Shed Installation Cost

Written by Samantha Jones
Samantha Jones
Editor-in-Chief
I have a degree in English & Writing. I have been working as a content developer for three years now and have also been freelance writing for three years. I have been focussing my freelance writing within the home improvement and DIY sector.
21st November, 2025
How we get our data
We gather our data from real quotes given by UK tradespeople to UK homeowners on the MyJobQuote platform.
At a Glance
  • The average cost to build a shed is around £1,020.
  • The job will take 1 to 2 days to complete.
In this guide, you'll find:
  • 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!

garden shed cost

Average Cost of Building a Shed:

Depending on the complexity of the job, it usually takes: 1–2 days

£1,020

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.

timber shed costs

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 amperage 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 voltage 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 Installation 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
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Factors That Impact Garden Shed Installation 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.

garden shed price

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.

metal garden shed cost

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."
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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

  • Why is a solid foundation essential for your shed?
    Building the foundation or base is one of the most important parts of installing a garden shed. The base itself 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.
  • How can you protect a metal shed from wind damage?
    When installing metal sheds, it is crucial to ensure proper anchoring to prevent wind damage due to their lightweight nature.
  • Is it okay to position your shed close to fences or walls?
    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.
  • Want electricity in your shed?
    If you want electrical power in your shed, think about how it will be supplied. Cables must be buried underground for safety, so paths or patios between the main supply and the shed can cause issues.
  • Will you be spending a lot of time inside your shed?
    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.
  • Does your shed require ventilation?
    Without any form of ventilation, moisture can build up inside the construction which may lead to a mould or rust issue - if this occurs, it's not just the framework that can be affected but also any contents being stored.
  • What drainage is needed around your shed?
    To reduce puddles of rainwater ensure you have a sloped roof, as well as suitable drainage around the base. This will stop water building up around the outside or underneath, as otherwise it can cause damage over time.
  • How can you keep your wooden shed protected for years to come?
    Regularly treat your wooden garden shed with a high-quality wood stain to protect it from weather damage and prolong its lifespan.
open garden shed

What's Involved in Building a Shed?

Learning how to build a shed is a popular DIY project, but it's not something you should attempt entirely on your own. Even smaller sheds typically require two people to handle and assemble the panels safely — and for larger sheds, a third pair of hands is often helpful.

It's not always just the construction work either, as you will likely need to lay a base too. With this in mind, it's best to hire a professional with more experience and expertise. With the help of MyJobQuote, you can find a garden shed builder near you and receive quotes without any obligations.

Although even when you hire someone to do the job, it's good to have a general idea of what to expect so let’s break down what’s typically involved when building a garden shed (based on a standard timber build):

Before

  • Prepare the Base Area - The base needs to be flat and level for the shed to sit on and preferably concrete, but paving slabs will often do for smaller sheds.
  • Check the Materials - Along with ensuring you have all the correct tools and equipment at the ready, prefabricated kits are likely to come with instructions. Read these through and check all the panels and fixings have been provided, ready to get started.

During the Build

  • Assemble the Base and Frame — Once the base is ready, the shed panels can be attached. Two people are usually needed to hold the sections in place while they’re screwed or nailed together.
  • Fit the Walls and Roof - The order in which the sections are assembled will depend on the manufacturer, but logically the roof is usually added last once all 4 sides have been secured into place.
  • Install Doors and Windows — Once the main structure is complete, the doors, windows, and any internal shelves or reinforcements included with the kit can be added to the garden shed.

After the Build

  • Treatment and Waterproofing - Some shed kits may require weatherproofing treatments or painting, especially for timber sheds, as this is not only for aesthetics but also helps protect them from the elements.
  • Cleaning Up - From sweeping the inside floor to removing any other debris and waste removal, the final step is to dispose of anything no longer needed and remove from the premises.

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:

  • Have you seen examples of previous shed builds? Take a look at the trader's past jobs - have they built a similar shed to yours recently, and how does it look?
  • Do you know what happens if the build is delayed? For example are you liable for additional labour fees in the event the projects runs over time or is subjected to adverse weather conditions.
  • Do they have public liability and employer’s liability insurance? This protects you in case of accidents or damage during the job.
  • Are they qualified to handle electrical work? If you're having an electrical supply installed, make sure you find a qualified electrician to carry out the work safely for you.
  • Is the quote itemised? - Make sure everything is clearly listed — for example, if your old shed needs removing, is the cost of a skip included in the fee?
  • Do they have positive customer reviews? Read over their customer reviews on MyJobQuote, taking note of any comments on their timekeeping, cleanliness on site, and overall service.
  • Have you gathered at least 3 quotes? Getting quotes from different traders via MyJobQuote will give you a better idea of local prices and help ensure you're not overpaying for the job.
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FAQs

What Size Garden Shed Do I Need?

Choose a shed size based on the garden space you have available and any larger items you plan to store - for example lawnmowers and bikes require more room. If you're considering purchasing a big shed, you may need longer for laying the base, and for a smaller metal construction you need to ensure it's sufficiently secured.

What Should I Consider When Introducing Electricity?

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.

Can I Build a Shed Directly Onto Grass?

Placing a shed directly on grass or soil isn't recommended, as not only may weeds potentially appear through the floor but any moisture can lead to the wood warping or becoming rotten. You should always install a suitable base before building a garden shed to help ensure it stays standing for as long as possible.

What Is the Best Garden Shed Base for Uneven Ground?

Concrete is the most durable option for a base when building a shed on uneven ground. However, it can involve further excavation and levelling the surface off first. Alternatively, a timber frame with adjustable support can prove a helpful option if building on a slope.

What Alternatives Are There to a Garden Shed?

If you haven't as much room or are looking for a more affordable alternative to a garden shed, then other suitable options are available. Timber storage benches or plastic garden storage are popular for outdoor items, or a simple lean-to shelter can also provide a certain amount of protection against the elements.

Is Planning Permission Required for My New Garden Shed?

The majority of garden sheds will not require planning permission.

However, planning permission is required in some cases. For instance, when you're planning to build a shed which covers more than half the garden or which will be 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.
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