Build vs Buy a Shed
Is it cheaper to build a shed yourself or buy one ready-made? Pick a size below to compare the DIY materials cost against a comparable pre-built shed, using live prices.
Build it yourself
£1,382.78
materials only, inc VAT
- Full control of size, timber grade & layout
- Priced from a complete cutting & materials list
- You supply the labour, tools and a weekend
- Excludes tools, delivery of materials & your time
Ready-made
Buy it ready-made
7' x 5' Forest 4Life 25yr Guarantee Overlap Pressure Treated Apex Wooden Shed (2.18m x 1.64m)
7 x 5ft
Apex roof
Wooden
£389.99
Free delivery Save £110 off RRP delivered & ready to assemble
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A ready-made shed this size is roughly £993 cheaper than the raw materials for a DIY build, and it arrives pre-cut and ready to assemble. Building your own still wins on custom sizes, timber grade and layout.
More ready-made 7ft x 5ft options
7' x 5' Forest Beckwood 25yr Guarantee Shiplap Pressure Treated Windowless Apex Wooden Shed (2.18m x 1.64m)
7' x 5' Forest 4Life 25yr Guarantee Overlap Pressure Treated Apex Wooden Shed with Logstore (2.18m x 2.31m)
7' x 5' Forest Timberdale 25yr Guarantee Tongue & Groove Pressure Treated Windowless Apex Shed (2.23m x 1.67m)
Ready-made prices are pulled from Buy Sheds Direct and may change; check the retailer for the latest price and specification. The DIY figure is an estimate of materials only and excludes tools, delivery of materials and your labour.
Want an exact price for your shed?
Design any size and specification in the builder and get a full materials list, cutting plan and estimated cost, free.
Open the shed builderIs it cheaper to build or buy a shed?
Is it cheaper to build a shed or buy one?
For small, standard sizes a mass-produced shed is often cheaper than buying the raw timber and materials at retail prices, because the manufacturer buys in bulk. Building your own tends to win on larger or non-standard sizes, on timber quality and on getting exactly the layout you want. This tool compares the two for your size using live prices.
Does the DIY cost include everything?
The DIY figure is an estimate of materials only (timber, cladding, roofing, fixings) including VAT. It excludes tools, the delivery of those materials, and your own labour. The ready-made price is the retailer price including VAT, usually with free delivery and everything you need to assemble it.
Are the ready-made prices up to date?
They are pulled automatically from Buy Sheds Direct and refreshed daily. Prices and specifications can change, so always check the current price on the retailer's site before buying.
Can I get an exact price for a custom size?
Yes. The shed builder works out a full materials list, cutting list and estimated cost for any size and specification you choose, then you can compare it here against the nearest ready-made shed.