Weekend Shed Build: My Tools, Timeline, and Total Cost
When I decided to build my own shed, I wasn’t trying to impress anyone.
I just wanted:
Extra space
A solid structure
And a way to stop paying other people for things I could do myself
No crew. No carpentry background. No truckload of tools.
I broke down exactly what it looked like to build with zero experience → full first-time build
Here’s exactly what it took — start to finish.
📅 Build Timeline
Weekend 1:
Cleared and leveled ground
Dug out space, laid gravel base
Framed foundation
Weekend 2:
Framed floor and walls
Installed front and back panels
Weekend 3:
Added roof panels
Attached doors
Painted and sealed the outside
Total: 3 weekends, around 6–8 hours per weekend
I took my time. You could go faster, but this pace felt right.
🔧 Tools I Used
Drill + bits
Circular saw
Level + string line
Measuring tape
Hammer + clamps
Nothing fancy. All basic. You probably already have most of them — and if you don’t, borrow or buy secondhand.
💸 Total Cost Breakdown
Item Cost Gravel base $80 Framing lumber $480O SB + siding panels $320 Roofing (shingles + nails)$190Door hardware + hinges $70 Paint + sealant $110 Total $1,250–$1,400 (depending on region)
Local shed quote for same size? $3,200
So I saved about $1,800 — plus gained skills I’ll use forever.
📘 What Plan I Used
👉 My Shed Plans — the exact shed plan bundle I used
It gave me:
Printable diagrams
Material lists
Framing measurements
Roof angle guides
A “weekend builds” section that’s made for beginners
Here’s a full list of what comes in the pack if you’re curious → see what’s inside
⚠️ What Slowed Me Down
Digging out the gravel base (did it by hand)
Figuring out the roof angle (took some measuring)
Door alignment (used clamps and rechecked twice)
There are a few things that could’ve gone wrong — here’s what I avoided → 3 mistakes I dodged
🧠 What Made It Easier
Having the material list printed
Precutting most of my wood before day two
Asking a friend to help with the wall lift (just one day)
✅ Final Result
Took 3 weekends
Cost ~$1,400
Saved ~$1,800
Built confidence I didn’t have before
I didn’t just get a shed. I got proof that I could build.
🧰 Want to See the Plan I Used?
👉 Click here to see the full shed plan pack
Even if you’re not ready to build today — download the plans and flip through. That alone helped me commit.
FAQs
Q: Can I do it with less time?
A: Yes — especially if you have help or experience.
Q: What size was the shed?
A: Mine was 10x10 — enough for tools, storage, and a workspace corner.
Q: Is the cost lower if I already have tools?
A: Definitely. Most people already own what they need.