Someone asked me recently what it costs to build a garden shed. He’d received a contractor quote: $8,500 for a 10×12 ft shed.
His reaction: “You’re kidding me.”
My reaction: “I’m not. And that’s exactly why I build it myself.”
In this article I’ll show you what a shed actually costs to build — for DIY and contractor — with every cost broken down. So you can make an informed decision.
Shed Building Cost: Quick Overview
| Situation | Small (6×8 ft) | Medium (10×12 ft) | Large (12×16 ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY (materials) | $500 – $800 | $900 – $1,400 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| DIY (incl. plans) | $570 – $900 | $970 – $1,500 | $1,570 – $2,600 |
| Hiring a contractor | $2,500 – $5,500 | $5,500 – $11,000 | $9,000 – $18,000 |
| **DIY savings** | **$1,930 – $4,700** | **$4,530 – $9,600** | **$7,430 – $15,400** |
These aren’t estimates. They’re based on current material prices and average contractor rates of $50-80 per hour.
What Determines the Cost of a Shed?
Not every shed costs the same. These are the factors that push the price up or down:
1. Size
Obvious: the bigger, the more material. But it adds up faster than you think. A 12×16 ft shed uses almost three times as much lumber as a 6×8 ft.
2. Roof type
- Flat roof with EPDM: cheapest, easiest to build
- Lean-to (single slope): slightly more, but better looking
- Gable (peaked roof): most expensive in materials and labor, but most durable and most interior space
3. Wall cladding
- OSB siding + paint: cheapest option (~$1-2/sq ft)
- Lap siding: mid-range (~$2-4/sq ft)
- Cedar or redwood: premium (~$4-8/sq ft)
4. Foundation
- Concrete blocks or deck blocks: almost free if you have them
- Concrete piers: $150-350 for materials
- Concrete strip: $350-600 for materials (more labor)
5. Doors and windows
A basic single door: $80-150. A double door: $200-350. Add a window: $60-120 each.
6. Finishing
Paint, caulk, screws, hardware — budget $150-250 for a standard shed.
Material Cost Breakdown (10×12 ft example)
A realistic breakdown for a 10×12 ft shed with low-slope EPDM roof and lap siding:
| Item | Quantity | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Structural lumber (2×4) | ~200 linear ft | $120 – $180 |
| Pressure-treated lumber (floor/base) | ~60 linear ft | $60 – $100 |
| Floor sheathing OSB (¾ inch) | 5 sheets | $80 – $120 |
| Roof sheathing OSB (½ inch) | 6 sheets | $90 – $130 |
| EPDM roofing | 175 sq ft | $120 – $200 |
| Lap siding | ~650 sq ft | $350 – $550 |
| Door (single) | 1 | $100 – $180 |
| Screws, hangers, anchors | misc | $60 – $100 |
| Paint/stain (exterior) | 2 gallons | $50 – $90 |
| Caulk and trim | misc | $30 – $60 |
| **Total material cost** | **$1,060 – $1,710** |
Missing a cut list? You’ll typically buy 15-20% too much material without one. On a shed this size, that’s $150-300 wasted.
Labor Costs: What Does a Contractor Charge?
Average contractor rates (2026):
- Independent carpenter: $45-65/hour
- Construction company (incl. overhead): $65-90/hour
Hours for a 10×12 ft shed:
| Phase | Estimated hours |
|---|---|
| Preparation + material pickup | 4-8 hours |
| Foundation | 4-6 hours |
| Floor frame | 6-10 hours |
| Wall framing | 8-14 hours |
| Roof framing + sheathing | 8-12 hours |
| Siding | 8-12 hours |
| Doors, windows, finishing | 6-10 hours |
| **Total labor hours** | **44-72 hours** |
At $65/hour and 55 hours: $3,575 in labor — on top of materials.
Total cost hiring a contractor (10×12 ft):
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Materials | $1,060 – $1,710 |
| Labor (44-72 hrs at $45-90) | $1,980 – $6,480 |
| Overhead/markup | $400 – $1,000 |
| **Total** | **$3,440 – $9,190** |
Quotes of $7,000-10,000 for a 10×12 ft shed are completely normal.
What Does DIY Really Cost (In Time)?
With DIY, you only pay for materials. And your time.
Time investment for DIY (10×12 ft, 2 people):
| Phase | Estimated hours (2 people) |
|---|---|
| Preparation + shopping | 2-4 hours |
| Foundation | 4-6 hours |
| Floor frame | 3-5 hours |
| Wall framing | 5-8 hours |
| Roof | 4-6 hours |
| Siding | 4-6 hours |
| Doors, windows, finishing | 3-5 hours |
| **Total** | **25-40 hours** |
Two people build a 10×12 ft shed in 2 solid weekends.
And your “hourly rate”?
If you save $5,000 versus hiring a contractor and spend 32 hours building — you’ve effectively paid yourself $156 per hour.
Tax free. In your own backyard.
Kit Sheds: What Do They Cost?
There’s a third option: buy a prefab or kit shed and assemble it yourself.
| Type | Size | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic wood kit | 6×8 ft | $400 – $700 |
| Mid-range wood kit | 10×12 ft | $800 – $1,500 |
| Premium kit shed | 10×12 ft | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Installed kit shed | 10×12 ft | $3,000 – $6,000 |
Downsides of kit sheds:
- Standard sizes — rarely fits your space perfectly
- Thinner lumber than custom builds (often 1×3 instead of 2×4)
- Shorter lifespan at the budget end
- No cut list — you still need to figure out the foundation yourself
For a durable, properly-sized shed, building from plans beats most kit sheds in the same price range.
How to Save Money on Your Shed Build
1. Use a building plan with a cut list
Buy exactly what you need — nothing more. Saves 15-20% on material waste.
2. Compare prices at multiple suppliers
Lumber prices vary significantly between suppliers. A local lumber yard is often 20-30% cheaper than a big-box store for larger quantities.
3. Choose EPDM over shingles
For a simple garden shed, EPDM is cheaper, lighter, and just as durable as shingles. Price difference: $200-400 on a standard shed.
4. Buy materials during sales
Lumber prices fluctuate. Check for sales at your local home improvement store and buy in bulk when prices are low.
5. Rent tools instead of buying
A circular saw, jigsaw, and drill are all you need. If you don’t own them: rent for the weekend. Typically $50-100/day for a full tool package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 10×10 ft shed cost to build yourself?
Materials for a 10×10 ft DIY shed run $850-1,300. Hiring a contractor: $4,500-9,000.
What’s included in a contractor quote?
Usually: all materials, labor, and basic finishing. Sometimes foundation and delivery of materials are extra. Always ask for a fully itemized quote.
How much does it cost to add electricity to a shed?
A basic electrical setup (1-2 circuits, outlets, lighting) by a licensed electrician: $500-1,500 depending on distance from the main panel.
Are shed building costs tax deductible?
In some cases, yes — if the shed is used for a home business. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How much does a concrete floor cost for a shed?
A poured concrete slab for a 10×12 ft shed: $500-1,500 for materials (DIY) or $1,500-3,000 installed by a contractor.
Conclusion: DIY Always Pays Off
The numbers are clear.
Hiring someone to build a 10×12 ft shed costs $5,000-10,000. Building it yourself: $1,000-1,700. The difference — $3,000-8,000 — is yours to keep.
All you need is a good plan. A complete building plan with material list and cut list so you know exactly what to buy, how to cut it, and in what order to build.
Do yourself a favor.
fredsdiyplans.com includes dozens of complete shed plans in every size — each with full instructions, material list, and cut list. One-time purchase. Lifetime access.
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- Primary keyword: shed building cost
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- Created: 2026-04-03
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