Do I need a permit for a shed?

Many jurisdictions exempt small sheds under a floor-area threshold, but setbacks and height limits usually still apply. The permit checklist shows the rules commonly attached to your address so you know what to ask about.

Skids or a concrete slab?

Gravel and skids are cheaper and movable; a slab is better for heavy equipment and long-term storage. The estimate updates the foundation materials for whichever you pick.

Does the takeoff include siding and roofing?

Yes — sheathing, siding, underlayment, roofing and trim are all counted from your wall and roof areas with a waste allowance.

Are the material costs accurate for my area?

Costs are regional estimates only, indexed by ZIP against national material averages. Always confirm current prices with your supplier before buying — the numbers here are for planning and budgeting, not a quote.

Do I need to confirm my measurements first?

Yes. The calculator asks you to verify key dimensions before it will produce material, cut, or shopping lists, because a single mistyped dimension changes every quantity downstream.

Home

Shed · Step 1 of 6 · The footprint

How big is the shed?

8×10 is a classic backyard storage shed. 10×12 fits a rider mower. Anything over 120 sqft usually needs a permit.

Length

Width

Wall height

8ft walls are standard. Taller walls give overhead storage but cost more siding.

Live estimate

Prices for your area

Enter your ZIP to re-price materials, or keep national averages.

Reviewed weekly · price book updated 2026-07-27See what changed

DIY vs. hiring a pro

Free

Save about $4,434 (62%)

building this shed yourself.

You build it$2,771

Materials only, your sweat.

A contractor builds it$7,205

Typical bids land $6,340–$8,501.

Materials: $3,464
Labor: $3,741
Est. hours: 68

Contractor figures assume a $55/hr blended labor rate (national average). Estimates only — use them to sanity-check a bid, not as a quote.

Cut-list optimizer

Free

Buy 64 boards · 11% offcut

556 linear ft purchased, 496 ft used — 60 ft ($63) left over.

52 × 2 × 4 @ 8'
Wall studs, Rafters · 1 piece per board
24 ft scrap (6%)
10 × 2 × 6 @ 12'
Floor joists, Ridge board · 1 piece per board
36 ft scrap (30%)
2 × 4 × 4 @ 10'
Skids · 1 piece per board
0 ft scrap (0%)

Sheet goods and pre-built parts (Wall plates) aren't cut from stock lengths — see the shopping list for those.

Estimates only. Includes a 1/8" blade kerf per cut. Measure your own site and check board lengths at the yard before buying.

Shed floor joist span8 ft vs 9 ft max span (2x6 @ 16" o.c.)
2x6 floor joists at 16" o.c. comfortably span your 8 ft width.

This is an automated sanity check against published residential span guidance — estimates only, not a stamped engineering review. Local code and your inspector always govern; confirm sizing and embedment with your building department before you build.

Check a contractor bid

Free

Enter what a pro quoted you. We'll break it down against this project's materials and national labor rates.

Bid totalMaterials (optional)Labor (optional)

$2,771

incl. 10% waste

Materials

Area: 80 sqft
Wall studs: 44
Rafters: 14
Sheathing panels: 16
Siding panels: 10

Shed calculator questions

Common questions about this takeoff. All output is an estimate only — confirm quantities and prices before you buy.