How Much Does It Cost to Build a Shed or Playhouse in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Building a shed or playhouse can enhance a property's functionality and appeal. On average, homeowners spend about $3,500, typically between $375 and $100,000, depending on factors such as location, size, materials, and quality.

Costs vary significantly depending on the size and complexity of the project. From simple prefab kits costing as little as $10 per square foot to custom-built structures costing $160 per square foot or more, budgeting carefully and hiring a professional can ensure your project meets your needs without unexpected expenses.

Cost to Build a Shed by Size

The term “shed” covers everything from a small reach-in shed for your garden tools to a complete playhouse or workstation over 10-by-10 feet. You will pay between $10 and $160 per square foot for a shed. Prefab sheds cost $10 to $40 per square foot, while custom builds range from $30 to $160 per square foot. 

Prefabricated sheds are also priced according to the size of their walls. For example, an average shed with a 4-foot sidewall will cost about $2,500, while an 8-foot sidewall will increase the cost to $4,000.

Cost of Building a Shed by Material

The choice of material significantly impacts a shed's cost and maintenance requirements. Materials like brick and wood offer a cohesive aesthetic to your home but are more expensive and may require more long-term maintenance. Metal and vinyl sheds are popular for their durability and lower cost, although they may not blend as seamlessly with existing structures.

Brick Shed Cost

Brick sheds typically cost between $15,000 and $30,000 because they require customization by a professional mason. Depending on factors such as the size of the shed, location, and additional needs like a foundation, hiring a local mason can cost between $1,000 and $50,000.

Wood Shed Cost

Wood sheds cost, on average, between $1,000 and $4,300. They provide a traditional look and can be customized with features like windows or interior accessories. However, wood requires regular maintenance to prevent damage from weather and pests. Repairing wood siding costs approximately $3 per square foot.

Metal Shed Cost

Metal sheds cost between $500 and $7,000 on average, depending on whether you purchase a kit or choose a custom design. Metal sheds are durable and typically require less maintenance than wood sheds but may not perform as well in areas with high wind or heavy rain.

Plastic Shed Cost

You will pay between $750 and $4,000 for plastic sheds, primarily based on size and customization options. Plastic (often vinyl) is durable and resistant to rot and insects, making it low-maintenance. However, plastic sheds may fade or become brittle over time due to sun exposure.

Shed Costs by Type

Some sheds require more than four bare walls, a floor, and a roof. The more time you plan to spend in your shed, the more you should consider windows and electricity. There may be even more amenities if you are building a run-in shed for a horse or a playhouse for the kids.

Storage Shed Installation Cost

Storage sheds are the most common type of structure and cost between $800 and $2,300. Lower-cost sheds include small, prefabricated storage sheds that house essential tools, household items, or garbage cans. The price rises if you raise the roof height for taller tools, add a workbench, or need electricity for lighting and power tools.

Garden Shed Cost

These designs cost an average of $600 to $10,000 and are the smallest type of shed. Instead of standing alone, they sit against a house or other sturdy structure. A garden shed is like a tall wardrobe for gardening and backyard tools.

Farm Implement Shed Cost

Farm implement sheds cost between $3,000 and $40,000. This higher price range accounts for the need to store large equipment, requiring larger sizes, more robust structures, and sometimes custom doors and reinforcements.

Additional Cost Factors

Several factors beyond the shed's structure influence the total cost, including labor, land preparation, and custom features. These elements contribute to the wide price range for building a shed.

Building vs. Buying

Choosing between a prefabricated kit and a custom-built design is one of the most significant factors affecting shed costs. Prefabricated kits include necessary materials, but you may incur additional expenses for tools and labor if you hire a professional to assist with assembly. In contrast, building a shed from scratch involves costs for design, materials, labor, and permits, depending on the structure's size. Here is a comparison of the two options:

• Buying a prefabricated shed costs $10–$40 per square foot, plus hiring a handyperson, who charges about $60–$125 an hour.

• Building a custom shed costs $30–$160 per square foot for materials and installation. The price rises for foundation, wiring, plumbing, and windows.

Labor

The cost of labor depends on the extent of the shed construction job. As mentioned above, hiring a handyperson costs between $60 and $125 an hour and often requires a minimum hour commitment.

Building contractors, however, charge between $50–$100 an hour, depending on the job. For example, specific labor costs when building a shed include:

• Wiring: $40–$100 per hour for the cost of an electrician

• Plumbing: $45–$150 per hour for the cost of a plumber

• Foundation: $4,000 to $12,300 to add a concrete slab foundation

• Land clearing: $40–$150 an hour to prepare the construction site

Land Prep

Sheds must sit on level, well-draining soil that supports a prefab structure or a slab foundation. Clearing land for construction costs an average of $250 to $2,800 per half-acre, or $40 to $150 an hour. If you are working on a hill, the cost of leveling the ground can be as low as $400 for a small piece of land.

Windows

Windows, skylights, and even decorative shutters can make a shed more pleasant to use and blend with your overall home design. For a bit more money, you can find windows in prefabricated sheds or add them to your custom design. Installing a single window in an existing structure costs between $300 and $1,000.

Cost to Build a Playhouse

Building a designated play space for your kids differs from a shed, but it follows the same cost guidelines. Remember that playhouses often include lower ceilings, simpler doors, and less land prep than large sheds. You will find both prefabricated and custom options for various playhouse sizes, layouts, and materials. Children's playhouses cost:

• $500–$5,000 for a prefabricated model

• $60–$150 per square foot for a custom playhouse

DIY vs. Hire a Shed or Playhouse Builder

If you choose to build your shed yourself, you will likely opt for a prefabricated model for between $200 and $4,000. Hiring a professional will add between $50 and $100 an hour for labor, depending on whether you need a handyperson to help construct the prefab kit or a contractor to build the shed from scratch.

Consider hiring a professional to ensure your shed or playhouse is built correctly and meets all requirements.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.