Shed Foundation - The First Step in Building a Shed

garagejournal.com

Laying a foundation is the first and most important step in building a storage shed. Whether you are planning to build a plastic shed, metal shed, or a wooden shed, it is essential to choose a shed foundation that supports the weight of the structure and prevents warping, cracking, and other types of damage caused by moisture.

Your choice of shed foundation should be based on two factors - the type of shed you want to build and your budget.

First, you need to decide what type of shed you want to build and what you are going to use it for. A small shed meant for light storage does not require a strong concrete foundation. A large shed meant for heavy storage, on the other hand, cannot be built on a timber foundation.

Dirt Floor

A simple pole style barn shed, for example, can be built on a dirt floor foundation. This type of shed foundation, however, is not the right choice if your shed's walls need to be framed.

Crushed Gravel

A crushed gravel foundation is a good choice if the dirt floor is dry and water drainage is not a problem. A layer of smashed pea gravel - about five or six inches - on the ground should be an ideal foundation for small storage sheds. It is advisable to place blocks on the gravel for additional support and stability.

Timber

A timber frame foundation, built of pressure treated wood, is also a good choice for a storage shed. The flooring space within the frame can be filled with stone slabs, slate slabs, or gravel. Or, more simply, a timber floor can be attached to the frame. This type of shed foundation is very easy to install. It is ideal for small to medium sheds that do not need a large concrete base.

Plastic

A plastic base, made of a series of grids made of toughened plastic, is also becoming a popular choice among people these days. The flooring area contained within the grid pieces can be filled with pea gravel. This type of foundation is durable and very easy to install.

Concrete

Concrete is easily the best choice if you are looking to build a strong, solid foundation that really lasts a long time. Depending on your preference, you can go with concrete block, slabs, or piers.

Concrete piers can be a great choice if the surface is uneven or sloped. Moreover, a pier foundation is not a permanent structure. So, if you ever need to move your shed, the foundation can be removed and moved to another place easily. It is very easy to install and less expensive than laying a concrete slab base.

A concrete slab based shed foundation is a good choice for a large shed that will be used as a workshop. Laying a concrete slab base, however, is a task that requires some expertise and experience. If you cannot do it yourself, you might have to hire professionals, which can increase your budget significantly.

A concrete block based foundation is another choice you have. It is strong, durable, and ideal for sheds meant for heavy storage. When compared to a slab base, it is easier to install and less expensive as well.

Choosing the Right Foundation

Among the options listed above, concrete is the most expensive and crushed gravel is the least expensive. Similarly, installing concrete slabs takes a lot of time and effort whereas plastic grids or timber frames can be installed quickly and easily. No matter what type of foundation you choose, make sure it is laid in a place where water does not pool.

By Brad Erickson[ezinearticles.com]