A storage shed clears out the garage and gives tools, mowers, and gear a home. It costs $1,500 to $10,000 in 2026, averaging around $4,000, depending on size, material, and whether you buy prefab or build custom.
What you’re paying for
The shed (kit or materials) is most of it, plus assembly labor and a foundation. A delivered prefab bundles much of this; a custom build separates out materials, labor, and the pad or slab.
Material sets the budget
Resin and metal prefabs are the cheapest and lowest-maintenance. Wood costs more but looks better and customizes easily. A custom-built wood shed is the top of the range.
Don’t forget the foundation
A small shed can sit on a gravel pad; a larger or permanent one needs a concrete slab to stay level and rot-free. It’s a separate cost worth planning for.
How to save on a storage shed
- Buy a prefab kit in a standard size to skip custom labor.
- Use a gravel pad for light sheds instead of a slab.
- Assemble it yourself if you’re handy — labor is a big chunk.
- Check permit rules to stay under the threshold where possible.
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shed (material + kit) | $800 – $6,000 | – |
| Assembly / construction labor | $500 – $3,000 | – |
| Foundation (gravel pad or slab) | $300 – $2,000 | – |
| Delivery (prefab) | $100 – $500 | – |
| Electrical / shelving (optional) | $200 – $1,500 | – |
| Option | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resin / plastic (prefab) | $1,500 – $3,500 | Low maintenance, small |
| Metal | $1,500 – $4,000 | – |
| Wood (prefab or kit) | $2,500 – $6,000 | – |
| Custom-built wood | $5,000 – $15,000 | – |
What affects the price
- Size A small 6x8 tool shed is cheap; a 12x16 or larger workshop-style shed costs much more.
- Material Resin and metal are the budget options; wood costs more but looks better and is easier to customize.
- Prefab vs. custom A delivered prefab or DIY kit is cheapest; a custom site-built shed costs the most but fits your exact needs.
- Foundation A gravel pad is cheap; a concrete slab costs more but is needed for heavy or permanent sheds.
- Extras Windows, electrical, ramps, lofts, and shelving all add to the base price.
Storage shed cost by state
Where you live can change the price as much as the options you pick. Labor is a big part of the bill, and construction workers are paid more in some states than others. A typical storage shed job costs about $1,800 to $11,700 in Hawaii (17% above the U.S. average). In Arkansas, it costs about $1,300 to $8,500 (15% below the U.S. average).
See the typical cost in all 50 states and D.C.
| State | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,300 – $8,700 |
| Alaska | $1,700 – $11,500 |
| Arizona | $1,400 – $9,500 |
| Arkansas | $1,300 – $8,500 |
| California | $1,700 – $11,200 |
| Colorado | $1,500 – $10,000 |
| Connecticut | $1,600 – $10,700 |
| Delaware | $1,500 – $9,800 |
| District of Columbia | $1,600 – $10,800 |
| Florida | $1,400 – $9,100 |
| Georgia | $1,400 – $9,200 |
| Hawaii | $1,800 – $11,700 |
| Idaho | $1,400 – $9,400 |
| Illinois | $1,700 – $11,500 |
| Indiana | $1,500 – $10,100 |
| Iowa | $1,500 – $9,700 |
| Kansas | $1,400 – $9,500 |
| Kentucky | $1,400 – $9,300 |
| Louisiana | $1,400 – $9,000 |
| Maine | $1,500 – $9,800 |
| Maryland | $1,500 – $10,000 |
| Massachusetts | $1,700 – $11,500 |
| Michigan | $1,500 – $10,000 |
| Minnesota | $1,600 – $10,900 |
| Mississippi | $1,300 – $8,700 |
| Missouri | $1,500 – $10,200 |
| Montana | $1,500 – $9,800 |
| Nebraska | $1,400 – $9,400 |
| Nevada | $1,500 – $10,300 |
| New Hampshire | $1,500 – $9,900 |
| New Jersey | $1,700 – $11,400 |
| New Mexico | $1,400 – $9,200 |
| New York | $1,700 – $11,000 |
| North Carolina | $1,400 – $9,000 |
| North Dakota | $1,500 – $10,100 |
| Ohio | $1,500 – $10,000 |
| Oklahoma | $1,400 – $9,100 |
| Oregon | $1,700 – $11,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,500 – $10,100 |
| Rhode Island | $1,600 – $10,400 |
| South Carolina | $1,400 – $9,100 |
| South Dakota | $1,400 – $9,000 |
| Tennessee | $1,400 – $9,200 |
| Texas | $1,400 – $9,100 |
| Utah | $1,400 – $9,400 |
| Vermont | $1,500 – $9,700 |
| Virginia | $1,400 – $9,500 |
| Washington | $1,700 – $11,600 |
| West Virginia | $1,400 – $9,500 |
| Wisconsin | $1,600 – $10,400 |
| Wyoming | $1,500 – $9,900 |
These are numbers to plan with, not quotes. Each one is this guide's U.S. range, adjusted for what construction workers earn in that state. See every state cost guide or how we estimate.
Common questions
- How much does a storage shed cost?
- Most sheds run $1,500–$10,000, averaging about $4,000. A small prefab resin or metal shed is at the low end; a large custom-built wood shed with a slab foundation reaches the top.
- Is it cheaper to build or buy a shed?
- A prefab kit or delivered shed is usually cheapest for standard sizes. Building from a DIY plan can save on labor if you're handy, while a custom site-built shed costs the most but fits an exact footprint or style.
- Do I need a foundation for a shed?
- Small, light sheds can sit on a gravel pad ($300–$800). Larger or permanent sheds need a concrete slab for stability and to prevent rot — a worthwhile add-on that affects longevity.
- Do I need a permit for a shed?
- It depends on size and location. Many areas exempt small sheds (often under 100–200 sq ft) but require permits for larger ones or those with electrical. Check local rules and setbacks before building.
- What's the cheapest type of shed?
- Resin/plastic and metal prefab sheds are the most affordable at $1,500–$4,000, and they need little maintenance. Wood costs more but looks better and is easier to customize and repair.
How we estimate: These are typical U.S. prices for materials and for hiring a pro to install them. We checked them against the 2026 sources listed below (see how we get our numbers). Your price depends on where you live, the size of the job and the materials you pick. Get two or three written bids before you choose a contractor.
Sources
We checked the prices on this page against 2026 numbers from these sources:
- Shed Cost (2026), HomeGuide
- How Much Does It Cost to Build a Shed?, Angi