{"sampling_active":0,"sampling_rate":100,"ajax_url":"https:\/\/www.haimengchen.cn\/blog\/wp-json\/wordpress-popular-posts\/v1\/popular-posts","ID":20939,"token":"6a943813be","lang":0,"debug":0}
Search

Why Buy a Shed?

Before we get into the question of why buy a shed (rather than build it) we have to answer – why buy a shed?

Wooden, plastic, and metal sheds can be anything from a bit of extra storage space to a workshop or home office. With more people having to work from home (WFH), it’s no wonder that Makita drill and axle grinder on sheet metal with a wooden handled hammer

Tools and Construction

These increasing demands on your construction skills go hand in hand with the tools you’ll need.

At the very least, to build a shed using materials you’ve bought you’ll need:

 

  • Jigsaw
  • Drop saw (or mitre saw)
  • Circular saw (or hand saw)
  • Drill (and bits)
  • Impact driver 
  • Pencil, set square, and tape measure –
  • Straight edge
  • Hammer and chisel
  • Spirit level
  • Basic staple gun 

For ease of construction, or depending on the size and thickness of your shed, you might even want a framing gun. 

And this is all before you’ve purchased materials. So what you have to ask yourself first is whether you’re going to rent or buy these tools (and if so, will you use them again?). Then there are obvious safety issues that come into play if you haven’t used them before.

If you are looking to invest in some tools, though, building your own shed could be the perfect excuse to pick some up. But you’d be wise to do some research into reliable brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita. And be prepared to wait if something isn’t in stock.

Still set on the idea of building your own shed? If so, let’s have a look at one of the biggest hidden costs of attempting to build your own shed – time.

Time

quick guide to building a shed if you want to refer back to these steps.

Obviously, with a pre-bought shed, you won’t be required to do anything of this – except maybe the foundation. And if this is your first shed, always opt for a wooden one. Wood is a sturdy material and it’s easier to build with. Plus you won’t need tools for metalwork like an axle grinder.

So whether you’re looking to construct a storage shed or a summer house – how long do you think it’ll take you? If something goes wrong, like your foundation isn’t level, it could put strain on your shed. Then this could cost you further down the line.

A man leaning over a table leg on a benchtop does carpentry

Is It Cheaper To Build Your Own Shed?

Phew! We’ve come all that way, from talking about roofing felt to shed installation costs. And…we’re right back where we started. So is it cheaper to build your own shed?

Well, there’s a short answer and a long answer. The short answer is: ‘yes…probably’. This ‘yes’ means that if:

  • You’re skilled enough to measure, cut, and build a shed
  • You have all the tools on-hand
  • You have at least one skilled friend to help you out
  • You have time on your hands
  • All the materials and fixings you need are in stock. And you have the means to transport and store them (somewhere like, say, a shed!)
  • The weather is on your side and doesn’t waterlog or rot your shed before it’s built

Then yes, building your own shed probably is cheaper upfront. And the alternative – buying a ready-built shed – can come with a hefty price tag. Plus, one of the biggest pros of building your own shed is making it perfectly fit your space.

This is why we’re advocating for a third option. Why not get the best of both worlds? You can still have the thrill of construction and the feeling of achievement. Just, you know, contained within a weekend.

And, you can still customise features like guttering, wood treatment, bases, and interior shelving. This way, you get a fantastic compromise between stock-size sheds and your own DIY shed.

So if it’s the price tag that’s still worrying you, check out this Shop Sheds

FAQs

Is it cheaper to build your own shed?
Great question – the short answer is, probably. But once you’ve factored in time, material costs, and labour, that price tag isn’t that much cheaper. Plus, it depends on how skilled at carpentry you are. 

Remember, with your own shed you won’t have a warranty if anything goes wrong, either.

How to build your own shed

Check out our quick guide on how to build a shed for more information. 

Is it worth it building your own shed?
Look, we all love getting our hands dirty and making something that we can be proud of. But you also want a durable, well-made shed from quality materials. So if you’re tight on time, or looking for a more customisable experience, why not build a BillyOh shed without all the hassle?

How much does it cost to build a shed on your own?

Let’s start by saying that we think you should always have at least one other person to help out. This goes for safety reasons and for ease of manoeuvring materials. In this guide, we’ve provided BillyOh Master Tall Store starts at just £219 and is easily put together in a couple of hours for reference.

Related Posts