Do You Need A Foundation For A Shed?


Do you need a foundation for a shed?

Yes, your shed needs a foundation. The foundation can be as simple as treated runners sitting on your lawn or on patio blocks. Larger sheds should have a gravel pad, a concrete slab, a post foundation or even a block foundation.

What type of foundation should I use for my shed?

For small sheds, you can set your shed runners directly on your lawn. If you have poor drainage though, it is recommended you put down a gravel pad about 4 ” deep. Any shed over 16′ long should have a gravel base or a concrete slab.

Most sheds can just be set on the ground and then leveled with patio blocks.

Shed Stone Base Retaining Wall Forest Hill MD – BedRock Siteworks
Shed on gravel base

If you are going to use your shed as a cabin or have other reasons to add plumbing, a 4″x 4″ post foundation will allow you to have a crawl space to put pipes and electrical wiring under the shed.

Putting Down A Gravel pad

A gravel pad should be 4″ deep for your shed. Framing the pad with treated lumber will keep the gravel in one spot but isn’t necessary if you dig down 4″ and level the gravel. Be sure to extend the gravel pad a foot wider than your shed on every side.

Do I need concrete slab for Shed?

Concrete slab shed foundation

How thick does a concrete slab need to be for a shed?

For most sheds and small garages, a 4″ concrete slab is perfect. The slab should sit on a gravel base.

How much does a concrete slab for a shed cost?

Average Cost To Pour Concrete

Shed SizeConcrete SlabAverage Cost Installed
8×1010 x 12$600 – $950
10×1212 x 14$750 – $1,500
12×1614×18$1,200 – $3,500
16×2418×26$2200 – $6000
4″ Concrete Slab on 4″ Gravel Base
Is a Concrete Shed Base what you need?
How To Pour A Concrete Slab For Your Shed

How much bigger should a shed base be than the shed?

When putting down a gravel base or concrete slab, extend that base 6 to 12 inches wider than the shed all the way around.

Is sand a good base for a shed? If the ground is stable and has sufficient drainage, you can set patio stones directly on firm compacted soil. If not, consider laying down sand and then gravel or crushed rock. Excavate the site making it about 12” wider and longer than the floor footprint. Excavate down approximately 4-6 inches deep.

Can you put a shed on uneven ground?

Shed on blocks
Level your shed with blocks

The easiest way to place a shed on uneven ground it to use concrete foundation blocks. Stacking blocks on the low side can bring your shed up to level.

Be sure to place enough columns of blocks to support the shed. About every 4 feet placed under the runners should work fine.

A post foundation is also a great way to put a shed on uneven ground. We have built cabins on the side of hills in WV with post foundations.

How to Build a Post & Beam Shed Foundation on a Slope
Post Foundation For Your Shed

How To Pour A Concrete Slab

Dennis Regling

Dennis Regling started in the shed business in 2000 building doors and trusses for a local company. 20 years later, Dennis is now using his 40 years of experience in sales & marketing to help storage shed companies market their businesses.

Recent Content