Best Materials for a Shed Foundation

Whether you’ve purchased a shed from Gigglin’ Pig or you already have a shed, you’ll want to look into the best shed foundation options. There are plenty of foundations to choose from, and we believe a foundation should be both sturdy and cost-effective.

Why is a Shed Foundation Important?

A shed foundation is one of the best ways to make your shed last longer and keep it from shifting and sinking over time. It also can help with pest and moisture prevention. While these foundations have practical purposes, they also add visual appeal to your property when done properly.

The Best Shed Foundation for You

There are multiple factors you should consider before choosing a material:

• Your budget
• Shed size
• Estimated total weight (Shed and items stored)
• Environment (Weather, terrain, wildlife, etc)
• Accessibility and maintenance (How easy is it to find, install, and repair the foundation material?)

It is also important to note that your township or HOA may require your shed to have a foundation. Knowing those things is important before choosing a shed foundation. Once you’ve considered all these factors we’re sure that one of the two options below will be the best foundation material.

Gravel/Crushed Stone

Gravel is known to be one of the most affordable and low-effort materials to place as a foundation. However, this option will not be ideal if your shed does not have a built-in floor because it will need more stability than the gravel can provide.

Gravel offers good drainage and pairs well with plastic sheeting to make it fit for areas that experience heavy rains and snow. These factors help prevent rust and rot from developing across your shed. It’s helpful to make this patch of gravel 2 feet longer and wider around the perimeter of the shed.

Concrete

Concrete is a popular foundation choice for sheds without built-in floors due to its durability and stability. Also, it’s easier to maintain than other permanent foundations. The extra preparation and time needed for the pouring and drying periods make this material rank higher in the effort required compared to gravel. However, many who plan the concrete job ahead of time, still find this installation was well worth it and longer lasting as a foundation than asphalt.

Because concrete foundations serve mainly as a stabilizer and not drainage, it is vital to keep the measurements of your concrete precise. The concrete should be poured deep enough that it’s below the frost line of your area. It should also be in line with the width and length of the shed so water won’t sit and collect around the shed.

Foundations We Don’t Recommend and Why

While our top two picks would be grave and concrete, other options may work better for your budget and location. However, we would caution you to not use the materials listed below.

Patio/Deck Blocks

Whether these blocks are made of concrete or other materials this method is often seen being used to place a shed on a sloped location. We would argue that setting a shed on a slope should be avoided if possible. If this is the only option you have, it should be paired with extra foundational support for longevity and stability.

When these blocks are used, the shed isn’t supported equally and they’re susceptible to damage from frost. Over time, you’ll likely notice shifting and sagging in the shed. It also can make accessing your shed more difficult and it can void the warranties of some shed manufacturers.

Wooden Skids

This method involves setting the floor joists of the shed onto runners made of pressure-treated wooden skids. While it is one of the cheaper options out there, it still technically requires additional gravel to qualify as a working foundation. If you avoid this step, the skids will just sink into the ground and rot.

To Review…

A shed foundation is an important part of shed placement that guarantees longevity and protection for your shed and the items inside. The goal of your foundation is to fully support your shed from sinking into the ground and being protected from moisture and pests. If you’re looking to add a new shed to your property or place a better foundation beneath a shed you already own, we recommend gravel or concrete. Do your research, and see what’s in your budget, best for your shed, and most fitting for your location. Don’t forget to complete your setup with our easy-to-install shed ramps for safer, quicker access. If you’d like to know about the Gigglin’ Pig Foundation services, you can read more about what we offer on our Frequently Asked Questions page.