DIY Builds
Photo by Ksenia Chernaya Pexels Logo Photo: Ksenia Chernaya

How much does a shed kit cost?

Prefabricated Kit Prices Most 10-by-12-foot prefab sheds cost between $1,500 and $4,000. If you hire a pro to assemble it for you, you'll likely pay an additional $10 to $20 per square foot.

How thick should a crushed concrete driveway be?
How thick should a crushed concrete driveway be?

Different applications will require a different amount of material. For example, driveways require at least three layers of material three to four...

Read More »
How do I protect my metal shed?
How do I protect my metal shed?

Here are some tips on protecting your metal shed or carport from rust below. Paint Isn't Enough. Paint can prevent moisture from reaching the...

Read More »

Prefabricated Kit Prices

Most 10-by-12-foot prefab sheds cost between $1,500 and $4,000. If you hire a pro to assemble it for you, you'll likely pay an additional $10 to $20 per square foot. Prefabricated sheds are built in a factory before someone purchases them. You can often find them on display at hardware stores.

Original Construction Prices

These sheds usually cost $40 to $75 per square foot, so a 10-by-12-foot shed costs between $4,800 and $9,000. Original construction sheds are designed, built, and constructed after someone purchases them. Due to the extra work involved compared to prefab sheds, original construction sheds are typically more expensive. However, original construction sheds cost significantly less than the cost to build a garage for both car and additional materials storage. Whether you choose a prefab or custom construction, be sure to consider water runoff. "When planning your shed location, don't forget to evaluate water drainage,” says Andy Kilborn, owner of Andy's Handyman Service in Des Moines, IA. “Ensure your shed roof won't be creating a water issue near your home."

Shed Cost Factors

Several factors determine how much you’ll pay for your shed.

Size

Size is among the biggest factors affecting shed cost. Square footage often determines your shed’s cost; the larger your shed, the more you can expect to pay.

Materials

The material your shed comprises is another significant cost factor. For instance, plastic sheds usually cost much less than wood and steel-framed sheds. A small plastic shed usually costs between $300 and $1,500, while a small wood shed ranges from $600 to $3,000 or more.

Purpose

The purpose of your shed often influences the cost. If you plan to only use the shed for storage, you likely don't need added features, like windows and electricity. However, if you plan to use the shed as an additional workspace, home office, or playroom, you might want to add electrical systems, insulation, windows, and more. These additional features significantly drive up costs. If you plan on a multipurpose space, plan to spend more. If you need space for your plants, for example, you should factor in the construction specifics and the cost to build a greenhouse . Or, if you’d like space for the kids, make sure you budget for the cost to build a playhouse .

Location Preparation

If the ground where you plan to add a shed isn't flat, you'll want to prepare the site to ensure a safe shed installation. Most pros charge between $1 and $10 per square foot to grade land, depending on the project’s complexity.

Labor

If you hire someone to build or assemble your shed, you can expect to pay between $50 and $100 per hour in labor costs. A simple assembly of a prefabricated shed might only take a few hours, while original construction can take several days or more.

Can I use potting shed as greenhouse?
Can I use potting shed as greenhouse?

As a kind of shed-greenhouse combo, a potting shed provides the perfect sanctuary for both plants and their green-fingered owners. Jul 19, 2021

Read More »
Is cinder block better than poured concrete?
Is cinder block better than poured concrete?

Poured concrete wall foundations are arguably stronger than cinder blocks. Poured walls have a better lateral strength, which means they can resist...

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

How many inches of gravel do you need for a concrete slab?

Excavate the soil to a depth of 8 inches, allowing 4 inches for the gravel base and 4 inches for the concrete slab.

Whether you pour concrete for a walkway or patio, a strong gravel base is required to prevent the concrete from cracking and shifting. Gravel is especially important in clay soil because it doesn't drain well, which results in water pooling under the concrete slab and slowly eroding the soil as it finally drains. Gravel allows water to drain into the ground below. When packed tightly, however, the gravel doesn't shift beneath the concrete. A hand tamper is sufficient for packing gravel, but a plate compactor makes the job much easier, especially when preparing a large area such as a patio.

What is Soffiting?
What is Soffiting?

The underside of this overhang, when given a finished appearance, is known as the soffit, which means “something fixed underneath”. The soffit is...

Read More »
Does pine make good firewood?
Does pine make good firewood?

Pine is an excellent choice for firewood, particularly if you plan to use it as kindling outdoors. It is a wonderful fire starter, particularly...

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 »
Why are garage doors so expensive?
Why are garage doors so expensive?

Prices on Raw Materials Continue to Climb As the domino effect of world events continues to take its toll, the prices of raw materials needed for...

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 long does it take to put a TUFF SHED together?
How long does it take to put a TUFF SHED together?

The result of this process is a building true to specifications, typically assembled in a single day, and situated precisely how and where the...

Read More »