A storage shed costs an average of $1,800 to $18,000, but you'll pay about $2,500 for a standard 120-square-foot structure.
Sheds can help you beautify your backyard by housing unsightly materials or becoming extra living space—but how much do they cost? The average homeowner spends $2,500 on a shed, it could cost anywhere from $100 to $30,000, depending on the use, size, and design.
Though you can typically break down the cost of building a shed into material and labor, there are certain factors that will impact the price.
Storage shed prices range from $15 to $150 per square foot, which includes both materials and installation. For the average 120-square-foot shed, you’re looking at a total cost of $1,800 to $18,000. While size is an important factor, the type of shed and any additional features you choose also impact the final cost.
When it comes to storage shed ideas, the sky's the limit. Some people are looking for a place to house their lawnmower, while other people are looking for a backyard escape. Here’s how much you can expect to spend on common shed sizes.
8-by-12 (96 square feet): $1,440–$14,400
10-by-12 (120 square feet): $1,800–$18,000
10-by-16 (160 square feet): $2,400–$24,000
8-by-16 (128 square feet): $1,920–$19,200
12-by-20 (240 square feet): $3,600–$36,000
12-by-24 (288 square feet): $4,320–$43,200
Prefab kits can cost quite a bit less than custom sheds of the same size. According to HomeAdvisor, most prefab shed kits cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000.
Building a custom shed typically costs between $60 to $150 per square foot(or cost of $7,000 to $18,000 for the typical 10-foot-by-12-foot shed)
A contractor will typically charge $50 to $100 per hour to build or install your shed. The longer it takes, the more it’ll cost. Sheds made from heavier materials like wood generally take longer to put together.
If you have a prefab kit, expect to spend an additional $10 to $20 per square foot for professional assembly. For most homeowners, the cost for someone to assemble your shed is typically around $3,500.
Most homeowners pay between $20 to $30 per square foot for the raw materials to build a shed. Some materials (like asphalt roofing and a vinyl frame) are budget-friendly. Others, like brick, cost more—especially because brick takes longer to assemble, so you’ll rack up labor costs.
Regardless of whether you buy or build a shed, you’ll have to clear the land before construction can really get going. Land clearing costs between $1,400 and $5,800 and can include tree clearing, brush removal, and stump removal, as well as grading the land to make it level.
Though pole sheds don’t require a foundation, most types of sheds do. A concrete slab (the most popular type of foundation) costs around $6 per square foot. The cost of a gravel pad foundation is about $1.25 to $1.80 per square foot.
If you want electricity in your shed, you’ll need to hire an electrician near you. The cost to install new electrical wiring or a new electrical panel is between $600 to $2,200.
The cost of painting the exterior of your shed could add $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot to your project.
Sheds can have just as many features as a house. Adding plumbing, an HVAC system, and insulation can significantly increase costs. You may even want to add solar panels to your shed.
| Additional Features | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| HVAC system | $2,000–$8,000 |
| Plumbing | $900–$1,300 |
| Insulation | $1,050–$2,600 |
| Roofing | $500–$1,800 |
| Landscaping | $1,300–$6,100 |
| Lighting | $70–$300 |
| Solar panels | $18,500–$36,000 |
You may need to secure a permit to build your shed, but the actual permits you need will depend on the type of shed you’re building and if you’re including features like electricity and plumbing. Permits will add between $50 and $145 to the cost of the project.
The most common materials used to build a shed are vinyl, metal, wood, and brick. Vinyl, which is lightweight and resistant to rust and rot, is the least expensive. Brick, which is a less common choice, is on the high end of the spectrum because of a lengthier installation process that requires masonry expertise.
| Shed Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Vinyl shed | $200–$5,000 |
| Metal shed | $500–$7,000 |
| Wood shed | $3,000–$15,000 |
| Brick shed | $3,200–$30,000 |
Shed pricing is largely dependent on the intended use. Sheds that house livestock and large equipment like boats or farm machinery cost more than small sheds used to store garden supplies.
| Type of Shed | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Garden | $100–$1,000 |
| General | $300–$15,000 |
| Run-in | $1,500–$10,000 |
| Farm | $3,000–$40,000 |
| Pole | $4,000–$11,000 |
| Modern | $5,000–$16,000 |
| Hangout | $5,000–$15,000 |
| Commercial | $25,000–$80,000 |
A storage shed can cost anywhere from $300 (for a basic shed to store things like tools, bikes, and your lawn mower) to $15,000 (for a large shed with insulation, electricity, a workspace, and high-quality materials). It can cost even less if you do the job DIY.
Garden sheds are the smallest type of shed and typically cost $100 to $1,000. If you add a fully functional greenhouse, costs can skyrocket to $10,000.
A modern-style shed is usually sold in a prefab kit that you can either install on your own or requires no installation. These typically cost $5,000 to $16,000, not including shed installation costs.
You can fully finish a shed with electricity, plumbing, and an HVAC system to create extra living space. Many people use this type of shed as a home office. This can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000.
Pole sheds, which are supported by posts rather than a foundation, typically cost between $4,000 to $11,000.
A storage shed used to house farming equipment can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $40,000. The price depends on the purpose. If you’re housing livestock or storing large pieces of equipment, you’ll need a larger shed, which can cost more.
Run-in sheds are used for horses and other livestock. Expect to pay between $1,500 and $10,000, depending on size.
Commercial sheds are typically used to store large equipment like boats, tractors, and specialized machinery. Since they’re typically on the larger side, they usually cost anywhere from $25,000 to $80,000, but a smaller shed could cost less.
If you know how to read a tape measure and have a basic knowledge of power tools, it’s possible to build a very basic DIY shed for as little as $100. Prefab options can cost a bit more at anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000, but they’re usually some of the simplest types of sheds to install. It really depends on the materials and your skillset.
Still, building a shed requires the use of heavy power tools and—at least—a cursory knowledge of construction. Many homeowners prefer hiring a local shed builder, especially if they’re looking for a high-end shed with electricity and plumbing.
Sheds can run the gamut from very basic and wallet-friendly to highly customized, large investments. But if you’re looking to save on the cost of building a shed while still getting what you want, here are a few ways to do just that:
Buy a prefab shed (you can assemble simple units yourself).
Go with standard rather than high-end fixtures.
Get quotes from multiple shed builders and contractors for electrical and plumbing work.
Use a gravel pad rather than a concrete pad as a foundation.
Mariel Loveland contributed to this piece.
You may need a local building permit and written permission from your homeowner’s association to install a shed, especially if you’re doing any substantial land clearing or installing electricity or plumbing. Permit requirements vary between municipalities, so research the local laws before starting your project. If you hire a contractor to build the shed, they can help determine which permits will be necessary.
Prefab sheds can be worth it, depending on your needs and goals. If you want to build the shed yourself or have a quick project turnaround, then a prefab shed will likely be worth it. If you want something more customized, then starting from scratch may help you achieve your goals better than a prefab could.
The life of a prebuilt shed largely depends on the material it’s made of. Wood sheds tend to have a long life span, lasting between 20 and 25 years, but they require upkeep over their lives. Vinyl sheds need less upkeep and can last between 25 and 30 years. A less expensive resin or plastic shed will only last about seven years.
Repairs are part of the long-term cost of a shed. The average cost to replace a shed roof is $150 to $750 for a typical 120-square-foot shed or about $3.75 per square foot. Other repairs include replacing any rotten or broken boards on a wood shed, fixing damaged doors or windows, and repairing any electrical or plumbing issues. The cost will depend on the extent of the damage and the cost of materials and labor.
