16x16 Shed Material List

Quick Answer

A 16x16 gable shed with 8 ft walls, 16 inch on center framing, 4/12 roof pitch, pressure treated floor framing, OSB or plywood sheathing, a basic double door, and gravel foundation is a large square structure commonly used as a full workshop, garage alternative, studio space, or heavy equipment storage. The 16 ft span requires substantially stronger framing than typical backyard sheds.

See all shed material lists by size

You will need:

• Heavy pressure treated lumber for the floor system
• 2x4 wall framing
• 2x8 or larger roof framing for the wide span
• Extensive floor, wall, and roof sheathing
• Panel or lap siding
• Asphalt shingles and underlayment
• Reinforced double door framing
• Large quantities of fasteners and hardware

In 2026 pricing, expect a realistic total material cost of: $6,800 to $11,000

This assumes a gravel base and basic exterior finishes only.

Need a smaller option? See our 14x18 shed material list. Want more space? See our 14x20 shed material list.

Full Material List

Quantities assume 8 ft wall height, 16 inch on center spacing, and a standard double door on one wall.

Floor Framing

A 16 ft span requires heavy-duty joists to prevent sagging.

Gravel Base

• 7 to 9 cubic yards of compacted 3/4 inch crushed gravel

Floor Frame (Pressure Treated)

Perimeter

• 2x10x16 PT – 4 (rim and band joists)

Floor Joists (16 inch OC across 16 ft span)

2x12 joists are commonly used for stiffness.

• 2x12x16 PT – 11 to 12

Floor Sheathing

• 3/4 inch tongue and groove plywood or OSB – 8 sheets

Fasteners

• Exterior-rated screws or galvanized framing nails
• Heavy-duty joist hangers strongly recommended

Wall Framing

Framed 16 inch on center.

• 2x4x8 studs
• 110 to 125 total
• Includes perimeter walls
• Additional studs for corners and door framing
• Waste allowance

Plates

• 2x4x16 – 12 (bottom plates and double top plates)

Splicing shorter boards over studs is acceptable if long boards are unavailable.

Double Door Framing

Typical opening: 60 to 72 inches wide.

• 2x10x8 – 2 (header material)
• 1/2 inch plywood spacer
• Additional jack and king studs included in stud count

Roof Framing

A 16 ft span requires strong rafters.

Rafters (4/12 pitch, 16 inch OC)

• 2x8x18 or 2x10x18 – 26 to 28

Approximately 13 to 14 rafter pairs.

Ridge Board

• 2x12x16 – 1

Collar Ties or Ceiling Joists

• 2x4x16 – 13 to 14

Sheathing

Wall Sheathing

• 7/16 inch OSB or plywood – 22 to 24 sheets

Panel siding may eliminate separate sheathing.

Roof Sheathing

• 7/16 inch OSB or plywood – 14 to 16 sheets

Siding

Panel siding is common for sheds of this size.

T1-11 or LP SmartSide Panels

• 22 to 24 sheets

Vinyl or lap siding systems require additional trim and accessories.

Roofing

Underlayment

• 2 rolls synthetic underlayment

Drip Edge

• 10 to 12 pieces (10 ft lengths)

Shingles

• Approximately 3 to 3.5 squares
• 10 to 14 bundles depending on waste

Roofing Nails

• 10 to 12 lb box

Hardware and Fasteners

• 16d framing nails or structural screws
• 8d nails for sheathing
• Exterior construction screws
• Construction adhesive (5 to 7 tubes)
• Hurricane ties strongly recommended
• Heavy-duty hinges (3 per door)
• Exterior double-door latch or lockset
• Padlock hardware
• Flashing for door header

Estimated Cost Breakdown

Typical 2026 pricing ranges.

• Gravel Base: $400 to $800
• Pressure Treated Floor Framing: $1,200 to $2,000
• Wall Framing Lumber: $950 to $1,600
• Roof Framing Lumber: $1,100 to $1,900
• Sheathing (walls and roof): $1,500 to $2,400
• Siding: T1-11: $1,000 to $1,600; LP SmartSide: $1,900 to $3,000; Vinyl system: $2,600 to $4,200
• Roofing: $700 to $1,200
• Hardware and Fasteners: $300 to $600

Total Estimated Range

With basic panel siding: $6,800 to $8,800

With upgraded siding: $8,800 to $11,000

Costs increase significantly due to:

• Wide 16 ft span requiring heavy framing
• Large floor area (256 sq ft)
• Extensive wall length
• Large roof surface
• Reinforced door framing
• High material volume and weight
• Increased fastener usage
• Delivery costs may also be higher due to weight

If you want exact cut diagrams, printable framing layouts, and step-by-step blueprints for this 16x16 shed, detailed plans eliminate guesswork and reduce lumber waste.

Get the Complete 16x16 Shed Plans Here

Tools Required

Standard framing tools plus equipment suitable for large components.

Essential tools:

• Circular saw
• Miter saw
• Drill and impact driver
• Framing hammer
• 4 ft or longer level
• Speed square
• Tape measure
• Chalk line
• Multiple ladders
• Shovel and rake
• Plate compactor or heavy hand tamper

Helpful tools:

• Pneumatic framing nailer
• Roofing nailer
• Laser level
• Sawhorses
• Clamps

Assistance is typically required due to the size and weight of components.

Step-by-Step Build Overview

High-level sequence only.

• Prepare and compact gravel base across entire footprint.
• Build pressure treated floor frame and verify square.
• Install floor sheathing.
• Frame walls on the ground including double door opening.
• Raise walls with assistance, plumb, and brace securely.
• Install double top plates tying walls together.
• Install ridge board and rafters.
• Add collar ties or ceiling joists.
• Install roof sheathing.
• Install drip edge and underlayment.
• Install shingles.
• Install wall sheathing if required.
• Install siding.
• Build and hang double doors.
• Install trim and hardware.
• Frequent checks for square and level are critical on large structures.

Common Mistakes

• Using undersized floor joists for the span. Leads to floor bounce and sagging.
• Poor base preparation. Causes uneven settling across the structure.
• Attempting construction without help. Heavy components are unsafe to lift alone.
• Underestimating materials. Causes delays and increased costs.
• Weak double-door framing. Leads to sagging or misaligned doors.
• Skipping structural connectors. Wind loads increase with structure size.
• Inadequate roof framing. Wide spans require proper lumber sizing.

Is It Worth Building Yourself?

DIY material cost: $6,800 to $11,000

Typical prebuilt 16x16 shed delivered in 2026: $12,000 to $22,000

DIY savings typically range from $5,000 to $11,000.

Consider:

• Construction time of roughly 5 to 8 days with help
• Transportation and delivery logistics
• Structural accuracy requirements
• Possible permits or zoning restrictions

For experienced DIY builders with assistance, building yourself is usually financially worthwhile.

Get Exact Cut Diagrams and Printable Plans

This material list provides realistic quantities and cost expectations for a 16x16 shed.

It does not include:

• Exact rafter angle calculations
• Detailed wall framing layouts
• Header engineering details
• Precise overhang dimensions
• Optimized cut lists
• Printable construction diagrams

On structures this large, mistakes can waste significant material and time.

Detailed blueprints with exact measurements, framing layouts, and printable cut sheets simplify construction, reduce waste, and help ensure structural accuracy.

For large one-time builds, complete plans typically save more time and money than they cost by preventing errors and rework.

Get the Complete 16x16 Shed Plans Here