How much does a shed cost?

Pre-built and delivered: small (6x8-8x10): $1,000-$3,500. Medium (8x12-10x12): $2,500-$6,000. Large (10x16-12x20): $5,000-$15,000. Kit (DIY assembly): 30-50% less than pre-built. Custom built: 20-50% more than pre-built. Foundation adds $200-$3,000. Electricity adds $500-$2,000. National average: about $3,000-$5,000 for a mid-size (8x12 to 10x12) wood shed delivered and placed with a gravel foundation.

Do I need a permit for a shed?

It depends on your location. General guidelines: under 100 sq ft: often no permit needed (but check). 100-200 sq ft: permit usually required. Over 200 sq ft: permit almost always required. Factors: size (sq ft and height). Setback requirements (distance from property lines, often 3-10 ft). Lot coverage limits. HOA restrictions (may be stricter than local codes). Electrical (if wiring the shed, a separate electrical permit is needed). Always check: local building department AND your HOA (if applicable) before buying or building. Penalties for unpermitted structures: fines, required removal, issues when selling your home.

What is the best foundation for a shed?

Best for most sheds: gravel pad. Affordable ($200-$600). Good drainage. Levels easily. Works for all shed types. Allows airflow under shed (prevents moisture). Best for permanent/heavy sheds: concrete slab. Most durable. Required for large workshops. Cost: $1,000-$3,000. Best for small sheds or budget: concrete blocks. Place blocks at corners and every 4-6 ft. Cheapest option ($100-$300). Works for small to medium sheds. Avoid: placing a shed directly on grass or dirt (moisture, rot, settling, insects). Always elevate the shed above ground level for drainage and ventilation.

Wood vs metal vs vinyl shed: which is best?

Best overall: wood. Most attractive and customizable. Can be painted, stained, modified. Matches home architecture. Best resale value. Requires maintenance (paint/stain every 3-5 years). 20-30+ year lifespan. Best budget: metal. Cheapest option. No maintenance except occasional rust touch-up. Not as attractive. Can be hot in summer, cold in winter. 15-20 year lifespan. Best low-maintenance: vinyl/resin. No painting, staining, or rust. Modern, clean appearance. Cannot be modified or customized easily. 20+ year lifespan. The recommendation: wood for appearance and customization. Metal for pure budget storage. Vinyl for no-maintenance convenience.

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Outdoor Living

Shed Guide: Types, Cost & How to Choose

Lumberama Editorial Team, Shed & Outdoor Structure Specialists Nov 3, 2026 10 min read

Types of Sheds

By material: Wood: the most popular and attractive. Can be customized, painted, stained. Matches home architecture. Requires maintenance (paint/stain every 3-5 years). Cost: $1,500-$10,000+ (depending on size and quality). Metal (steel/aluminum): most affordable. Low maintenance (no painting). Not as attractive. Can rust (steel) or dent. Hot in summer. Cost: $500-$3,000. Vinyl/resin: maintenance-free. No painting, no rotting, no rust. Modern appearance. Limited customization. Cost: $800-$5,000.

By purpose: Storage shed: basic storage for tools, lawn equipment, seasonal items. Workshop/garage: insulated, wired for electricity, workbench space. She shed/man cave: finished interior, HVAC, windows, personal retreat. Garden shed: potting bench, shelving, windows for light. Pool house: changing area, storage for pool equipment and supplies. ADU (accessory dwelling unit): fully finished living space (requires permits and inspections).

Sizes

Common sizes: 6x8 ft (48 sq ft): small storage. Lawn mower, a few tools. $500-$2,000. 8x10 ft (80 sq ft): medium storage. Popular starter size. Room for equipment and shelving. $1,000-$3,500. 8x12 ft (96 sq ft): the most popular size. Good balance of space and footprint. $1,500-$5,000. 10x12 ft (120 sq ft): large storage or small workshop. $2,000-$6,000. 10x16 ft (160 sq ft): workshop size. Workbench plus storage. $3,000-$8,000. 12x16 ft (192 sq ft): large workshop. $4,000-$10,000. 12x20 ft (240 sq ft): garage or large workshop. $5,000-$15,000. 12x24 ft (288 sq ft) or larger: multi-purpose. Can include workshop, storage, and overhead loft. $6,000-$20,000+.

Sizing tips: Always go one size larger than you think you need. Allow for a workbench (2 ft deep x width of shed). Leave aisle space (3 ft minimum for walking). Consider future needs.

Cost

Pre-built (delivered and placed): Small (6x8 to 8x10): $1,000-$3,500. Medium (8x12 to 10x12): $2,500-$6,000. Large (10x16 to 12x20): $5,000-$15,000.

Kit (assemble yourself): Small: $500-$2,000. Medium: $1,500-$4,000. Large: $3,000-$8,000.

Custom built on-site: Small: $2,000-$5,000. Medium: $4,000-$8,000. Large: $8,000-$20,000+.

Foundation: Gravel pad: $200-$600. Concrete slab: $1,000-$3,000. Concrete blocks/piers: $200-$500.

Extras: Electricity: $500-$2,000. Insulation: $500-$1,500. Windows (each): $100-$500. Shelving: $100-$500. Ramp: $100-$500. Paint/stain: $200-$500.