The Foundation – The First Step in Building a Shed
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.
What Kind of Shed Foundation Should You Have?
Your choice should be based on two factors – the construction of the shed you want to build and your budget.
In addition to the type of construction, you’ll need to know how you are going to use your shed. If you want to build a shed that is meant for light storage such as garden tools it won’t require a strong concrete foundation. On the other hand, if you’re planning to build something that is meant for storing heavy equipment, you cannot construct it 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
The crushed gravel foundation is a good alternative to a plain dirt floor providing the area is dry and there is good water drainage. A layer of smashed pea gravel – about five or six inches thick – on the ground should be an ideal foundation for small storage sheds. It is also recommended to place cement blocks on the gravel to serve as footings for the shed.
Timber
A timber frame foundation, built of pressure treated wood, is also a good choice for a storage shed. The space within the timber 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. The timber frame foundation also works well for medium size sheds that don’t require a concrete foundation.
Plastic
A series of grids made with special plastic is one more way of building your foundation and is becoming increasingly popular. 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
A concrete floor is the strongest and most durable floor you can build. You can choose between concrete blocks, poured cement, slabs, or piers.
If the ground surface is uneven or sloped concrete piers may be you best bet. 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 location 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 or to store vehicles. Laying a concrete slab base, however, is a task that requires some expertise. If you cannot do it yourself, you might have to hire professionals, which will add to your overall cost.
One other choice you have is a concrete block foundation. It is also strong and durable making it ideal for heavy equipment. This type of floor is easier to install than a concrete slab and is less costly as well.
Choosing the Right Foundation
Among the types of foundations that we have discussed the concrete floor is the most expensive whereas the gravel or dirt floor is the least expensive. Furthermore, installing a concrete slab can take a little time as compared to plastic grids or timber floors which can be installed quickly. Under no circumstances should you build your shed foundation in an area where water accumulates as this will create problems later on.
Tags: shed foundation