A wooden shed in the backyard with landscaping
Category House expansion
9 August 2024,
 Off

Are you interested in building a storage shed for your tools, sports equipment, or personal belongings? 

A shed can be a wonderful addition to your backyard and offers extra space for storage or even work or play!

A wooden shed in the backyard with landscaping

Building a shed will cost money and the price will vary based on factors like size, materials, and design.  To get a clear idea, keep reading this article so you can take advantage of tips and ensure a successful project.

You can also fill out our short online form to connect with the right contractors to make your project a reality.

Compare free quotes from our reputable parts for building a wood and storage shed with no obligation!

Advantages of a Wood and Storage Shed for Homeowners

Simple wood and storage shed in blue paint

If your home has no more space for tools, electronics, or other household items, you can have a huge mess on your hands.

A wood and storage shed may be just the thing you need so you can have extra storage space!

Good Storage Solution

A backyard shed can give you the space you need to store your belongings.  Many homeowners use a shed for gardening tools and equipment so they don’t create a clutter in the garage.

The shed can also store things for your hobbies and even holiday lights and fixtures.  After you have cleared out these things from your house, you may be surprised to see how much space you now have.

Higher Property Value

If you put up your property for sale, potential buyers will be most interested in storage space.  A backyard shed will delight buyers and put your home at the top of the list of choices.

A backyard shed may just be the factor to seal the deal.  You can increase the value of your home by building a wood and storage shed.

Extra Space to Work or Play

A wooden shed can be more than storage space.  It can even be a home office or a place to indulge in your hobbies.  On a wet day, your kids can also use the shed to play.

There are so many things you can use a wooden shed for.  You can be as creative as you want.

Why is a wood and storage shed the best?

Of course, you can always build a metal or resin (plastic) shed but a wood shed is highly-popular among homeowners.

Wood is a very durable material that is also easy to customize.  You can paint it or use shingles to tailor it to your home’s design.  Wood does not rust but it needs maintenance to keep it in good condition.

It is also worth mentioning that a wood and storage shed has a charming appeal that adds to the beauty of your backyard.  Depending on your space and design, you can even use a shed for entertaining when the weather is fine.

For many years, wood has been used for building safe and sturdy dwellings. A wooden shed will be just as strong and secure against hail, wind, rain, etc.

Use Good Timber for Longer Use

Keep in mind that the quality of the timer you choose for the shed is important.  No matter how good the design, if the timber is of poor quality, the shed won’t be much good.

Overall, wooden sheds look great and last a long time.

How much does building a wood and storage shed cost?

The national average cost of a shed construction ranges from $1000 to $10,000.  The cost varies greatly depending on the materials you prefer and if you hire a professional to do the work.

Walls and Roof: 

  • A wood shed could cost $50++ per square foot; 
  • A metal shed could cost $30++ per square foot; 
  • Resin or plastic could cost around $40 to $50 per square foot.

The prices mentioned above don’t include doors and hardware, flooring, and other finishing touches.  It also excludes the cost of installing electricity.

Lastly, the price varies based on the size of the shed.  Prepare your budget by comparing multiple quotes from professionals.

What’s the cost of a shed by size?

We already mentioned that the size of the shed has a huge impact on the cost as you will need more materials.  Small sheds can cost less than $1,000 to build but large storage sheds with finishing can cost as much as $15,000.

Size Cost
4 x 7 feet $1,000 or less
8 x 10 feet $1,000 to $3,000
12 x 16 feet $4,000 to $15,000

Types of Sheds by Style

Wood shed for garden tools with a gabled roof

Garden sheds are the most popular type in residential areas.  However, the same building methods are used for small workshops or for livestock run-ins.


It is important to choose the style of shed you want to build.  Below are your options for building a shed in your backyard.

The cost will also vary if it is DIY, prefabricated, or custom built.

Type of Shed Description 
Gable  Contemporary in style and complements a wide assortment of home designs.  It is simple to build and cost-effective. 
Gambrel  Traditional and resembles a barn. It is usually larger in size with overhead storage. 
  Saltbox   It is also called a tack room with a dainty appearance. It features an extended front and roof overhang.
Lean-to-shed  The smallest in size and also called a pent roof shed.  It is usually constructed beside the fence or house. It takes little time to assemble and lowest in cost.  

Do you need a permit to construct a shed?

Many cities and municipalities require a permit to build a backyard shed.  Ensure that you check with your locality regarding height restrictions and other requirements.

For instance, the Ontario Building Code changed the ruling for backyard sheds that don’t need a permit from 108 square feet to 160 square feet. This means if your shed is 160 square feet or less, you won’t need to get a building permit.

However, a building permit is always required for all accessory structures that have plumbing.  Other restrictions to consider are property line setbacks.  The normal variance is 2-3 feet from the property line and height restrictions vary per municipality. For most cities, the required maximum height for a shed is 8-9 feet tall although some cities may allow up to 13 feet.

DIY or Custom Built Shed

Are you wondering whether to build a shed on your own or hire a professional to do it for you? Naturally, you think that it will cost much less to do it DIY and you are right.

Please keep in mind that prefabricated sheds are available and could be easy to assemble. However, they may not be as sturdy as a constructed shed by professionals. 

Contractors can build your shed tailored to your needs and budget.  As professionals, they can give you expert advice on the choice of materials and design so you can get satisfactory results!

Compare Home Quotes can help you get competitive quotes for your backyard shed.  We can connect you with reputable contractors in our network so you can compare and save time.

Just fill out our short online form today and receive FREE and NO-OBLIGATION quotes for your backyard shed.

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