Yard Preparations For Your Outdoor Building
Learn how to prepare a shed foundation.
WHY YOU NEED TO BUILD A SHED FOUNDATION
Even if you plan to buy your shed pre-built, you'll still need to build a shed foundation–or hire someone to do so–before your new shed can be put into place. A proper shed foundation is important for two main reasons. First, the shed needs to sit on a stable, level surface for the structure to remain stable and for the door to operate properly. Secondly, the shed needs to sit slightly off the ground to allow for proper water drainage and minimize moisture transfer from the ground to the shed structure.
There are several types of shed foundations, and the kind you need may depend on where you live, the size of your shed and its intended use. The guidelines below are meant to give you a general overview of some of the most popular and successful DIY methods. Other types of shed foundations, including concrete slabs and poured footers, require professional installation.
OVERVIEW OF HOW TO BUILD A SHED FOUNDATION*
Is the Site for Your Shed Already Level?
(If the site grade has elevation differences of six inches or more, consider it a non-level site.)
- Yes
- No
1. Plot The Space
The site of your shed foundation will need to include about three feet of clearance beyond the outside perimeter of the shed's footprint, plus extra space for a ramp. The actual shed foundation should be plotted in the center of that space, and its dimensions should extend about a foot beyond the outside perimeter of your shed on each side.
2. Clear Turf and Soil
Within the boundaries of the shed foundation itself, turf and soil should be removed to a depth of at least four inches. That dug-out space should be square and level.
3. Create a Gravel Pad
Crushed stone (1/2" to 3/4") should be used to fill the dug-out space, then leveled out and properly compacted to a gravel depth of at least four inches throughout. If more than four inches of fill are needed, it should be compacted in four-inch layers. When the gravel pad is finished, your shed floor joists can then rest directly on top of the gravel.
Even experienced DIYers may have questions or encounter challenges when building a shed foundation. Therefore LP strongly suggests consulting or hiring a qualified building professional. Your shed dealer may also be able to build a shed foundation for you.
1. Plot the Space
The site of your shed foundation will need to include about three feet of clearance beyond the outside perimeter of the shed's footprint, plus extra space for a ramp.
2. Build a Timber Box
Your timber box should be made of pressure-treated 4” x 4” lumber, and its inside dimensions should extend about a foot beyond the outside perimeter of the shed on each side. The top layer of lumber can be flush with the highest point of the site. All sides of the timber box should be made level and anchored to the ground with rebar. Any turf and loose soil should be removed from inside the timber box.
3. Create a Gravel Pad
Crushed stone (1/2" to 3/4") should be used to fill the dug-out space, then leveled out and properly compacted to a gravel depth of at least four inches throughout. If more than four inches of fill are needed, it should be compacted in four-inch layers. When the gravel pad is finished, your shed floor joists can then rest directly on top of the gravel.
Even experienced DIYers may have questions or encounter challenges when building a shed foundation. Therefore LP strongly suggests consulting or hiring a qualified building professional. Your shed dealer may also be able to build a shed foundation for you.
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