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14 Free Shed Plans for Every Size and Budget

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Updated on 11/13/24

These free shed plans can help you design and build a DIY shed in your yard. Whether you're looking for a space to store tools, organize gardening and lawn equipment, keep outdoor furniture in the off-season, or even create a dedicated potting area for plants, these outdoor storage sheds can be multi-purpose depending on how you use your yard.

You can build a small or large shed depending on the space available, and some of the most common sizes include 8x10, 8x12, 10x10, 10x12, 12x16, 12x24, and 16x20. DIYers often use materials like lumber for framing, roofing, windows, and siding. Depending on the plans, size, and materials you use, there's a wide range of average costs. You could spend as little as a few hundred dollars or as much as $30,000.

Eager to build storage for your home? Here are free shed plans to help you get started.

Common Pitfalls

Before building a DIY shed, do not neglect to call your town to see if you need a permit, especially if you're adding plumbing or electricity. Another common pitfall? Choosing a plan for a shed that's too small. It's better to go slightly larger than you think you will need to ensure a functional storage space.

Inexpensive DIY Shed

Tan shed with red door — Family Handyman

The plan here was designed with a budget in mind but you wouldn't know it with the attractive design that features arched windows and a custom door. This shed has the perfect storybook design, ideal for a potting or gardening space.

The plan's directions, illustrations, and photos make it easy to build your shed on a tight budget.

How to Build an Inexpensive DIY Shed from Family Handyman

6x3 ft. Small Cedar Fence Picket Storage Shed

A storage shed made out of cedar fence planks — Ana White

Check out this plan if you're looking for the perfect little shed for your yard, This darling barn-inspired shed is just 6x3 ft., meaning it'll fit in even the smallest of backyards.

Ana White has designed this free shed plan that uses cedar fence pickets to create a budget-friendly shed that costs around $250. There's a shopping list, tool list, general instructions, color photos, diagrams, and lots of project photos and tips.

Small Cedar Fence Picket Storage Shed from Ana White

Garden Closet Storage Shed Plan

Picture of a small shed with gardening tools inside — The Family Handyman

Here's a free shed plan for a tiny shed that's only the size of a closet. It's a great solution if you need an affordable option to store basic lawn equipment or gardening tools.

A tools and materials list, step-by-step directions, diagrams, and plenty of pictures will help you build this shed.

Garden Closet Storage Shed Plan from Family Handyman

7x4 ft. Narrow Backyard Shed Plan

A narrow wooden shed in a backyard — BuildEazy

This 10-step shed plan will help you build a narrow (7x4 ft.) shed for your backyard. There are no windows, but it has a rustic look with room for tools and small outdoor furniture. A parts list, blueprints, and instructions will help you build this small but mighty shed.

Narrow Backyard Shed Plan from BuildEazy

10x12 ft. Gambrel Style Free Storage Shed Plan

Fenced backyard with small shed — irina88w / Getty Images

After finishing this shed, you'll have a 10x12 ft. gambrel storage shed that can be moved in the future, if necessary. This shed gives you a classic barn door look with plenty of space for lawn equipment and outdoor furniture. A complete material list makes it so easy it can be completed over a weekend.

Gambrel Style Free Storage Shed Plan from Construct101

8x11 ft. Drive-Thru Backyard Shed

If you prioritize DIY lawn care, this plan gives you an 8x11 ft. backyard shed that you can drive your riding lawn mower right into thanks to its footprint that is longer than it is wide. Add a shed ramp to make driving into the space even easier.

The combination of illustrations and color photos will help you build this timeless gambrel shed with barn doors right in your backyard.

Drive-Thru Backyard Shed from Extreme How-To

8x10 ft. Gabled Garden Shed Plan

Screenshot of building plan information for a gabled 8x10 garden shed — The Engineered Wood Association

This gabled garden shed is a beauty that includes 80 square feet of work and storage space. A window and workbench make the ultimate potting area inside. This 8x10 ft. shed can be built with a wrap-around deck for even more space.

You'll need to register (for free) to download the plan but then you'll instantly have the material list and plan as PDF files.

Gabled 8x10 Garden Shed Plan from APA

8x10 ft. Free Storage Shed Plan

Picture of an 8x10 storage shed — BuildEazy

This plan at BuildEazy gives you everything you need to build an 8x10 ft. storage shed for your yard. This floor plan is simple and budget-friendly for efficient storage. It's not fancy, but it'll be perfect for all your tools and lawn equipment.

8x10 Free Storage Shed Plan from BuildEazy

8x7 ft. Tudor-Style Garden Shed Plan

Build an 8x7 ft. Tudor-style garden shed with this comprehensive plan from BuildEazy. The final shed resembles a storybook cottage, creating a visible feature in your yard. If you're looking for a larger version of this shed, plans are available to build this same style of shed in a 10x10 size.

8x7 Tudor-Style Garden Shed Plan from BuildEazy

8x6 ft. Free Plan for a Simple Garden Shed

Shed with a blue door surrounded by trees — Mother Earth News

These free shed plans are for a simple 8x6 ft. garden shed that can be built with basic carpentry skills. This is an affordable solution for yard equipment, sports equipment, or garden tools that need a home out of the elements.

Detailed directions, a materials list, and blueprints are included.

Free Plan for a Simple Garden Shed from Mother Earth News

7x8 ft. Board-And-Batten Shed Plans

Back garden allotment — Â©Daniela White Images / Getty Images

This free shed plan will build you a 7 x 8 ft. board-and-batten shed. A parts list, step-by-step instructions, and diagrams are included.

There are nine steps and an easy-to-follow table of contents that take you through everything from making the floor and roof frame to putting up trim.

7x8 Board-And-Batten Shed Plans from BuildEazy

4x2 ft. Small Outdoor Shed/Smokehouse

A small outdoor shed converted into a smokehouse — Ana White

This plan from Ana White can be used as an affordable small shed, perfect for rakes and other vertical garden tools, but you can easily modify it into a smokehouse if you like. The 4x2 ft. shed plans include tips, color photos, a shopping list, a tool list, a cut list, diagrams, and step-by-step building instructions.

Small Outdoor Shed/Smokehouse from Ana White

8x8 ft. Gable Style Free Shed Plan

Illustration of a gable storage shed — MyBackyardPlans

This one is for a portable gable storage shed that's 8x8 ft. finished and built on a skid foundation so it can be moved if needed.

This is easy to follow, with illustrated pictures for each step. A complete materials and cutting list are available on the first page of the plans.

Gable Style Free Shed Plan from My Backyard Plans

10x12 ft. Lean-to Shed Plan

Large 10x12 Lean to Shed from Construct101 — Construct101

This free shed plan includes a PDF download with all the information you need to make a 10x12 ft. shed, which gives you plenty of room for equipment, off-season furniture, and more. You'll start with the materials list before getting into all the detailed measurements you need to follow, complete with illustrations along the way.

Large 10x12 Lean-to Shed Plan from Construct101

Schoolhouse Storage Shed

A shed shaped like a schoolhouse. — Family Handyman

This one-room schoolhouse-style shed plan includes directions and a list of tools and materials. It's large, at 10x12 ft., and has double doors, a covered entry, and fiber-cement siding.

Schoolhouse Storage Shed from Family Handyman

FAQ

Is it cheaper to build your own shed?

Since you're only paying for materials when you build a DIY shed, you'll save significantly on labor costs. This means it's nearly always cheaper to build your own shed.
How much does it cost to build a 12x12 ft. shed?

Building a shed costs an average of $40 to $75 per square foot. That means a 12x12 ft. shed could run between $5,760 and $10,800.
What is the cheapest style of shed to build?

A wood shed with few details is the cheapest style of shed. Aim for simple walls, no windows, and little adornment.
Are prefab sheds worth it?

While a prefab shed is more expensive than building one yourself, it may be worth it if your DIY skills are minimal or you don't have the time to dedicate to DIYing it.
Is there free shed software for designing a shed?

There are several free shed software design tools, including Archiplain, SketchUp, and Sweet Home 3D. Additionally, there are free apps you can use when designing your shed, like RoomSketcher, SketchUp, and Floorplanner.

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How Much Does It Cost to Build a Shed or Playhouse? HomeAdvisor.