Successful shed installation is a crucial part of enjoying your garden for years to come but the time shed assembly takes can vary. The size and type of shed, whether you choose DIY or hire in professionals also come into play. From setting up the base to the final nail, understanding the installation process beforehand is key to a smooth installation so you can avoid common mistakes and get long-lasting results.
Read on as we explore “How long does it take to build a shed?”
Factors that affect garden shed installation time
Many factors influence how long it takes to install a shed, from the size to external conditions, we discuss five of the most important factors below and discuss other factors too.
1) Size of the shed
Larger sheds naturally take longer to erect because of the larger structure and increased materials involved. Smaller sheds are much quicker to build, whereas larger sheds will need more hands and additional time to complete.
2) Type of shed
The material of the shed also affects installation time:
- Metal sheds - take longer because of the intricate assembly
- Plastic sheds - are quicker because they are supplied in prefabricated panels
- Wooden sheds - are in between, and often need more time for precise assembly.
3) Complexity of design
Sheds with more complicated designs, extra features or custom builds take longer to erect. These sheds have more parts, and more detailed instructions and more care is needed in assembly compared to standard models.
4) Ground preparation
If your site needs to be cleared or levelled, this adds to the installation time. A flat solid base is critical for stability but also extends the time depending on the site conditions.
5) Weather conditions
Bad weather, heavy rain or extreme winds will cause delays to garden shed installation. Clear dry conditions are best for quick and professional shed assembly. You should not even consider applying timber preservation treatments in rainy weather, as it will wash off.
6) Other factors
Other factors that might also impact shed installation time and shed installation cost include accessibility to the site, availability of materials, electrical work, foundation type, permits and regulations, preparation of tools, team size, and transportation logistics. Perhaps the most important not discussed here is DIY vs professional installation, which we discuss next.
DIY shed installation vs professional installation
Choosing between DIY shed installation and hiring professionals significantly impacts the installation time and overall experience. Naturally, this comes at a cost, so we explore various factors to consider below.
DIY shed installation
Time frames vary greatly depending on the DIYers experience and size of the shed. Small-medium sheds take 4 to 12 hours, whereas larger or more complex sheds take between 15 and 40 hours. This all depends upon the complexity of the specification. We discuss timescales in more details later.
Skill level
An individual’s skill level plays a big part in how long it will take. Someone with construction or DIY experience will complete shed assembly quicker. It is like anything in life – “practice makes perfect”, so a beginner will take longer to understand and follow the instructions.
Tools and preparation
Having the right tools is crucial for a smooth installation. Without appropriate equipment, tasks like securing frames or cutting materials slows installation down. Being prepared saves hours or in extreme cases even days.
Instructions and guides
Following detailed instructions speeds and streamlines the DIY process. Shed kits are available from Shedstore complete with assembly guides that when followed closely avoid common mistakes and reduce troubleshooting time.
Professional shed installation
Hiring professionals will get the garden shed installation completed quicker. On average a small shed can be installed in between 3 to 8 hours and larger sheds in between 10 to 35 hours.
Speed and efficiency
Professionals bring experience and special tools, so it is faster and more efficient. They can handle complex builds with ease.
Availability and scheduling
Professional installation is subject to scheduling and team availability so plan accordingly. Particularly, in summer months, professional installers will have long lead times for installation.
How long does it take to build a shed? Estimates for different types of sheds
The time to install a shed varies depending on the size, design and features. Here is a rough guide to installation times for different types of shed:
Small sheds (up to 6x4)
For small sheds up to 6’x4’, installation is simple and can be achieved in 4-6 hours by a DIYer. These small sheds have fewer parts and are quicker to assemble, making them perfect for a quick project. Minimal groundwork and few features mean small sheds are the quickest to install.
Medium sheds (up to 10x8)
Medium sized sheds up to 10’x8’ will take 6 to 12 hours to install. These sheds require more work due to their size and extra parts. Time taken to install depends on the shed’s complexity and the installer’s experience. Professional installers will complete the installation in a day, DIYers will need a weekend.
Large sheds (10’x8’ and above)
Larger sheds 10’x8’ or custom sized will take 15 to 40 hours to install. Due to their size, heavy materials and multiple parts, large sheds require more groundwork and assembly. They may also need extra hands to speed up the process. Professional installation is recommended for such large sheds to ensure safety and stability, although this will increase the shed installation cost.
Prefabricated sheds
These are designed to be quicker to assemble, often half the time of a custom-built shed. Installation times of 4-8 hours are possible depending on the size.
Sheds with features
Sheds with features like windows, shelving or electrical wiring will add several hours to the installation time. These features require extra attention and time to install, especially electrical work which must meet safety regulations.
Ground preparation and base installation
When erecting a shed, ground preparation and a level base are important to long-term stability. A solid level base means your shed will be secure, not settle unevenly and protect the structure from damage. Without a solid base, your shed will shift over time and your doors, windows and structure will be out of alignment.
There are several types of shed bases you can choose from:
- Concrete base – this is the most durable option. However, it takes time to prepare and install, often a few days to allow the concrete to fully cure. Once set, a concrete base is long-lasting and solid
- Paving slab base – quicker to install than concrete, a paving slab base takes a few hours to a day depending on the size of the shed. It provides a solid and level surface but may need some ground levelling first
- Plastic shed base kits – these are easy to install and require minimal preparation. They save time and effort and provide a solid base. Perfect for DIY projects, they offer proper drainage and are lightweight and strong
- Wooden shed bases - are quick to install, usually taking a few hours, and are made from pressure-treated timber to resist rot. They provide a raised platform, improving drainage and allowing for easy adjustment on uneven ground. Though not as durable as concrete, they are cost-effective and are ideal for small to medium-sized sheds
Make sure to have proper drainage around your shed base too. Water pooling can weaken the foundation and cause long-term damage to your shed.
Tips to reduce shed installation time
Reducing installation time can be achieved in a few simple steps to streamline and speed up the process.
Planning
One of the best ways to save time is to plan. You will be asking “How long does it take to build a shed?” The plan will inform you of the answer to this question. Make sure all materials, tools and any extras are ready before you start. Having everything in place will stop delays and interruptions during installation.
Following instructions
Follow the instructions carefully. Shed kits are supplied with installation guides that when followed correctly will avoid mistakes. Take the time to read the steps before you start, and you will avoid confusion and rework.
Working with a friend
Having an extra pair of hands cuts installation time significantly. A team approach allows tasks to be split, one person can handle tools while the other assembles. With coordination teamwork can even speed up complex shed builds.
Preparing the site ahead of time
Preparing the installation site beforehand is critical. Clear and level the ground, lay the base and make sure everything is ready for the shed to be assembled. A prepared site means the shed install will flow without interruptions, which will save time and effort.
Conclusion
Building a shed requires thought and planning whether you are building a shed or having a professional installation. The time involved varies greatly depending on the size of shed, complexity and whether you are following shed plans. A professionally installed shed base is imperative in the overall stability and life of the shed.
By preparing the site beforehand and having all your materials ready you can reduce delays in build. Ultimately, it is all about preparation and attention to detail for a successful DIY garden shed or professional install.
Contact us
If you have any questions about our garden shed installation services or need assistance with getting sheds installed or the garden shed installation cost. Contact one of our team who will be glad to answer your queries about sheds and installation services:
- Emails – use the form in our Contact Us page
- Calls - 0333 003 0518
- Live Chat – you can also chat with us in real-time through our Live Chat feature. Simply click the green button at the bottom left-hand corner to send us a message