How Much Does a Shed Cost?
Last updated: March 18, 2026 by the How Much Does That Cost? editorial team. Estimates are informational - see our methodology.
A backyard storage shed costs $3,400 to $8,600 installed for a typical 8x12 shed, or roughly $35 to $90 per square foot depending on material and foundation. Small resin or metal kit sheds under 100 square feet can cost under $1,500, while large custom wood sheds or small barns can run $15,000-$20,000 or more.
Wood sheds cost the most but offer the most customization and curb appeal, resin is the lowest-maintenance option, and metal sits in between. The calculator below adjusts for your shed size, material, and site prep needs.
Quick Answer
Typical range: $3,400 – $8,600
Low end
$900
High end
$22,000+
Actual pricing varies by location, project size, materials, labor rates, and job complexity. Use the calculator below for an estimate tailored to your project.
a Shed Cost Calculator
Adjust the inputs below for an estimate tailored to your project.
Optional upgrades
Estimated Project Cost
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Typical estimate: —
This is an estimate, not a quote. Actual pricing depends on your specific project details and local contractor pricing.
Cost Breakdown
How a typical project budget breaks down by category.
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Shed kit/materials (walls, roof, siding) | $1,800 – $4,500 |
| Foundation/site prep | $400 – $1,200 |
| Labor/assembly | $900 – $2,200 |
| Delivery & permits | $150 – $500 |
What Affects the Cost
Shed size
Square footage is the primary driver of material and labor cost — a small 6x8 shed and a large 12x20 workshop are entirely different price points.
Material (resin vs. wood vs. metal)
Resin is the cheapest and lowest-maintenance, metal is a mid-range durable option, and wood costs the most but offers the widest range of styles, colors, and customization.
Foundation type
A gravel pad on an already-level spot is the cheapest base. A poured concrete slab costs more upfront but provides a more permanent, level floor.
Site accessibility
Yards with narrow gates, steep slopes, or obstacles between the delivery truck and the install site can add labor time or require the shed to be built on-site panel by panel instead of delivered pre-assembled.
Electrical and add-ons
Running power to the shed, adding windows, or building interior shelving/workbenches are common upgrades priced on top of the base structure.
Permits
Many municipalities require a permit for sheds over a certain square footage (often 100-200 sq ft), which can add fees and inspection requirements.
Cost by Shed Size
| Shed Size | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| 64 sq ft (8x8) | $2,240 – $5,760 |
| 96 sq ft (8x12) | $3,360 – $8,640 |
| 120 sq ft (10x12) | $4,200 – $10,800 |
| 192 sq ft (12x16) | $6,720 – $17,280 |
| 256 sq ft (16x16) | $8,960 – $23,040 |
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Doing it yourself
Small resin or metal kit sheds (under about 100 sq ft) are popular DIY weekend projects, especially with a pre-built floor kit and a couple of helpers, and can save most of the labor cost.
Hiring a professional
Professional shed builders or delivery services handle larger and custom wood sheds, permanent foundations, and any electrical work, and often deliver pre-assembled units by crane or trailer for a faster setup.
Bottom line: DIY assembly makes sense for small resin/metal kits on a level site; larger wood sheds, concrete foundations, or anything needing electrical service are best left to a pro.
Ways to Save
- Buy a resin or metal kit instead of a custom-built wood shed if low maintenance matters more than looks.
- Choose a size just under your local permit threshold to avoid extra fees and inspections.
- Prep the site (clear and level the ground) yourself before delivery to lower labor charges.
- Skip electrical service unless you genuinely need power tools or lighting in the shed.
- Shop off-season (late fall/winter) when retailers often discount shed kits.
- Compare pre-fab delivered sheds against built-on-site custom sheds — delivered kits are often cheaper for standard sizes.
How We Estimated This Cost
We model each calculator from public price ranges, labor data, material pricing, industry surveys, and the regional adjustment method explained in our methodology. Estimates are reviewed for consumer usefulness, then shown as ranges because local quotes, site conditions, materials, and timing can change the final price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a shed cost on average?
A typical backyard shed costs about $5,300 installed, with most homeowners paying between $3,400 and $8,600 depending on size and material.
What is the cheapest shed material?
Resin/plastic sheds are typically the cheapest and require the least maintenance, though they come in fewer size and style options than wood.
Do I need a permit or foundation for a shed?
Many municipalities require a permit for sheds over 100-200 square feet, and most require at least a gravel pad or concrete slab foundation — check local code before buying.
How long does shed installation take?
A pre-fabricated shed delivered and set on a prepared gravel pad can often be installed in a single day; custom-built wood sheds constructed on-site may take 2-5 days.
Does a shed add home value?
A well-built, attractive shed can add modest value and appeal, especially if it matches the home's style, but it typically won't recoup its full cost the way a major home renovation would.
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