews

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Specifications

Overall size	8.5’W x 12’L x 11’H
Floorspace	102 square feet
Ceiling height	6.8’ to 9.3’
Weight capacity	2.9 tons
Door & Window dimensions, material (include glass)	Main door: 7.5’W x 6.8'H 3 windows: 1.1’W x 7.9’H Window material: Wooden frame, 5/16” tempered glass, composite wood cover Door material: Anodized aluminum frame, 5/16” tempered glass
Siding, roof, floor & balcony material	Siding: Plywood 1/2”, wooden frame, honeycomb paper, plywood 3/8”, bitume, housewrap, vinyl siding Roof: Roof shingles Floor: Plywood Balcony: Composite wood
Electrical devices	1 RCB (Residual current breaker) 3 Wall outlet (Universal wall sockets) 1 Ceiling light switch 1 Ceiling light 1 Ventilator switch 1 Ventilator 66ft power cable with 2 connectors
Power input	Maximum voltage: 110V AC (US standard) Maximum current: 25A Maximum power dissipation: 2750W
Interior furniture	Unfurnished option: 1 Bookshelf, 1 Electrical Cabinet Furnished option: 1 SmartDesk Connect, 1 Autonomous Chair Ultra, 1 Monitor Arm, 1 Cable Tray, 1 Filing Cabinet, 1 Anti-Fatigue Mat, 1 Bookshelf, 1 Electrical Cabinet
Compatible with	Portable air conditioner: A/C units with dimensions smaller than 22” L x 20” W x 88” H and a 5.9” vent hole diameter will fit well. Heater: A small personal heater is more than sufficient.

Ideal for

• Handy homeowners
• Professionals who need a quiet, dedicated space to work from home
• Freelancers who require a focused environment away from household distractions 

• 

  "I ordered a reverse version of the WorkPod and I'm impressed with the design. While the team informed me that the material has been changed from pinewood to composite wood for enhanced weather resistance and insulation, it still looks great." - Kellyn Y.
• 

  "The Pod is fantastic and was built in 2 days right away." - Nomita D.
• 

  "I love working in the WorkPod—it's super private and has great sound insulation. However, I've noticed it gets pretty hot in my space after about 3pm on sunny days. To mitigate this, I've already purchased a portable air conditioner to help." - Matt M.

2. Autonomous WorkPod Versatile

The WorkPod is not the only ADU Autonomous has for its clients. If you want a more flexible place to have me-time, the WorkPod Versatile is an excellent option.  

Similar to the Work Pod, this prebuilt studio comes with several add-ons when you pay for the pod’s full price. However, since it’s not meant to be a home office, it doesn’t include an ergonomic chair or standing desk.  

When you buy the Autonomous WorkPod Versatile, you get a sofa, a big and small shelf, a cabinet, an electric cabinet, a TV shelf, a regular desk, and a sofa table.   

This pod's developers designed it to be a multi-purpose shed, so you can adapt it to fit different shed house ideas. 

WorkPod Versatile

For work and play.

54 reviews

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Specifications

Overall size	8’4”W x 12’6”L x 9’10”H
Floorspace	105 square feet
Ceiling height	7’3”
Weight capacity	2.9 tons
Pedestal	18”W x 43”L x 7”H
Door & Window dimensions, material (include glass)	Main door: 39”W x 89”H Large window: 59”W x 81”H Small window: 39”W x 39”H Window & door material: Powder coated aluminum, 5/16” tempered glass
Siding, roof, floor & balcony material	Siding: Plywood 1/2”, steel frame, honeycomb paper, plywood 3/8”, bitume, housewrap, vinyl siding Roof: Roof shingles Floor: Plywood Pedestal: Steel frame & wood plastic composite
Electrical devices	1 RCB (Residual current breaker) 5 Wall outlet (Universal wall sockets) 1 Ceiling light switch 4 Ceiling light 1 Ventilator switch 1 Ventilator 2 Ethernet wall port 66ft power cable with 2 connectors
Power input	Maximum voltage: 110V AC (US standard) Maximum current: 25A Maximum power dissipation: 2750W
Furniture (optional)	Cabinet, Desk, Small & Big Bookshelf, TV Shelf, Foldable Sofa Table & Electrical Cabinet* (*Electrical Cabinet always included)

• 

  "The StudioPod has been a remarkable addition to my backyard. Its design and functionality create an inspiring workspace that's truly a game-changer."

  - Keith H.
• 

  "What I really love about the StudioPod is it's multi-purpose. You can use it for work, it has a good desk, plenty of storage space. You can use it for playing video games, watching games, being noisy without disturbing family life. You can also extend it and use for having people sleeping over!" - Jaime H.
• 

  "Excellent customer service for StudioPod. Quick responses."

  - Matthew C.
• 

  "The StudioPod's ergonomic chair provides excellent support for long hours of work."

  - Marcus D.

3. California Modern Shed

The California Modern Shed is the first prebuilt she shed on the list that doesn’t come from Autonomous.  

Although this product doesn’t have the additional products you get with the Autonomous prefab she shed kits, it has four tall windows and a stylish Fren double door. 

The side windows on the shed are interchangeable, so you can install them towards the front or the back of the shed. You don’t need that much time to make that change.  

This is a 13 x 11 shed, which gives you more than enough space for furniture. You can assemble it in a couple of days.  

California Modern Shed

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Specifications

Area	117.00 sq. ft.
Wood type	All natural tongue and grove Norway Spruce solid wood
Wall thickness	1 3/8" (34mm) double T&G
Roof/ceiling	3/4" T&G Norway Spruce
Flooring	3/4" T&G Norway Spruce, pressure treated floor joists
Outside size	12'8 3/4" x 10'9 1/8" actual, 13' x 11' nominal
Inside size	11'10" x 9'10", excluding interlocking corners & and wall thickness
Recommended foundation	12'1" x 10' 1 1/4"
Height of the wall	7' 3 5/8"
Height at peak	8' 2 3/8"
Roof area	162 sq ft

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
It offers a lot of space.	You have to insulate the shed yourself.
It has an appealing contemporary design.	It may be too big to meet the regulations of some states.
It has interchangeable side windows.

4. Aspen Garden Shed

The Aspen Garden Shed gives you similar looks to the previous backyard she shed on the list. Apart from that, it has two tilt-and-turn-style functional windows.  

Thanks to the shed's premium wood construction, you won’t have to spend that much money on maintenance or a future replacement.  

Thankfully for those on a budget, the Aspen Garden Shed is way more affordable than the others on the list, so it’s ideal if you don’t have that much money for a shed right now.    

This 12 x 10 shed is perfect for guest bedrooms, home offices, or home gyms. 

Aspen Garden Shed

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Specifications

Area	103.00 sq. ft.
Wood type	All natural tongue and grove Norway spruce solid wood
Wall thickness	1 3/8" (34mm) double T&G
Roof/ceiling	3/4" T&G Norway Spruce
Flooring	3/4" T&G Norway Spruce, pressure treated floor joists
Outside size	12'6" x 9'9"
Inside size	11'7" x 8'10"
Recommended foundation	11'10" x 9'1.5"
Height of the wall	7'4"
Height at peak	8'5"
Roof area	133 sq ft

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
It comes with two fully functional windows.	It’s not a weather-resistant shed.
It’s made of sturdy natural wood.
It has a beautifully finished interior.
It’s non-toxic.

5. Autonomous WorkPod Mini

The Autonomous WorkPod Mini is ideal for anyone with limited backyard space but big ideas. Despite its compact footprint, it’s built with the same sturdy materials and thoughtful insulation as larger models.

It offers excellent year-round usability without solar or built-in furniture, making it a great blank canvas for your prefab she shed ideas.

WorkPod mini

For small yards and budgets.

8 reviews

Learn more

Specifications

Dimension	Overall size: 8’7"W x 9’L x 9’3"H Floorspace: 80 square feet Ceiling height: 7’3" Weight capacity: 2.3 tons (including Pod body) Pedestal: 24"W x 103"L x 9"H
Door & Window dimensions, material (include glass)	Main door: 37"W x 89"H (open side) & 33"W x 89"H (fixed side) Window: 43"W x 20"H Window & door material: Powder coated aluminum, 5/16" tempered glass
Siding, roof, floor & balcony material	Siding: Plywood 1/2" , steel frame, honeycomb paper, plywood 3/8", bitume, housewrap, vinyl siding Roof: Metal roofing Floor: Plywood Balcony & Pedestal: Steel frame & wood plastic composite
Electrical devices	1 RCB (Residual current breaker) 2 Wall outlet (Universal wall sockets) 1 Ceiling light switch 1 Ceiling light 1 Wall light 1 Ethernet wall port 66ft power cable with 2 connectors
Power input	Maximum voltage: 110V AC (US standard) Maximum current: 25A Maximum power dissipation: 2750W

• 

  "Would prefer it. Love the way it fits right into my backyard space. Actually the material & design looks better than my expectation. Would prefer it to my network."

  - Alejandro B.
• 

  "A perfect fit for our tight backyard space. We love how this allowed us to get extra space without the headache of going through permits or renovation costs. The Pod Lite is small enough to not be considered an ADU that requires permitting and clearance from the city, which is amazing. Such an innovative solution, especially as more people are working from home now. It’s going to be our new office space!" - Katie S.
• 

  "Very worth it. The WorkPod Lite surpassed my expectations with its faithful resemblance to the website's depiction. Its design is not only visually consistent but also surprisingly spacious. The material is also very sturdy and weather resistance."

  - Hee-Sang L.
• 

  "The WorkPod Lite is a fantastic buy! Despite a slightly delayed delivery, it effortlessly nestled into my compact backyard. Quick assembly had it up and running within days. Highly recommended!"

  - Meredith H.

6. Bristhol Garden Shed

The Bristhol Garden Shed is a bit smaller than the two previous options, which makes it ideal for people looking for a compact garden office or backyard guest house.  

Assembling this shed is easy. You only need basic tools for the project. However, it includes an assembly manual in case you need help. 

Bristhol Garden Shed

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Specifications

Area	117.00 sq. ft.
Wood type	Tongue and grove Norway Spruce solid wood
Wall thickness	1 3/8" (34mm) double T&G
Roof/ceiling	3/4" T&G Norway Spruce
Flooring	3/4" T&G Norway Spruce, pressure treated floor joists
Outside size	12'8" x 10'9"
Inside size	11'10" x 9'10"
Recommended foundation	12'1" x 10' 1 1/4"
Height of the wall	6'8"
Height overall	8'4.25"
Roof area	176 sq ft

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
It has a simple assembly process.	It’s not as appealing as the other options on the list.
It comes with three tall windows.
It’s a compact shed.

7. Myrtle Garden Shed

While the previous shed wasn’t as appealing as the others, the Myrtle Garden Shed has a beautiful design that can impress any guest that comes to your house.  

That comes from its large glass door and windows. That allows you to let the light in and save energy in the long term.  

Although this page focuses on prefabricated she sheds, this product is ideal for children's playhouses. You can get it if you want a special place for your children to have a good time. 

Myrtle Garden Shed

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Specifications

Area	80.00 sq. ft.
Wood type	All natural tongue and grove Norway spruce solid wood
Wall thickness	1 3/8" (34 mm) double T&G
Roof/ceiling	3/4" T&G Norway Spruce
Flooring	3/4" T&G Norway Spruce, pressure treated floor joists
Outside size	9'10" x 9'10"
Inside size	9' x 9'
Recommended foundation	9'1.5" x 9' 1.5"
Height of the wall	6'7.7"
Height overall	8'
Roof area	138 sq ft

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
It has beautiful glass doors.	It’s not weather resistant.
It lets a lot of sunlight in.
You can remove its window grilles whenever you want.

8. Whales Garden Shed

The Whales Garden Shed has a similar design to the Myrtle Garden Shed since it also has glass doors. Its cottage look makes it a decent option for you if you care a lot about aesthetics.  

This prefab house addition also lets a lot of sunlight in, so you will save money on your monthly energy bill. 

Whales Garden Shed

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Specifications

Area	80.00 sq. ft.
Wood type	All natural tongue and grove Norway spruce solid wood
Wall thickness	1 3/8" (34mm) double T&G
Roof/ceiling	3/4" T&G Norway Spruce
Flooring	3/4" T&G Norway Spruce, pressure treated floor joists
Outside size	9'10" x 9'10"
Inside size	9' x 9'
Recommended foundation	9'1.5" x 9' 1.5"
Height of the wall	6'7.7"
Height overall	8'
Roof area	138 sq ft

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
It helps you save money on energy bills.	It doesn’t offer a unique feature that makes it a more appealing option than others.
It has an appealing design.
It has a premium wood construction.

9. Moderna Modern Shed

The Moderna Modern Shed is an easy-to-assemble shed with a beautifully finished interior.  

You won’t have to spend much money on maintenance with this shed, as it's highly durable and sturdy. Apart from that, it’s made of non-toxic materials.  

If you want this shed, we recommend you match it with a contemporary-looking garden. Most people get it when they need extra storage rather than a private place, but you can customize it to be a she shed. 

Moderna Modern Shed

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Specifications

Area	80.00 sq. ft.
Wood type	All natural tongue and groove Norway Spruce solid wood
Wall thickness	1 3/8" (34mm) double T&G
Roof/ceiling	3/4" T&G Norway Spruce
Flooring	3/4" T&G Norway Spruce, pressure treated floor joists
Outside size	9'9" x 9'9"
Inside size	9' x 9'
Recommended foundation	9'1.5" x 9' 1.5"
Height of the wall	7'3.5"
Height overall	7'6.3"
Roof area	114 sq ft

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
It has a simple assembly process.	Although it has an appealing interior, its exterior looks average.
It’s durable.
It’s made of non-toxic materials.

10. Solana Modern Shed

Getting to the last shed on the list, we have the Solana Modern Shed. This is the perfect backyard bar shed for your house.  

The Solana Modern Shed is made of real solid wood and it has a four-foot overhang. You won’t have to worry about space with this 13 x 10 shed, so buy all the furniture you want for it.

Solana Modern Shed

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Specifications

Area	80.00 sq. ft.
Wood type	All natural tongue and groove Norway Spruce solid wood
Wall thickness	1 3/8" (34 mm) double T&G
Roof/ceiling	3/4" T&G Norway Spruce
Flooring	3/4" T&G Norway Spruce, pressure treated floor joists
Outside size	12'5.5" x 9'9"
Inside size	9' x 9'
Recommended foundation	12' 5.5' x 9' 1.5"
Height of the wall	7' 3.5"
Height overall	7' 6.3"
Roof area	153 sq ft

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
It has a unique design.	You have to insulate it yourself.
It’s affordable.
It’s made of real solid wood.

She Shed Permits and Regulations to Know in the US

A she shed is a cozy and creative space for women to enjoy their hobbies, relax, or work from home. It can be a small cabin, a converted garage, or a backyard shed that is customized to suit your personal style and needs.

But before you start building or buying your dream she shed, you need to know the legal aspects of having one on your property. Depending on where you live, you may need a permit, a zoning approval, or a building inspection to ensure that your she shed meets the safety and environmental standards.

We will answer some of the most common questions about she shed permits and regulations in the US, and give you some tips on how to avoid any legal troubles or fines.

Navigating the Legal Landscape

Before delving into the dreamy world of cozy retreats, it's crucial to understand the legal landscape surrounding she shed permits and regulations in the US. Let's explore the key factors that play a pivotal role in determining whether you need a permit or other approvals for your she shed project.

1. Location and Size Matters

The size and location of your she shed are fundamental considerations in the permitting process. In many areas, smaller sheds, such as 6×8 or 8×10 structures, may not require a building permit. However, larger sheds could pose challenges due to local zoning restrictions. Pay attention to the shed's proximity to surrounding structures, your property's location, and other spatial considerations.

Delve into the specific regulations in your area to determine if the size of your she shed aligns with local standards and zoning ordinances.

2. Building Code Standards

Building codes serve as the blueprint for construction, ensuring safety and environmental standards are met. These codes vary from one location to another, taking into account factors such as climate and environmental conditions. Areas prone to heavy rainfall or flooding may require different construction standards compared to regions with warm and sunny weather year-round.

Familiarize yourself with the unique building code requirements for your area to ensure your she shed complies with local standards.

3. Homeowners Association Requirements

For those residing in neighborhoods governed by Homeowners Associations (HOAs), additional rules and guidelines may come into play. HOAs often regulate the size, style, color, or location of sheds to maintain a cohesive aesthetic within the community.

Before building your dream she shed, dive into your HOA's rules. Here's a quick rundown of potential restrictions:

• Approval: Submit plans for HOA approval before construction.
• Materials: Use approved materials like wood, vinyl, or aluminum. Avoid metal sheds or dirt floors.
• Height: Adhere to maximum height limits and consider sloped roofs over flat ones.
• Positioning: Follow specific guidelines for placement, considering distance from boundaries and orientation.
• Color: Paint your shed in approved colors, often matching your house.
• Quality: Maintain your shed according to HOA standards and address any damage promptly.

Remember, communication is key! Reach out to your HOA for clarification and collaborate to ensure your she shed project is a success.

FAQs

1. What is a she shed?

A she shed is a personalized space—often set up in a backyard—that’s designed for women to relax, work, or dive into hobbies. Whether it’s a cozy craft room, home office, reading nook, or yoga retreat, it’s your own private escape. For inspiration on how to make it feel truly yours, explore these she shed interior ideas.

2. What is a good size for a she shed?

It depends on how you plan to use it. Smaller she sheds (like 6x8 or 8x10 feet) work great for reading nooks or solo workspaces, while larger sizes (like 10x12 or 12x20 feet) are ideal for art studios, gym sheds, or multi-purpose retreats. On average, a 10x12 shed offers enough space for most uses without requiring complex permits. Still, always check local building regulations before installation.

3. How much does a she shed cost?

Prices vary based on size, materials, and customization. A small she shed with basic features can be affordable, while a fully outfitted shed with amenities like electricity and AC will cost more. You can learn more about creating a she shed with electricity or a she shed with AC to get a better idea of what goes into those upgrades.

4. What can a she shed be used for?

She sheds are incredibly versatile. Popular uses include art and craft studios, writing spaces, home offices, meditation or yoga zones, mini libraries, or just a quiet spot to relax. If you’re leaning toward creative uses, these she shed craft room ideas are a great place to start. For professional setups, check out she shed office ideas inside.

5. Do you need a permit for a she shed?

In many areas, you can build a shed up to a certain size (often around 120 square feet) without a permit. However, local zoning laws vary, and factors like electrical installation or plumbing may trigger permit requirements. Always check with your local municipality before building.

6. How do you insulate a she shed?

Insulating your she shed helps regulate temperature and makes it usable year-round. Use a damp-proof membrane between the studs, then install insulation boards or batts. Cover walls with plasterboard or wood panels for a finished look. You can also insulate the roof and floor using similar materials—just make sure to leave ventilation gaps to prevent moisture buildup.

7. Does a she shed need ventilation?

Yes—ventilation prevents moisture buildup, mold, and poor air quality. At minimum, install wall vents on opposite gable walls for good airflow. You can also add a ridge vent or windows that open. If bugs are an issue, back your vents with mesh to keep them out.

8. How do you heat a she shed?

Depending on your setup, you can use portable electric heaters, infrared panels, oil-filled radiators, or even wood-burning stoves (if safe and permitted). Good insulation is essential for keeping heat inside and making your shed cozy during colder months.

9. What should I put in a she shed?

That’s entirely up to you. Add furniture and decor based on how you’ll use the space—comfy chairs, a work table, open shelving for supplies, cozy rugs, task lighting, or a mini fridge. Make it as functional or decorative as you’d like—it’s your space to design.

Bottom Line

We are sure you have many bunkhouse ideas, and the only thing you need to make them come true is a decent prefab she shed. 

All the options on this list are wide enough to allow you to get creative with your space. Getting one of these sheds brings many benefits to your life, so buying it is a great investment in the long term.  

Always remember that it's more than just a structure when you are crafting your shed, whether it be a small haven tucked away in a corner, a backyard retreat overlooking nature's beauty, or an outdoor sanctuary enveloped in tranquility. The canvas is yours, and it is waiting to be painted with your individual preferences and requirements. If you want to build a shed that is a true reflection of who you are, you should dive headfirst into this journey and give careful consideration to permits, size, and purpose. We wish you luck with this adventure!