A shed will cost you anywhere from $500 to $5000 depending on your chosen type, materials and location.
Are you looking to create the man cave of all man caves? A mini fridge filled with ice cold bevvies, bean bags for max comfort and an array of video games! OR are you looking to give your kids THE ultimate cubby house that includes fairy lights, toys and snacks?! Perhaps you just need some extra space to store the bikes and odd bits that have your garage overflowing!
Article Overview:
- Why should you get a shed?
- What type of garden shed is right for me?
- How much does a garden shed cost?
- Hiring a shed installer
- Installing a shed yourself
- Shed FAQs
Why should you get a shed?
There are a number of reasons you should consider getting a shed! Other than the fancy ones we already mentioned you may seek:
- More storage
- A work space
- An area for the kids
- A guest room
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! Rejoice! Now the question is - what type of garden shed is right for me? Well let’s consider the options. The three main types of garden sheds are plastic, wooden and metal.
Plastic Garden Sheds
The cheapest option out there! Plastic garden sheds are very durable, weather resistant, require minimal maintenance and will not rust nor take too long to assemble!
A risk with plastic garden sheds is that they may be susceptible to extreme temperatures and are not deemed as secure as other options.
Wooden Garden Sheds
Wooden garden sheds are trending and for good reason! You are able to browse between a number of designs (may that be modern or traditional). They are regarded as being the easier option to assemble and offer a great addition to any garden.
The only downside is that you will have to treat the shed every few years to avoid falling victim to the elements.
Metal Garden Sheds
The benefit of a metal garden shed is that it is extremely strong and durable, making it a primary option for those looking to store tools. They suit the Australian elements well, resisting rot and weather conditions.
The downside is that metal sheds are considered less visually appealing than other options. Alas beauty is in the eye of the beholder! They are also somewhat difficult to modify should you wish to make changes down the line.
Zincalume Garden Shed
Zincalume is comprised of zinc/aluminium alloy coated steel that lasts up to four times longer than competing options. Again, extremely durable.
Colorbond Sheds
Colorbond describes their sheds as “corrosion-resistant steel that's painted using a special baking process. So each metal sheet's colour doesn't fade or chip easily.”
How much does a garden shed cost?
Prices vary depending on your chosen size, materials and complexity of installation.
Average prices for garden sheds:
- Plastic Shed - Average price of $250-$500
- Wooden Shed - Average price of $2000
- Metal Shed - Average price of $300 plus
- Simple Zincalume Garden Shed - less than $500
- Colorbond sheds - $100 more than zincalume
Additional Costs:
- Council fees (may or may not apply in your area)
- Construction - $60 per square metre
- Concrete footings - $400-$1900
- Concrete slab - $70-$100 per metres squared
Hiring a shed installer
You can find appropriate shed installers on Service.com.au, this will likely fall under the responsibility of a builder or handyman. As always we strongly recommend ensuring you take a number of quotes, do your research and ask questions.
Some questions you may like to ask a professional include:
- How long will my job take?
- Are you insured and holding 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
Some sheds come in kits, which are super easy to set up yourself and will not require any extra help. However other kinds of sheds can be more complex and if you are not experienced in DIYing or such then we would recommend enlisting the help of an expert.
Shed FAQs
I don’t want to deal with the council, what are my options?
Most councils allow up to 10 square metres without requiring permission, however it may be wise to at least check your local council’s website first.
How do I prepare for the shed build?
If necessary, submit a building application to your council. Once this has been approved you will first need to put down a concrete slab and then wait one week to cure and put up the kit.
How much does a shed cost?
A shed will cost you anywhere from $500 to $5000 depending on your chosen type, materials and location.
Do I need to consider climate when picking a shed?
Most available shed designs suit the Australian climate, however if your local weather ranks high for strong winds and cyclone conditions then this should definitely be taken into account. Most shed providers will be happy to discuss this with you and recommend the most suitable shed.
Do I need to let my neighbours know I am building a shed?
Not usually, however it might be a nice excuse to show it off!
What are the most important things to look for in a quote?
While the finer details and price is extremely important one thing we put above else is the general vibe/feel you get from a professional. Trust your gut. If they go above and beyond to assist you in any way possible then they are a good professional who can be trusted for the job.
What is the cheapest shed available?
Plastic garden sheds are your cheapest option! They are very durable, weather resistant, require minimal maintenance and will not rust nor take too long to assemble!
What can I use a shed for?
- More storage
- A work space
- An area for the kids
- A guest room
Is there a time of year best suited to getting a shed?
Any time of year is the right time to get a shed! You may want to consider rain or extreme heat if you are assembling it yourself.
How long does it take to put up a shed?
Again this depends on your choice in shed, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring a professional. Obviously, hiring a professional will get your shed built in a much quicker time. DIY can take much more time due to lack of experience. It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks to build a shed.
Further Reading:
- How much does a Granny Flat Cost?
- How much does Colorbond Roofing Cost?
- How much does Insulation Cost?