12x12 Shed Material List
Quick Answer
A 12x12 shed with 8-foot walls and a gable roof is a large backyard structure that works well as a workshop, hobby space, or heavy storage area. Typical materials include:
See all shed material lists by size
- Pressure-treated floor framing: ~14–16 pieces of 2x6 lumber plus skids
- Wall framing: ~70–80 studs and plates
- Roof framing: ~14–16 rafters plus ridge board
- Sheathing: ~30–38 sheets of OSB or plywood total
- Siding: ~14–16 panels (T1-11 or similar)
- Roofing: ~180–210 sq ft of shingles
- Hardware: Several pounds of structural fasteners
Realistic 2026 total material cost: $3,500 to $6,000
A 12x12 shed has significantly more wall length and roof area than smaller sheds, increasing lumber, sheathing, and roofing requirements.
Need a smaller option? See our 10x14 shed material list. Want more space? See our 10x16 shed material list.
Full Material List
Floor Framing
Gravel pad foundation with pressure-treated framing on skids.
Materials:
- Pressure-treated 4x4 or 6x6 skids — 3 pieces @ 12 ft
- Pressure-treated 2x6 joists — 11 pieces @ 12 ft (16" OC)
- Pressure-treated 2x6 rim joists — 2 pieces @ 12 ft
- Pressure-treated 2x6 end joists — 2 pieces @ 12 ft
- Joist hangers — 22
- 3/4" tongue-and-groove OSB or plywood subfloor — 5 sheets
Notes:
- 2x6 joists are typical for ground-level sheds of this size
- Tongue-and-groove subfloor improves stiffness
- Pressure-treated lumber is required for ground contact
Wall Framing
8-foot wall height with 16" on center spacing.
Materials:
- 2x4 studs — ~70 to 75 pieces @ 8 ft
- 2x4 top plates — 8 pieces @ 12 ft
- 2x4 bottom plates — 4 pieces @ 12 ft
- Additional studs for corners and door framing — ~6 to 8
- Header for single door — built from 2x6 lumber
- Cripple studs and blocking — ~8 to 10 pieces
Door assumption: Basic single door on one wall.
Notes:
- Larger walls require more studs than smaller sheds
- Door framing adds additional lumber needs
Roof Framing
Gable roof, 4/12 pitch.
Materials:
- 2x6 rafters — 14 to 16 pieces @ 10–12 ft (cut to length)
- 2x8 ridge board — 1 piece @ 12 ft
- Hurricane ties — 28 to 32
- Collar ties or blocking — 6 to 8 pieces
Notes:
- Rafters are longer and heavier than those on smaller sheds
- Proper ties improve stability and resistance to spreading
Sheathing
Wall sheathing:
- 7/16" OSB or plywood — ~16 sheets
Roof sheathing:
- 7/16" OSB or plywood — ~12 sheets
Total sheathing:
28 sheets minimum, typically 30–34 after waste
Notes:
- Roof overhangs increase panel usage
- Buying extra sheets prevents shortages
Siding
Assuming panel siding such as T1-11.
Materials:
- 4x8 siding panels — 14 to 16 sheets
- Corner trim boards — 4 pieces
- Door trim boards — as needed
Notes:
- Panel siding is fast and cost-effective
- Alternative siding increases cost and installation time
Roofing
Materials:
- Roofing felt or synthetic underlayment — 1 roll
- Asphalt shingles — 6 to 7 bundles
- Drip edge — ~70 linear feet
- Ridge cap shingles — 1 bundle
- Roofing nails — ~4 to 5 lb
Notes:
- Roofing area increases quickly as shed size grows
- Waste factors still apply
Hardware and Fasteners
Structural fasteners:
- 3" exterior screws or framing nails — 8 lb box
- 1-5/8" screws for sheathing — 8 lb box
- Joist hanger nails — 3 lb
- Construction adhesive — 5 to 6 tubes
Door hardware:
- Heavy-duty hinges — 2 to 3
- Handle and latch — 1 set
- Lock or hasp — optional
Anchoring:
- Ground anchors or straps — as needed
Estimated Cost Breakdown
Approximate 2026 retail pricing:
- Floor framing: $700 to $1,100
- Wall framing: $550 to $850
- Roof framing: $300 to $550
- Sheathing: $750 to $1,100
- Siding: $750 to $1,200
- Roofing: $350 to $600
- Hardware and fasteners: $300 to $500
- Gravel foundation: $250 to $700 depending on depth and delivery.
Total Estimated Cost
$3,500 to $6,000 (materials only)
Costs increase compared to smaller sheds because:
- Floor area is larger (144 sq ft)
- Wall perimeter is longer
- Roof surface area grows significantly
- More structural lumber is required
- Hardware quantities increase
- Waste amounts rise with scale
If you want exact cut diagrams, printable framing layouts, and step-by-step blueprints for this 12x12 shed, detailed plans eliminate guesswork and reduce lumber waste.
Get the Complete 12x12 Shed Plans Here
Tools Required
Most homeowners can build a 12x12 shed with common carpentry tools.
Essential tools:
- Circular saw
- Drill/driver
- Hammer
- Tape measure
- Speed square
- Level
- Chalk line
- Ladder
- Shovel and rake
Helpful tools:
- Miter saw
- Framing nailer
- Wheelbarrow for gravel
- Hand tamper
Wall sections and roof components are heavier than smaller sheds, so assistance is recommended.
Step-by-Step Build Overview
High-level sequence only.
- Prepare the gravel foundation. Remove organic soil, install fabric, add and compact gravel.
- Install skids and floor framing. Ensure structure is level and square.
- Attach subfloor panels.
- Frame wall sections on the ground.
- Raise walls and brace temporarily.
- Install top plates and verify squareness.
- Frame door opening.
- Install ridge board and rafters.
- Sheath the roof.
- Install underlayment and shingles.
- Install wall sheathing if separate from siding.
- Install siding and trim.
- Build and hang door.
- Install hardware and anchors.
Common Mistakes
- Poor foundation preparation. Uneven base causes structural distortion.
- Incorrect stud spacing. Leads to sheathing alignment problems.
- Using untreated lumber for floor framing. Results in premature rot.
- Underestimating materials. Large sheds require more lumber than expected.
- Failure to maintain squareness. Out-of-square walls complicate roof installation.
- Weak door framing. Door sag occurs without adequate headers.
- Skipping anchoring. Larger sheds catch more wind and require securing.
Is It Worth Building Yourself?
DIY material cost: $3,500 to $6,000
Typical prebuilt 12x12 sheds: $6,500 to $12,000+ installed
DIY construction can save several thousand dollars but requires more labor than smaller sheds.
Buying prebuilt may make sense if:
- You lack tools or experience
- You need fast installation
- You cannot transport large materials
- Site conditions are difficult
Get Exact Cut Diagrams and Printable Plans
This material list provides planning guidance but does not include precise cut measurements, framing layouts, or door construction details.
Detailed plans help by providing:
- Exact board lengths
- Framing diagrams
- Roof layout guidance
- Door sizing details
- Printable cut sheets
- Reduced material waste
- Fewer construction errors
Accurate blueprints simplify construction and help ensure the finished shed is square, stable, and durable, especially for larger backyard structures like a 12x12 shed.