8x20 Shed Material List

Quick Answer

An 8x20 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 single or double door, and gravel foundation is a long, narrow structure commonly used for riding mower storage, motorcycles, bicycles, seasonal equipment, or compact workshop space. The 8 ft width keeps structural requirements moderate, but the 20 ft length significantly increases material quantities and wall runs.

See all shed material lists by size

You will need:

• Pressure treated lumber for the floor system
• 2x4 wall framing
• 2x4 or 2x6 roof framing
• Floor, wall, and roof sheathing
• Panel or lap siding
• Asphalt shingles and underlayment
• Reinforced door framing materials
• Standard fasteners and hardware

Realistic 2026 total material cost: $3,300 to $5,200

This assumes a gravel base and basic exterior finishes only.

Need a smaller option? See our 10x16 shed material list. Want more space? See our 12x14 shed material list.

Full Material List

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

Floor Framing

An 8 ft span allows moderate joists, while the 20 ft length requires many framing members.

Gravel Base

• 4.5 to 6.5 cubic yards of compacted 3/4 inch crushed gravel

Floor Frame (Pressure Treated)

Perimeter

• 2x6x20 PT – 2 (long rim joists)
• 2x6x8 PT – 2 (end band joists)

If 20 ft boards are unavailable, splice sections over blocking.

Floor Joists (16 inch OC across 8 ft span)

• 2x6x8 PT – 15 to 16

Floor Sheathing

• 3/4 inch tongue and groove plywood or OSB – 5 sheets

Fasteners

• Exterior screws or galvanized framing nails
• Joist hangers recommended

Wall Framing

Framed 16 inch on center.

• 2x4x8 studs
• 95 to 110 total
• Includes perimeter walls
• Door framing
• Waste allowance

Plates

• 2x4x20 – 6 (long walls, double top plates + bottom plates)
• 2x4x8 – 6 (end walls)

Splicing shorter boards is common for long walls.

Door Framing

• 2x6x8 – 2 (header material)
• 1/2 inch plywood spacer
• Jack and king studs included in stud count

Roof Framing

Short span allows lighter rafters across a long ridge.

Rafters (4/12 pitch, 16 inch OC)

• 2x4x12 or 2x6x12 – 30 to 32
• Approximately 15 to 16 rafter pairs

Ridge Board

• 2x6x20 – 1

Collar Ties or Ceiling Ties

• 2x4x8 – 15 to 16

Sheathing

Long walls significantly increase panel usage.

Wall Sheathing

• 7/16 inch OSB or plywood – 18 to 20 sheets
• Panel siding may eliminate separate sheathing

Roof Sheathing

• 7/16 inch OSB or plywood – 10 to 11 sheets

Siding

Panel siding is the most common choice.

T1-11 or LP SmartSide Panels

• 18 to 20 sheets

Alternative siding systems require additional trim and backing materials.

Roofing

Underlayment

• 2 rolls synthetic underlayment

Drip Edge

• 8 to 10 pieces (10 ft lengths)

Shingles

• Approximately 2.5 squares
• 9 to 11 bundles depending on waste

Roofing Nails

• 7 to 9 lb box

Hardware and Fasteners

• 16d framing nails or structural screws
• 8d nails for sheathing
• Exterior construction screws
• Construction adhesive (4 to 5 tubes)
• Hurricane ties recommended
• 2 to 3 heavy-duty door hinges
• Exterior latch or handle
• Lockset or padlock hardware
• Flashing for door header

Estimated Cost Breakdown

Typical 2026 pricing ranges.

• Gravel Base: $260 to $550
• Pressure Treated Floor Framing: $600 to $1,000
• Wall Framing Lumber: $650 to $1,050
• Roof Framing Lumber: $500 to $850
• Sheathing (walls and roof): $900 to $1,400
• Siding (T1-11): $700 to $1,100
• Siding (LP SmartSide): $1,200 to $1,900
• Siding (Vinyl system): $1,600 to $2,600
• Roofing: $450 to $750
• Hardware and Fasteners: $180 to $350

Total Estimated Range

With basic panel siding: $3,300 to $4,200

With upgraded siding: $4,200 to $5,200

Costs increase due to:

• Long 20 ft wall runs
• Increased stud count
• Larger sheathing quantities
• Extended roof coverage
• Reinforced door framing
• Fixed hardware costs
• Regional material pricing can significantly affect totals

If you want exact cut diagrams, printable framing layouts, and step-by-step blueprints for this 8x20 shed, detailed plans eliminate guesswork and reduce lumber waste.

Get the Complete 8x20 Shed Plans Here

Tools Required

Standard homeowner framing tools are sufficient.

Essential tools:

• Circular saw
• Miter saw
• Drill and impact driver
• Hammer
• Level
• Speed square
• Tape measure
• Chalk line
• Ladder
• Shovel and rake
• Hand tamper

Helpful tools:

• Framing nailer
• Roofing nailer
• Sawhorses

Assistance is helpful for raising long wall sections.

Step-by-Step Build Overview

High-level sequence only.

• Prepare and compact gravel base across full footprint.
• Build pressure treated floor frame and verify square.
• Install floor sheathing.
• Frame walls on the ground including door opening.
• Raise walls, plumb, and brace securely.
• Install double top plates tying walls together.
• Install ridge board and rafters.
• Add collar ties or ceiling ties.
• Install roof sheathing.
• Install drip edge and underlayment.
• Install shingles.
• Install wall sheathing if required.
• Install siding.
• Build and hang door.
• Install trim and hardware.
• Check square frequently to prevent alignment issues along long walls.

Common Mistakes

• Losing square across long walls. Causes roof and siding alignment problems.
• Poor base preparation. Leads to uneven settling.
• Underestimating materials. Causes delays and additional trips.
• Weak door framing. Leads to sagging or binding doors.
• Insufficient bracing during construction. Long walls can shift before roof installation.
• Using untreated lumber near the ground. Leads to premature rot.

Is It Worth Building Yourself?

DIY material cost: $3,300 to $5,200

Typical prebuilt 8x20 shed delivered in 2026: $6,000 to $10,500

DIY savings typically range from $2,700 to $5,500.

Consider:

• Build time of roughly 3 to 5 days
• Manageable material handling
• Moderate complexity
• Possible permit requirements

For most homeowners, building this size shed yourself is practical and cost-effective.

Get Exact Cut Diagrams and Printable Plans

This material list provides realistic quantities and cost expectations for an 8x20 shed.

It does not include:

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

On long structures, layout errors can waste time and material.

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

For a one-time build, complete plans typically save time and money by preventing mistakes and rework.

Get the Complete 8x20 Shed Plans Here