Shed Foundation Choices
So you’ve done your research and decided what type of shed you want to buy or build. After you’ve picked a location the next question is what type of shed foundation do you want. Fortunately, the foundation for a shed is nowhere near as elaborate or expensive as for a house. Also depending on how you plan to use your shed there are several options which we’ll discuss here.
|
Discover The Easiest Way To Build Beautiful Sheds With 12,000 Shed Plans & Woodworking Patterns: Download Your Free Shed Plan Here |
Before you begin, it’s a good idea to check with your local building codes. If you live a remote rural area this may not be much of an issue but if you’re in more of a suburban area there may be some restrictions that you should know about. In any case you’ll want to check just to make sure.
Now that you’ve cleared up any issue with the building codes it’s time to get busy.
The two main purposes of the foundation are to keep the structure stable and keep the base of the shed dry. This leads us to the four types of foundations which are 1) Dirt floor foundation 2) Pressure treated sleepers 3) Concrete block pier foundations and 4) The concrete slab.
|
Discover The Easiest Way To Build Beautiful Sheds With 12,000 Shed Plans & Woodworking Patterns: Download Your Free Shed Plan Here |
The Dirt Floor Foundation
As you would imagine this is the easiest and least expensive route, however, this foundation would only be used for the most basic type of shed such as a pole barn where you would store farm equipment, feed or as a shelter for animals.
Pressure Treated Sleepers
If drainage is not a problem and the ground is level you could consider this option which is also inexpensive and easy to construct. You create a pad of six inch crushed gravel which is the same size as the floor dimensions of the shed. You then lay 4×4 pressure treated timbers on the gravel bed which will elevate the shed and allow for air circulation. If you want a higher elevation you can use concrete blocks on top of the crushed gravel and lay the timbers on them. As an added protection against moisture you can spread a sheet of plastic over the gravel.
Concrete Block Piers
If your location is prone to moisture or you experience adverse weather conditions then using concrete block piers may be your best choice. In this case you would dig down below the frost line and pour the concrete so that the top is a foot or so above ground level. You then run your supporting timbers along these piers. It is important that the tops of all the piers are level to one another as this will determine the level of your shed.
Concrete Slab
This option is the most expensive shed foundation but it is the most stable and driest. If you are not comfortable pouring the concrete you may want to have it done by a contractor which will increase the cost. If your shed size is not that big you may want to pour the slab yourself saving you some money. Keep in mind that cement absorbs moisture so any part of the shed frame that contacts the concrete must be treated to prevent rot.
Summary
Your shed foundation is critical to the stability and longevity of the structure. Taking the time and effort to make sure it’s done right will pay off by ensuring that your shed will stand the test of time and remain a valuable asset to your property.
A good set of shed plans is highly recommended to avoid costly mistakes and insure the successful completion of your shed project.
|
Discover The Easiest Way To Build Beautiful Sheds With 12,000 Shed Plans & Woodworking Patterns: Download Your Free Shed Plan Here |
