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8x10 shed plans: materials list and what it costs
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My Shed Plans
Shed plans with cut lists and diagrams across many sizes, according to the vendor, including 8×10 designs.
Why 8×10 is the sweet spot
8×10 ft (about 2.4×3.0 m) works with standard 8 ft sheet goods and short 10 ft spans, so joists and rafters can be ordinary 2×6 or 2×4 timber. It’s big enough for a mower, bikes and a small bench, yet usually small enough to avoid extra permission in many places (UK readers: check the Planning Portal outbuildings guidance).
A typical materials list (pent roof)
| Part | Typical spec | Approx. quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Skids / base bearers | 4×4 pressure-treated | 3 × 10 ft |
| Floor joists + rims | 2×6 treated, 16 in centres | 9 joists + 2 rims |
| Floor decking | 18 mm (3/4 in) OSB/ply | 3 sheets |
| Studs, plates, headers | 2×4 | ~40 lengths |
| Rafters | 2×4 or 2×6 by span | 8–10 |
| Roof decking | 11–18 mm OSB | 5–6 sheets |
| Covering | Felt, shingles or EPDM | ~110 sq ft + overlap |
| Cladding | Shiplap, T1-11 or OSB + membrane | ~300 sq ft |
Indicative only; your plan’s cut list wins.
My Shed Plans
Shed plans with cut lists and diagrams across many sizes, according to the vendor, including 8×10 designs.
How to use a cut list to save money
- Group parts by length and pick stock lengths that divide with the least waste.
- Buy 10% extra on cladding and 1–2 spare studs.
- Cut all identical parts at once using a stop block.
- Label parts as you cut them.
What does an 8×10 shed cost to build?
Timber prices vary a lot by country and season. As a rough guide in 2026, the materials for a basic 8×10 timber shed commonly come to the same as or less than a mid-range flat-pack of the same size, while using thicker framing. Get two quotes from timber merchants using your plan’s full list before you commit. See also build vs buy costs.
Common questions
How many 2x4s do I need for an 8x10 shed?
Typically around 40 for the walls, plates and headers, plus rafters if the plan uses 2×4s. A plan’s cut list gives the exact count.
What size joists for an 8x10 shed floor?
2×6 joists at 16 in (400 mm) centres are common for an 8 ft span; heavy loads may call for 2×8.
Can one person build an 8x10 shed?
Mostly, yes. You’ll want a helper to lift wall frames and roof sheets.
What we’d look at next
My Shed Plans
Shed plans with cut lists and diagrams across many sizes, according to the vendor, including 8×10 designs.
TedsWoodworking
A broader plan library that also includes sheds, if you’ll build furniture too.
Ultimate Small Shop
If the shed will become a workshop, this covers layout and equipping it.
Not sure which fits? Take the 30-second quiz or see our comparisons.
Related comparisons: TedsWoodworking vs My Shed Plans · Best woodworking guides for beginners: 3 compared
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Get the free PDF
A 4-page PDF plan for a sturdy freestanding 2×4 and plywood bench, with tool list, materials, cut list and step-by-step build. Metric with imperial equivalents.