DIY Builds
Photo by Nothing Ahead Pexels Logo Photo: Nothing Ahead

How many feet is a 12x12 shed?

A 12×12 shed is 144 square feet of space perfectly suited for work, exercise, storage, creativity, and relaxation. Not too big or not too little. Just the right size!

What can I make out of wood for beginners?
What can I make out of wood for beginners?

One of the quickest and easiest of the do-it-yourself projects on the list. 3.) Simple Wall Shelf. (Anika's DIY Life) ... 5.) Pen or Pencil Holder....

Read More »
Why do houses in Mexico have bars on windows?
Why do houses in Mexico have bars on windows?

Bars on windows can be seen in the houses of Mexico, the Philippines, and Latin American or southern European regions. This is because people in...

Read More »

12×12 Sheds – Diy, Kit, or Prebuilt? Which One Is Best for You?

Are you looking for the perfect size for a backyard gym, home office, or hobby center? Have you been wondering about a 12×12 shed?

If so, you are on the right track! 12×12 sheds offers you a perfect spot and space for enjoying a rigorous workout, creating your skillful masterpieces, or completing a satisfying day’s work! Or, of course, enough space for storage, such as your trusty lawnmower, ATVs, or your labeled bins of decorations for every holiday of the year! 😊

Just imagine the purpose of your shed fulfilled inside a 12×12 like this. Does the size fit your dream?

What is a 12×12 Shed?

A 12×12 shed is 144 square feet of space perfectly suited for work, exercise, storage, creativity, and relaxation. Not too big or not too little. Just the right size! Now that you know a square footage in a 12×12 building is the right shed dimensions for you and your desired purpose, it is time! Part of the challenge of taking on a big project, such as acquiring a new shed, is making that final decision on the best route. Time, skill, and money all play a huge part in making that final decision. Take a deep breath, it is time to let go of the stress of indecision, this blog is here to empower you to a satisfactory grand finale verdict. Continue reading to figure out whether you should acquire your 12×12 by going DIY, kit, or prebuilt. For you to make the best decision, let’s compare the 3 routes to your 12×12 shed, the pros and cons of each, the prices, and more! Compare & Contrast: The Pros & Cons of the DIY, Kit, and Prebuilt Shed

12×12 DIY Shed

If you love building and hold seasoned skills as a craftsman, then the DIY route to your 12×12 shed may be a perfect fit. However, without previously acquired skills, building a 12×12 shed DIY could cost you more in the long run. Consider this list of necessary materials (could potentially be more depending on your desired design) for your DIY 12 x 12 Shed. Remember to factor in the sizing to receive the most accurate estimate of the costs.

Foundation Materials

Floor framing including rim joists and floor joists

Floor covering material such as treated plywood

Wall framing

Extra framing for door(s)

Door hardware

Wall covering

What is a sustainable alternative to bubble wrap?
What is a sustainable alternative to bubble wrap?

Honeycomb Kraft Paper Since this innovative material also comes in rolls, it's easy to store on warehouse shelves and grab for convenient usage....

Read More »
What kind of vinegar kills mold?
What kind of vinegar kills mold?

To clean mold, use regular white distilled vinegar, typically sold with five percent acidity. You can also use “cleaning vinegar” with its six...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Roof framing

Roof sheathing such as OSB or plywood

Roof covering such as shingles

Material for trim

Nails and screws

Renting equipment, if necessary

Lots of TIME

If you are new to the whole DIY route, check out this discussion on Do It Yourself to catch a conversation on the wisdom of going DIY.

👍

Pros of a DIY 12×12 Shed The cheapest route if you have carpentry skills and lots of available time. you have carpentry skills and lots of available time. Provides you the chance to utilize your organization, planning, and shopping skills.

Presents a project to work on with your buddies or family.

Offers you flexibility for unique designs that are difficult to find from a shed manufacturing company.

Opportunity to learn or to sharpen your carpentry skills. 👎

Cons of a DIY 12×12 Shed Requires a lot of your time! From organizing, planning, shopping, building, obtaining a building permit, laying a foundation, etc. of your time! From organizing, planning, shopping, building, obtaining a building permit, laying a foundation, etc. If you do not have adequate building experience, the potential for your shed to hold imperfections or reveal problematic issues down the road is high. Potentially exposes your project to inclement weather which can delay build time or potentially harm your building materials. Holds the potential for frustrations if you do not make precise cuts or run into other issues related to going DIY as a beginner.

12×12 Shed Kit

👍

Pros of a 12×12 Shed Kit Saves money compared to pre-built sheds.

Provides a project to work on with family or friends.

More friendly for beginner builders (However, directions are still written with the expectations you will have general construction knowledge.) Saves time compared to DIY, since all the materials are included in the kit. compared to DIY, since all the materials are included in the kit. Allows you to utilize or develop carpentry skills without the stress of figuring out the necessary measurements and cuts. 👎 Cons of a 12×12 Shed Kit Still requires your time! Estimated around at least 72 hours.

You still must build around inclement weather.

The kit may not have everything you need, depending on who you purchase the kit from. you purchase the kit from. Features such as widows and paint are usually not included in shed kits.

Prebuilt 12×12 Shed

👍

Pros of a Prebuilt 12×12 Shed Little to no stress involved!

No mess, sawdust, equipment, or pieces of wood lying around your yard for weeks or months.

How many bundles of shingles do I need for a 12x12 shed?
How many bundles of shingles do I need for a 12x12 shed?

Asphalt shingles and most other roof shingles are typically available in bundles. For each roofing square or 100 sq ft, you will need three bundles...

Read More »
Can I have a portaloo in my garden?
Can I have a portaloo in my garden?

You do not need a licence to place a portable toilet on private land. However, you must take due care if using the highway to load or unload.

Read More »

Saves you TIME! No shopping, extended planning, building, permit hunting, busy weekends, etc. No carpentry skills required and no anxiety from having to decide if you have the necessary skills. The shed’s design and build are professionally done resulting in a long-lasting shed. 👎 Cons of a Prebuilt 12×12 Shed The most expensive option of the 3.

Requires time for thoughtful research for the right pre-built shed company.

The final option for acquiring your 12×12 shed is going the pre-built route. The pre-built shed experience is like ordering a gourmet meal from your favorite ritzy restaurant. You choose your favorite appetizer, entrée, and drinks, and it arrives at your front door without any hassle, time expenditure, or stress on your part.

What are the 12×12 Shed Price Comparisons – DIY, Kit, and Prebuilt?

Below is the general idea for the price ranges for each prospective route to your 12×12 shed.

DIY – $2,448 – $3,456

Kit – $2,704 – $5,000

Prebuilt – $2,792 – $7,000

Now that you have the full list of pros and cons, plus the general price range of DIY, kit, and prebuilt 12×12 sheds, you are fully equipped to make your final decision! If you know you just do not have the time, expertise, or patience to go the DIY or kit route, prebuilt is the right option for you!

Available Options & Features for a Gemco 12×12 Shed!

Gemco offers you options when it comes to creating your dream 12×12 shed! Check out the following features available to include in your final shed product!

Sizes From: 8x8

Up to: 12x24 Roofing Architectural Shingles

Metal Roof Interior Options Shelves Vent Optional Siding Standard Galvanized Steel

Pressure Treated Wood

Prostruct Siding

Painted Wood Doors Standard Metal

Fiberglass Doors

Without Windows

With Windows Windows Standard Window

With Grids Flooring 2x4 16" OC Floor Joists

Prostruct Flooring

OSB Flooring

Bonus: Interior & Exterior Options!

Partner with Gemco for Your 12×12 Backyard Shed!

Whether you are looking for that backyard haven, aka, she shed or mancave, or if its simply a need for storage, Gemco got your back and your ideal steel storage sheds! If you think that you need a larger size building, visit our 10×20 Sheds for Sale in Louisiana post to learn more about the larger building sizes.

Is it worth opening a recording studio?
Is it worth opening a recording studio?

Generally speaking, no, a recording studio is not a good investment. With the ease of access of home recording equipment, many studios are...

Read More »
How deep should concrete be for a shed base?
How deep should concrete be for a shed base?

75mm Concrete Shed Base Depth For ordinary garden sheds, a thickness of 3" (75mm) is sufficient in most situations. On soft clay, or on larger...

Read More »
Do you need permission to replace a front door?
Do you need permission to replace a front door?

The Quick Answer: Planning permission is NOT needed for houses to replace the windows and doors on condition that the new items are 'like for like...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
How deep do you have to dig footings for a porch?
How deep do you have to dig footings for a porch?

Normally, trench foundations will be between 600mm wide and 450mm deep, though this depth can increase to as much as 1000mm. This will often depend...

Read More »