A shed costs $800 to $18,000 with the average homeowner spending $4,000. Price can dramatically fluctuate based on the size and construction of your shed, but a pro can work with your budget.
Sheds can help you beautify your backyard by housing unsightly materials or becoming extra living space—but how much does a shed cost? The average homeowner spends $4,000 on a shed, but the price can fall anywhere from $300 to $30,000, depending on the use, size, and design. For materials and installation, expect to pay $20 to $200 per square foot.
Though you can break down the cost of building a shed into material and labor, there are several other 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 lawn mower, 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, with most costing between $1,500 and $4,000. In comparison, building a custom shed costs $60 to $150 per square foot (or about $7,000 to $18,000 for a 10-by-12-foot shed).
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 |
A contractor will charge an average of $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 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 around $3,500.
Most homeowners pay between $20 and $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.
Whether you buy or build a shed, you’ll have to clear the land before construction can get going. Land clearing costs between $1,400 and $5,800 and can include tree clearing, brush removal, stump removal, and 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 and $2,200.
The cost of painting the exterior of your shed could add $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot to your project.
The cost of shed doors ranges from $100 for a basic model to $1,500 for a decorative door. Most prefab sheds come with a door, but if you need to buy one, budget for an average of $300.
The cost of shed windows depends on the size, shape, quality, and added features. If your kit doesn’t include windows, you can get standard flush-mount windows for around $70 to $120.
Small windows (around a foot in length or width) start at $30 to $50. It could cost upward of $200 for a large window, a window with a unique shape (like an octagonal or arched window), or a window with upgraded glass (like argon gas windows).
Window Features | Average Cost |
---|---|
Window | $30–$200 |
Skylight | $100–$460 |
Shutters | $30–$100 |
Window box | $100–$250 |
Part of the cost of a shed is the flooring. If it’s not already included in your kit, expect to spend between $5 and $10 per square foot on a floor. Oriented strand board (OSB) and plywood are popular flooring options, but many sheds utilize a concrete foundation slab as the floor or come with plastic flooring pieces that fit together.
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.
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 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 DIY the job.
Garden sheds are the smallest type of shed and cost $100 to $1,000. If you add a fully functional greenhouse, costs can skyrocket to $10,000.
A modern-style shed is sold as a prefab kit that you can install yourself, or some require no installation. These cost $5,000 to $16,000, not including shed installation costs if you opt to hire a pro.
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, cost between $4,000 and $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. Depending on the size, you'll pay between $1,500 and $10,000.
Commercial sheds are used to store large equipment like boats, tractors, and specialized machinery. Since they’re on the larger side, they 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 some of the simplest types of sheds to install. The best option for your home 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 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.
Use a gravel pad rather than a concrete pad as a foundation.
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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 lifespan, lasting between 20 and 25 years, but they require upkeep. 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 a shed's long-term cost. The average cost to replace a shed roof is $360 to $2,900 for a 120-square-foot shed, but it averages $3 to $24 per square foot. Other repairs include replacing 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.