How Much Does a Shed Cost? 2026 Cost Guide

So when it comes to sheds, what should you be expecting cost wise? Shed prices range anywhere from $500 to $5,000 depending on your chosen type, materials and location. 

Looking to construct a shed to add a functional outdoor living space or need some extra room to store the overflow from an already full garage? No matter your reasons, building a shed in your backyard can be an extremely beneficial addition to your home.

Why should you get a shed? 

There are a number of reasons you should consider getting a shed. In addition to being extra storage or outdoor living space as mentioned above, a shed can also be utilised as:

• A home office

• A guest studio

• A home gym

• A workshop

• An artist studio and more. 

Versatile and flexible, with a bit of imagination and skill, a shed can be transformed into the perfect space to suit your needs. 

What type of garden shed is right for me? 

Gone are the days of one kind fits all – garden sheds now come in a whole array of styles and options. Now the real question to ask yourself is, ‘What type of garden shed is right for me?’. Well, let’s review the options. The three main types of garden sheds are plastic, wooden, and metal, each with their own pros and cons to consider.

Plastic Garden Sheds

Made from either polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic sheds can be a great option for those seeking a quick and budget-friendly option. 

Pros

• Inexpensive when compared to other options 

• Fast to assemble 

• Generally quite durable and weather resistant (will not rust or rot)

• Require minimal maintenance 

Cons

• More susceptible to extreme temperatures and UV degradation

• Often not as secure as other options (easier to break into)

• Poor longevity compared with metal or colorbond sheds 

• Not environmentally friendly

Wooden Garden Sheds

Wooden garden sheds are trending and for good reason. They suit a variety of settings and can make for a more appealing prospect for home offices or guest quarters. 

Pros

• Available in a variety of designs and styles to suit your homes aesthetic

• Strong and durable they are capable of withstanding Australia’s often extreme weather

• Easy to assemble and customise

• Shelving and cabinets can be easily hung inside 

Cons 

• May be less sustainable than metal options which are infinitely recyclable 

• Will require continued maintenance such as regularly staining or painting to withstand the elements

• Can be susceptible to pests, including termites 

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• Potential fire hazard 

Metal Garden Sheds 

Ideal for those seeking a durable, long-term solution that requires minimal maintenance, metal sheds are also very secure for those wanting to safely store valuable tools and equipment. 

Pros

• Superior longevity compared with plastic or some wooden shed options

• Minimal maintenance required, won’t rot or degrade in damp or full-sun positions

• Can be easily disassembled for moving as needed 

• Fire resistant and easily secured  

Cons

• Can be prone to rust or corrosion in some settings

• May feel flimsy compared with wooden options 

• Typically less visually appealing than wood or Colorbond options

• Can be complicated to assemble or customise

Zincalume Garden Shed

Incredibly durable, Zincalume is composed of zinc/aluminium alloy-coated steel that can last up to four times longer than regular galvanised metal. 

Pros

• Typically more affordable than Colorbond

• Performs better against competing options with regards to corrosion resistance

• Low maintenance and very resistant to scratches and scuffs

• Has a unique industrial finish which may appeal to some homeowners 

Cons

• Fewer colour choices than Colorbond 

• Less energy efficient than some shed materials 

• Surface known to dull over time 

• Provides a heavy, industrial look which may not be preferred 

Colorbond Sheds 

Featuring painted steel that's made using a special baking process, a Colorbond shed won’t quickly fade or degrade. They also give you plenty of choice over appearance without compromising on strength or durability. 

Pros

• Over 20 colour choices to select from

• Low-maintenance 

• Very resistant to corrosion and ember attacks during bushfires

• Offers better energy efficiency than alternatives due to its heat reflective properties 

Cons

• Less affordable than many other options including metal or wood 

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• Easily scratched or dented 

• If scratched, its longevity and corrosive resistant properties are compromised 

• Can fade if exposed to intense sunlight 

How much does a garden shed cost? 

As we touched on earlier, the cost of building a garden shed will vary depending on your chosen size, materials and complexity of installation. 

Price ranges for different types of garden sheds include: 

Labour Costs

If you’re not confident assembling your shed yourself or preparing the site for its assembly, then you’ll need to hire someone to help. 

On average, if you already have a slab or base prepared you should expect to pay between $1200 to $2500 for labour. If you require a concrete slab or other foundation work done as part of the shed installation, you should expect to pay $3000 or more for labour in addition to the material costs. 

Additional Costs

Other costs you should be prepared for when installing a new shed may include:

• Council fees or building permits, these may or may not apply in your area but it is wise to check before building. 

• Concrete footings the cost for these can range between  $400 to $1,900. 

• Concrete slab from $70 to $100 per square metre. 

• Electrician or plumber fees if installing lighting and plumbing, it is recommended to budget between $1500 to $3000 for this. 

Building A Shed vs. Buying A Shed – Which Is The Better Choice?

When deciding between building or buying a shed and determining which is the better option, the key difference lies in cost, time, and customisation. 

Buying a shed can cost anywhere from $500 to $7,000 or more and offers convenience, quick assembly and usually a warranty. It’s ideal for those who want a hassle-free solution with minimal effort. However, customisation options are more limited. Additionally, while assembly is required, it's far simpler than starting from scratch and will cost less in labour if you are not attempting a DIY build. 

Alternatively, building a basic shed can cost between $2,000 and $5,000 for materials and tools, depending on your choices. While this option usually allows greater flexibility in terms of customisation, it can require more time and effort and attract higher costs. This is especially true if you don’t already own the tools required or need to hire someone to build it for you. 

Hiring a Shed Installer 

You can find appropriate shed installers on Service.com.au, which will likely fall under the responsibility of a builder or handyman. As always we strongly recommend ensuring you request a number of quotes, do your research and ask plenty of questions. 

Questions you may like to ask a professional include: 

• How long will my job take?

• Are you insured and hold the relevant qualifications for this job?

• Do you have references I can check?

• Do you have examples of similar jobs I can see? 

• How much will this cost? 

Installing a Shed Yourself 

Wondering if installing a shed is something you can manage yourself? The answer is, it depends. 

As we’ve indicated some small plastic, wooden and metal sheds come in kit form and are intended to be easy to set up yourself without the need to pay for additional help. However, not all sheds can be easily assembled and many can be quite complex to construct. 

If you are not experienced with DIY or have minimal access to or none of the necessary tools, then we would recommend enlisting the help of an expert. This will make for a faster, simpler and potentially more cost-effective installation.

Further Reading:

• How Much Does a Granny Flat Cost?

• How Much Does Colorbond Roofing Cost?

• How Much Does Insulation Cost?

All the costs quoted were sourced at the time this article was written. They are to be used as an AUD cost guide and may vary locally, and are subject to market changes.