Why Building Your Own Shed Is a Smart Investment
When you build your own shed, you gain three powerful benefits: significant cost savings, complete design control, and the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands. A well-built shed is more than just storage; it can be a dedicated workshop, a quiet home office, a hobby space for your passions, or a peaceful backyard retreat. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
With full design control, you decide everything from the ground up. You can place windows to capture the morning sun for a potting shed, install a wide double door to easily move large equipment, or even add a loft for extra overhead storage. This level of customization ensures the final structure perfectly matches your needs and aesthetic.
At Wright’s Shed Co., we have helped thousands of homeowners across Utah, Idaho, Nebraska, and Iowa create their perfect sheds. We focus on quality materials and honest guidance, whether you’re building from scratch, using a kit, or hiring our professional crew.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, from planning and gathering materials to construction. We’ll also explore smart alternatives to a full DIY build that can save you time without sacrificing quality.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Build Your Own Shed
Before You Build: Essential Planning and Budgeting
Proper planning is the key to a successful shed build. First, define your shed’s purpose—will it be for simple storage, a workshop, or a hobby space? Answering this question determines the ideal size, style, and features. Consider if you’ll need electricity for tools and lighting, plumbing for a utility sink, or specific ventilation for activities like painting.
Next, check local building codes and permit requirements with your municipal office or HOA. Regulations on size, height, and placement (setbacks from property lines) vary, and skipping this step can lead to fines or forced removal. Once you have a clear vision, select detailed shed plans. While free plans offer a basic outline, premium plans provide comprehensive instructions, cut lists, and material lists, which we highly recommend for first-time builders to minimize errors and waste.
Budgeting is crucial. It’s cheaper to build your own shed due to saving on labor. The national average cost for materials is $17 to $24 per square foot. A comprehensive budget should account for all components:
- Foundation: Gravel, concrete blocks, or a poured concrete slab.
- Lumber: Pressure-treated for the floor frame, and standard lumber for walls and roof.
- Sheathing: Plywood or OSB for the floor, walls, and roof.
- Roofing: Shingles or metal panels, plus underlayment and drip edge.
- Siding & Trim: LP SmartSide, vinyl, or wood siding and trim boards.
- Doors & Windows: Pre-hung units are often easiest for a weather-tight seal.
- Hardware & Fasteners: Screws, nails, hinges, and handles.
- Finishes: Exterior paint or stain, caulk, and primer.
These figures are for materials and can vary. To help you decide, here’s a comparison of the different build methods:
| Method | Estimated Cost (Materials Only) | Estimated Time | Skill Level Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full DIY Build | Lowest | Longest | Advanced |
| Wright’s Shed Co. DIY Kit | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate to Advanced |
| Wright’s Shed Co. On-Site Build | Higher | Shortest | None (we do the work!) |
Essential Materials and Tools for Your Shed Build
Gathering the right supplies is critical. Key materials include:
- Pressure-Treated Lumber for the foundation and floor frame to resist rot and insects
- Plywood or OSB for sheathing
- Quality roofing materials.
You’ll also need doors, windows, fasteners, and Exterior Paint or Stain for weatherproofing.
For tools, you’ll need a reliable Power Drill, a Circular Saw for accurate cuts, a Level, a Measuring Tape, and a Hammer. Always use safety glasses and work gloves.
The Construction Process: From Foundation to Roof
1. Build the Foundation:
This is the most critical step. A level foundation prevents structural problems. A gravel pad is a great DIY-friendly option, created by excavating the site, tamping the soil, and filling with compacted gravel. A concrete slab is the most durable but also the most complex. While we don’t build foundations, we advise customers on the best type for their site.
2. Frame the Floor and Walls:
Construct the floor frame with pressure-treated lumber and cover it with subflooring. Then, assemble the wall frames on the ground, building them with a top plate, bottom plate, and studs. Frame openings for doors and windows using headers to support the load above.
3. Raise Walls and Install Roof Trusses:
With a helper, raise the walls into position, securing them to the floor. Once the walls are plumb (perfectly vertical) and braced, install the roof structure. You can use pre-made trusses for simplicity or build your own rafters for a more custom design.
4. Add Sheathing and Roofing:
Cover the roof structure with plywood or OSB sheathing, staggering the seams for strength. Apply a weatherproofing underlayment, followed by your chosen roofing material like shingles or metal panels. This is your shed’s primary defense against the elements.
5. Install Doors, Windows, and Siding:
Fit your doors and windows into their openings, using shims to ensure they are level and plumb before securing them. Seal around them to prevent leaks. Finally, apply your siding. We use high-quality panel siding that comes with a 50-year factory warranty, ensuring your shed withstands the elements for decades.
Alternatives to a Full DIY Build: Kits and Professional Construction
While a full DIY build is rewarding, it’s not for everyone. We offer alternatives that deliver a high-quality shed without the same time and skill commitment.
Understanding Wright’s Shed Co. DIY Shed Kits
Our DIY shed kits are an excellent middle ground. They are perfect for the weekend warrior who is comfortable with a drill and a level but doesn’t have the time to source dozens of components or the space for complex cuts. The kits include pre-cut materials, all necessary hardware, and step-by-step instructions, which significantly reduces measuring and cutting time.
You get the satisfaction of building it yourself with the confidence that all pieces are designed to fit perfectly. Wright’s Shed Co. offers select DIY kits for those who want a hands-on project with expert-selected materials.
The Smart Choice: Why a Professionally Built Shed Offers More Value
For the ultimate peace of mind, a professionally built shed from Wright’s Shed Co. is a smart investment. Our experienced crews eliminate the risk of costly mistakes, ensuring structural integrity and a flawless finish. While a DIY project can consume several weekends, we typically complete an on-site build in just a day or two, giving you back your valuable time.
Our team uses professional techniques that ensure maximum rigidity and weather resistance, like advanced flashing methods around openings and proper nailing patterns that a first-time builder might overlook. We use high-quality, locally sourced materials and include upgraded features as standard.
For instance, our panel siding comes with an industry-leading 50-year factory warranty, a testament to its durability (this warranty applies to the siding, not the flooring). Our on-site construction process is convenient, as we bring everything to your property and build your shed exactly where you want it.
A professionally built shed is a durable solution that improves your property’s value. We invite you to explore our durable, custom-built sheds, available in popular styles like the Gable, Barn, and Studio, all customized to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions When You Want to Build Your Own Shed
Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from homeowners.
Do I need a permit to build a shed?
It depends on your location and the shed’s size. In many areas across Utah, Idaho, Iowa, and Nebraska, a permit is required for sheds over a certain square footage (often 120 sq. ft.). Always check with your local planning department and HOA before you start. A quick phone call is the best first step.
What is the most challenging part of a DIY shed build?
The foundation is often the most difficult and critical step. An unlevel base can cause problems throughout the build, from crooked walls to doors that won’t close properly. Squaring the foundation and wall frames is another common challenge. Framing a complex roof can also be demanding for beginners.
What’s the best foundation for my shed?
For most DIY projects, a compacted gravel pad offers the best balance of durability, drainage, and ease of installation. Concrete blocks on level ground are a good budget option for smaller sheds. A poured concrete slab provides the most permanent and robust base but typically requires professional help and is the most expensive option.
How much money can I really save by building my own shed?
You can save 30-50% by eliminating labor costs. With material costs for a DIY shed ranging from $17 to $24 per square foot, you could save thousands of dollars on a typical 10’x12′ shed. Remember to factor in the cost of any tools you may need to buy or rent.
What makes a professionally built shed from Wright’s Shed Co. different?
Our sheds stand out due to our commitment to quality and local expertise. We use high-quality materials, build most structures on-site for superior integrity, and provide expert guidance on foundation prep. Our on-site process means the shed is built for your specific yard, not just dropped off a truck.
What is covered by the 50-year siding warranty?
Our 50-year factory warranty covers the panel siding against manufacturing defects, delamination, and fungal decay. This ensures your shed’s exterior remains robust for decades, which is especially important in climates with harsh sun, wind, and snow. The warranty is specific to the panel siding and does not cover other components like flooring.
Start to Build Your Own Shed Project with Confidence
Whether you choose to build your own shed from scratch, use a convenient DIY kit, or opt for a professional build from Wright’s Shed Co., you’re on your way to adding valuable, customized space to your property. Each path offers unique advantages: the full DIY build for ultimate control, the kit for guided satisfaction, and the professional build for maximum quality and peace of mind.
We hope this guide has given you the confidence to start your project. A solid plan, the right materials, and a clear understanding of the process are your keys to success.
At Wright’s Shed Co., we’re passionate about helping homeowners in Utah, Idaho, Iowa, and Nebraska achieve their shed dreams. With our commitment to quality materials and decades of local expertise, we ensure every shed is a durable, functional, and beautiful addition to your home.
Ready to take the next step? Explore custom shed options on our website or reach out for a personalized quote. We’re here to help you create the perfect shed.