Let’s be honest—you’re standing in your garage right now, aren’t you? Navigating around bikes, boxes from three Christmases ago, and that exercise equipment that’s now a very expensive coat rack. You’ve reached the point where something’s got to give, and you’re thinking: maybe I need a shed.

But here’s the question keeping you up at night: how much does a storage shed cost? And more importantly, is it worth turning your backyard dream into reality, or will it drain your wallet faster than your teenager at the shopping center?

I’ve been down this rabbit hole myself, and I’m here to break down everything you need to know about shed costs in Australia—from the bargain-basement options to the fancy numbers that’ll make your accountant weep. No jargon, no sales pitch, just the honest truth about what you’re looking at.

The Bottom Line: What You’ll Actually Pay

Here’s the thing about shed costs—they’re about as straightforward as flat-pack furniture instructions. The price swings wildly depending on what you want, where you are, and how fancy you’re feeling.

In Australia, storage sheds typically cost between $500 and $20,000+. Yeah, that’s a massive range, I know. But stick with me here.

For a basic small garden shed (think 1.5m x 0.8m), you’re looking at around $500-$1,500. These are your no-frills, get-the-job-done options—perfect if you just need somewhere to stash the lawnmower and garden tools.

Mid-range sheds (around 3m x 3m) will set you back $2,000-$5,000. This is where most Aussie homeowners land—decent size, reasonable quality, won’t fall apart in the first storm.

And if you’re going full lifestyle magazine with a large, custom-built shed with all the bells and whistles? You’re potentially looking at $10,000-$20,000 or more. These are essentially backyard mansions—insulated, wired for electricity, maybe even with a bar (no judgment here).

How Much Does a Shed Cost to Build in Australia? Breaking Down the Real Expenses

So you’ve decided to take the plunge. Smart move. But before you start measuring up your backyard, let’s talk about what actually drives these costs.

Size Matters (Obviously)

The biggest factor in your shed’s price tag is, unsurprisingly, how big you want it. Here’s a rough guide:

• Small sheds (1.5m x 2m): $500-$1,500
• Medium sheds (3m x 3m): $2,000-$5,000
• Large sheds (6m x 6m): $5,000-$15,000
• Extra-large/custom sheds: $15,000+

Material World

The material you choose makes a massive difference. Let’s break it down:

Metal sheds are the workhorses of the shed world. They’re affordable, durable, and won’t rot. Expect to pay $500-$5,000 depending on size. The downside? They can turn into ovens in summer and iceboxes in winter.

Timber sheds are the attractive option—they look great and blend beautifully with your garden. But they come with a higher price tag ($2,000-$10,000+) and need more maintenance. Think of them as the high-maintenance friend who always looks good but needs constant attention.

Plastic/resin sheds sit somewhere in between. They’re low-maintenance, weather-resistant, and cost around $800-$3,000. They’re not going to win any design awards, but they’ll do the job without fuss.

DIY or Professional Installation?

This is where things get interesting. You can save a fortune by going the DIY route—but only if you actually know what you’re doing. I’ve seen too many weekend warrior projects that end up looking like they’ve survived a cyclone before they’ve even been finished.

Kit sheds (the ones you assemble yourself) can cost as little as $500-$3,000 for the materials. Add your own labor (and probably a few choice words when things don’t line up), and you’ve got yourself a budget-friendly option.

Professional installation will add anywhere from $500-$3,000 to your bill, depending on complexity. But here’s my take: unless you’re genuinely handy and have the time, it’s often worth it. These folks have done this a hundred times—they know the tricks, they’ve got the tools, and they won’t accidentally drill through your neighbor’s fence.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Build a Shed on a Budget?

Look, not everyone’s got thousands sitting around for a shed. I get it. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

Buy a kit shed and DIY it. This is your most budget-friendly route. Bunnings and similar retailers offer basic metal sheds starting around $500-$800. They’re simple to assemble (read the instructions twice, seriously), and you’ll feel like a champion when it’s done.

Go smaller than you think you need. Here’s a truth bomb: we always overestimate how much space we actually need. That 6x6m shed might seem essential now, but a well-organized 3x3m could do the trick and save you thousands.

Choose metal over timber. Timber looks gorgeous, but if budget’s your concern, metal wins every time. Modern Colorbond sheds don’t look half bad, and they’ll last for years.

Skip the concrete slab. If your council allows it (check this first!), you can use pavers or a gravel base instead. A concrete slab alone can cost $1,000-$3,000, so this can be a significant saving.

How Much Would It Cost to Make a Storage Shed? The DIY Deep Dive

So you’re feeling ambitious. You want to build this thing from scratch. Respect. But let’s be realistic about what you’re getting into.

Materials for a basic DIY shed (3m x 3m):

Material	Estimated Cost
Frame timber	$500-$800
Cladding (metal or timber)	$600-$1,200
Roofing	$300-$600
Door & hardware	$150-$400
Foundation materials	$200-$500
Screws, nails, misc	$100-$200
Total	$1,850-$3,700

That’s just materials. Now add your time—and if you’re like most people, this “weekend project” will stretch into several weekends, possibly months. Factor in tool rental or purchase if you don’t own the gear, and suddenly that $3,000 kit shed with professional installation doesn’t look so bad.

Can I build my own storage shed? Absolutely. Should you? Depends. Are you comfortable with power tools? Do you have the time? Can you read plans without your eyes glazing over? Most importantly—do you actually want to do this, or does it just seem like you should?

There’s no shame in recognizing your limits. I’ve got a mate who’s brilliant with numbers but can’t hammer a nail straight to save his life. He hired professionals. His shed’s still standing. His ego took a minor hit, but his weekends remained intact.

How Much Does a Shed Slab Cost in Australia?

Let’s talk foundations. Because no matter how beautiful your shed is, if it’s sitting on dodgy ground, you’re in for a world of pain.

A concrete slab is the gold standard. It’s level, it’s permanent, and it keeps moisture out. In Australia, you’re looking at $1,000-$3,000 for a standard shed slab, depending on size and site conditions.

Basic cost breakdown:

• Small slab (10-15 sqm): $1,000-$1,500
• Medium slab (15-25 sqm): $1,500-$2,500
• Large slab (25-40 sqm): $2,500-$4,000

That’s around $100-$150 per square meter on average. Site prep, reinforcement mesh, and thickness all affect the final price.

If concrete feels too steep, alternatives include:

• Timber deck base: $800-$1,500
• Paver base: $500-$1,000
• Gravel base: $200-$500

Just remember—you get what you pay for. A proper concrete slab will outlast everything else and keep your shed level and dry for decades.

Do You Need a Permit to Build a Shed in Australia?

Ah yes, the fun part. Australian bureaucracy at its finest.

The short answer: it depends on your council and your shed size.

Generally, you can skip the permit if your shed is:

• Under 10 square meters
• Less than 2.4m high
• At least 900mm from boundaries
• Not in a heritage area

But—and this is a big but—every council has different rules. What flies in Brisbane might not work in Sydney. Some councils are relaxed; others want permits for anything bigger than a letterbox.

What is the largest shed without council approval? In most areas, it’s around 10 square meters, but this varies. Some councils allow up to 20 sqm in certain zones. Always, always check with your local council first. A $200 fine for an illegal structure is the least of your worries—they can make you demolish it.

The permit process typically costs $150-$500 and takes 4-8 weeks. Yes, it’s annoying. Yes, it’s worth doing properly. Trust me on this one.

How Much Should I Pay for Storage in Australia? Alternative Options

Before we dive deeper into shed ownership, let’s address the elephant in the room: is a shed actually your best option?

Storage units in Australia cost roughly:

• Small unit (1-2 sqm): $80-$150/month
• Medium unit (3-5 sqm): $150-$250/month
• Large unit (10+ sqm): $250-$400/month

Do the math. At $150/month, you’re paying $1,800 per year. Over five years, that’s $9,000—enough for a pretty decent shed that you actually own.

Will my car fit in a 10×20 storage unit? Most will, but here’s the thing—you’re paying premium prices for car storage at a facility when a shed in your backyard costs nothing ongoing and adds property value.

Is it worth paying for storage? Short-term? Absolutely. Moving house, renovating, temporarily downsizing—storage units are brilliant. Long-term? A shed’s probably smarter financially.

Is Building a Shed a Good Investment?

Here’s where it gets interesting. Unlike most home projects, sheds can actually add value to your property.

Do sheds add value to houses? Generally, yes. A well-built, attractive shed can add $5,000-$15,000 to your home’s value. But there’s nuance here. A dodgy DIY job that looks like it survived a demolition derby? That’s adding nothing except questions from potential buyers.

The key factors:

• Quality matters: A professional, well-maintained shed is an asset. A rusty lean-to is an eyesore.
• Style counts: It should complement your home, not look like it landed from Mars.
• Size is situational: A huge shed in a tiny yard can actually decrease appeal.
• Functionality wins: Extra storage is valuable. A weird, unusable space isn’t.

Real estate agents consistently note that properties with good storage options—including quality sheds—sell faster and for more. In Sydney and Melbourne particularly, where every square meter counts, a decent shed can be a genuine selling point.

How Much Is It to Build a Shed from Scratch? The Custom Route

So you’ve rejected the kit sheds. You want something special, something that’ll make the neighbors jealous. Fair enough. Let’s talk custom builds.

A custom-built shed in Australia starts around $10,000 and can easily exceed $30,000 for something truly special. What are you getting for that money?

Premium features that drive cost:

• Insulation: Add $1,000-$3,000
• Electrical wiring: $1,500-$4,000
• Windows and natural light: $500-$2,000
• Custom cladding/design: $2,000-$5,000
• Concrete floor (polished): $2,000-$5,000
• Workbench and storage systems: $1,000-$3,000

How much do shed builders charge? Professional shed builders typically charge $150-$250 per square meter for labor, plus materials. A 30 sqm custom shed might cost:

• Materials: $8,000-$12,000
• Labor: $4,500-$7,500
• Slab: $2,500-$3,500
• Total: $15,000-$23,000

Is it cheaper to build a shed or buy a pre-built? Pre-built is almost always cheaper upfront. But custom gives you exactly what you want—and if you’re planning to stay in your home long-term, that might be worth it.

Why Are Stratco Sheds So Expensive?

You’ve probably noticed Stratco sheds command premium prices. There’s a reason for that—or several, actually.

Stratco’s been around since 1948. They’re the old-school Australian brand everyone’s parents had. Their sheds typically cost 20-40% more than generic alternatives, but here’s what you’re paying for:

• Australian-made Colorbond steel (not cheaper imports)
• Engineered designs with proper wind ratings
• Comprehensive warranties (often 15+ years)
• Professional installation networks
• Customization options

Are they worth it? Depends on your priorities. If you want something that’ll genuinely last 20+ years with minimal maintenance, Stratco’s a solid bet. If you just need somewhere to store stuff for a few years, there are cheaper options that’ll do fine.

What shed size offers the best value? Generally, 3m x 3m hits the sweet spot. It’s big enough to be useful, small enough to stay affordable, and usually doesn’t need council approval. You’re getting maximum utility per dollar spent.

Common Mistakes in DIY Shed Building (And How to Avoid Them)

Since we’re talking honestly, let’s discuss the ways people typically mess this up:

1. Skipping the level check. Your shed base needs to be level. Not “looks pretty level,” actually level. One corner just 20mm off and you’ll have doors that won’t close and a frame that racks. Buy or hire a decent spirit level.

2. Ignoring drainage. Water will pool around your shed. It always does. If you don’t plan for drainage, you’ll end up with a rusty base and a damp interior. Grade away from the shed, or add drainage channels.

3. Cutting corners on fixings. Those screws the manufacturer recommends? Use them. All of them. The wind doesn’t care about your budget.

4. Not planning for expansion. Think you’ll never need power in the shed? Famous last words. Run conduit during construction even if you don’t wire it immediately. Future you will be grateful.

5. Forgetting ventilation. Condensation is real, especially in metal sheds. Without vents, you’ll end up with a greenhouse effect in summer and a rust factory in winter.

Do Bunnings Install Sheds?

Short answer: sometimes, but not directly. Bunnings sells sheds but typically doesn’t install them themselves. However, they partner with installation services and can connect you with contractors.

Expect to pay $500-$2,000 for professional assembly of a Bunnings kit shed, depending on size and complexity. Many people buy the shed from Bunnings, then hire a local handyman or shed specialist for installation.

Pro tip: Read the reviews on the specific shed model before buying. Some kit sheds are genuinely easy to assemble; others are nightmares even for professionals. The $200 you save isn’t worth three weekends of frustration.

How to Calculate Shed Cost: Your Planning Checklist

Before you commit to anything, work through this calculation:

Base shed cost + Slab/foundation + Installation (if applicable) + Permits/approvals + Electrical (if wanted) + Internal fittings + 10% contingency

That contingency isn’t optional. Something always comes up—ground’s not level, you need extra materials, the neighbor’s fence is closer than you thought. Budget for it now, and you’ll thank yourself later.

Is It Cheaper to Buy or Make a Shed? The Final Verdict

Here’s my honest assessment after years of observation and one personal shed-building misadventure:

Buy a kit shed if:

• Your budget’s under $5,000
• You want it done quickly
• You’re moderately handy but not a tradesperson
• You don’t need customization

Build from scratch if:

• You have specific requirements
• You genuinely enjoy building things
• You have the skills and tools
• Time isn’t a critical factor

Hire professionals if:

• Budget allows ($5,000+)
• You want guarantees and warranties
• You value your weekends
• You want it done right first time

The Bottom Line: What’s Your Shed Really Worth?

Look, at the end of the day, a storage shed is about more than just square meters and dollar signs. It’s about reclaiming your garage, having space for hobbies, not losing your mind every time you need to find something.

Is it worth getting a shed? If you’re constantly tripping over stuff, yes. If your garage looks like a tetris game gone wrong, yes. If you’re paying for off-site storage long-term, absolutely yes.

The average Australian homeowner spends $3,000-$5,000 on a shed and considers it money well spent. It’s not sexy, it’s not exciting, but it’s practical—and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

My advice? Start with the purpose. What do you actually need this shed for? Then work backward to size and budget. Don’t buy the biggest shed you can afford—buy the right-sized shed for your needs. Your wallet and your backyard will thank you.

And whatever you decide, measure twice, cut once, and for the love of all that’s holy, check with your council before breaking ground.