How to Choose the Right Size Fabric Building for Your Property

Size Matters: Getting It Right the First Time

One of the most common mistakes when purchasing a storage building is buying too small. The universal wisdom among fabric building owners is simple: buy bigger than you think you need. Equipment collections grow, projects expand, and storage needs invariably increase over time. Here’s how to calculate the right size for your specific situation.

Assessing Your Storage Needs

Start by listing everything you plan to store, then add 30% for future growth. Measure your largest items — length, width, and height — and ensure the building provides adequate clearance in all dimensions. Don’t forget about access space: you need room to walk around stored items, open vehicle doors, and maneuver equipment in and out. A building that’s technically large enough but practically too tight is a daily frustration.

Common Size Recommendations by Use

For personal use (vehicles, ATVs, seasonal items): A 20×20 or 20×30 provides space for 2-3 vehicles or a combination of toys and tools. For small farms (tractors, implements, hay): A 30×40 or 30×60 handles a mid-size tractor, several implements, and 40-60 round bales. For commercial operations: 40×60 through 50×100 models accommodate heavy equipment, fleet vehicles, and large-scale agricultural storage. For industrial or municipal use: 50×100 and 70×100 buildings serve as equipment depots, salt/sand storage, and materials staging areas.

Width vs. Length Considerations

Width determines how many items you can park side by side, while length determines how deep your storage rows can be. For drive-through access, width is king — make sure your widest vehicle or implement can enter with room to spare. MAX Storage Buildings offers widths from 20 to 70 feet, with essentially unlimited length options in standard increments.

Peak Height Requirements

Don’t overlook vertical clearance. MAX Storage Buildings offer peak heights ranging from 16 feet (20′ wide models) to 28 feet (70′ wide models). If you plan to store items on shelving, stack pallets, or use a forklift, ensure the peak height accommodates your tallest configuration. Remember that peak height is measured at the center — sidewall clearance will be lower depending on the building width and roof angle.

Site Constraints

Consider your property’s limitations: setback requirements from property lines, overhead power lines, existing trees, drainage patterns, and future development plans. Sometimes the ideal size building needs to be adjusted for site realities. Our team at MAX can help you evaluate your property and recommend the best configuration. Call 780-717-2956 for personalized sizing guidance.

The MAX Size Lineup

With 18 standard sizes and custom options available, there’s a MAX Storage Building for every need. Explore our full range at our online shop or request a custom quote. Free delivery within 888 km of Edmonton, buildings starting at $5,888, and financing from $69/month make it easy to get the right size building today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size fabric building do I need?

The right size depends on what you're storing and how much access space you need around it. A common mistake is buying too small — measure your largest equipment, add 3–4 feet of clearance on each side, and account for future needs. MAX offers 18 sizes ranging from 800 to 14,000 square feet. Use our online cost calculator or contact us for a personalized sizing recommendation.

What's the most popular fabric building size in Canada?

The 40'×80' (3,200 sq ft) and 50'×100' (5,000 sq ft) models are consistently our top sellers. These sizes offer the best balance of capacity and value — large enough for serious storage needs while still practical for most properties. Farm operations typically choose 40'–50' widths, while commercial and industrial users often need 60'–70' widths.

Can I expand my fabric building later?

Fabric buildings can't be widened after installation, but they can often be extended in length by adding additional bays. This is why choosing the right width from the start is critical — width determines what fits through the doors and how you use the interior space. If you're unsure, going one size wider than you think you need is almost always the better decision.