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How Much Does It Cost to Build a Shed?
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Cost by size
| Size | Square feet | DIY from plans (materials) | Custom build by a contractor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8x8 | 64 | $1,600 to $2,900 | $2,900 to $6,400 |
| 8x10 | 80 | $2,000 to $3,600 | $3,600 to $8,000 |
| 10x12 | 120 | $3,000 to $5,400 | $5,400 to $12,000 |
| 12x16 | 192 | $4,800 to $8,600 | $8,600 to $19,200 |
| 12x20 | 240 | $6,000 to $10,800 | $10,800 to $24,000 |
DIY range is our estimate at $25 to $45 per sq ft; contractor range uses Lawn Love's $45 to $100 per sq ft. Neither includes a concrete slab, permits or electrical work.
For a quick custom estimate, use our shed cost calculator.
A real DIY example
The woodworking site Fix This Build That published an itemized budget for his 10x12 modern shed. It came to $3,785, under his $4,300 budget:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Foundation (skids on gravel) | $877 |
| Framing | $655 |
| Roofing | $947 |
| Windows, doors and trim | $445 |
| Siding and paint | $860 |
| Total | $3,785 |
Source: Fix This Build That. The article doesn't date the prices, and lumber costs vary by year and region.
Roofing and the foundation were the biggest line items, not the framing. He chose skids over a concrete slab, which he estimated would have cost $960 to $1,440.
What drives the price
- Size. Cost scales roughly with floor area.
- Foundation. Skids or deck blocks are cheapest; a slab adds about $4.43 to $7.73 per sq ft, per Lawn Love.
- Materials. Lawn Love puts whole-shed costs at $500 to $7,000 for metal and $3,000 to $15,000 for wood.
- Labor. Contractors charge around $75 an hour, according to Lawn Love. Doing it yourself removes the biggest cost.
- Extras. Windows, a loft, electrical and a ramp all add up.
How to save money
- Use a plan with an exact cut list to avoid over-buying lumber.
- Choose a lean-to or simple gable design.
- Use a skid or deck-block foundation where your code allows.
- Keep it at or under your town's permit-exempt size.
Don't design it from scratch
A good set of plans gives you a cut list, a materials list and drawings for every step, which saves money on wasted lumber and time on head-scratching. See our guide to choosing shed plans, free and paid.
Compare shed plan optionsBrowse paid plan packagesCommon questions
How much does it cost to build a 10x12 shed?
Building a 10x12 shed yourself from plans typically costs about $3,000 to $5,400 in materials at $25 to $45 per sq ft. One documented DIY 10x12 build came to $3,785. Hiring a contractor for a custom 10x12 runs roughly $5,400 to $12,000 at $45 to $100 per sq ft.
What is the cheapest way to get a shed?
A small prefab kit you assemble yourself, or a simple lean-to built from plans on a skid foundation. Both avoid labor costs and a concrete slab.