How to Build a Shed from Scratch (Step-by-Step Guide 2025)

Want to learn how to build a shed that’s both budget-friendly and tailored to your needs? This step-by-step guide walks you through building a 12x10ft (3m x 3.6m) timber-framed shed from scratch, saving you money while allowing full customisation.

Below, you’ll find a clear seven-stage construction plan, including a materials list, tool checklist, 3D drawings, and real photos from my own build. As of November 2025, total material costs are around £1300. You can add premium log lap cladding for an extra £200.

Having built both flat-pack and DIY sheds, I can confidently say a custom build offers more value and flexibility, saving up to £400 compared to branded kits like BillyOh. Building your shed is a smart investment if you’re serious about garden storage.

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How to Build a Shed From Scratch – Step-by-Step

It’s important to keep the height at or below 2.5m to comply with permitted development rules. If the shed’s height exceeds 2.5m and is within 2m of a boundary, you will need to obtain planning permission.

Step 1. Foundations & Base

1.1 Levelling the Ground

Materials required: Sharp sand, gravel (Type 1 MOT)

Before constructing the shed, it’s crucial to have a level and stable base.

To improve drainage and prevent water pooling, spread a layer of sand and gravel evenly over the surface, then use a compactor or heavy roller to compact it into a solid, level base.

Top Tip: For added stability, incorporating a crushed aggregate base beneath the gravel can further enhance load distribution and longevity, reducing the risk of shifting over time.

1.2 The Shed Footings

Materials required: Paving slabs, sharp sand, cement, hardcore (Type 1 MOT)

Dig a 30cm deep square hole under each slab and fill with hardcore, sand and then top with cement before gently laying the slab on top. The timbers can be used with a spirit level to find the perfect level platform.

Top Tip: Use reclaimed slabs to reduce your costs.

1.3 How to Build a Timber Framed Base

Materials required: 3″x2″ C16 treated construction timber (3m and 3.6m lengths), 70mm wood screws, paving slabs, 18mm OSB 3 boards

Using the 3″x2″ construction timber, a spirit level and a selection of good quality screws from Fixabolt, start by creating the outer frame. Then add three inner supports using the 3m timber. Add more slabs for further support.

To ensure a sturdy and solid shed base:

• Secure all the pieces of the outer frame together with two 70mm screws per join.
• Complete the same for the three frame pieces.
• Brace each section with additional 3″x2″ timbers, ensuring the OSB board joins fit over the timber sections. This will prevent movement between each board. The boards measure 18mm thick & 1220x2440mm.
• Measure diagonally from corner to corner to ensure the base is squared off.

Complete the base with boards and trim off any additional OSB with a circular saw.

This completes the shed base. You’re now ready to start construction on the next stage, the walls.

If you are building your shed on an uneven surface or would like to build a solid concrete base then take a look at these other guides for some step-by-step instructions:

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Step 2. How to Build the Timber Frame Walls

2.1 The Wall Frames

Materials required: 2.4m CLS timber (38x63mm), 3 & 3.6m C16 timber (3″x2″ / 45x70mm), 70mm screws

The first step is to create each wall frame using the two different types of timber. The overall height of the walls are 2000mm / 6′ 7″.

• Measure and cut 6 vertical pieces of timber and 2 horizontal pieces for the rear wall.
• Lay the pieces flat on the shed base and secure them together using 70mm screws. Apply two screws per butt joint.
• Each piece should be spaced roughly 52cm apart.
• Drill pilot holes before applying the screws to prevent splitting the wood.

Top Tip – When working alone, you can use a piece of timber at an angle to hold the walls into place.

Repeat this process for the side walls using 7 vertical pieces of timber.

Top Tip – For additional roof strength, add two pieces of timber along the top rail of the walls. This reinforcement is especially important if you plan to use the eaves of the roof for storage. – SR Structures

2.2 Corner Posts & Securing the Shed Walls

Materials required: 90x90mm / 3 ½” posts (2.4m lengths), 70mm screws

Use the 90mm square posts for the corners. Do not cut them to size yet, this will be done when the roof frame is on. The posts are not fixed to the floor. They simply act as fixing points for the walls and roof.

• Align the posts and frames flush with the base.
• Use four 70mm screws to attach the walls to the posts.
• Using the same screws, secure the wall frames to the base of the shed. Use one screw between each vertical post.
• The wall frame should be mounted flush to the edge of the frame. This is so the cladding can be secured to overlap the shed base.

2.3 Waterproofing the Walls

A large plastic sheet will add an extra layer of protection to your shed and prevent water damage to the walls and base. You can find the plastic sheet here on Amazon.

• Fix one end of the plastic sheet to the front corner post using a staple gun.
• Run the sheet around the shed applying staples along the top edge as you go.
• Apply a staple every 30cm or so.
• Once applied around all three sides, return and apply staples along the bottom edge and some of the middle supports.
• Return to the front of the shed once completed in the next section.

2.3 Building the Front Outer Frame

With 3 wall frames up, it’s time to add the front outer frame which is simply to ensure all the walls are now lined up correctly. This is required for the roof build. Cut the two side pieces to the correct height and add the top rail. Secure each piece into place using 70mm screws.

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Step 3. Adding the Cladding

For my build, I used a slightly more expensive log lap cladding. It gives the feel of a log cabin but remains easy to install with its tongue and groove profile. Below I have provided links to some options:

• Each piece is cut to length using a mitre saw.
• Start from the bottom and work your way up each wall. Ensure the first piece overlaps the shed base.
• Cladding can be secured with 50mm nails or thin (3.5mm) 50mm screws.
• Ensure there are no gaps as you add each piece.
• Leave the last few pieces at the top of the wall. These will be added once the roof trusses have been built.

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Step 4. How to Build the Dual Pitched Roof

4.1 Constructing the Timber Trusses

Materials required: CLS timber, OSB (off-cuts), 70mm screws

This shed has a 15-degree angle on a dual-pitched roof. This ensures the height of the roof does not exceed 2.5m. The following frame will be strong enough to support a persons weight. (~80kg)

• Set your mitre saw to 15 degrees to ensure each cut is the same.
• Using the CLS timber cut each piece to length.
• Cut enough timber for 7 trusses
• Using some of the off-cuts from the shed base OSB board, cut some triangle shapes to secure and join the top of the trusses. Place one on either side.
• At each end of the shed add one vertical piece of timber to support the roof onto the top of the wall.

• Cut notches into the trusses to ensure a good fixing point to the top of the walls.
• Notches can be cut using a hand saw
• Secure the trusses to the walls using 80mm screws from the top down.

4.2 Creating the Front Eaves

Materials required: CLS timber, 80mm screws

The roof can be extended at the front of the shed to provide some extra protection from the weather.

• Cut 600mm / 2ft timbers using the CLS.
• Secure these to the front of the first truss using two 80mm screws.
• Finish the overhanging eaves with a piece of CLS timber.
• Secure CLS timber around the rest of the roof to complete the roof frame.

• Now you can cut the corner posts to the same angle of the roof. (15-degrees)
• Use a handsaw or similar to follow the truss roof line.

The following image shows the complete eaves framework and cut corner posts.

4.3 Boarding the Shed Roof

11mm OSB board is suitable for the shed roof. I have used 6 6’x4′ boards in total.

• Place the first two complete OSB boards onto the roof and secure them in place using 40mm screws.
• Apply at least 16 screws per board, evenly spread out.
• Measure, cut and secure the next boards into place.
• Boards can be cut using a circular saw.

You can use a ladder to climb onto the roof.

4.4 Securing the Shed Roof Felt

You will require 2 x 10m rolls to cover the roof. 

• Starting with the lower edge of the roof, secure one complete length to the roof using 5mm tacks.
• Place tacks every 5cm.
• Ensure an overhang of about 60mm around every edge of the roof.
• Apply the second roll of felt to ensure it overlaps the first and also overlaps the peak of the roof.
• Repeat this step on the other side of the shed roof.

You can walk on the roof to achieve this finish.

Top Tip – You can apply a layer of shed roof felt adhesive between the joins and around the edges for a secure, watertight finish.

More Shed Roofing Options

Felt is a great budget-friendly roofing option but you might want to take things a step further. Explore some of my top recommendations here:

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Step 5. Constructing the Front Wall & Entrance

Building the front wall for the shed was the next step, having to make a slightly different frame to support the window and door opening.  

5.1 Building the Front Wall Frame

• Using the CLS timber, measure and cut a suitable frame for the doors and window. (Window optional)
• The door should be a suitable height and width for your own personal preferences.
• A door frame can now been added using 22mm x 100mm timber. This will support the hinges and door stops.
• Build a suitable frame for the window. Check the height and width. Allow a 5mm gap around each side for any fine adjustments.

5.2 Shed Window Installation

Top Tip – To save money on a window I searched locally on Facebook Marketplace and found something suitable for £30.

The Window is simply screwed in from the side.  

• Open the window and drill some pilot holes before setting in the screws.
• Secure in place with some 60mm screws.

5.3 Completing the Cladding

• Add some additional timber supports to finish off the back and front wall. The should be evenly spaced to provide support into the eaves of the roof. See above picture.
• Cut and secure the cladding to fit into the front and rear eaves. Use a jigsaw or circular saw to cut the cladding at the correct angles.
• Using a jigsaw, cut the cladding to fit around the windows and doors.

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Step 6. How to Build Strong Doors

The shed door was made using more CLS timber and some of the leftover cladding. Make a double door frame and secure the cladding vertically on these rectangle frames.

• Measure the door frame and cut the timber to size.
• Allow for a 5mm gap around each edge to allow the doors to freely open and close.
• Cut the cladding to fill the door frames.
• Secure the cladding in place using 50mm screws.

• Create a door frame stop on the internal side for the doors to sit against when closed. Use a door frame stop timber for this.
• Add hinges to the doors and secured in place with some 40mm screws. I didn’t add a handle but did add a lockable clasp for security.
• Add door handles and/or a door claps and staple to finish the doors.

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Step 7. Painting or Staining the Exterior

The final steps to building your own shed include adding trim (fascia) to the sides of the roof, fitting a handle, hasp, and staple to the door, installing a motion sensor light, and painting or staining the entire shed.

Weatherproofing your shed ensures a long-lasting, secure structure. Finishing the shed with exterior wood paint provides a professional look and shields it from the elements. You can opt for a stain to showcase the natural beauty of the wood or choose a coloured wood paint to match your garden’s theme. Read more about weatherproofing your shed here:

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Materials List 10×12′ DIY Shed

Here’s a list of all the materials I used for this DIY shed build. You can use the links to see current costs. For a full list with quantities please consider buying my detailed 10×12 shed plans.

Material	Supplier
CLS C16 timber 38x63mm x 2.4m	Travis Perkins
LogLap cladding 125mm x 22mm or Shiplap cladding 119mm x 14.5mm	eBay or TP
3×2 C16 construction timber 45x70mm x 3m	TP
3×2 C16 construction timber 45x70mm x 3.6m	TP
OSB3 18x1220x2440mm	TP
OSB3 12x1220x2440mm	TP
Corner/fence posts 90x90mm x 2.4m	TP
Cement 25kg	TP
Sharp sand 25kg	TP
Waterproof sheeting	eBay or Amazon
Roof felt 10m	Amazon
Door hinges	Screwfix
Mix of screws – 80mm – 50mm – selection box	Screwfix
Hasp and Staple	Screwfix

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Downloadable PDF 12x10ft Shed Plans

Looking for detailed shed plans? Download my comprehensive 12x10ft DIY shed guide—perfect for beginners and experts alike!

Optional Extras for Your Shed

Here are an few option extras worth considering for your shed build.

Soundproofing your Shed

While building your shed, you may not initially think about sound insulation. But what if you’re planning to use it as a workshop soundproof windows and soundproof glass to your shed can significantly improve your experience. C.U.in offers high-quality soundproof windows and glass solutions designed to reduce external noises by up to 90%. It’s an investment in comfort and privacy, making your shed not just a storage space but a functional room you can actually spend time in.

Lighting

One effective way to introduce a burst of colour is through lighting choices, and for those looking to make a statement, neon lighting stands out as an excellent option. Using custom neon signs on BPS.com is great for flexibility in designing unique shapes and fonts, allowing you to add a personal touch to your shed décor. And when it comes to decorating your shed, the options are endless. You can even go seasonal, like getting wreaths based on time of year (and you can get your wreath hanger from here)

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More Shed Plans

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Here’s a quick video demonstrating the complete build from start to finish.

Here are some questions I’m regularly asked about my DIY shed build – FAQs

Are you wondering how to build a shed? Hopefully, I have answered this question with enough detail to get you started. To follow on from this guide, here are answers to some of the common questions when it comes to building a DIY shed.

Q: Is it cheaper to build your own shed?

Here is the all important question. Can you build your own shed cheaper than you can buy a flat pack shed? As I purchased and built a flat-pack shed the year before, I have recent pricing and build experience to share as a comparison.

A: Yes, you can build a shed from scratch cheaper than you can buy a flat-pack shed. The great thing is, that a DIY shed built to these specifications is not only cheaper but built to a much higher standard.

How much will a 12x10ft DIY shed cost in 2025?

Building a shed of this size in 2025 will cost in the region of £1500.

Here’s an updated materials and price list for 2025.

Material	Quantity	Price (GBP)	Total Cost
CLS Timber 38×63 x 2.4m	60	3.92	235.20
Loglap cladding 125x22mm	224m	2.98	667.52
3×2 timber 47x75mm x 3m	8	8.45	67.60
3×2 timber 47x75mm x 3.6m	6	10.1	60.60
OSB3 18mm 1220x2440mm	5	26.63	133.15
OSB3 11mm 1220x2440mm	6	22.58	135.48
90x90mm post 2.4m	4	19.32	77.28
Plastic sheet 20x4m	1	15	15
Rood Felt 10m	2	27.99	55.98
Door hinges	4	6.99	27.96
Screw Selection	1	40	40
Hasp and Staple	1	6.99	6.99
		TOTAL	1522.76

Most of these materials prices were taken from the Travis Perkins website, based on their trade account prices. Anyone can sign up for a trade account with TP. Get a free trade account here:

A flatpack 10×12 shed from BillyOh will cost you £1622. See listing here

Q: How do I insulate my shed?

A: Insulating your shed is a great idea if you plan to use it all year round as a workshop or hobby space. It’s pretty easy but the costs can add up quite a bit. You can try and insulate your shed for free or on a budget but you’ll need to collect loads of free insulating materials before you get started. Click the button below to read my full guide on how to insulate your shed.

Q: Do I need planning permission for a garden shed (UK)?

A: Before you get started you’ll need to be aware of any building restrictions, so be sure to check the UK planning portal which outlines these key points:

1. Outbuildings to the side of the house are not permitted development.
2. Outbuildings are not permitted development within the grounds of a listed building.
3. In national parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites the total area to be covered by any outbuildings more than 20 metres from ANY WALL of the house must not exceed 10 square metres.
4. Outbuildings are not permitted development forward of the principal elevation of the original house.
   The term original house means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date).
5. Outbuildings and other additions must not exceed 50% of the total area of land around the original house. Sheds and all other outbuildings (see intro) and extensions to the original house must be included when calculating this 50% limit.
6. To be permitted development, any new building must not itself be separate, self-contained, living accommodation and must not have a microwave antenna.
7. Outbuildings must be single storey with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of 4 metres with a dual pitched roof, or 3 metres in any other case.
8. If the outbuilding is within 2 metres of the property boundary the whole building should not exceed 2.5 metres in height.

You can read my full guide to planning permission for your shed here:

Q: What tools will I require to build a shed from scratch?

A: You won’t need a long list of complex tools to complete this job but here are some essentials that will make your life a lot easier.  I’m a fan of the Dewalt XR range of tools because I can use the same batteries across the range and product quality is second to none.

Tool	My Recommendation
Jigsaw	Dewalt DCS334 XR 18V
Combi Drill & Impact Driver	Dewalt DCK266 XR 18v Twin Pack with 2x 5.0Ah batteries
Mitre Saw	Evolution R255SMS+ Compaund Mitre Saw
Circular Saw	Dewalt DCS391 XR 18v Circular Saw

Further tool considerations

• Hand saw – Panel saw with about 9 Tpi
• Pencil
• Set square – 10″ rafter square is ideal
• Tape measure – (5m – 8m)
• Long ruler (or straight edge)
• Hammer
• Spirit level – The bigger the better
• Basic staple gun

With any construction project, it’s important to protect yourself from injury. Consider investing in some safety equipment to protect your eyes (goggles), feet (steel toe cap boots) and hands (gloves).

My top recommendation and must buy for this shed build:

Q: How long does it take to build a shed?

A: My shed took roughly 4 days to complete from start to finish. This is a basic design that allows you to construct a watertight structure in under a week. Compared to a flat-pack shed which will take a couple of days, it takes roughly twice as long.

Q: Is it hard to build your own shed?

A: Far from it! If you have the time, patience and a few basic tools there is no reason why you can’t build your own shed. You can even use my detailed step-by-step DIY shed plans to help you along the way. If you are still feeling unsure about this task, feel free to reach out in the comments section below or start a thread in my forum to speak to myself and like-minded DIY enthusiasts.

Q. Do you need to pour footings for a shed?

A: In most cases you don’t need to pour concrete footings for a shed. These types of buildings are generally low weight and don’t require extensive support. Now this does depend on the size of the shed and it’s intended purpose. If you’re building a shed that’s over 12ft x 12ft and will have heavy machinery inside then it’s worth considering a more substantial shed foundation and footing.

I decided to create concrete footings for my shed as it would be used as a workshop and storage space for heavy materials and woodworking machinery. The design incorporated 6 concrete footings and a number of ground level support slabs for a strong footing. With this being a single skin wall construction the overall weight of the shed isn’t excessive. If you’re building an insulated shed or workshop then it’s worth considering more solid footings.

The same can be said for soft ground or sloped landscapes where drainage can be difficult. You should think carefully about where footings can be placed and at what intervals. Preventing your shed from sinking or succumbing to subsidence is an important consideration where the ground is not suitable for construction projects. Digging into the ground will help you decided how deep to dig the footings and where to find a more solid layer within the landscape.

Q: What is the cheapest way to line the inside of a shed?

A: You don’t have to line the inside of a shed unless you intend to hang heavy items off the walls. My shed construction will allow enough support and strength to build shelves and brackets for tools and other items. If however, you want to create an internal wall system in your shed the best material to use would be OSB boards. Either a 9mm or 12mm board should be sufficient for most needs.

If you are intending on internally lining your shed walls then it’s worth considering insulation to add extra warmth and cooling to your building.

Q: What is the cheapest way to build a shed?

A: If you can source free materials such as pallet wood, reclaimed timber, and discarded materials from building sites, you can save a lot of money. Many businesses give away scrap wood, old doors, or leftover construction materials for free or at a low cost—check local classifieds, Facebook Marketplace, or Freecycle. You might also consider repurposing old decking, roofing sheets, or salvaged windows and sticking to a basic DIY shed construction with a lean-to roof requires fewer materials.

How to save money on your DIY shed build

Sheds are pretty expensive and you can definitely save a bit of money by building your own from scratch as my own experiment shows, but here are some more ways to cut the cost of building your own shed:

1. DIY

The most obvious way is to do it yourself.  If you believe you have the basic DIY skills and woodwork knowledge required then you’ll save a small fortune completing the job yourself instead of hiring a tradesperson.

2. Use TopCashback

Save money on tools and materials

I’ve been using a cash back site like Topcashback for all my tool and material purchases which has generated me about £950 since joining a few years ago.  That’s quite a reasonable saving based on purchases I would have made anyway.  Here’s a screen shot of my savings to date:

My wife has also been using Topcashback for all our day-to-day household spending and has generated over £1200.  More than enough for a great holiday for us both.

3. Join the B&Q Club

If you’re not already a member then the B&Q Club is well worth joining, especially if you spend a small fortune in there on a regular basis like I do!  Almost every time I shop and scan the card I receive an email shortly after with a discount code for my next purchase.  Quite often I’ve had £5 off a £50 shop and £10 off a £75 shop.  Nearly every time I shop there I have a discount code to use and the savings really add up.

4. Voucher codes

You can save on your shed building supplied with Wickes voucher codes. Save on top-quality timber, fence posts and cement as well as the smaller essentials such as shed door hinges

5. Buy combo pack tools

If you don’t already have the tools for the job and can’t borrow them, then look out for great multipack and combo deals.  For instance, if you need to buy a drill and impact driver then it’s much better to buy them as a set like this Dewalt drill and driver set rather than buying them separately.

6. Use the same brand of power tools

Using the same brand of power tools means you can interchange the battery packs, instead of needing separate ones for each brand of tool.  It makes things way easier and creates less hassle once one is knackered or if one runs out of power.

7. Buy in bulk

Rather than ordering bits and pieces from all over the place, see if it makes more sense to buy in bulk from one retailer and avoid delivery costs.  For example, if you spend more than £300 in one go online on big and bulky items then you’ll get free home delivery from Wickes.

8. Sign up for a trade account

You can save about 15% when you sign up for a free trade account at Travis Perkins. Anyone can sign up for a cash trade account so it’s worth considering when spending this amount of money.

9. Finally, the most important rule of all to save money – measure twice and cut once!

When learning how to build a shed by yourself, researching thoroughly will help prevent making silly mistakes and wasting money.  

I hope you have found this article helpful and good luck if you are building your own custom shed.  They can definitely look a lot better and make you feel more proud!

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Embracing Eco-Friendly Shed for Conscious Builders

Eduard Munteanu, a builder from Axe Construction, suggests incorporating sustainable practices by selecting building materials that reduce environmental impact. Choose locally sourced or reclaimed wood to lessen emissions and repurpose resources. Green roofing, like sedum blankets, enhances insulation and biodiversity. These choices contribute to a healthier planet and add unique character to your shed.

Turn Your Shed into a Garden Office

If you liked this article then you might like this. I’ve recently completed a post about how I extended this shed and insulated it.  I turned my shed into a garden office or garden room to enjoy all year round.

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Readers sheds

Chris recently got in touch to show me what he had created off the back of this post and my shed plans download. He’s mixed things up a bit with an 8x12ft footprint and vertical cladding. He’s also up-cycled an old PVC door and windows (for £10 off Marketplace) to give this shed a professional-looking finish. I like how he has added some guttering to make good use of the rainwater for his garden plants. This is a great example of how to build a shed from scratch.

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Further Reading