Shed Calculator

Calculate the complete cost to build a shed — purchase, foundation, electrical, and permits. Compare wood, vinyl, metal, and resin across any size, and see whether DIY, a kit, or custom build is right for you.

Estimated Total Cost
$4,100
120 sq ft · Wood · Prefab (delivered)
Base Shed Cost
$3,300
Cost Per Sq Ft
$34/sqft
Foundation
$350
Extras (electrical, insulation)
$450
Permit Required
Likely not required
Base Shed: $3,300
Foundation: $350
Windows & Door: $450

Cost comparison for your 120 sq ft shed built with each material using Prefab (delivered) method.

MaterialCost Range/sqftTotal (your size)Best For
Wood$15–$40/sqft$3,300Fully customizable
Vinyl$20–$45/sqft$3,900Low maintenance
Metal$10–$25/sqft$2,100Most affordable
Resin$15–$30/sqft$2,700Easy assembly (no tools)
Wood
+ Fully customizable, can be painted/stained, blends with home
- Requires periodic maintenance (painting/staining every 3–5 yrs)
Vinyl
+ Low maintenance, won't rot or rust, holds color well
- Less customizable, can crack in extreme cold, higher cost
Metal
+ Most affordable, fire-resistant, durable, pest-resistant
- Can rust in wet climates, condensation issues, industrial look
Resin
+ Easy assembly (no tools), weather-resistant, lightweight
- Limited size options, less durable than acrylic or wood, fades over time
Permit Required
Likely No
Your 120 sqft shed may be under permit threshold
Estimated Permit Cost
N/A
Varies by jurisdiction — $100 to $1,000+
Permit Thresholds
Most jurisdictions require permits for structures over 120–200 sq ft. Some require permits for any permanent structure. Check your city/county building department — rules vary widely even within the same state.
Setback Requirements
Most residential zones require 3–10 foot setbacks from property lines and 5–15 feet from the primary structure. HOAs often have stricter rules, color requirements, and may require architectural approval.
HOA Considerations
Check HOA CC&Rs before purchasing. Many HOAs restrict shed materials (wood or vinyl only, no metal), color (must match home), size (often max 100–150 sqft), and placement (must not be visible from street).

How Much Does a Shed Cost? A Complete Guide

Shed costs depend on four main factors: size, material, build method, and foundation. Understanding each one helps you budget accurately and avoid the surprise costs that catch most buyers off guard.

The Most Common Shed Sizes

8×10 (80 sqft) — $1,500 to $4,000: Just enough for lawn and garden tools, a wheelbarrow, and seasonal equipment. Most common for urban and suburban lots with limited space.

10×12 (120 sqft) — $3,000 to $8,000: The sweet spot for most homeowners. Fits a full workshop setup or comprehensive lawn equipment. At exactly 120 sqft, this may be at or below the permit threshold in many jurisdictions.

12×16 (192 sqft) — $5,000 to $15,000: Garage-overflow capacity. Room for a workbench, full tool storage, and a riding mower. Almost certainly requires a permit.

12×20 (240 sqft) — $8,000 to $25,000: She-shed, man-cave, home office, or art studio territory. With proper insulation and electrical, this becomes a genuine year-round room.

Shed Cost Formula

Base Shed Cost = Square Footage × Cost Per Square Foot × Build Method Multiplier

Foundation = Gravel $200–$500 | Concrete $3–$6/sqft | Piers $50–$100 each

Extras = Electrical $1,000–$2,500 + Insulation $1–$2/sqft + Windows $200–$400 each

Permit = $100–$1,000 (required for most sheds over 120 sqft)

Total Project Cost = Base + Foundation + Extras + Permit

Example: 12×16 Wood Workshop Shed

12×16 (192 sqft) | Wood | Prefab Delivered | Gravel Pad | Basic Electrical

Base Shed Cost (wood, $25/sqft avg)$4,800
Gravel Pad Foundation$400
Basic Electrical (subpanel + outlets + lights)$1,500
2 Windows$500
Double Door$600
Building Permit$300
Total Project Cost$8,100
Cost Per Square Foot (all-in)$42/sqft

The same shed built custom by a contractor would run $12,000–$15,000. Full DIY from plans would drop total cost to $5,000–$6,500 — a $2,000–$3,000 savings if you have the skills and tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shed costs by size: 8×10 $1,500–$4,000, 10×12 $3,000–$8,000, 12×16 $5,000–$15,000, 12×20 $8,000–$25,000. Material affects cost per sqft: metal $10–$25, resin $15–$30, wood $15–$40, vinyl $20–$45. Add foundation, electrical, and permit costs for your true all-in budget.
Most jurisdictions require permits for sheds over 120–200 sqft. Permit costs run $100–$1,000. Always check with your city/county building department first. HOAs may have additional restrictions even for small permit-exempt sheds — check CC&Rs before purchasing.
Wood: most customizable, requires maintenance every 3–5 years. Vinyl: low maintenance, won't rot, costs more. Metal: cheapest, fire/pest-resistant, can rust. Resin: easy assembly, no tools, limited sizes. For most homeowners, wood is the best balance of cost, appearance, and flexibility.
Full DIY from plans saves ~50% on labor. A pre-cut kit saves ~25%. DIY requires intermediate carpentry skills (framing, roofing, siding). If you've built a deck, a kit shed is achievable over 1–2 weekends. No carpentry experience? Prefab delivery is worth the extra cost.
Basic storage sheds add minimal value — typically their depreciated replacement cost. Finished, insulated workshops or home offices add meaningful value in WFH markets. A permitted, finished structure that could serve as an ADU adds the most value, but requires proper permits, electrical, insulation, and often plumbing.

Related Calculators

AADU Calculator GGarage Conversion CConcrete Calculator HHome Improvement EHome Equity Calculator LHELOC Calculator