How Much Does It Cost to Build a Shed? [2025 Data]

Normal Range: $1,000 - $15,000

The cost to have a professional assemble your shed averages around $3,500, but prices can range from $375 up to $100,000 depending on the complexity and your location.

How we get this data
An old typical shed
Photo: Monique Shaw / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
An old typical shed
Photo: Monique Shaw / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Cost Insights
  • The cost to build a shed depends on size, type, material, prep work, labor rates, and other factors. 

  • Prefab sheds cost $10 to $40 per square foot, while custom sheds cost $30 to $150 per square foot.

  • Plastic and prefab metal sheds are the most affordable, starting around $500 to $750, with concrete and brick costing much more.

  • You'll pay the least for a storage shed ($800 to $2,300) and the most for a large commercial shed ($25,000 to $80,000).

Average Cost to Build a Shed

The cost to build a shed can range from as little as $375 for a DIY kit to more than $100,000 for a large commercial shed. The average price is $3,500, but it varies depending on the size, type, materials, and more. Overall, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $15,000.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Cost to Build Prefab Sheds vs. Custom Sheds

Prefabricated sheds cost less than custom-built options:

  • Prefab shed cost: $350–$4,000+ (between $10 and $40 per square)

  • Custom shed cost: $800–$15,000+ (between $30 and $150 per square foot)

Both prefab and custom sheds have pros and cons, and there are clear cost differences as well, which we outlined below:

Prefab ShedsCustom Sheds
Cost-effective More expensive
Life span of up to 10 yearsLife span of up to 30 years
Limited customizable optionsHighly customizable
Built on-site Built off-site and moved onto property
Installed in 4 to 8 hoursTakes 2 to 5 days to build

Cost to Build a Shed by Size

Whether you’re building or buying a shed, it goes without saying that the larger the shed, the more material and time it’ll require, leading to higher costs. Here’s how different shed sizes will impact the price:

Shed Size, in FeetAverage Cost of Prefab ShedsAverage Cost of Custom Sheds
4x6$240–$960$720–$3,800
6x6$360–$1,400$1,100–$5,800
8x8$640–$2,600$1,900–$10,200
8x10$800–$3,200$2,400–$12,800
10x10$1,000–$4,000$3,000–$16,000
12x12$1,400–$5,800$4,300–$23,000
12x16$1,900–$7,700$5,800–$30,700
12x20$2,400–$9,600$7,200–$38,400
16x16$2,600–$10,200$7,700–$41,000
16x20$3,200–$12,800$9,600–$51,200
20x20$4,000–$16,000$12,000–$64,000
20x24$4,800–$19,200$14,400–$76,800

Cost to Build a Shed by Type

Shed prices vary based on type, ranging from $800 to $2,300 for a smaller storage shed to $25,000 to $80,000 for a large commercial shed. There are also plenty of options in the middle. Here’s how much a shed costs based on the type: 

Type of ShedAverage Cost Range
Modern shed$5,000–$16,000
Farm implement shed$3,000–$40,000
Storage shed$800–$2,300
Garage shed$7,000–$10,400
Garden shed and greenhouse combination$600–$10,000
American barn style$3,000–$7,000
Hoop shed$2,000
Pole shed$4,000–$11,000
Commercial shed$25,000–$80,000
Custom$800–$5,000

Cost to Build a Shed by Material

Prefab and plastic metal sheds are the most affordable (starting around $500 to $750), while you’ll pay the most for concrete and brick (possibly up to $30,000). Below, find a breakdown of shed costs based on material:  

Shed MaterialAverage Cost Range
Wood$1,000–$4,300
Prefab Metal$500–$7,000
Concrete$10,000–$28,000
Brick$15,000–$30,000
Plastic$750–$4,000

Additional Cost Factors for Building a Shed

You’ll also need to consider other cost factors when building a shed, including prep work, roofing, electrical, plumbing, insulation, permits, and more. Here’s what to expect.

DIY Shed Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

Building a shed yourself can save on labor costs, which often range from $200 to $6,000. Even so, many homeowners prefer to hire a local shed construction pro, either for certain tasks or the entire project. 

You should hire a pro if your job involves the following:

  • Pouring a concrete slab

  • Installing plumbing or electrical wiring

  • Adding insulation

  • Building a large or custom shed from scratch

  • Handling permits or inspections

You can attempt building a shed yourself in these cases:

  • You have basic carpentry skills

  • The shed is simple or small

  • You have (or can get) the necessary tools

How to Save Money on the Cost to Build a Shed

When building a shed, you can save money by following these tips.

  • Consider a single-sloped roof, which needs less roofing material, saving between $0.50 and $15 per square foot

  • Keep your shed on the smaller size, versus going all-out. You’ll save $10 to $150 per square foot.

  • If you’re opting for a prefab shed, consider building it yourself, meaning you won’t need to spend $200 to $6,000 on labor. 

  • Use a simple gravel base or skid foundation instead of a costly concrete slab. For a 10-by-16-foot shed, a poured concrete foundation will cost about $1,000, while a gravel pad will cost $200 to $300.

  • Install smaller or fewer windows, saving $300 to $1,000 per window.

  • Avoid complex shapes and angles that require more time, cutting, and material waste.

Next Steps
  • If you’re hiring a contractor or shed installation pro, you’ll spend $200 to $6,000 on labor. 

  • A pro is recommended for certain tasks, such as building custom sheds from scratch, pouring a concrete slab, installing plumbing, and working with electrical wiring.

  • You can save by choosing a smaller shed and budget-friendly materials, as well as limiting features such as windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

The time it takes to build a shed heavily depends on the type of shed you buy. A prefab shed can be built in 4 to 8 hours, while a custom shed will be built off-site over the span of 2 to 5 days. It then takes a few hours, depending on the location, to move the finished shed to its final location.

The pro you need to hire to build your shed depends on the shed you purchase. A local handyman or general contractor can help build a prefab shed for you. However, if you’re looking for a custom shed, contacting a shed builder near you is the best option. Make sure you get quotes from 3 pros to decide on the best pro for your job. 

Whether you buy a prefabricated shed or build one depends on why you need it and where you stay. For instance, if a simple garden shed is what you’re after, it’ll be less expensive to buy one already built. But if you want a shed with windows, plumbing, and electric work, a custom-built unit might be more suited to your needs.

While sheds are most certainly helpful for most homeowners, unfortunately, sheds do not add value to a home or property in the traditional sense. However, if the home has limited storage or garage space, having a shed to store things like decorations or lawn equipment can certainly be a positive if you want to sell.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.

The homeowners guide to garage services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

Tell us about the job—we’ll find top pros.