Written by
Tamatha Hazen
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
Cost to build a shed by size
The average cost to build a shed is $2,500 to $15,000 for a 10'x10' custom-built model or $1,000 to $3,000 for a prefab shed of the same size, including installation. The price for a shed depends on the style, type, materials, and the labor cost to build or assemble it.
| Size | Prefab shed installed price | Custom-built shed installed price |
|---|---|---|
| 3'x5' (15 SF) | $150 – $450 | $375 – $2,250 |
| 4'x6' (24 SF) | $240 – $720 | $600 – $3,600 |
| 6'x6' (36 SF) | $350 – $1,100 | $900 – $5,400 |
| 8'x8' (64 SF) | $650 – $1,900 | $1,600 – $9,600 |
| 8'x10' (80 SF) | $800 – $2,400 | $2,000 – $12,000 |
| 10'x10' (100 SF) | $1,000 – $3,000 | $2,500 – $15,000 |
| 10'x12' (120 SF) | $1,200 – $3,600 | $3,000 – $18,000 |
| 12'x12' (144 SF) | $1,450 – $4,300 | $3,600 – $21,600 |
| 12'x14' (168 SF) | $1,700 – $5,000 | $4,200 – $25,200 |
| 12'x16' (192 SF) | $1,900 – $5,800 | $4,800 – $28,800 |
| 12'x20' (240 SF) | $2,400 – $7,200 | $6,000 – $36,000 |
| 12'x24' (288 SF) | $2,900 – $8,600 | $7,200 – $43,200 |
| 16'x16' (256 SF) | $2,600 – $7,700 | $6,400 – $ 38,400 |
| 16'x20' (320 SF) | $3,200 – $9,600 | $8,000 – $48,000 |
| 20'x20' (400 SF) | $4,000 – $12,000 | $10,000 – $60,000 |
| 20'x24' (480 SF) | $4,800 – $14,400 | $12,000 – $72,000 |
| 16'x40' (640 SF) | $6,400 – $19,200 | $16,000 – $96,000 |
*Includes installation labor
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Labor costs to build or assemble a shed
The labor cost to assemble or build a shed is $200 to $6,000, depending on the shed size and type and the pro you hire. A handyman can install a prefab unit in a half or full day, while a contractor may take up to a week to build a custom shed
| Factors | Prefab / prebuilt shed (10'x10') | Custom built shed (10'x10') |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $800 – $2,300 | $1,700 – $9,000 |
| Labor / assembly | $200 – $700 | $800 – $6,000 |
| Total cost to install | $1,000 – $3,000 | $2,500 – $15,000 |
Prefab shed (4 to 8 hours to install)
Hiring a handyman costs $50 to $80 per hour to assemble the shed.
Lowes and Home Depot shed installation costs an average of $500 to $5,000, including materials, labor, and local delivery. Site prep is not included.
Custom shed (2 to 5 days to build)
General contractor rates are $50 to $150 per hour for professional labor to prep the site, pour a slab, and build a shed from raw materials.
Shed cost estimator & breakdown
While the main cost factor of building a shed is whether you install a prefabricated shed or build one from scratch, other factors include the site prep needed, material prices, labor rates, and any add-ons or customizations.
Site prep and foundation costs for shed
Preparing your property for a shed may include costs for:
Excavating for a shed foundation costs $2.50 to $15.00 per cubic yard.
Leveling or regrading a small area for a shed costs $500 to $1,000.
Pouring a concrete slab for a shed costs $5 to $10 per square foot.
Building permits for a shed cost $50 to $145 when required.
Blueprints for a garage or shed space cost $0.30 to $0.80 per square foot.
Some manufacturers offer free local delivery, while others charge a flat fee of $100 to $500 for local delivery or by the mile for long-distance transport.
Shed costs by style & type
Sheds vary in size and cost, depending on their purpose. Sheds can be left simple with just a few shelves for storage or be fully finished with lighting and flooring for use as an office, playroom, or even a guest room.
Utility or storage sheds cost $3,000 to $9,000 for a garage-size prefab shed with installation.
A greenhouse costs $5 to $30 per square foot for a residential shed with transparent walls and ceiling for growing plants year-round.
A she-shed costs $3,500 to $10,000 for a small retreat space in the backyard.
A pole barn costs $15 to $40 per square foot installed for a run-in space for horses or hay storage.
A barn shed costs $20 to $100 per square foot installed.
Shed material costs
When custom building a shed, you may opt to match the main house exterior for a uniform look or to meet homeowner association requirements. Common shed siding costs include:
Wood siding costs $5 to $15 per square foot installed.
Metal siding costs $6 to $16 per square foot installed.
Brick siding costs $8 to $18 per square foot installed.
Vinyl siding costs $3 to $7 per square foot installed.
Custom-built shed installation costs
Building a custom shed includes material and labor costs for constructing the structure and adding windows, doors, and insulation. Costs for materials and installation may include:
Framing a shed costs $11 to $30 per square foot.
A new roof costs $300 to $600 per square (100 SF).
Insulation costs $1.00 to $4.50 per square foot.
Installing an exterior door on a shed costs $300 to $1,000. Double doors cost $1,500 to $3,800.
Installing windows in a shed costs $400 to $650 for each vinyl window.
Running electricity to a shed costs $10 to $25 per linear foot installed.
Cost of shed add-ons & features
By adding shelving, ventilation, and other features to your backyard shed, you can create a usable space for a she-shed, man cave, or home office. Some common add-on features include:
Installing drywall in a garage or shed costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot of wall or ceiling surface area.
Custom built-in shelving costs $300 to $850 per linear foot.
A ductless mini-split HVAC costs $2,000 to $6,000 for a single-zone system.
Installing a recessed, track, wall, or ceiling light costs $70 to $300.
Interior painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot of surface area.
Adding a gable vent costs $100 to $500 to help circulate air in the shed.
Lawn landscaping costs $300 to $800 for small projects.
Plantation shutters cost $150 to $800 per pair of 2 shutters.
DIY shed cost
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The easiest way to build a DIY shed is to purchase a prefab shed kit, which costs $300 to $4,300 depending on the size. The prefab kits come with all the materials you need, and you provide the power tools and DIY skills to assemble the kit in less than a day.
Shed building FAQs
Is it cheaper to build or buy a shed?
Buying a prefab shed is cheaper than building a shed from scratch. Prefab sheds save you the cost of buying or renting power tools, and you likely won't need to hire a general contractor.
What is the cheapest way to build a shed?
The cheapest way to build a shed is to skip professional labor and install a prefab shed or build the shed yourself. To save money on materials, find a local independent lumber yard and try to negotiate a discounted price.
How much does a shed house cost?
The cost of a shed house varies depending on the design, with a simple, functional office space costing far less than a luxurious guest suite with a bathroom and kitchenette. Some common options for adding a finished living or working space include:
A tiny house costs $150 to $450 per square foot.
A pole barn house costs $50 to $150 per square foot.
A metal building home costs $50 to $145 per square foot.
How long does it take to build a shed?
Building a shed takes a few days to a week for a custom model, depending on the size, features, and site prep required. Installing a prefabricated shed takes 4 to 8 hours, but getting the shed delivered may take 1 to 6 weeks.
Who builds sheds?
A shed builder, general contractor, or handyman can build a shed. Home Depot and Lowe's use third-party shed installers to deliver and install sheds purchased in their store.
Do I need a permit to build a shed?
You may need a permit to build a shed, depending on the size and local zoning regulations. Small sheds under 200 square feet usually do not require building permits. Check your local regulations to see if size, floodplain, setback, or use requirements apply in your area.
Getting estimates from shed installers & builders
When getting estimates from local shed installers and builders, follow these tips:
Search for licensed, insured, and bonded builders with experience installing sheds.
Get a minimum of 2 or 3 estimates with similar materials to compare.
Read shed installer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Pick an installer that works within your budget and timeline.
Request a written contract including the timeline, payment plan, and warranty details.
Avoid large upfront deposits or paying in full. Arrange a payment plan and make the final payment when the job is complete.
Questions to ask
Be sure to ask your shed builder or installer these important questions:
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How many sheds do you typically build and install each year?
Are there examples of your work nearby that I can visit?
Does your estimate include site prep and cleanup?
Will my shed installation require permits? Do you take care of that responsibility?
How long will it take to install the shed?
What deposit do you require?
Do you offer extended financing?
