🏗️ DIY Shed Cost Calculator
Estimate costs for building your DIY shed
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Shed Dimensions
Input the length, width, and height of your shed in feet. Standard shed sizes are 8×8, 10×12, 12×16 feet. Height is typically 8 feet.
Select Foundation Type
Choose your foundation type (concrete slab, gravel base, pavers, or wood platform). Concrete slab is most expensive but most durable. Gravel base is cheapest.
Select Roof and Siding
Choose roof type (gable, shed, or flat) and siding type (wood, vinyl, metal, or OSB). Gable roof is most common. Wood siding is traditional, vinyl is low-maintenance.
Calculate and Review
Click "Calculate Shed Cost" to see material costs, labor costs, and total cost. Costs are estimates - actual costs vary by location and materials chosen.
Formula
Floor Area (sq ft) = Length × Width
Wall Area (sq ft) = 2 × (Length + Width) × Height
Roof Area (sq ft) = Floor Area × 1.15 (add 15% for pitch and overhang)
Foundation Cost = Floor Area × Cost per Sq Ft
Siding Cost = Wall Area × Cost per Sq Ft
Total Cost = Materials + Labor (50% of materials if hiring contractor)
Example 1: Standard Shed (12 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft, concrete slab, gable roof, wood siding)
Step 1: Calculate floor area: 12 × 8 = 96 sq ft
Step 2: Calculate wall area: 2 × (12 + 8) × 8 = 320 sq ft
Step 3: Calculate roof area: 96 × 1.15 = 110.4 sq ft
Step 4: Foundation cost: 96 × $6 = $576
Step 5: Siding cost: 320 × $3 = $960
Step 6: Roof cost: 110.4 × $4 = $442
Step 7: Framing cost: (96 + 160) × $2 = $512
Step 8: Total materials: ~$2,690 (with windows, door, hardware)
Step 9: With labor: $2,690 × 1.5 = $4,035
Example 2: Budget Shed (10 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft, gravel base, shed roof, OSB siding)
Step 1: Floor area: 80 sq ft, Wall area: 288 sq ft
Step 2: Foundation cost: 80 × $2 = $160 (gravel)
Step 3: Siding cost: 288 × $1.5 = $432 (OSB)
Step 4: Total materials: ~$1,500 (budget option)
About DIY Shed Cost Calculator
The DIY Shed Cost Calculator is an essential tool for homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and contractors who need to accurately estimate the costs of building a shed. This calculator eliminates guesswork by providing cost estimates based on shed dimensions, foundation type, roof type, siding type, and features, helping you budget accurately and plan your shed project.
When to Use This Calculator
- Shed Planning: Estimate costs for planning a new shed construction project
- Budget Planning: Calculate shed costs for budget planning and cost estimation
- Material Comparison: Compare costs between different foundation, roof, and siding options
- Contractor Estimates: Get preliminary cost estimates before hiring contractors
- DIY Planning: Plan materials and costs for DIY shed projects
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Comprehensive Cost Breakdown: Shows costs for foundation, siding, roof, framing, and features
- ✅ Multiple Options: Supports different foundation types, roof types, and siding materials
- ✅ Material vs. Labor: Separates material costs (DIY) from total costs (with contractor)
- ✅ Cost Planning: Helps budget accurately by determining estimated costs
- ✅ Comparison Tool: Compare costs between different shed configurations
- ✅ Time Savings: Instant calculations eliminate manual math and research
Common Applications
Shed Planning: Homeowners planning shed construction use this calculator to estimate costs for different shed sizes and configurations. Standard shed sizes are 8×8, 10×12, and 12×16 feet, which this calculator helps estimate costs for.
Budget Planning: DIY enthusiasts use this tool to budget materials and costs for shed projects. The calculator shows material costs for DIY projects and total costs if hiring a contractor.
Material Comparison: Homeowners use this calculator to compare costs between different foundation types (concrete vs. gravel), roof types (gable vs. shed), and siding materials (wood vs. vinyl vs. metal).
Tips for Best Results
- Foundation Types: Concrete slab is most expensive ($6/sq ft) but most durable; gravel is cheapest ($2/sq ft)
- Roof Types: Gable roof is most common ($4/sq ft); shed roof is simpler ($3.5/sq ft); flat roof is cheapest ($3/sq ft)
- Siding Types: Wood siding is traditional ($3/sq ft); vinyl is low-maintenance ($2.5/sq ft); OSB is budget ($1.5/sq ft)
- Cost Variations: Actual costs vary by location, materials chosen, and labor rates - use estimates as a guide
- DIY Savings: Building yourself saves 50% on labor costs - shown as "material cost" vs. "total cost"
- Permits: Add permit costs ($100-500) and any required inspections to total costs
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a 12×8 foot shed?
For a 12×8 foot shed with concrete slab foundation, gable roof, and wood siding, you can expect to pay approximately $2,500-3,000 in materials if building yourself (DIY), or $3,750-4,500 total if hiring a contractor. Costs vary by location and materials chosen. Use the calculator with your specific dimensions and choices for accurate estimates.
What is the cheapest foundation for a shed?
Gravel base is the cheapest foundation option at approximately $2 per square foot. However, concrete slab is more durable and provides better protection. Wood platform is also relatively inexpensive ($3/sq ft). Choose based on your budget and shed use.
How much can I save by building a shed myself?
Building a shed yourself can save approximately 50% on total costs by eliminating labor costs. Material costs remain the same, but you avoid contractor labor fees. For a $4,500 shed, building yourself saves about $2,250 in labor costs.
What size shed should I build?
Common shed sizes are 8×8 feet (64 sq ft), 10×12 feet (120 sq ft), and 12×16 feet (192 sq ft). Choose size based on storage needs. Small sheds (8×8) are good for tools; medium sheds (10×12) are good for general storage; large sheds (12×16) can store lawn equipment and more.
Do I need a building permit for a shed?
Many areas require building permits for sheds over a certain size (typically 100-120 sq ft). Check with your local building department. Permit costs are typically $100-500 and should be added to total project costs.
How accurate are these cost estimates?
These are estimates based on average material costs. Actual costs vary significantly by location, materials chosen, labor rates, and current market prices. Use estimates as a guide and add 10-20% buffer for unexpected costs. Get quotes from local suppliers for accurate pricing.