Building Kits for Sheds

Floor Options

• Some shed kits, usually the larger ones, come with the option of a built-in floor. While these kits are more expensive, you don’t have to pour a concrete slab or set the shed on pavers, which will add to the final cost. Sheds on display at building centers may have floors installed, yet the kit may not include flooring materials, so talk to the sales representative or read the list of enclosed kit items to determine whether you’ll have to provide the floor.

Kit Quality

• Shed kits come in molded polyurethane, metal and real wood with guttering and siding you can paint to match your home. They can be small and portable or large and sturdy enough to house a workshop or child’s play center. Because the shed components are manufactured in mass, shed kits sell for much less than it would cost to hire a contractor to build a custom shed of the same size. If you want a shed that will last or withstand wind, snow and rain, you’ll need to pay more for quality construction materials.

Assembly

• Shed kits come with assembly instructions, but for some of the kits, you’ll need basic carpenter skills and tools. Inexpensive molded plastic kits require minimal assembly; many of the pre-molded sections snap together, and the kit provides bolts to insert in pre-determined holes. Larger, wood-type sheds may come with rafters or roof trusses that you must set and level. Some kits provide roof sheathing, shingles and fascia that you’ll have to install just as a carpenter would. If you’re buying a kit online, look for a downloadable copy of the installation instructions to ensure that you’re getting a kit you’re able to assemble.

Considerations

• While wood sheds are usually sturdier and look better in your yard, they also cost more than metal or molded plastic sheds of the same size. They may also require occasional painting or treatment to prevent insect and moisture damage. Metal and plastic shed kits are lightweight; if you live in an area that gets a lot of wind, they may not hold up well. Before you buy a kit that requires a concrete slab floor, check with your local building authority, which may restrict the size of the shed or its location. Community fire codes may regulate the distance between a shed and your house or property line.