How to Identify the Perfect Shed Foundation for Your Shed Building Project

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Are you overwhelmed by your foundation choices and don't know which shed base is best for your shed? Use this quick foundation primer to choose the right foundation for your shed.

Four things your shed foundation must do:

1. Support the weight of the shed.

2. Protect the wood at the base of the shed from rot. Moisture coming up from the ground can damage your shed floor.

3. Ensure that roots, and other vegetation don't grow up into your shed.

4. Depending on the climate, protect from frost heaves that can destabilize the structure.

Shed Foundations Defined: Which Foundation is Best for Your Shed?

There are two categories of shed foundations On-Grade Foundations and Permanent Foundations. Each foundation type is used in specific circumstances and knowing the benefits of each will help you decide which base for a shed is best for your shed building project.

•The On Grade Foundation is sometimes called a floating foundation and is by far the most common foundation, because they sit right on the ground. They are versatile and easy to build because they do not require a great deal of digging or mixing and pouring concrete for footings.

On Grade Foundations can be made from concrete blocks, pressure treated lumber or pre fabricated floating foundation systems.

On Grade shed bases are quick and easy to build, relatively inexpensive, and can be used on all but the most severely sloping sites.

The materials are small and easy to set and shift in place, which makes it easier to square and level. An on grade foundation, when built correctly, is solid and long lasting.

Tip: Begin an on-grade foundation at the highest spot and work toward the lowest. Beware: If your land slopes more than 2 ft. or so over the length or width of the shed, you'll have to consider leveling the property or choosing another site.

Do you need an On Grade Foundation? An On-grade foundations work for most smaller size sheds. If you are building a shed over 200 sq ft consider a permanent foundation.

•The Permanent Foundation, sometimes-called Frost Proof foundations include full poured foundations that are dug and poured below the frost line and round concrete pads that support pressure treated posts.

Permanent foundations are more difficult build, but if you are in a climate that has significant frost and snow, the extra effort will provide a more solid and long lasting base for your shed.

Tip: Purchase gravel or crushed stone for your foundation by the truckload instead of 50lb bags from your local garden shop or masonry supplier. It will save you money and time.

Do you need a permanent foundation?: If you live in a cold weather region freezing and thaws can affect your foundation choice, a Permanent foundation may be your best bet. Also if your shed is over 100 sq. ft. consider using a permanent foundation. It will provide stability for the life of your shed.

By Maxwell Shepherd[ezinearticles.com]