How Much Does It Cost to Build a Backyard Shed?

Building a backyard shed isn’t just about chucking up four walls and calling it a day, it’s about creating a space that actually works for you. Whether it’s extra storage, a proper workshop, or somewhere to park the ute and keep your gear safe, a well-built shed adds serious value.

But before you fire up the tools or start shopping online, there’s one big question: what’s it going to cost?

Truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It all comes down to size, materials, custom features, and how well the job’s done. Here’s what really affects the cost of a backyard shed, and why cutting corners ends up costing more.

What Affects the Cost of Building a Shed?

1. Shed Size

The size of your shed is one of the biggest cost drivers. But don’t just think about what fits in your backyard, think about what’s going inside.

Need storage space to store garden tools and the lawn mower? Easy. But if you’re parking a trailer, working on your ute, or setting up a serious workshop, you’ll want extra room.

Too small, and you’ll be kicking yourself later. Too cramped, and it becomes useless.

• Plan for future use
• Go wider, taller, or deeper as needed
• Custom sizing gives you flexibility that pre-fab kits can’t

Not sure what size you need? Use our online shed builder to visualise your design and get a feel for what fits best. It’s easy, quick, and gives you a proper look at what your shed will be like before we build it.

2. Materials Matter

This is where the quality difference really shows. Cheap sheds use thin, imported materials that buckle in a storm and rust out in a couple of seasons.

At Spinifex Sheds, we use nothing but the best.

• Colorbond® or Zincalume® steel: Built tough to handle WA’s brutal sun, heavy rains, and high winds.
• Cold-rolled, galvanised steel frames: Precision-cut, bolted and screwed with high-grade fixings for rock-solid strength.
• Weatherproofing that actually works: So you’re not chasing leaks after the first downpour.

3. Customisation

A proper custom shed should work the way you need it to, not the way a flat-pack reckons it should. Customisation adds cost, sure, but it adds functionality, security, and value too.

Here’s what’s worth including:

• Doors & windows: Roller doors for security, sliding doors for space-saving, and windows for natural light.
• Insulation: A must if you’re using the shed year-round.
• Power & lighting: Running power and adding LED lighting make your shed far more functional.
• Security features: If you’re storing expensive tools or equipment, reinforced doors, heavy-duty locks, or even security cameras are a smart move.
• Weatherproofing considerations: WA’s harsh climate means proper ventilation, wind-resistant construction, and storm-proofing features like guttering and downpipes to prevent water damage.

4. Site Preparation

A backyard shed is only as good as what it’s sitting on. Levelling the area and installing a concrete slab adds upfront costs but ensures your shed stays stable and protected from the elements.

• Solid Foundation: Start with a compacted sand pad to keep your slab stable and level, then pour reinforced concrete built to handle serious weight.
• Concrete slabs: The most durable and secure option, providing a solid, long-term foundation.
• Drainage considerations: Preventing water buildup is crucial. Good site prep includes ensuring proper drainage away from the shed to avoid flooding or structural damage.
• Wind ratings: If you’re in a high-wind area, your shed needs to meet the right wind rating standards for safety and durability.

5. Permits & Regulations

Every local council has its own rules on setbacks, heights, and shed sizes. Get it wrong, and you could be slapped with fines or worse, told to tear it down.

Is It Cheaper to Build a Backyard Shed Yourself?

You might think building your own shed saves money. But once you add up the tools, materials, mistakes, lost weekends, and that moment when something doesn’t line up, it’s not such a bargain.

And those flat-pack kits? Flimsy frames, thin cladding, and instructions that make IKEA look easy. By the time you reinforce it properly, you may as well have gone custom.

 Here’s why going professional makes sense:

• Expert craftsmanship: Built properly, built to last. No dodgy frames or weak joins.
• Time savings: A professional team gets it done faster, without the guesswork.
• Customisation: You get exactly what you need, hassle-free.

Other Costs to Factor In

• Utilities: Need power or water? Wiring and plumbing will add to the cost.
• Drainage: Prevent flooding with proper drainage, gutters, and downpipes.
• Landscaping: Consider how the area around your shed will look and function.

Invest in a High-Quality Shed with Spinifex Sheds

A backyard shed should be an asset, not a liability. When it’s built properly, with high-quality steel and a solid foundation, it adds value to your home, protects your gear, and stands up to WA’s harshest conditions.

At Spinifex Sheds, we don’t do cookie-cutter kits. We design and build custom steel sheds, tailored to your site, your needs, and the way you work. From council approvals to final install, we handle everything, no headaches, no hassles, no half-measures.

Need a Shed now, Pay Later

A proper shed is an investment—and with Spinifex Sheds’ flexible financing options, you don’t have to put it off. We’ve partnered with Varlo Finance to offer easy shed finance with fast approvals, so you can lock in your custom shed now and pay it off over time.

• Fully customisable, easily apply online with minimal paperwork for quick approval, allowing you to start your project without delays.

• Flexible financing plans, tailored to your budget

• Transparent and reliable, we offer clear information and no hidden fees to you know what to expect

Want to know exactly how much it costs to build a backyard shed? Use our online shed builder to customise your design and get a custom quote from our expert team, or get in touch today. We’ll help you design the perfect shed, handle all the approvals, and get it built right, the first time.