How Much Does It Cost to Build a Shed? (Kits vs Custom, With Real Numbers)
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Quick answer: a mid-size 10x12 wood kit runs roughly $3,400-$6,600 DIY, or $4,600-$9,000 professionally assembled. Custom stick-built sheds jump to $65-$155 per square foot with labor. Price your exact build with the shed cost calculator.
TODO before publishing: verify per-sqft ranges against current retailer pricing (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Tuff Shed) and 2-3 local builder quotes; add photos of a real build if you have one; set the updated date and replace this note with your methodology.
Cost per square foot by type
| Type | $/sq ft (DIY) | $/sq ft (installed) | 10x12 total (installed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal kit | $14 - $28 | $19 - $38 | $2,300 - $4,500 |
| Wood kit | $28 - $55 | $38 - $74 | $4,600 - $8,900 |
| Vinyl/resin kit | $35 - $65 | $47 - $88 | $5,700 - $10,500 |
| Custom stick-built | - | $65 - $155 | $7,800 - $18,600 |
The two costs everyone forgets
Foundation. A gravel pad adds $4-$9 per sq ft; a concrete slab $7-$14. Most sheds over 8x10 need one - skipping it is how doors stop closing in year two. Gravel vs concrete decision guide: (TODO: publish - brief #4).
Permits. Most jurisdictions require a permit above ~120-200 sq ft, and some HOAs restrict placement regardless of size. Check before you pour anything - our permit requirements by state table (TODO: publish - brief #5, the flagship linkbait page) links every state’s rules.
Kit vs custom: the honest breakeven
Kits win under ~150 sq ft unless you need non-standard dimensions, matching-house siding, or electrical. Custom wins when the shed is really a backyard office - insulation, windows, power - where kits fight you at every step. Office conversions: (TODO: publish backyard office cost page - brief #6).
FAQ
Cheapest path to a solid shed? Metal kit on a gravel pad, DIY assembly with one helper and a weekend.
Does a shed add property value? Modestly, and only if it looks intentional - buyers discount leaning metal boxes to zero.
Methodology
Ranges compiled from public retailer list pricing and builder quotes. TODO: replace with your real methodology - retailers checked, quote dates, ZIP codes. Last updated: TODO-DATE.