A garden sheds’ foundation is a crucial component of installing a storage shed. Building the right foundation is important to balance the sheds and protect it from damage. Water and moisture can damage your shed without the proper foundation.
Your shed also needs to have a proper foundation to stand the test of time. Having a reliable shed is good, but only having a shed not a proper foundation is not enough. You should select your shed’s foundation based on the condition of the ground it will be placed on.
Why Should You Not Put Your Shed On The Ground?
Putting your storage shed on the ground is never a good idea. This is especially true if you have unleveled ground or your area experiences frequent rainfalls and frost heaves. Keeping your shed on unlevel ground can limit the movement of your doors, and you might not be able to open or close your doors smoothly.
The wet ground can cause moisture to seep through the floor of the shed. This can promote rot and mold development on the floor, which can spread throughout the shed. Having no foundation can also cause problems for the drainage system, and all the moisture will affect your shed. Moreover, an unbalanced shed will not look good.
Sizes Of Shed Foundations
Considering the size of your shed is important to build the right shed foundation. We categorize sheds of all types into three sizes. However, this can vary from company to company.
Ideally, the dimensions for a small-sized, mid-sized, and large sized shed are up to 80 sq. ft, 90-120 sq. ft, and up to 288 sq. ft. respectively.
On Grade Vs. Frost-Proof Foundation
Mainly, the shed foundations have two categories, on-grade and frost-proof.
On-Grade Foundation
On-grade foundations are easy to install, and they don’t need deep ground drilling for their installation. They sit directly on the ground and don’t require concrete fillings. Most of them use skid or timber-frame foundations. Such foundations are good for small-medium-sized sheds.
On-grade Foundation Examples
Some examples of on-grade foundations are:
- Concrete Pavers
- Solid Concrete Blocks
- Deck Blocks
- Gravel Pads
- Skid Foundations
- Plastic Foundations
- Manufacturer Kits
Frost-Proof Foundation
Frost-proof foundations are more complex than on-grade ones. They are stronger and long-lasting. That’s why they are more suitable for large sheds. Such foundations usually require concrete slabs and pouring concrete fillings. Frost-proof foundations are permanent foundations and take time to build. They are more suitable for places that have more frost heave.
Frost-Proof Foundation Examples
Some examples of Frost-Proof foundations are:
- Post And Beams
- Concrete Slabs
- Screw Piles
- Poured Footers
Tools That You May Need
If you are planning to install a shed foundation for your smaller sized shed, there are some tools that you may need. This can include:
- Hammer
- Screw Driver
- Concrete Blocks
- Tape Measure
- Level
- Chalk Reel
- Screws
Selecting The Material
Although different materials are used for building shed foundations, such as plastic, wood, and more, the most common are concrete and lumber. This is because the concrete filling goes into the ground. The lumber bars at the top distribute the shed’s weight.
A plastic shed can also serve as a suitable material for a shed’s foundation. However, it is more suitable for smaller sheds that are not much heavier. A plastic shed is ventilated, and so the moisture won’t affect the shed, they are also cheaper. However, if the money is not an issue, you must go for concrete and lumber support as it will last longer.
Need Help?
Stahl Structures offers a wide range of storage and garden sheds. We provide high-quality old country craftsmanship to our customers. We actively answer any queries you may have. If you want to buy a storage shed or need suggestions for your sheds foundation, you can contact us here.