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Building a shed can take a few hours or several days. It depends on the size, the material, the skill of the people doing it, and whether you’re using a prefabricated kit or starting from scratch. Let’s break it down.
How Long to Build a Shed With Different Options
The time it takes to build a shed isn’t the same for every type, so we’ll look at what to expect with each option.
Wooden shed kits
For a small shed kit, you can get it up in half a day if you’ve cleared the site and laid the base. A bigger one, with extra height, usually stretches into two days once you factor in the roof and trim. It doesn’t require any special skills, but those more experienced with a drill and hammer might complete the task more quickly than those who aren’t.
A wooden shed kit is the middle ground between fast and flexible. The parts are pre-cut, which takes away the hassle of measuring and sawing. Even so, it’s not as simple as snapping pieces together.
The parts that eat up time are lining up panels, squaring the frame, and fixing the roof felt. If you rush those, you’ll end up with gaps or a roof that doesn’t sit right. Having another hand to help makes a big difference, too, since lifting panels on your own takes longer.
Whichever method you choose, you’ll also have to build a shed base, which can be a quick job if you use a base kit, but you might still have to clear a flat area for it first.
Building a shed from scratch
For most, the whole project runs over several days, sometimes weeks, if you only work on weekends.
Starting from raw timber takes more time than working with a kit. You’ll need to measure, cut, and check every piece before you can start assembling the frame. That alone can take hours each day. Then come the walls, roof, doors, and extras that add hours to the job.
The good side is that you get to choose the size and strength of the shed. Taller walls, heavier flooring, extra doors—it’s all up to you.
Plastic and metal shed kit alternatives
Metal and plastic sheds also come in kit form, but they go up faster than wooden kits. For something small like a 4×6 plastic shed, you’re looking at a few hours of steady work. A mid-sized 8×8 metal shed is often wrapped up the same day, and the bigger ones don’t demand as much time.
The panels are lighter, so you don’t spend as much time lifting or adjusting them overall.
Things That Can Delay a Shed Build
The biggest delays occur before the shed is even built. If the ground isn’t level, you’ll spend more time digging, filling, or packing the base. Concrete needs time to set, which can also push the project into the next day.
Mistakes can slow you down as well, especially if building from scratch. There’s no guide to follow, so if a piece is cut too short or a joint doesn’t line up, you have to start over. That might mean cutting new timber or adjusting the frame, which can save you hours of your day.
Another thing that drags the build-out is sourcing materials. If you run short on timber or buy pieces that aren’t the right size, you’ll have to stop and head back to the supplier. Even a missing pack of screws can put the brakes on until you pick up more.
Check the site, the base, and the materials before you begin to avoid delays!
Next on your reading list: Is It Cheaper To Build Your Own Shed
FAQ
Can I build a shed base on a sloped garden?
Yes, you can build a shed base on a sloped garden but it takes more preparation. The ground needs leveling first. You can dig into the higher side, raise the lower side with gravel or slabs, or use raised supports.
You’ll find more detail in this guide: How to Build a Shed Base on a Slope
Why does a DIY shed take longer than a kit?
With a kit, the parts are cut and ready, which makes the build feel quicker and less stressful. From scratch, every cut and measurement is on you. Get one wrong and it can be frustrating!
Is it faster to build a shed alone or with help?
Most kits say you can build solo, but having another person saves a lot of time. Holding panels upright, lifting the roof, and squaring frames are awkward jobs on your own. But build goes smoother and you avoid redoing steps if someone is there to help.
