Is it cheaper to build a wood shed or buy one?
Amelia Brooks
Updated on March 04, 2026
Is it cheaper to build a wood shed or buy one?
For those of you out there hoping to add more space and storage to your home, you may be wondering, is it cheaper to build or buy a shed? Ultimately, it is cheaper and easier to buy an already constructed shed built by a professional.
How much would it cost to build a 12×12 wood shed?
Cost Estimator by Size
| SHED SIZE | TYPICAL COST RANGE |
|---|---|
| 8×10 (80 sq. ft) | $1,600 to $14,000 |
| 10×10 (100 sq. ft) | $2,000 to $17,500 |
| 10×12 (120 sq. ft) | $2,400 to $21,000 |
| 12×12 (144 sq. ft) | $2,880 to $25,200 |
How much does it cost to build a 12×16 shed?
A good quality kit should cost you around $2,000. This will come with all of the framing materials, including hardware, T-11 siding, doors, hinges, and roofing shingles.
How many 2×4 do you need to build a 12×12 shed?
Building a 12×12 storage shed
- A – 3 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 144″ long SKIDS.
- B – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 144″ long, 10 pieces – 141″long FLOOR FRAME.
- C – 3 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 3 pieces – 48″x48″ long FLOOR.
- D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 144″ long, 1 piece – 137″ long, 9 pieces – 81″ long 2xSIDE WALL.
How much lumber do I need for a 10×12 shed?
10×12 Shed Plans Free
- A – 3 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 144″ long SKIDS.
- B – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 144″ long, 10 pieces – 117″long FLOOR FRAME.
- C – 3 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 3 pieces – 24″x48″ long FLOOR.
- D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 113″ long, 1 piece – 120″ long, 6 pieces – 85″ long 2xSIDE WALL.
How many 2×4 do I need for a 12×16 shed?
Materials
- A – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 192” long SKIDS.
- B – 2 pieces of 2×6” lumber – 192” long, 13 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 141” long JOISTS.
- C – 6 sheets of 3/4” tongue and groove plywood, 48 x 96” FLOORING.
- D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 192” long, 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 137” long BOTTTOM PLATES.
How to build your own shed from scratch?
1) Getting Started. You have to put into consideration a number of factors before you can start the actual construction. 2) Get The Right Tools. For a successful construction of a shed, you will need a variety of tools necessary for the job. 3) Timber. Since you are trying to construct a simple shed, consider using timber as your building material. 4) Install The Base And Raise The First Wall. If you are using a concrete base, then anchor bolts are already in place. 5) Make Plans For The Door. It is recommended that you get an already manufactured door from your local hardware; just keep in mind your specific measurements to ensure you 6) Secure The Walls. With the walls complete, it is time to secure them. 7) Frame The Roof. There are several kinds of roofs, but the ideal one for your shed is a gable roof. 8) Secure The Roof. On one edge of the ridge board, secure the first two rafters with either a nail or screw. Repeat the process with the other edge.
How much does it cost to build a shed?
In general, it will likely cost a couple thousand dollars to build a shed. However, if you would like an especially small shed made with minimal material, there is a chance you can build it on your own for under $1,000 or possibly even under $800. On the upper end of the spectrum is a large and lavish shed likely to cost upwards of $5,000 or more.
How to build a wood shed?
– Assemble one gable end of the shed using 2x4s cut to length per the shed plan drawings. – Once the wall frame is nailed together, square it by pulling diagonals from opposite corners as you did with the floor framing. – With the wall square, add sheathing and then the siding. Hold the sheathing down below the bottom plate so that it registers onto the floor band joist of the floor – Install any windows to the wall now using 1 1/2-inch roofing nails. – Trim the window as desired. – Lift the wall up so that it’s plumb. Align the outside so that the sheathing runs flush with the floor framing and nail through the bottom plate into the floor – Repeat this process for the two bearing walls, and then the remaining gable wall. – Once all of the walls are tipped in place and plumb, nail them to one another at the corners.
How to build shed?
1) Preparation. The cost to build a small, basic shed is relatively inexpensive. The price increases steadily depending upon the size, materials and finishes you choose to use. 2) Build a Foundation. There are several options for building a foundation for your shed. 3) Complete the Floor Frame with Joists and Sheathing. Add floor joists every 16-inches on-center.
