A shed is a must-have for anyone who likes to spend time in their garden. It’s a place to store your lawnmower, compost, pots and even your outdoor furniture during the winter months. But how much will it cost to buy and build one?

In this guide, we’ll help you estimate the cost of getting a garden shed, what types of shed are available and the laws and regulations surrounding them that you need to be aware of.

How much does it cost to build a shed?

The cost of building a shed varies depending on the size, material, and labour costs. Shed supply and installation costs can range anywhere from £500 to £1,000+:

Shed type	Average cost (excluding installation)
Wooden 6ft x 4ft	£300
Wooden 10ft x 6ft	£550
Plastic 6ft x 4ft	£330
Plastic 10ft x 6ft	£650
Metal 6ft x 4ft	£250
Metal 10ft x 6ft	£500
Concrete foundation (materials and labour)	£100 per m3
Fencer hourly/day rate	£28/£204

Factors affecting the cost of garden shed installation

Several factors can influence the cost of a garden shed. These include:

• Size: Larger sheds require more materials and time to construct, increasing the overall cost. However, the cost per foot or metre may go down as the shed size increases.
• Material: Wooden sheds are usually the cheapest but will need treatments to protect against rot. Metal and plastic sheds can be lighter and more secure, but offer limited aesthetic appeal.
• Design complexity: Sheds with features like multiple windows, double doors or insulation will cost more than simpler designs.
• Customisation: Adding shelves, hooks or other organisational features will increase the cost.
• Base preparation: A solid foundation, such as a concrete base, adds to the overall expense but ensures the shed is stable and long-lasting.
• Installation method: Professional installation costs more upfront but guarantees a high-quality finish, while DIY can save money but may take more time and effort.
• Location: Labour rates vary across the country, with urban or very rural areas having the highest fencer rates.

At HaMuch, we use our database of hourly and daily rates for fencers across the UK to estimate the cost of shed installation. Take a look at our shed installation cost table and find your nearest town or city to get a more accurate estimate for your area. 

Types of garden shed

Garden sheds are available in a variety of materials, each with its advantages and disadvantages:

Wooden sheds

Wooden sheds are the most traditional option, known for their classic look and versatility. These sheds can be easily customised with paint, shelving or other features, and they provide natural insulation, making them ideal for workshops or storing sensitive equipment. They are also ideal for turning into garden offices in the future, if you buy a large enough shed.

• Pros: Traditional aesthetic, customisable, good insulation
• Cons: Requires regular maintenance, vulnerable to rot and pests if untreated

Best suited for: Those looking for a charming, adaptable structure that blends into a natural garden setting

Metal sheds 

Metal sheds are highly durable and built to withstand the elements. They’re a great choice for storing items that need extra protection, such as tools and machinery, as they’re fire-resistant and secure. However, they may be prone to condensation in humid conditions and lack the aesthetic appeal of wooden sheds.

• Pros: Durable, low-maintenance, fire-resistant
• Cons: Prone to condensation, less visually appealing

Best suited for: Storing tools, machinery or other valuables that require robust protection

Plastic sheds 

Plastic sheds are lightweight, easy to assemble and resistant to rot and rust. They require minimal maintenance and are available in various designs. While they’re not as customisable or sturdy as wooden or metal sheds, they offer a practical, budget-friendly solution for basic storage needs.

• Pros: Lightweight, weatherproof, minimal maintenance
• Cons: Limited customisation options, can appear less sturdy, may not be as secure

Best suited for: Those seeking a low-maintenance, weatherproof shed for general garden storage

How to choose the right type of shed for your garden

There are few things to consider when you’re choosing the right type of shed for your garden:

What will you use it for?

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a shed is what you’ll use it for. If you’re going to use it for gardening tools and essentials, you can get away with buying a basic shed. However, if you intend to store more bulky, valuable equipment, you’ll need something more secure and potentially with reinforced floors.

Additionally, if you want to use your shed as a workshop or garden room, you’ll need a bigger shed and may need more windows or larger doors.

How big does it need to be?

You need to get a balance between the right size shed for everything you want to store in there and getting one that fits in your garden. You don’t want to overwhelm your garden, but you also don’t want to run out of space.

Consider the space where you want to add the shed. How much room to you need for maintaining the exterior (such as staining once a year), or to allow doors to swing out? Look for obstacles such as branches or wires.

When you shop for garden sheds, they are often rounded down in product descriptions to keep them looking neat. Make sure you check the exact measurements of the shed before you buy. 

What material and style of shed do you need?

Consider what your shed should be made from. Wooden sheds look the best in gardens, but a metal shed might be more secure, while a plastic one is easier to move. Once you’ve decided on the material you want, you’ll need to decide what style of shed you want too:

Apex sheds 

Apex sheds have a classic triangular roof shape, with two sloping sides that meet in the middle. The door is usually placed at the gable end. Apex sheds offer good headroom, which is important if you’re using it as a workshop or summer house.

• Pros: Provides extra headroom in the centre, ideal for taller users or storing large items. Classic and attractive design
• Cons: Can be harder to position against a wall or fence due to the peaked roof

Best for: Traditional garden settings and multi-purpose use

Pent sheds 

Pent sheds have a flat roof that slopes slightly from one side to the other. This makes them ideal for storage or for small workspaces. They’re also easier to fit into tight spaces, thanks to the roof design.

• Pros: Easier to position against walls or fences. Modern, sleek design and efficient water drainage
• Cons: Less headroom compared to apex sheds, especially in the back

Best for: Small gardens or spaces with height restrictions

Reverse apex sheds 

Similar to apex sheds, reverse apex sheds have a triangular roof but the door is placed on one of the sloping sides rather than the gable end.

• Pros: Offers the same headroom advantages as apex sheds while providing a different door orientation for specific layouts
• Cons: May limit how you arrange items inside due to the door placement

Best for: Gardens where access or layout benefits from a different orientation.

Corner sheds 

Corner sheds are designed to fit neatly into the corner of a garden, making efficient use of space. They slot back into the corner to use normally wasted space and often come with double doors which can make storing large items easier.

• Pros: Space-saving design, visually appealing in smaller gardens
• Cons: Limited size options and internal space may feel restrictive

Best for: Small or irregularly shaped gardens

Lean-to sheds 

Lean-to sheds are built to lean against an existing wall or structure, such as your home or garage. They have a roof that slopes away from the building for rainwater to drain and are another option for gardens with limited space.

• Pros: Saves space by utilising an existing wall. Easy to access and build
• Cons: May rely on the wall’s stability and could limit ventilation

Best for: Gardens with an unused wall or limited space.

What’s your budget?

The final thing to consider when you’re deciding on a shed for your garden is your budget. You want to balance quality with affordability when it comes to choosing the right shed. 

Wooden sheds are usually cheapest upfront, but you’ll need to factor in the cost regular maintenance such as staining or painting every few years to prevent rot. Metal sheds are usually the next cheapest and can be more secure, while plastic sheds are the most expensive and are very light. However, metal and plastic sheds don’t have the same aesthetic appeal that wooden sheds have, and can look unsightly in your garden.

The law on sheds in the UK

Installing a shed in your garden may be subject to planning permission and building regulations. It’s important to understand the rules to avoid potential fines, or being told that you must take down your shed later down the line.

Planning permission

In most cases, you won’t need planning permission for a garden shed, as they fall under permitted development rights. However, it must meet the following criteria:

• The shed is single-storey 
• The height of the eaves are a maximum of 2.5 metres and the total height is no more than 4 metres (for a dual-pitched1 roof) or 3 metres (for any other roof)
• It occupies no more than 50% of your garden area.
• It’s not positioned forward of your home’s front elevation

You may need to apply for planning permission if:

• You want to use the shed as a granny annexe or other self-contained accommodation
• Your property is listed or you live in a conservation area
• You want to run a business from the shed

If you’re unsure, it’s always worth checking with your local authority before you start building a shed.

Building regulations

Building regulations generally don’t apply to sheds unless:

• It’s larger than 15 square metres and has sleeping accommodation
• It’s within 1 metre of a boundary and larger than 30 square metres

Be mindful of your neighbours’ boundaries when placing your shed. Ensure it doesn’t overshadow their property or block access. It’s a good idea to tell your neighbours about your plans for a shed in advance can help prevent disputes.

Can I build a shed myself?

Yes, you can build a shed yourself if you’re comfortable with DIY projects. Pre-fabricated shed kits make the process more manageable, as they come with all the necessary components and instructions.

Here’s the general process of building a shed:

1. Choose a location: Ensure the ground is level and well-drained, and check that there are no low-hanging branches from surrounding trees that might cause excessive moisture.
2. Prepare the base: Pour a concrete foundation, use paving slabs or build a timber frame for a stable foundation for the shed to sit on.
3. Assemble the shed: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or build from scratch using quality materials.
4. Weatherproof and secure: Treat wooden sheds with oil, paint or stain and fit locks for security.

While it can save money to build a shed yourself, it’s a tricky job that’s best done with at least two people. If you’re unsure at any point during installation, it may be best to ask a professional to help.

Using a fencer or other qualified tradesperson guarantees a sturdy, weather-resistant shed with minimal effort on your part. In fact, it could even save you money in the long term as if you don’t install your shed properly, it may need repairs sooner than if you’d had a professional build it for you.

Ready to get quotes for your new garden shed? Post your job on HaMuch now to get quotes from reliable shed installers. 

Estimates for common fencer jobs;

	Job	Estimate
	Build a 6' x 4' wooden shed on existing concrete base	£454
	Install wooden fencing in a garden on level ground	£854
	Lay 10m2 wooden decking in a garden with no steep slopes	£500

2. Enter postcode to get estimate

Get estimate

plus materials

Post a job
to see who is available and get more information

Rates for other trades