Have you ever wondered how much a shed weights? I certainly have. Whether you’re looking to move a shed or determining how much weight a foundation needs to support, it’s an important question. It’s also a difficult question to answer.
So how much does a shed weigh? Some sheds will weigh less than 100 pounds, and other sheds can weigh an over 2500 pounds. A wooden shed will generally weigh between 1200-2600 pounds. A metal shed will weigh from 70 to 200 pounds. Finally, a plastic shed can weigh from 100 pounds.
I’ve taken the time here to go over the different types of building materials to give you better numbers. A little bit of planning now (by properly calculating the weight) can save you a lot of logistical nightmares later.
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Why Do You Need to Know the Weight of the Shed?
In my experience, knowing the weight of the shed matters because 1) I’m trying to figure out how to move it; or, 2) I’m trying to figure out how much weight the foundation needs to support.
Moving your shed
If you’re looking to move a shed, how far a move are we talking about? From one side of the yard to the other? Or do you need to get your shed from your brother’s house in North Carolina to a property in Colorado?
The longer the move, the more logistics you need to consider when transporting the weight. Some trailers move sheds fairly easily, and some sheds (the kits) disassemble smoothly allowing you to move a shed using something as small as a minivan.
Laying a foundation
When considering a foundation, you’re probably aware of the fact that the foundation may be the most important part of the shed’s installation. You need to get it right the first time.
A poor foundation will damage your shed. Your shed was built with specifications that support the structure as it sits on a stable, level surface.
You might go to great lengths to create a level surface that may or may not remain stable, because the kind of foundation you chose was inappropriate for the shed weight or soil conditions.
Laying the right kind of foundation depends primarily upon the weight of the shed.
Lighter sheds are less likely to settle or sink into the ground. Therefore, a lighter shed will often sit nicely on bare, level ground.
Heavier sheds might require a full concrete foundation. This is the most expensive foundation, but it should hold up to almost any ground settling or weathering.
In between solutions – from a deck blocks to wooden skids – will vary in price and reliability.
Some shed manufacturers are beginning to include their own foundations. These foundations are great because they’ve been built specifically for the shed you purchased. Additionally, these custom-built foundations can often work on uneven ground.
Most people, when they think of a shed, are picturing the shed kits displayed in home improvement store parking lots. Those are often the larger, heavier sheds available. There are also metal and plastic sheds.
How Much Does the Shed Kit Weigh?
Most shed kits are made of wood. A small-to-medium size shed kit weighs around 1200 pounds while larger shed kits can run up to 2600 pounds.
However, these numbers change somewhat if you need to add a floor (which is not usually included) or if the kit doesn’t include extra features. These extra features might be things like windows and doors.
Shed kits usually service larger storage areas due to the long-lasting materials used. Manufacturers figure that you want a long-term storage solution when you invest in a shed kit.
Hence, their heaviness and larger size.
These are a few examples of popular shed kit models and how much they weigh:
- 2,520 pounds – Best Barns Denver 12x20 ft. Wood Storage Shed Kit
- 2,000 pounds – Best Barns New Castle 12x16 Wood Shed Kit
- 1,600 pounds – No products found.
Moving a shed kit
If you are considering moving in the near future and want to take your shed with you, the wooden shed kits could be the most obnoxious sheds to move and reinstall.
That being said, if you are able to disassemble and reassemble your shed easily, that can offer you more flexibility. However, transporting a shed in parts only works well with kits and might require multiple “trips.”
When buying your kit new, check with the seller. They will probably deliver the shed to you for a reasonable price.
If you’re simply moving the shed from one part of the property to another, consider the PVC pipe method. You will need something (maybe a car jack) to prop up one side of the shed. From there, you can guide the structure onto 3-6 PVC pipes underneath.
Like the ancient Egyptians, grab the PVC pipe from the back as it exits and set it in front of the shed in the direction you need to move it.
While I know people that have moved their shed using ratchet straps and a pickup truck, I don’t recommend it. You risk destroying your yard AND your shed.
Foundation for shed kits
Unless the kit includes its own foundation, it is generally a bad idea to install it on the bare ground. Bare ground will not support shed weight properly.
If laying a concrete foundation is out of the question for your budget, you might look into pavers or a wooden frame. For most yards, both of these foundations should do just fine.
How Much Does a Metal Shed Weigh?
Metal sheds can weigh as little as 70 pounds, and larger metal sheds don’t usually weigh more than 200 pounds. Its material is a relatively thin layer of galvanized steel on the sides and roof.
As a general rule, your metal sheds run smaller, usually less than 100 square feet. The height is also going to be noticeably lower. Like the kits above, there’s not often a floor included, though most metal sheds include a metal sliding door but no space for windows.
These are a few examples of popular metal shed kit models and how much they weigh:
- 74 pounds – 8x8 Ft Outdoor Storage Steel Shed Kit
- 133 pounds – Arrow 8x6 Hamlet
- 186 pounds – Arrow 10x8 Hamlet Storage Shed
Moving a metal shed
Due to their light weight, a team of 2-4 people can usually transport a metal shed onto a trailer or across the yard. Wear gloves, lift with your legs, and you should be good to go.
Foundation for metal sheds
Metal sheds will sit nicely on flat ground. You should make sure that it is secured well to the ground, or else a strong wind may blow it into your neighbor’s yard.
How Much Does a Plastic Shed Weigh?
For a lot of homeowners, plastic sheds fit right in the middle. They’ll be sturdier than the metal sheds but not so heavy that you’re afraid to move into your dream house because you love your wooden shed where it sits.
You can plan on plastic sheds weighing between 100-600 pounds. Many of them include flooring, unlike most kits and metal sheds.
Probably the most significant advantage of plastic sheds is their tendency to include all parts, allowing for simpler installation. As a bonus, plastic is going to hold up much better than wood (rot) and metal (rust).
Examples of popular plastic shed kit models and how much they weigh:
- 500 pounds – Suncast BMS8100 Tremont 8x10
- 323 pounds – Rubbermaid 7x7 Storage Shed
Moving a plastic shed
Most plastic sheds are easily moved with 2-4 people. Your smaller trailers will usually bear up well under the weight of a plastic shed.
If you’re moving an especially large/heavier plastic shed, the PVC pipe method will work well too.
Foundation for plastic kits
While I’ve used plastic sheds on bare, level ground without any trouble, you might consider at least a spot leveled with gravel.
You’ll find that the plastic sheds that include a floor make it easier to install directly on the ground. If you live in a part of the country where the ground is stable (as opposed to sandy or swampy), you’re probably okay using the level ground.
How to Calculate the Weight of a DIY Shed?
How much does a shed weigh if you’re building it yourself? We can come up with a straight answer for ourselves by running some calculations.
Here’s a simple (it is simple, though tedious) step-by-step to help you.
- Calculate the weight of the siding. I’m assuming here that you’ve already calculated exactly how much lumber/metal/plastic you’ll need to build your shed. Weigh one piece, then multiple it out according to how many parts your shed requires.
- Calculate the weight of the roof. Whether traditional or metal shingles, simply weigh one then multiply it out by the number of shingles the shed will need.
- Factor in the weight of any windows and doors. This could prove challenging if you are building these from scratch. And if this is the case, use the method from step 1 to get accurate numbers. Buying these pieces whole allows you to weigh each piece fully constructed.
- If using nails, don’t forget to add that weight as well. Ever held a box of nails in your hand? Yeah, that’s a significant weight that a lot of DIY-ers forget to consider.
- If adding flooring (apart from the foundation), then calculate that as well. You should be able to calculate this weight just as you did in step 1.
- Add all the weights together for a total weight.
If you’re trying to decide whether to build your shed directly on the site/foundation or in another location, then calculating the weight will help you make an informed decision.
Related Questions
How much does a pole barn weigh? Pole barns – though significantly larger structures – are going to weight comparable to the wood shed kits. That means that your pole barns are somewhere between 1000-2500 pounds. The weight depends primarily upon whether the frame is a wooden truss or steel frame.
Do I need a permit to move a shed? If you are moving a shed of less than 100 square feet (with no intent to add plumbing or electricity) on your property, then probably not. However, if moving it on the road you should talk to your county zoning office to be safe.
Eugene has been a DIY enthusiast for most of his life and loves being creative while inspiring creativity in others. He is passionately interested in home improvement, renovation and woodworking.