How much does it cost to build a storage shed? In most cases, a small garden storage shed or 8×10 outdoor storage shed starts around the lower thousands, while bigger options like a 10×10 shed, 12×12 shed, or 16×20 shed can move into several thousand dollars depending on materials, foundation for shed, and whether you DIY or pay full shed installation cost. Once you know the rough cost to build a shed for each size and style, it becomes much easier to choose the right storage solution for your yard and budget.
Across the US, most homeowners spend around:
Total typical range (all sheds): $1,800 – $8,500+
National average shed cost: around $3,000 – $3,500 for a standard storage shed.
This includes common setups like a garden storage shed, 8×10 outdoor storage shed, or 12×12 shed with basic features.
Rough cost per square foot:
Basic DIY builds: about $17 – $25 per sq. ft.
Pro-built or high-end sheds: often $30 – $60+ per sq. ft. (especially when you hire a builder for everything).
Below are typical price ranges for popular sizes when you include materials + basic labor. Your local prices may be slightly higher or lower.
Basic prefab/kit (DIY assembly): ~$2,000 – $4,000
Delivered and installed: often $3,000 – $6,000+
Metal or plastic 8×10 storage sheds may be cheaper; high-end wood models with windows, trim, and better siding cost more.
Realistic price for a decent 10×10 shed:
DIY or kit: around $2,500 – $4,500
Installed by pros: often $4,000 – $6,500
The dream of a 10×10 shed under $1000 usually means very basic metal or used sheds. Most solid wood sheds with proper shed floor plans and a good base cost more in today’s market.
Materials only (DIY): about $2,600 – $3,500 for a 12×12 shed.
Estimated total build cost (DIY): $2,800 – $5,000, depending on materials and finish.
Standard 12×12 storage shed from a major supplier, installed: often starts around $4,000 – $4,500 and goes higher with upgrades.
If you go for a nicer craftsman shed, garden shed 12×12, or add features like windows, ramps, or a small loft bed platform inside, expect the price to climb.
A 12×24 storage shed is very popular for serious storage or a workshop.
Basic utility 12×24 shed, installed: often in the $7,000 – $9,000 range for standard models.
Custom designs, better siding, or interior finishes push it higher.
A 16×20 shed is 320 sq. ft. That’s a big structure, close to a small garage or studio.
Using $30 – $60 per sq. ft. for pro work, a 16×20 shed can easily land between $9,500 – $19,000+, depending on:
Large garden sheds, shed 16×20, and mini shed houses sit toward the top of the range.
DIY or shed kits (cheapest way)
When you build a shed yourself from plans for 8 x 10 shed, 8×10 shed plans, or lean to garden shed plans, you mainly pay for:
Lumber or metal panels
Roofing
Fasteners and hardware
Simple foundation for shed
For many DIY projects, materials for a small to mid-size shed can be roughly:
8×10: ~$1,500 – $3,000
10×10 or 8×12: ~$1,800 – $3,500
12×12: ~$2,600 – $3,500
You save on labor but invest your own time and skills.
Professional installation (shed installation cost)
When you hire a shed company near me or Amish built sheds near me, you pay for:
Crew labor
Delivery of the shed or kit
Assembly and finishing
Sometimes a basic base or skids
A major US retailer reports that average shed installation (including the shed itself) is around $4,000 – $4,500, with real projects going higher or lower by size.
So if cost of sheds installed looks high, remember that a big chunk of that is labor, not just materials.
Typical wood shed price range: about $1,000 – $5,000+, depending on size and style.
Home depot shed installation cost: average total around $4,500 for shed + labor, with smaller sheds costing less and large/custom models more.
Lowe’s
Lowes shed kits can be cheaper up front, especially if you do the assembly yourself.
Installed sheds at lowes land in a similar range to Home Depot when you add professional assembly and delivery.
Buying from a big store is easy, but not always the cheapest. Local shed dealers near me and storage buildings for sale yards sometimes give better deals or more flexible upgrades.
Even if the shed price looks good, don’t forget these cost items:
Foundation for shed
Common options:
Gravel pad and skids: cheaper
Concrete blocks: mid-range
Concrete slab: most expensive but very solid
For a small to mid-size shed, a simple foundation can add a few hundred to over $1,000+, depending on local concrete and labor rates.
Material type
Wood sheds look the best and are easy to customize, but they usually cost more and need maintenance.
Metal sheds and resin sheds are often cheaper and lower-maintenance, but can feel less home-like.
Plywood shed builds are popular for DIY because sheets are easy to cut and fasten.
Material choice can shift the shed build cost by thousands of dollars for larger structures.
Extra features and design
You’ll pay more if you add:
Loft or loft bed platform
Extra doors and windows
Insulation, electricity, or interior walls
Porch, overhang, or detailed trim (like a craftsman shed)
Even a simple 12 x 12 garden shed can jump from basic storage to almost a tiny cabin when you add upgrades – and the price jumps with it.
Request a material Takeoff or Cost Estimate.
Use these questions to pick the right option for your budget:
What size do I really need?
Small (6×8, 7×7, 8×10) vs medium (10×10, 8×12, 10×12) vs larger (12×12, 12×24, 16×20).
Will I DIY or pay for shed installation?
DIY lowers cost to build a shed but takes time.
Shed installation near me adds labor but is faster.
What material fits my climate?
Wood for looks and flexibility, metal or resin for low maintenance.
Do I need a permit or local approval?
This can add time and cost, especially for big sizes like 16×20 shed or 2 story storage shed.
What’s my total budget, start to finish?
Include shed price, foundation for shed, extras, and any home depot shed installation cost or local installer fee.
A small basic shed (like 8×10) usually ends up around $2,000 – $6,000 depending on DIY vs installed.
A mid-size shed (10×10, 8×12, 10×12) often costs $3,000 – $7,000.
A 12×12 shed or similar can run $3,000 – $8,000+, based on material, upgrades, and labor.co
Large sheds like 12×24 or 16×20 can go from $7,000 into the five-figure range, especially if they’re customized or used as hobby studios.
So when you ask how much does it cost to build a storage shed, the honest short answer is:
It usually falls between $2,000 and $10,000+, shaped by size, material, foundation, and whether you DIY or hire pros.
See how our material takeoff and estimate look before you request one. We provide clear, accurate estimates
In many areas, you need a permit if your shed is over a certain size or has electrical wiring, plumbing, or a permanent foundation. Always check with your local city or county office before building. This can save you from fines, forced removal, or legal issues later.
The life of a shed depends on the material and how well you maintain it. A well-built wooden shed can last 15–25 years with proper painting, sealing, and roof care. Metal and resin sheds may resist rot and insects better but can fade or dent. Regular inspection and small repairs extend the life of any shed.
Maintenance costs may include repainting or staining wood, replacing damaged roof shingles, treating for insects, fixing doors or hinges, and keeping the base dry and level. These costs are usually small each year but ignoring maintenance can create big repair bills later.
Yes, you can add power for lights, outlets, or tools, but it should be done safely. Most places require a licensed electrician and may need an electrical permit. This will add to your overall project cost but can turn a simple shed into a usable workshop or hobby space.
A well-built, good-looking shed can make your property more attractive to buyers, especially if storage space is limited in the house or garage. While it may not fully return every dollar spent, it often improves curb appeal and can make your home easier to sell.
The best time is usually spring or early fall, when the weather is mild and the ground is firm but not frozen. In these seasons, contractors are often available, and DIY work is easier. Very wet, snowy, or extremely hot weather can slow the project and affect the foundation quality.
