Building a storage shed? The materials list is mostly lumber, plywood, and roofing. This calculator estimates quantities for the major components so you can price out the project before you start building.
Shed Dimensions
ft
ft
Wall & Roof
ft
/12
Scenario: You're building a 10 ft x 12 ft shed with 8 ft walls.
Result: Floor: 4 plywood sheets. Wall studs: 37 (16 in o.c.). Roof sheathing: 4 sheets. Roofing: about 1.3 squares.
A basic 10x12 DIY shed costs $1,500-$3,000 in materials. A 12x16 runs $2,500-$5,000. Pre-built sheds of similar size cost $2,500-$8,000 delivered. The DIY savings come mostly from labor, which would add $1,000-$3,000 to a contractor build.
Most areas require a permit for sheds over 100-120 sq ft. Some have setback requirements (distance from property lines). Check with your local building department before starting. Going without a permit can cause problems when selling your home.
Small sheds (under 100 sq ft) can sit on concrete blocks or gravel. Larger sheds need a more solid base: concrete pier blocks, a gravel pad with pressure-treated skids, or a concrete slab. The foundation must be level and drain well.
For wall framing at 16 in o.c.: measure the perimeter, multiply by 12, divide by 16. A 10x12 shed has 44 ft of perimeter = 528 inches / 16 = 33 studs, plus top and bottom plates and headers. Plan on 40-50 studs to be safe.
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