Building a storage shed yourself costs €800 to €4,000 in materials, depending on size and type. Having a shed built by a contractor costs €2,500 to €10,000 for the same size. The difference is purely labour – the construction is an excellent DIY project, especially if you have basic woodworking skills.
What Does a Storage Shed Cost? DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor
Cost Comparison
| Type of Shed | DIY (materials) | Contractor (materials + labour) | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small wooden shed (2×2 m) | €800 – €1,200 | €2,500 – €4,000 | €1,700 – €2,800 |
| Standard wooden shed (3×2 m) | €1,200 – €2,000 | €3,500 – €6,000 | €2,300 – €4,000 |
| Large wooden shed (4×3 m) | €2,000 – €3,500 | €5,000 – €9,000 | €3,000 – €5,500 |
| Metal shed (kit, 3×2 m) | €500 – €1,200 | €1,200 – €2,500 | €700 – €1,300 |
| Wooden shed with roof tiles (3×2 m) | €1,800 – €3,000 | €4,500 – €8,000 | €2,700 – €5,000 |
DIY saves you 50 to 60% of the total costs.
Wooden Shed vs. Metal Shed: What to Choose?
Wooden Shed
A wooden shed gives you maximum freedom in size, layout and finish. Treated spruce or Douglas fir can last 25–40 years with proper maintenance.
Advantages of a wooden shed:
– Fully customisable (size, layout, roof)
– Aesthetically pleasing – fits in the garden
– Easy to repair
– Long lifespan with good maintenance
Disadvantages:
– More work than a kit
– Requires periodic maintenance (stain or oil, every 3–5 years)
– More expensive in material than metal
Metal Shed (Steel/Galvanised)
A metal shed is a kit you assemble in an afternoon. Cheap, maintenance-free and solid – but no freedom in size or appearance.
Advantages:
– Inexpensive (€500–€1,200 for a standard size)
– Nearly maintenance-free
– Quick to assemble (half a day)
– Fire-resistant and pest-resistant
Disadvantages:
– Fixed dimensions – not adaptable
– Less aesthetically pleasing
– Can rust if the coating is damaged
Building Permit: Do You Need One?
In most cases, a shed in the back garden is permit-free, provided these conditions are met:
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Location | Back or side garden (not at the front) |
| Height | Maximum 3 metres |
| Area | Within the permitted building coverage |
| Distance from boundary | Minimum 1 metre |
Permit required if:
– Shed at the front of the property
– Height over 3 metres
– Listed building or conservation area
– Exceeds maximum building coverage
Always check with your local authority before starting.
Materials List: Wooden Shed 3×2 Metres
Materials
| Material | Quantity | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation piers or concrete pads (30×30 cm) | 6 pieces | €40 – €80 |
| Floor joists (treated spruce, 45×145 mm) | 8 pieces, 300 cm | €80 – €140 |
| Floor boards (18 mm plywood, waterproof) | 3 sheets (122×244 cm) | €90 – €150 |
| Wall studs (treated spruce, 45×95 mm) | 12 pieces, 250 cm | €100 – €170 |
| Wall framing (45×70 mm) | 20 pieces, 300 cm | €80 – €140 |
| Exterior cladding (feather-edge boards, Douglas fir 20×120 mm) | 50 m² | €250 – €420 |
| Roof rafters (45×145 mm) | 6 pieces, 300 cm | €60 – €100 |
| Roof sheathing (spruce 18 mm) | 8 m² | €60 – €100 |
| Bitumen roof shingles or EPDM membrane | 8 m² | €80 – €200 |
| Door (pre-made garden door, 90×200 cm) | 1 piece | €120 – €280 |
| Hinges, bolt, lock | 1 set | €25 – €60 |
| Gutter + downpipe (PVC) | 3 m + 2 m | €25 – €50 |
| Stainless steel screws (assortment) | 1 box | €25 – €40 |
| Timber connectors and anchors | Assortment | €30 – €60 |
| Exterior stain or wood oil | 3 litres | €30 – €60 |
Total materials: €1,095 – €2,050
Foundation for a Storage Shed
The foundation is the basis of a durable shed. A shed without a good foundation will settle unevenly, doors will jam, and the floor will rot within a few years.
Option 1: Concrete Piers (Recommended)
- Mark the corners of the shed with stakes and string.
- Dig a hole of 30×30 cm and 40 cm deep at each corner and every 1.5 metres.
- Pour concrete mix (1:2:3 – cement:sand:gravel) and let it cure for 48 hours.
- Place the floor joists on the concrete piers.
Option 2: Concrete Slab
Most expensive but most stable option. A 10 cm concrete slab gives you a flat, dry floor. Cost: €300–€700 (materials for 6 m²).
Option 3: Paving Slabs on Sand Bed
For light sheds on stable ground: place paving slabs on 10 cm of compacted sand. Cheap (€50–€150) but less stable than concrete.
Step-by-Step: Build a Storage Shed in 9 Steps
Step 1: Mark Out and Lay the Foundation
- Mark the shed location with stakes and string. Check right angles using the 3-4-5 method.
- Dig the holes for the concrete piers.
- Pour the piers and let them cure for 48 hours.
- Check all piers are at the same height.
Step 2: Construct the Floor
- Lay the outer floor joists on the piers.
- Install the intermediate joists at 60 cm centres.
- Screw the plywood floor boards (18 mm) to the joist system every 30 cm.
- Check the floor is level with a spirit level.
Step 3: Frame the Walls
- Build the wall frames flat on the floor. Start with the back wall.
- Use studs of 45×95 mm, 60 cm centres. Height 220–240 cm for comfortable standing.
- Fix the bottom and top plates to the studs.
- Build the side walls with openings for door and any windows.
Step 4: Erect and Connect the Walls
- Stand the back wall up and brace it to the floor.
- Check plumb with a spirit level.
- Position the side walls against it and fix with long screws (90 mm).
- Repeat for the front wall (with door opening).
Step 5: Construct the Roof
- Place the ridge board on top of the walls.
- Install roof rafters at 60 cm centres, with at least 2 cm fall per metre.
- Screw roof sheathing (18 mm plywood) to the rafters.
- For flat roof: stretch EPDM membrane over the sheathing, glue and fix the edges.
- For shingles: start at the bottom, each row with 10 cm overlap.
Step 6: Apply Exterior Cladding
- Start with the bottom row of boards, 2 cm above the floor.
- Work from bottom to top, each board overlapping the previous by 2 cm.
- Use galvanised or stainless steel nails.
Step 7: Hang the Door
- Hang the pre-made door in the opening. Use 3 hinges for firm suspension.
- Check the door swings freely and closes properly.
- Install the lock and handle.
Step 8: Gutters and Drainage
- Mount gutter brackets on the lowest roof edge, 3 mm fall per metre towards the downpipe.
- Clip the gutter into the brackets.
- Install the downpipe and direct water to a water butt or drain.
Step 9: Finishing Treatment
- Seal all joints and gaps with exterior sealant.
- Treat all external timber with 2 coats of exterior stain or wood oil (including cut ends).
- Check all screws are tightened and the door hangs correctly.
Common Mistakes When Building a Storage Shed
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No foundation or too shallow | Shed settles unevenly | Concrete piers at least 40 cm deep |
| No slope on the roof | Standing water, rot and leaks | Minimum 2 cm fall per metre |
| Timber directly on concrete or ground | Rots within 5 years | Always use EPDM or bitumen tape between timber and concrete |
| Walls not plumb | Roof frame won’t fit | Check with spirit level after every step |
| Cut ends not treated | Timber absorbs water and rots quickly | Always treat all cut ends immediately after sawing |
FAQs About Building a Storage Shed
What does it cost to build a storage shed?
DIY costs €800 to €3,500 in materials for a wooden shed from 2×2 to 4×3 metres. A metal kit is cheaper: €500 to €1,200. Having it built costs 2 to 3 times more.
Do I need a building permit for a shed?
In most cases no, if the shed is in the back or side garden, no taller than 3 metres and within the permitted building area. Always check with your local authority.
How long does it take to build a shed?
A metal kit takes half a day to assemble. A wooden shed of 3×2 metres takes 2–3 days with two people (excluding foundation curing time).
Wood or metal – which is better?
Wood is more flexible, more attractive and lasts longer if you maintain it. Metal is cheaper, low-maintenance and quicker to assemble. Want a shed that lasts 30+ years? Choose wood.
Building Plans and Guides
Ready to get started with professional building plans and step-by-step instructions? Visit the complete plan package at fredsdiyplans.com – with thousands of plans for every DIY project.