How Much Does it Cost to Build a Shed?

Costs for building a shed can vary, but the average you can expect is between $2,000 and $5,000. DIY builds for smaller sheds can be less, starting around $500. Large sheds, professionally built sheds, or sheds with extra amenities like electricity, plumbing, or heating and cooling can cost between $5,000 to $10,000, or even more. Here’s a quick breakdown of average costs:

• DIY sheds: $500 to $2,000
• Shed kits: $1,500 to $5,000
• Professional Installation: $3,000 to $10,000 or more

Below, we’ll dig into the specifics so that you can better estimate costs for materials, labor, and hidden fees.

What is the Average Cost to Build a Shed in Different Sizes?

The single biggest factor that affects the cost of a shed is its size. To build a larger shed, you’ll need more materials, stronger foundations, and if hiring a contractor to build or install it, more labor hours. Here is a breakdown:

What Factors Affect the Cost to Build a Shed?

Apart from size, which we covered above, several other factors will affect the cost of your shed project. These include the construction method, material choices, foundation types, any tools you may need, and permits, if your jurisdiction requires them. Below, we’ll break down what to expect for each of these.

Construction Methods: DIY vs. Kit vs. Professional

You can save money if you’re willing to learn how to build a shed as a DIY project. Based on our chart above, DIY sheds cost about a third of sheds that you can build from a kit, and about 17% of what it would cost to hire a contractor to build the shed for you.

Kits cost more because the materials all come pre-cut, pre-sized, and in some kits, components like rafters or even wall assemblies are pre-assembled, which increases production costs while reducing the amount of labor that you’ll need to do. Packaging and delivery costs are another reason why kits cost more.

Professional contractors can either scratch-build sheds using the same materials that you would as a DIYer, or you can hire them to assemble a kit. Either way will be much more expensive than a DIY build because of the labor costs that you’ll need to pay.

However, the difference between hiring a contractor to scratch-build a shed versus hiring a contractor to assemble a kit will be minimal. The high price of the kit offsets labor costs.

Material Choices

One of the biggest cost variables is your choice of materials. For framing, untreated 2×4 lumber is the most affordable and widely used option. If you need more durability or structural strength, consider pressure-treated lumber or upsizing to 2×6 or 4×4.

For sheathing, oriented strand board (OSB) is the budget-friendly choice, though plywood offers greater moisture resistance. Asphalt shingles remain the most cost-effective roofing option, while metal roofing lasts longer but comes at a higher price. Flooring ranges from simple leveled earth or plywood to durable, but costly, concrete slabs.

There are also a multitude of siding options to consider:

• T1-11 (a type of plywood with a textured, beaded surface) is among the most common siding choices because it’s inexpensive and attractive. However, it does require refinishing every few years, and it’s susceptible to moisture damage.
• Vinyl costs more initially, but unlike T1-11, it doesn’t require painting over the years, and won’t take moisture damage. It is more easily damaged by wind, hail, and impacts.
• Fiber cement siding is another popular choice. Compared to T1-11 and vinyl siding, it’s the most expensive of these options, but it offers good moisture resistance and enhanced durability against wind, hail, and impact damage.

In addition to the basic building components listed above, be sure to also consider any extras. Examples include windows, lighting and electrical work, heating or cooling systems, insulation, and plumbing. Any of these can significantly increase the cost of your shed project.

Foundation Types

A foundation is essential to provide your shed with a stable base that ensures long-term structural integrity. Options include:

• Deck blocks or skids: The least expensive option, these consist of pre-cast concrete blocks or pieces of 4×4 lumber placed directly on the ground to support the structure.
• Gravel pad: This option costs more than deck blocks or skids because it involves excavating the area down to at least four to six inches, then pouring gravel in order to create a level, stable base for your shed to sit on. While simple to DIY, this type of foundation is prone to shifting as the gravel and soil beneath compacts with time.
• Concrete slab: This is the most expensive option, but also the most durable. A concrete slab is a poured section of concrete that creates a stable base that you can anchor the shed to, and once the shed is completed, it will also serve as the shed’s floor.

Tools

If you’re installing the shed yourself, you’ll need some basic tools. A circular saw ($50–$150), a drill ($50–$200), and common hand tools like a hammer, screwdrivers, and pliers (around $50 total) are essential. You’ll also need measuring tools such as a tape measure, speed square, and level, which can add another $50 to your budget.

Depending on the foundation that you choose, you may also need to rent a mini excavator, or you may need to invest in trowels, floats, and forms to properly lay a concrete pad.

Permits

The rules for shed permits vary widely from one jurisdiction to another. In many areas, you may not need a permit at all, while in others, it’s a strict requirement. Some jurisdictions don’t require permits for small sheds, but do require them for sheds above a certain size.

To find out whether a permit is required, check your city or county government’s website. The responsible department may fall under building, zoning, planning, public works, or even the clerk’s office, depending on your location.

Shed Cost Examples

Once you’ve decided on a construction method and added any extras, how much does a shed cost? To give you an idea of how costs can add up, here are a few examples:

Small 4×6 DIY Garden Shed

For a 4×6 shed that has a minimum 8-foot ceiling, the total average cost will be around $500. This includes:

• 2×4 framing, with material costs starting around $11 per square foot (labor not included)
• T1-11 siding, which starts at $0.90 per square foot
• Asphalt shingle roof materials, which starts at $1.25 per square foot
• Eight deck blocks, which average $10 a piece
• Up to $50 for hardware, including fasteners plus hinges and a latch for the door

Craftcamp’s small 4×6 shed is suitable for garden tools, bikes, and other storage needs

Medium-Sized Shed From a Kit

Let’s say you’re building a shed from a kit. It’s a 10-foot by 10-foot shed, and you’ve shopped around and found a kit for $1,900 that has everything you need, including a skid foundation. If you plan to build the kit yourself, then that will be your final cost.

However, if you hire a contractor to build it for you, expect to pay a minimum of $50 an hour for labor for a minimum of eight hours, which will add $400 to your cost for a final total of $2,300.

Craftcamp’s mid-size 10×10 garden shed – ideal for storing mowers and other outdoor equipment

Professionally Built 16×24 Shed

For a professionally built 16×24 shed featuring vinyl siding, a shingle roof, and a concrete slab foundation and floor, you can expect to pay the following:

• 2×4 framing, with material costs starting around $11 per square foot
• Sheathing and vinyl siding materials, which start at $3 per square foot
• Asphalt shingle roof materials, which start at $1.25 per square foot
• Concrete slab foundations cost about $5 per square foot
• Two vinyl windows, which start at $400 each
• Double doors, which start at $1,500 each
• Up to $150 for hardware, including fasteners plus hinges, and a latch for the door
• Labor, which starts at $50 an hour. For this example, hiring two workers for five 8-hour days would add approximately $4,000 to your total.

Craftcamp’s large 16×24 shed can be used to store outdoor equipment, as a workshop, or a home office

How to Save Money on the Cost to Build a Shed

If you’re not careful, your shed installation cost can get out of control quickly. To keep your project in line with your budget, use the tips below:

• Identify the purpose of your shed and keep the design simple. If you only need basic storage, skip the extras like electric service and stick to a straightforward layout without complex roof lines.
• If you can, go the DIY route to save a large amount on labor costs.
• Spend plenty of time shopping around for the best deals on materials. Even a small price difference on something like individual 2x4s can add up to a large cost savings, especially when building a larger shed that requires materials in bulk amounts.
• Consider using reclaimed materials or visiting stores that sell salvaged or surplus building materials (like Habitat for Humanity Restore locations) for deep savings on building materials.
• If hiring a professional, get quotes from multiple contractors to compare prices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shed Building Costs

1. Can you build a shed for $1,000?

Yes, but it will likely be under 160 square feet, you’ll need to handle all of the labor yourself, and you’ll likely need to use basic construction materials like asphalt roofing shingles and T1-11 siding.

2. Is it cheaper to build your own shed or buy one?

It costs an average 33% less to build your own shed rather than buying a kit.

3. How much money do I need to build a shed?

It depends on size and features. A small shed might cost as little as $500, while larger or custom sheds with electrical or concrete foundations can exceed $10,000. Most mid-sized sheds fall in the $2,000 to $5,000 range.

4. How much does it cost to make a 12×12 shed?

Prices start around $830 for a DIY 12×12 shed using basic materials. Kits in this size start at $2,100, and professionally built 12×12 sheds will start around $5,500.

5. How much would it cost to build a 20×20 shed?

A 20×20 shed will measure 400 square feet, putting it on the large end of the scale in terms of floor space. DIY builds using basic materials will start around $2,000, and basic kits for sheds in this size will start around $5,000. Expect to pay $10,000 or more for a professionally built 20×20 shed.

6. What is the average price to build a shed?

The average range for a shed is between $2,000 and $5,000. This is for a mid-sized shed between 100 to 160 square feet.

Ready to Build a Shed? Browse Our Free Plans!

Building a shed doesn’t have to be difficult or enormously expensive. Start by browsing shed ideas to get inspired. When you’re ready to begin, you’ll need some tools, a little know-how, a budget for building supplies, and a great design.

We can help you get started with the design. Our free shed plans cover everything from compact garden storage to spacious backyard workshops. Each plan includes a materials list, step-by-step building instructions, and beginner-friendly diagrams to guide you from start to finish.