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The average cost of building a shed has been on the rise in recent years, largely due to the cost of lumber and other building materials. And though disrupted supply chains continue to impact shed costs, you still have options. To put it simply, your dream shed isn’t out of reach. And that brings us to the question on your mind: How much does it cost to build a shed?
There isn’t a single answer to this question, as there are variables to consider. The final cost of your DIY shed will vary based on the materials you choose and its size. While most sheds are stick-built with 2x4 lumber and Oriented Strand Board (OSB), many other materials like vinyl, resin, and metal can also make a good shed.
Let’s dive in and consider the factors that play a role in DIY shed costs. This page will give you a better idea of how much it costs to build a shed.
Table of content
How much does it cost to build a shed? Cost to build a shed per square foot Cost of building a shed by size Cost to build a shed by material Cost of building a shed by style Other factors affecting the cost of building a shed Building permits Shed plans Shed base The bottom line on DIY shed costs Get started with your DIY shed project Shed costs FAQs
How much does it cost to build a shed?
Building a shed costs between $1,000 and $15,000 on average, depending on its size and materials.
Sheds come in various sizes and the cost will be relative to the materials needed to build the shed. For example, a very small garden shed is typically four feet by seven feet (28 square feet) and will cost up to $1,000. On the other end of the spectrum, a larger shed might be twelve feet by sixteen feet (192 square feet) and cost over $15,000.
Cost to build a shed per square foot
The average DIY shed cost per square foot is $10 to $150 per square foot. As mentioned, this depends on the fluctuating cost of building materials. Storage DIY shed costs tend to vary the most, with some models featuring interior shelving, insulation, and electrical wiring.
Cost of building a shed by size
The size of your shed will also affect the cost, as you’ll need more materials. Sheds on the smaller end of the spectrum can cost as little as $100 to build, while larger sheds can cost upwards of $15,000.
Size |
Cost |
4 foot x 7 foot |
$100 - $1,000 |
8 foot x 10 foot |
$300 - $3,000 |
10 foot x 12 foot |
$500 - $1.000 |
12 foot x 16 foot |
$2,500 - $15,000 USD+ |
Cost to build a shed by material
There are all sorts of materials you can choose from when building a DIY shed. However, some materials are more common than others. Traditionally, most sheds are built from wood because it’s an easy-to-work-with, sturdy material. Plus, it’s inexpensive, keeping the cost of building the shed down.
Material |
Cost |
Wood |
From $500 |
Metal |
From $800 |
Resin |
From $700 |
Specialty materials |
Up to 30,000 |
The average cost to build a shed with a solid 2x4 frame made from pretreated lumber, covered with OSB, with a shingled roof, and a floor made from larger boards and pressure-treated plywood is around $5,650. However, individual project costs range from $500 to $30,000.
By comparison, the average price to build a metal shed is around $800 and the average cost to build a resin shed kit is $700 to $900. Sheds that cost upwards of $30,000+ often use specialty building materials. These can include anything from high-quality brick to specialty wood posts.
Related: Subdivision Development: A Complete Guide
Cost of building a shed by style
Sheds are small buildings used primarily for shelter for animals or things. Garden sheds are the most popular building type in residential neighborhoods. However, the same building principles apply to small workshops and run-ins for livestock.
The cost of either a prefabricated or a DIY shed for each style is listed below.
Style |
Cost |
A-Frame |
$2,300 on average |
Gambrel (Barn) |
From $3,000 |
Craftsman |
From $300 |
Saltbox |
From $3,500 |
Flat Roof Storage |
From $800 |
Modern Studio |
From $5,000 |
Three-Sided Lean-To |
$2,600 on average |
Other factors affecting the cost of building a shed
Size isn’t the only factor affecting your DIY shed costs. Building permits, shed plans, and the shed base can all add to the final price tag too.
Building permits
Building permits for sheds cost between $50 and $145, plus the cost of site plans if needed.
Local regulations imposed by cities, counties, or homeowner’s associations will vary by property. However, generally, most sheds (at least 100 to 120 square feet in size) require a building permit. This could include a requirement for site drawings and limitations on the size and height that you can build.
It’s important to familiarize yourself with these permits before starting your DIY shed build. You want to ensure your project is in accordance with local regulations to avoid having your project halted because of a missing permit. Doing the job right means starting on the right foot.
Shed plans
Once you know the shed you are building, you’ll want to buy plans that contain the specifications to complete the build. Buying shed plans should be relatively inexpensive, with most options ranging between $12 and $30.
Shed base
The structure isn’t the only expense involved when building a shed. You will also need a good foundation. How do you prepare the ground for a shed? We're glad you asked.
The most common site prep is an even eight-inch base of gravel. This helps keep the shed on a level footing, so it doesn’t sink into softer ground. The average cost is $4.50 to $8.50 per square foot. A concrete pad is another option for shed placement. A 10x12 foot slab that is four inches thick will cost around $1,200 to pour.
The bottom line on DIY shed costs
The cost to build your own shed can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The size and material choice are the biggest factors affecting DIY shed costs.
In most cases, prefab sheds are even cheaper than building a DIY shed. This is due to the efficiency of mass production. And the cheapest DIY shed options of all are repurposed materials like shipping containers.
Get started with your DIY shed project
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Shed costs FAQs
What is the cheapest way to build a shed?
With a variety of building materials available, there are many economical choices to build a shed. If you can build a shed yourself, you'll be saving on labor and installation costs. And it’s no secret that this is a significant expense.
Is it cheaper to build your own shed?
Yes, it's cheaper to DIY your shed because you're not paying for a mark-up on materials, labor, or installation fees. Most contractors charge a minimum call fee of $90 per project. In some instances, you can expect hourly labor ranging from $50 to $100 per hour. Not to mention a likely 30% markup on materials.
Is it cheaper to buy a shed kit or build from scratch?
It's hard to make a generalized comparison on this question as the approaches aren’t always the same. There are variations in the quality of construction and material choices from one shed to the next. Some of these variations come down to need, while others are simply based on preferred style.
Generally speaking, a prefab shed kit will be cheaper to build than a similar style shed built from scratch. However, the quality of construction may be better if you build it from scratch. And with better quality comes a longer life span and less maintenance. This is a crucial component of DIY shed cost considerations.
Should I build a DIY shed?
Building a shed can be a rewarding experience for a variety of reasons. From saving money to improving your skills, a DIY shed build is an excellent project. So, let’s start with a couple of questions:
Do you have marginal confidence in your craftsmanship skills?
Do you think putting together a sturdy building is a project you can tackle?
Do you like the idea of saving a lot of money on the cost of building a shed?
If the answer was yes to these questions, it seems like a shed is just the type of DIY project you need. It’s true that the cost to build your own shed is what most are initially drawn to. But the benefits go above and beyond.
However, when focusing on DIY shed costs, there are additional ways to save besides the labor. For instance, if you incorporate some reclaimed materials, you can save even more!
What is the cost to build a storage shed?
According to Angi, the cost of building a storage shed ranges from $800 to $2,300.
How much does a garden shed cost?
According to Angi, the cost of building a garden shed ranges from $7,000 to $10,400 or from $600 to $10,000 if combined with a greenhouse.
What are the environmental impacts of building a shed?
Building a shed can have various environmental impacts, depending on the materials used and the construction process. Wood sheds might involve deforestation issues, while metal and resin sheds could contribute to higher energy use and pollution during manufacturing. Using sustainable or reclaimed materials can help minimize these impacts.
How can I maximize the space inside a small shed?
To maximize space in a small shed, consider installing wall-mounted shelves, hooks for hanging tools, and overhead storage racks. Using foldable or multi-functional furniture can also help utilize the space efficiently. Proper organization and regular decluttering are key to keeping the space usable.
What are the benefits of building a shed with a flat roof compared to other styles?
A flat roof shed can be more cost-effective and easier to construct than other styles. It also offers a modern aesthetic and can be used for additional purposes, such as a rooftop garden. However, flat roofs may require more maintenance and better waterproofing to prevent water pooling and leakage compared to sloped styles like A-frame or gambrel roofs.
Are there any legal restrictions on converting a shed into a living space?
Converting a shed into a living space typically requires adherence to local building codes and zoning regulations. This may involve obtaining specific permits and ensuring the structure meets safety standards. It could require inspections. It's important to consult with local authorities to understand all legal requirements before starting such a conversion.
How long does it typically take to build a DIY shed?
The time to build a DIY shed can vary greatly depending on factors like the size of the shed, the complexity of the design, and the builder’s experience. A simple shed might take a weekend to construct, while a larger or more complex shed could take several weeks. Proper planning and preparation can help streamline the process.
This post was originally published on 06-22-2021. It was updated on 07-30-2024 to reflect the latest information.
