Estimate resin / metal / wood kit, pre-built, or custom-built sheds. Pick size, foundation, electrical, and add-ons. 2026 data; not a contractor bid.
| Item | Quantity | Estimated range |
|---|
Got a contractor quote? Compare it to the planning range.
What this is: a planning-range shed calculator informed by Suncast / Lifetime / Tuff Shed / Heartland MSRP, HomeGuide, HomeAdvisor, Homewyse, and licensed cost-estimating references.
Labor is modeled from per-unit installed rates with a crew-rate sanity check ($55-$110/crew-hr loaded billing rate), informed by BLS OEWS 47-2031 (Carpenters).
Last updated: May 2026. Full methodology →
| Type | Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Resin / plastic kit (8x10) | $700-$2,200 | 1 weekend DIY |
| Metal kit (8x10) | $900-$2,500 | 1 weekend DIY |
| Wood kit (10x12) installed | $2,500-$8,000 | 2-3 days |
| Pre-built vinyl (10x12) | $3,500-$10,000 | 1 day delivery |
| Custom stick-built (12x16) | $8,000-$20,000 | 1-2 weeks |
| Concrete pad add-on | $600-$2,500 | 1-2 days |
| Electrical add-on | $700-$2,500 | 1 day |
The build method is the biggest cost lever, far more than size:
A shed set on bare dirt traps moisture, rots its floor, and racks out of square within a few seasons — the foundation is cheap insurance. A gravel pad ($1.76–$3 per sq ft) over landscape fabric is the practical minimum and handles drainage. A concrete slab ($7–$12 per sq ft) is worth it for a heavy workshop, riding mower, or anything you'll roll in and out. Block piers ($352–$600) suit sloped or soft ground. Whatever the shed costs, budgeting the right base under it is what makes it last.
Many jurisdictions exempt small sheds (commonly under ~100–200 sq ft or a height limit) from a permit, but almost all enforce setbacks from property lines — check before you place it, because moving a built shed is its own cost. Running power ($700–$2,500 for an outlet + light circuit) turns a shed into a workshop but needs a permit and usually a licensed electrician. Common extras: a ramp ($294–$500) for mowers, windows ($235–$400 each) for light, and interior shelving ($294–$500).
Resin/plastic kit: $700-$2,200 installed. Metal kit: $900-$2,500. Wood kit: $2,500-$8,000 with foundation. Pre-built vinyl shed delivered: $3,500-$10,000. Custom 12x16 stick-built: $8,000-$20,000. Add electrical $700-$2,500 and concrete pad $5-$12/SF if needed.
Many jurisdictions exempt sheds under 120-200 sq ft without electrical. Permit is typically required if any of: floor area over the exempt threshold (often 120, 144, or 200 sf), any electrical hookup, attached to the house, plumbing, or sited within setback. Always check your local building department.
Resin/metal kits: gravel pad ($1.50-$3/SF) is fine. Wood kits + pre-built: gravel or concrete-block piers ($200-$600). Custom or large sheds (over 120 sf): concrete slab ($5-$12/SF). Skipping the pad is the #1 reason sheds fail — water wicks up and rots the floor.
Wood = best looks + customization (paint/stain). Vinyl = lowest maintenance. Metal = cheapest + most secure but rusty in humid/coastal. Resin = lightest + cheapest but shorter life (10-15 yr).
Resin / metal / wood kits — yes, weekend project. Pre-built — comes assembled. Custom stick-built — pro carpentry work unless you're experienced.
A resin or metal DIY kit runs $700-$2,500, a wood kit installed $2,500-$8,000, a pre-built delivered shed $3,500-$10,000, and a custom stick-built shed $8,000-$20,000. Add a foundation pad and any electrical separately.
Often not for small sheds under a local size or height threshold (commonly ~100-200 sq ft), but nearly all areas enforce property-line setbacks, and any electrical needs a permit. Confirm both with your building department before placing it.
Yes - a shed on bare dirt rots and shifts. A gravel pad ($1.76-$3 per sq ft) is the minimum; a concrete slab ($7-$12 per sq ft) is worth it for heavy equipment or a workshop you roll things into.
