Builders
Carpenters
Electricians
Flooring Specialists
Gardeners
Handymen
Heating Engineers
Painters & Decorators
Plasterers & Renderers
Plumbers
Roofers
Tilers
myShed Installation Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost to build a shed is around £1,020.
- The job will take 1 to 2 days to complete.
- A complete pricing breakdown, which includes things to consider before starting and what such a task usually involves.
- How long the job should approximately take, and a general overview of what kind of jobs can be performed.
- How to find and hire a shed installer.
Want to know how much it costs to have a garden shed installed?
The average garden shed installation costs around £1,020. This includes material and labour fees.
In this complete new shed guide, we break down shed builder fees for assembling a shed, as well as the cost of shed materials for different types of sheds, such as brick sheds, concrete sheds, and more!
Whether you’re an avid gardener or need a place to keep your outdoor items, a garden shed can provide the perfect storage solution.
Ready for a quote?
We have a range of shed builders ready to give you a quote!
Check out the guide below for all your shed costs information!
£1,020
Table of Contents
How Much to Build a Shed?
So, what's the cost of garden shed installation in 2025?
The average price of garden shed installation is around £1,020, which includes both material and labour fees.
So, do I need a garden shed?
Garden sheds are an essential addition to any garden, offering a practical solution for storing and organising gardening tools, equipment, and supplies.
From housing lawn mowers and gardening tools, to storing outdoor furniture and seasonal items, a garden shed helps keep your outdoor space tidy and clutter-free. With various designs and sizes available, you can find a garden shed that perfectly suits your needs and complements your garden’s aesthetic.
Although you can build a small garden shed as a DIY project as long as you have at least one person willing to lend a hand for larger and more expensive sheds, you should call in tradespeople to install the shed for you.
While wooden sheds are popular, a metal garden shed offers durability and low maintenance at a competitive price.
A plastic garden shed, typically made from vinyl or composite materials, offers a cost-effective and low-maintenance alternative to wooden and metal sheds.
I'm hoping to get power into a garden shed so I can use power tools. What do I need to consider?
"You have to factor in the ampage of the circuit that you plan to use, and the distance of the lead to the shed. Then, factor in the load of the items that you plan to use. If you exceed the load, then you will get tripping of the mcbs through overload. Also, you might get volt drop which can lead to the motors burning out on machinery. My advice would be to get a qualified electrician to safely install the supply to make the installation safe."
Garden Shed Prices
| Job Description | Duration | Material Cost | Labour Cost | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6ft x 4ft Budget Shed on a Simple Slab Base | 1 day | £580 | £240 | £820 |
| 8ft x 6ft Shed on a Slab Base | 1 – 2 days | £640 | £320 | £960 |
| 12ft x 8ft Shed on Concrete Base | 2 days | £780 | £500 | £1,280 |
Want a custom price?
Post your job
What Factors Impact Garden Shed Costs?
When planning to build a garden shed, it’s essential to consider the various factors that can influence the overall cost. Understanding these factors will help you make informed decisions, and budget effectively for your new garden shed.
Here's what you need to know:
Size and Scale of the Shed
The size and scale of the shed are significant factors that influence the cost of a garden shed.
Larger sheds require more materials and labour to build, which increases the overall cost. Additionally, the size of the shed will also impact the cost of installation, as larger sheds may require more complex foundation work and additional labour to assemble.
For example, a small garden shed (6ft x 4ft) can cost £580 in supply costs, while a larger shed (12ft x 8ft) can cost £780 or more.
Shed Material
Other factors that can influence the cost of a garden shed include the type of material used.
Timber garden sheds are most commonly found in UK gardens. They're easy to assemble at a mid-price range but need regular treatments to avoid rot. Wooden sheds are far cheaper than a metal garden shed, but metal sheds won't need as much maintenance over the years, reducing upkeep costs.
Brick sheds are a high-cost option with the best longevity, but they'll need planning permission, foundation, and insulation. Brick sheds cost around £3,800 for supply and construction.
PVC or plastic garden sheds are much cheaper, but they're not "permanent" garden solutions, but can be useful if you're looking for something temporary to house some items.
When choosing your shed material, you should balance your choice by considering the upfront cost and the running costs in treatments/care over the years to make sure you find a material that's suitable for your needs and your budget.
Shed Location
While you may not think it, the location you choose for your garden shed will have a knock-on effect on the price you pay for installation.
If you plan to build on uneven ground, you'll need it levelled and prepared before any construction, which can include adding drainage or concrete pads. You may also need to remove tree stumps if you have them leftover, which can cost around £225 per stump.
The cost of levelling your garden is around £6,500 depending on the extent of the work you need completing.
As well as the shed's location, your home's location will also impact your project fees. If your garden is hard to access (perhaps with no side gate), your shed materials must be brought through your home, adding to the project's timeline and bumping up your overall costs.
Is it reasonably easy to have a modern security alarm fitted to a garden shed?
"As long as power is down in the shed to power the alarm system, it’s a straightforward job to fit and install."
Benefits of Having a Garden Shed
Having a garden shed can provide numerous benefits, including:
- Increased Storage Space: A garden shed offers ample space to store gardening tools, equipment, and supplies, freeing up room in your garage or home.
- Improved Organisation: With a dedicated space for gardening items, you can easily organise and access your tools and supplies, making gardening tasks more efficient.
- Enhanced Security: Garden sheds provide a secure place to store valuable items such as lawn mowers, bicycles, and power tools, protecting them from theft and weather damage.
- Dedicated Gardening Space: A garden shed can serve as a workspace for gardening activities like potting, pruning, and planting, keeping your garden neat and organised.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Garden sheds can be designed to complement your garden’s landscape, adding visual interest and enhancing the overall look of your outdoor space.
What goes into flooring for a shed? I have laminate flooring left over from my kitchen indoors that I would like to use for my shed - is this possible?
"As long as the shed base is prepared properly - if it’s a concrete floor you must put down a DPM, and if it’s a wood base, then I wouldn’t advise laminate."
Things to Consider When Installing a Garden Shed
Building the foundation or base is the most important part of any garden shed installation. The base for any shed has to be strong and level, otherwise the shed will buckle and warp, causing any windows to break or the door to get stuck against the frame.
When installing metal sheds, it is crucial to ensure proper anchoring to prevent wind damage due to their lightweight nature.
Placing your shed too close to fences or walls is not a good idea. You should always leave enough room to access all sides of the shed so you can paint/treat all of the timber to prevent rot.
If you are considering having electrical power in your new shed, then you need to consider how this will be supplied in your chosen location. Electrical cables need to be buried underground for safety, so if there are any paths or patio areas between the main electrical supply and the proposed shed location, this will cause problems.
If you intend to spend a lot of time in the shed on a daily basis, consider getting as much natural light as possible by having multiple windows.
Regularly treat your wooden garden shed with a high-quality wood stain to protect it from weather damage and prolong its lifespan.
How to Build a Shed
Building a shed is straightforward, but it's not a job for just one person - even small sheds will require two pairs of hands, and larger sheds may need three people.
There are no specialist tools involved, as most sheds are nailed or screwed together, so a hammer and/or a cordless screwdriver are the main tools required.
Building the base is the more difficult job, as the shed usually comes in 6 sections, which are simply joined together.
The base needs to be flat and level, preferably concrete, but paving slabs will do for smaller sheds. To assemble the shed, you need an extra pair of hands to hold the sections together while you fix them with screws and/or nails.
Building plastic sheds typically involves assembling pre-fabricated panels, which can be easier and quicker than wooden or metal sheds.
The order in which the sections are assembled will depend on the manufacturer, but the roof is usually added last once all 4 sides have been screwed together.
As long as you have someone to help you and you're reasonably fit, building a small shed is a suitable project for DIY. But, if you're on your own, don’t have any tools, or just don’t have the time – then get a tradesman in to do the job for you.
What are the best garden sheds to buy?
"The type of shed you require depends on what you want to use it for. Metal sheds are no different in my mind from a wooden shed, and I think that a wooden shed looks better in a garden than a metal shed, whereas a metal shed is more suitable in a drive where it might need to be a bit more secure."
Checklist: How to Find and Hire a Shed Builder in the UK
Here's what you need to bear in mind when hiring a shed builder:
- Gather at least 3 quotes from different traders to get an idea of your local prices.
- Take a look at the trader's past jobs - have they built a similar shed to yours recently, and how does it look?
- Read over their customer reviews, taking note of any comments on their timekeeping, cleanliness on site, and overall service.
- Make sure your quote is itemised so you can check everything is included - for example, if a skip is needed to remove your old shed, is this included in your fee?
- If you're having an electrical supply installed, make sure you find a qualified electrician to carry out the work safely for you.
FAQs
What is a garden shed?
A garden shed is a small, freestanding structure designed to store and organise gardening tools, equipment, and supplies.
What size garden shed do I need?
The general rule for any storage is that the available space will always be used, so buy the biggest shed you can fit into the available garden space that you can afford. When choosing the size of metal garden sheds, consider their lightweight nature and ensure they are properly anchored to prevent wind damage.
Where should I put my garden shed?
Ideally, your garden shed should have clear space on all sides for maintenance, so avoid placing it too close to fences or the main building. When placing a plastic shed, ensure it is on a level surface to prevent warping and consider its exposure to sunlight to avoid UV damage.
How should I maintain my wooden shed?
Unless your shed is made from cedar or pressure-treated timber, it will require twice-yearly treatment with a good-quality wood stain to prolong the life of the shed. Untreated cedar will just gradually fade to a silvery grey without treatment but you should regularly oil the door and window hinges to ensure a long lifespan.
Can I have an electricity supply in my garden shed?
Providing an electricity supply to a garden shed is a pretty straightforward job, but since 2005, all electrical work must be completed in accordance with IEE wiring regulations and BS 7671. Any electrical supply installation needs to be completed by someone approved under the Part P Electrical Competent Person Scheme, such as a professional electrician. This is not a suitable project for a DIY enthusiast.
Is planning permission required for my new garden shed?
The majority of garden sheds will not require planning permission, but permission is required for any shed which covers more than half the garden or which is over 3 metres high. Larger sheds close to the property boundary and sheds used for commercial reasons will also need permission. You should always check with your local planning department before erecting any structure.
Sources
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/outbuildings/planning-permission
https://www.blbsolicitors.co.uk/blog/do-i-need-planning-permission-for-a-shed/
