How Much Does It Cost to Build a Shed – Full Breakdown 2025

Imagine having a place that’s only a few steps away from your back door, that can be dedicated to your creative space. Building a shed can be a great addition to your backyard, as it offers more storage and extra space that can be transformed into a cozy workshop or your quiet retreat. 

The main question is, what is the cost of building a shed? The average cost to build a shed ranges from $1,500 to $15,500, but understanding the costs in more detail is crucial for any building construction.

Stay with us, as we’ll break down all the costs and the factors that affect shed construction. 

We’ll provide you with knowledge, prepare you for the process, and help you get the desired shed.

Key Takeaways:

• The cost to build a shed typically ranges from $1,500 to $15,500, depending on the size, materials, design, and labor involved.

• Prefab sheds are generally more affordable and quicker to install, while custom-built sheds offer greater flexibility but come at a higher price.
  
• Building your shed can save money on labor, but hiring a professional is recommended for complex designs or if permits and precise construction are required.

How Much Is a Shed?

The cost of building a shed can vary and depends on numerous factors such as size, design, materials, labor, and project complexity. 

The cost for prefabricated sheds in 2025 can range from $4,000 to $12,000, while custom-built sheds are more expensive and can range from $3,000 to $15,000 or more.

The total cost for the shed addition depends on your specific needs, location, and design and look preferences. 

Understanding the costs is essential for a successful process, so let’s talk about the average cost of building a shed in more detail.

The Average Cost to Build a Shed

The average cost to build a shed is around $3,500, with most homeowners spending between $1,500 and $15,500. 

Costs vary based on size, materials, labor, and area. DIY shed kits lower the price, while custom builds with added features like electricity or insulation increase overall costs (but more on that later).

Let’s break down the cost of building a shed regarding its size.

Cost to Build a Shed by Size

The cost to build a shed largely depends on whether you choose a prefab shed or a custom-built one.

In the table below, let’s see how prices change in 2025 for prefab and custom-built sheds when it comes to different sizes.

Size	Prefab shed installed price	Custom-built shed installed price
3’x5′ (15 SF)	$200 – $500	$420 – $2,650
4’x6′ (24 SF)	$290 – $770	$650 – $3,700
6’x6′ (36 SF)	$400 – $1,200	$950 – $5,500
8’x8′ (64 SF)	$700 – $2,000	$1,800 – $9,800
8’x10′ (80 SF)	$850 – $2,500	$2,500 – $12,500
10’x10′ (100 SF)	$1,100 – $3,100	$3,000 – $16,000
10’x12′ (120 SF)	$1,300 – $3,800	$4,000 – $19,000
12’x12′ (144 SF)	$1,500 – $4,500	$3,800 – $21,900
12’x14′ (168 SF)	$1,800 – $5,500	$4,500 – $25,500
12’x16′ (192 SF)	$2,000 – $6,000	$5,000 – $29,000
12’x20′ (240 SF)	$2,500 – $7,500	$6,500 – $36,500
12’x24′ (288 SF)	$3,000 – $8,800	$7,500 – $43,600
16’x16′ (256 SF)	$2,800 – $8,000	$6,500 – $ 38,600
16’x20′ (320 SF)	$3,500 – $9,800	$8,500 – $48,500
20’x20′ (400 SF)	$4,200 – $12,500	$10,500 – $60,500
20’x24′ (480 SF)	$5,000 – $14,500	$12,500 – $72,500
16’x40′ (640 SF)	$6,500 – $19,500	$17,000 – $97,000

Table 1: Different prefab and custom-build shed prices

After seeing the detailed price list for shed sizes, let’s find out the price of labor when it comes to assembling or building a shed.

Labor Cost to Assemble or Build a Shed

The labor cost of building or assembling a shed goes from $300 to $6,500, depending on the shed size and the type of professional hired to do the job.

In the table below, let’s see the prices for materials and labor costs to build a 10×10 shed.

Factors	Prefab / prebuilt shed (10×10)	Custom-built shed (10×10)
Materials	$900 – $2,400	$1,800 – $9,250
Labor/assembly	$300 – $800	$900 – $6,250
Total cost to install	$1,200 – $3,200	$2,600 – $15,500

Table 2: Material and labor costs to build a 10×10 shed

Prefab shed 

• The prefab shed requires 4 to 8 hours to install. Hiring a handyman can cost from $60 to $90 per hour to assemble the shed.

Custom shed 

• Building a custom shed takes 2 to 5 days to be built. The cost of hiring a professional contractor ranges from $70 to $160 per hour to prep the site, pour a slab, and build a shed.

Now, let’s see how the shed cost changes when it comes to different material choices. 

Cost of Materials to Build a Shed

When building a shed, you can choose from a variety of materials. Each material has its pros and cons, and different prices. 

In the table below, check out the prices for the most common shed materials.

Material	Average price
Brick	$4,000 – $8,000
Wood	$3,000 – $6,000
Metal	$2,000 – $3,500
Concrete	$5,000 – $9,000
Vinyl	$2,500 – $5,000

Table 3: Most common shed material prices

Brick Shed

Building a brick shed is a great option because bricks are a very durable and fire-resistant material. These types of sheds last long, have low maintenance, and are highly sustainable. A brick shed requires a professional builder who will do the job of laying the bricks correctly.

Wooden Shed

The wood-framed shed brings a more natural and warmer aesthetic appeal to the backyard area. Wood is a high-maintenance material, although it costs less than brick. It’s prone to moisture, insects, and rot activity, so it requires more attention for preservation.

Metal Shed

Metal sheds are not complicated when it comes to maintenance. They typically have a longer life than wood sheds, and mostly they are built from steel or aluminum.

Concrete Shed

Concrete sheds are very stable, durable, and secure. They are low-maintenance, but they require a strong foundation and an experienced contractor who will make the structure properly for long-term use.

Vinyl Shed

An alternative to a wooden shed is a vinyl shed. It has low maintenance but doesn’t look as natural as wood. 

After considering the cost of different materials when building a shed, let’s address the cost of shed installation to better understand the process and get a complete picture of the total costs.

Cost of Shed Installation

Installing a shed requires preparing your property for the process. This process can include:

1. Excavation of the foundation – from $3 to $16 per cubic yard
2. Leveling or regarding – from $550 to $1,100
3. Pouring a concrete slab – from $6 to $12 per square foot

Building a custom shed can be more pricey, and installation costs can include:

Installation type	Cost
Framing	from $12 to $32 per square foot
A new roof	from $350 to $650 per square foot
Insulation	from $2 to $5 per square foot
Exterior door installation	from $320 to $1,050, double doors cost from $1,550 to $3,900
Window installation	from $450 to $700 for each vinyl window
Electricity	from $15 to $30 per linear foot installed

Table 4: Installation type costs

If you want to add any specific features and customize your shed, have these costs in mind:

Additional features	Cost
Installing drywall	$2 to $4 per square foot of wall or ceiling surface area
Custom built-in shelves	$350 to $900 per linear foot
A ductless mini-split HVAC	$2,500 to $6,500 for a single-zone system
Painting the interior	$1 to $5 per square foot of surface area
Gable vent addition	$150 to $550 to help circulate air in the shed
Landscaping the lawn	$320 to $820 for small projects
Plantation shutters	$200 to $850 per pair of 2 shutters

Table 5: Additional features cost

After seeing all the costs regarding shed installation, let’s see whether it’s better to DIY the shed project or hire a pro. 

DIY Shed Cost vs. Hiring a Pro

The decision between DIY and hiring a professional for your shed project depends on your budget. The second thing you need to consider is your expertise and knowledge when it comes to this type of project.

If you choose the DIY approach, you’ll need to buy materials, invest in tools, and do all the planning and construction. A great option is to buy a prefab shed kit that costs from $350 to $4,500, depending on the size. This can make the process easier as it comes with all the materials needed for the project.

The DIY approach can save you time and money on labor, but if you have a more complex design, it’s better to hire a pro to do the job correctly and avoid any construction mistakes.  

A pro works faster and provides high-quality results. You can expect to pay from $70 to $160 per hour for a pro. This includes labor, materials, and other additional expenses during the project. 

After seeing the approaches of DIY vs hiring a pro for shed construction, it’s good to break down all the costs involved. 

Let’s check out the factors that affect the price in the shed cost estimator, which will provide us with all the necessary insights for the project.

Shed Cost Estimator 

As we already mentioned, shed cost depends on numerous factors such as size, design, materials, labor, and any additional features and customizations. 

Let’s break down all the costs influencing a shed construction:

1. Size – Larger sheds will cost more due to the need for more material and labor.

2. Materials – Brick and concrete are more expensive, while wood and vinyl are more cost-effective options. The choice of materials has a great impact on the overall shed cost. 

3. Foundation – You will probably need to do the site prep to prepare your property for the process. This process can include excavation, leveling or regrading, and pouring a concrete slab.

4. Labor – Hiring someone to build a shed will increase the overall cost due to labor rates. 

5. Permits and regulations – In case you’re wondering, do you need a building permit for a shed, the answer is – it depends. Because of this, it’s essential to always check with local authorities whether you need a building permit or not. In some areas, they are mandatory, so building without a permit can cause legal issues. If needed, permit fees add to the overall cost. Building permit cost ranges between $140 and $3,000.

6. Customizations – Adding windows, shelves, electrical wiring, doors, or any other additions will add to the cost. 

7. Delivery – If you’re buying a pre-built shed, count on delivery costs. Some manufacturers don’t charge it, but some do, depending on the distance from them, so it’s good to keep this cost in mind as well.

Always obtain multiple quotes from local contractors or shed builders to get the best possible estimate. Research the prices for materials and labor in your area, and prepare your budget wisely.

Now, let’s address some of the most asked questions when it comes to shed addition. 

Shed Cost FAQs

Why Are Sheds So Expensive?

Sheds are expensive because of material, labor costs, and other additional features. 

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Shed From Scratch?

Building a shed from scratch usually ranges from $1,500 to $15,000, depending on the shed size, chosen materials, and the complexity of the project.

Is It Cheaper to Build Your Shed?

Yes, especially if you build a shed yourself. With the skills and the right tools, you can save money on labor costs.

How Much Does a Prefab Shed Cost?

Prefabricated shed costs typically range from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the size and materials.

How Much Does Council Approval for a Shed Cost?

The cost of council approval for a shed costs from $150 to $600. The cost depends on local regulations. 

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Wooden Shed?

The cost of building a wood shed usually ranges between $3,000 to $6,000. 

Building a Shed Is a Great Investment for Your Property

A shed adds valuable storage, boosts outdoor functionality, and enhances your property’s appeal. It can even increase resale value—with a return on investment of 50–80%, depending on the shed’s quality and use.

If your area requires permits, make sure to get a site plan for permits, as a site plan is a vital document for approval and ensures your project complies with local codes.

We provide accurate, professional site plans for shed projects and more. Contact us today—our team is ready to help you get started.