Building a Garden ShedTips for Helping You Build Your Own Garden Shed

The success of any shed hinges on choosing and constructing the proper foundation. It doesn’t matter how well you’ve planned, designed or built your shed if its foundation is poorly built.
The On-Grade shed foundations… are by far the simplest to build, plus you can make easy adjustments as you lay it out. Most sheds under 200 sq. ft. are designed for these types of foundations.

The following is a basic overview of the most common
On-Grade Foundations:

1. Solid-Concrete Block Foundation…
The most economic approach to producing a strong shed foundation. Simply put, it is laying and spacing a series of solid-concrete blocks in a straight row. The blocks come 4-in. and 2-in. thick and measure 8 in. wide by 16 in. long. It’s a good idea to clear the ground cover under each block and add about 2 in. to 3 in. of gravel, for extra drainage, plus it helps to prevent the soil from settling. Compact the gravel with a hand tamper or use the end of a 4 x 4 in. post. Always begin with 1 or more 4 in. blocks on the bottom, use the 2 in. block for the top layer. The number of blocks needed, will be determined by your shed size and the specs supplied in your plans. Your plans direct and illustrate the squaring, leveling and shimming process.

NOTE: Never substitute a solid-concrete block with a hollow wall block… It Will NOT LAST… it will break down over time, from the sheds weight!

2. Pier Block Foundation…
Very similar to a solid block foundation, the pier blocks are arranged in 3 straight rows which will support each of your 2x floor joists. Check your local building supply to see the available pier block styles. Although this style block was designed for deck building, they work extremely will as a shed foundation. The blocks measure 8 in. high by 11 in. square. Again the number of blocks needed, will be determined by your shed size and the specs supplied in your plans.

3. Skid Foundations…
One of the most popular and easiest on site foundations to construct. It’s no more then taking 2 or more solid straight 4 x 4s, 4 x 6s, 6 x 6s or 8 x 8s Pressure-Treated lumber and placing them in a row and building your shed floor frame upon them. This technique is best suited for a building site that’s as level as possible. If you find the building site to be slightly off level, simply dig the high end deeper or raise the low end with either solid blocks or an additional skid partially buried. You also have the option of laying your skids on a complete bed of leveled gravel.

Always use “Ground Contact” Pressure-Treated Lumber for any wood style foundation.

4. Wood-Frame Foundation…
Is as simple as constructing the footprint of your shed on a bed of gravel. The ground supports the shed. There are 2 ways to build your frame: A. Half-lap joint construction or B. Stacked corner construction. You can use 4 x 4s, 4 x 6s, or 6 x 6s fastened with screws, landscape spikes. The stacked corner foundation allows you more creativity with your flooring. You can use brick or other pavers to achieve a hard surface floor, slate or crushed stone, your options are endless, it’s your preference. If you’ll be storing gas powered equipment I suggest using a concrete floor. Keep in mind you want at least 4 in. of concrete level to the top of your frame. You’ll want as least a 2 to 3 in. or more gravel base below your 4 in. concrete floor, so plan your frame accordingly. You will be constructing your walls directly on the top layer of this foundation, keep it as clean as possible.

Frost-Proof foundations… are generally used for sheds over 200 sq. ft. to prevent the freeze and thaw cycles from disrupting the buildings integrity in cold-weather regions. Check your local building code for specific requirements and options.

Please NOTE: Before starting any building project, always check your local building code.

Gary is a contributing author to shedplananswers.com and has been an avid Woodworker, DIY/Handyman, for over 30 years, We want to make sure your shed building experience is successful and stress free… visit us at http://www.shedplananswers.com for more tips, resources and our Top Recommendations to help you build a shed, quickly and easily.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?4-Shed-Foundations-To-Ensure-Your-Building-Success&id=5984811] 4 Shed Foundations To Ensure Your Building Success