How to Build the Cheapest Shed

Written by CustomerService

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Posted on January 26 2025

Building a shed doesn't have to cost a lot. With some smart planning and resourcefulness, you can build a functional and sturdy shed for minimal cost. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to build the cheapest shed.

Is It Cheaper to Build a Shed Yourself?

There's no doubt that building a shed yourself is usually more cost-effective. When you hire a professional, you're paying for the materials and their labor, which can increase the total cost by 10% - 50% or more. For example, if you buy a prefabricated shed for $2000, you can build one yourself for less than $1000. Plus, building your shed gives you the freedom to choose affordable materials and the flexibility to complete the work on time.

What's the cheapest way to build a shed?

Pallets are one of the most affordable materials to use as the base for a shed. You can often get pallets for free. Look for people discarding old pallets on the roadside near businesses. The back areas of big box stores are also good places to check; many employees are happy to give away their old pallets. You can also use pallets as the frame and siding for your shed. This can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars, especially for larger sheds.

Different Materials and Their Price Differences

The materials you choose for your shed can greatly affect the cost. For example, a wooden shed may be charming and blend in with the natural landscape, but high-quality wood can be expensive. A small 8x10 ft wooden shed may cost around $1500 to $2500, depending on the type of wood and any additional features.

Wood shed

Vinyl sheds, on the other hand, are relatively low-maintenance, but their initial cost can also be a bit high, typically starting at around $800 for a basic model.

Vinyl sheds

There are also metal sheds, such as the one from Veikous. Veikous metal sheds are a great option if you want quality at a great price. Their 8x10 metal shed is on sale for $329.99 (originally $429.99, saving $100 during the sale). Made from iron and galvanized steel, these metal sheds are extremely durable. The solid structure and painted surface resist rust, ensuring long-term use. They can withstand varying weather conditions, protecting your stored items from rain, snow, and high winds.

Smaller Veikous lean to storage sheds start as low as $259.99. These sheds are perfect for those with limited space or a tight budget. Compared to more expensive materials, Veikous metal outdoor storage offers a cost-effective solution without sacrificing sturdiness or functionality.

How to build a cheap shed from scratch

1. Find Free or Cheap Storage Shed Plans

Before you start building, you need a plan. There is no need to spend money on shed plans. There are many websites, such as Construct101 and Todaysplans, that offer free shed plans. A good plan will show you all the materials you will need ahead of time. This allows you to plan your purchases, look for discounts, or even find some materials for free.

2. Tools

You don't need a bunch of expensive power tools to build a shed. At a minimum, you will need:

  • A tape measure to ensure accurate measurements.
  • Use a speed square to make precise angles.
  • Saw: While a miter saw or circular saw is ideal, they can be expensive. A 14-inch hand saw is a cheaper alternative, although it requires more physical strength.
  • Hammer: Nails are cheaper than screws, and in most cases, they have greater shear strength. So, a hammer is essential for nailing things together.
  • An inexpensive corded drill, along with an extension cord, a square No. 2 drill bit, and a set of drill bits. These are enough for driving screws and drilling holes.

3. Foundation

For the foundation, the cheapest DIY option is to use concrete blocks or deck blocks. Deck blocks are very affordable, costing less than $10 each. They have grooves that perfectly accommodate 2x lumber and are a great choice for supporting the floor frame of your shed. If you have concrete blocks around your yard, such as cinder blocks, they can also be used as a viable alternative.

4. Floor Frame

Once the foundation is in place, start with the floor frame. Use 2x lumber that fits the deck blocks or concrete blocks. Make sure the frame is level and sturdy. You can use additional bracing to reinforce the corners if needed.

5. Wall Frame

For wall framing, pallets can come in handy. If you use pallets, you can simply stack and secure them to form the walls. You may want to use some additional lumber to reinforce the structure and make sure everything fits tightly together. If you don't use pallets, use affordable 2x4s to frame the walls.

6. Roof Frame

The roof frame can be made with simple rafters. You can use 2x4s or 2x6s, depending on the size and design of your shed. Make sure the slope of the roof is steep enough for drainage. If you want to save on materials, you can go with a single-pitched roof design, which is simpler and requires fewer materials.

7. Siding

If you use pallets for the walls, they can also be used as siding. However, if you want a different look or need more protection, you can use affordable plywood or even corrugated metal sheets. Plywood can be painted or stained to match your property, while corrugated metal is durable and weather-resistant.

8. Roof

For the top plate, asphalt shingles are a common and relatively inexpensive option. However, if you are on a tight budget, you can use a tarp or a roll of roofing felt. Just make sure you secure it to the roof properly to prevent it from blowing away in the wind.

9. Windows

If you want to add windows to provide light and ventilation, look for used windows at scrap yards or on online marketplaces. You can usually find them for a fraction of the price of new windows.

10. Door

You can build a simple door for your shed using plywood and some hinges. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even repurpose an old door. Just make sure the door is the right size for the shed and is hung correctly so that it opens and closes smoothly.

Cost to Build a 10×10 Shed

You can build it for less than $500 if you use mostly free pallets and affordable basic materials like nails, screws, and a few pieces of lumber for reinforcement. However, if you opt for more expensive materials like newly treated lumber and high-quality roofing materials, the cost could be closer to $1500 to $2000.

Metal shed

Building a cheap shed requires creativity, effort, and careful planning. But with these tips, you'll be able to build a shed that meets your storage needs without emptying your wallet. If you're considering prefab options, Veikous metal outdoor storage is worth a look because it offers the perfect balance between cost and quality.