Shed Installation Cost

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!

How Much to Build a Shed?

So, what's the cost of garden shed installation in 2026?

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.

Garden Shed Installation Prices

Garden Shed Cost per m²

Bigger sheds generally cost less per square metre. Here is a breakdown of the average cost per square metre by shed size:

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.

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.

Find Tradespeople, compare up to 3 quotes!

It's FREE and there are no obligations

Get started

Types of Garden Shed Materials

The material you choose for your garden shed will affect everything from your installation costs to the maintenance needed over time.

Here is a breakdown of the different shed materials, including average total installation costs:

Wooden Shed

Best for: Customising with your own colours

Cost: £900 to £2,000

Timber is the most popular choice for garden sheds in the UK. Wooden shed installation costs are lower than brick, though it does need regular treatment to prevent rot and weather damage, which can add to long-term costs.

Pros

• ✔ Lower cost than brick sheds.
• ✔ Can paint or stain.

Cons

• ✖ Needs regular maintenance.
• ✖ Less secure than brick or metal sheds.

Metal Shed

Best for: Low-maintenance storage with good durability

Cost: £500 to £1,200

Metal shed installation costs are similar to wooden sheds but they tend to outlast timber with less maintenance. They're a practical choice if security and longevity matter more than the shed's appearance.

Pros

• ✔ Low maintenance.
• ✔ Longer-lasting than timber.
• ✔ Fire-resistant.

Cons

• ✖ Not as appealing to look at.
• ✖ Can be noisy in the wind and rain.

Brick Shed

Best for: Permanent, high-security storage

Cost: Around £3,800

Installing a brick shed is a bigger investment than other shed materials, but it's also the most long-lasting and requires very little maintenance.

Pros

• ✔ Long lifespan.
• ✔ Highly secure and protected against the weather.
• ✔ Can add value to your home.

Cons

• ✖ Higher upfront cost compared to other shed materials.
• ✖ Planning permission may be required.

UPVC Shed

Best for: Budget storage with no maintenance

Cost: £400 to £850

UPVC is the most affordable shed material and requires very little maintenance once assembled. They're a practical short-to-medium term solution, though they don't offer the same security or durability as brick or metal.

Pros

• ✔ Lowest shed material cost.
• ✔ No painting or sealing required.

Cons

• ✖ Less durable than brick or metal.
• ✖ Not as secure.

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.

Things to Consider When Installing a Garden Shed

• Solid Foundations — 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.
• Anchoring Metal Sheds — When installing metal sheds, it is crucial to ensure proper anchoring to prevent wind damage due to their lightweight nature.
• Room for Access — 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.
• Adding Electricity — 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.
• Natural Light — 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.
• 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.
• Drainage Around the Base — 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.
• Treating Wooden Sheds — Regularly treat your wooden garden shed with a high-quality wood stain to protect it from weather damage and prolong its lifespan.

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 a concrete base, 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.

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.

Ask a Trade

Got a question that only a tradesperson can answer? We have thousands of trades ready to answer any question you may have.

Ask your question

FAQs