Storage shed foundation recommendation needed.

[philos]

I could use the help of some of you grumpy old Roksliders. I am looking to have a storage shed built on site or delivered and looking to see recommendations for the best site preparation.

I’m in South Carolina where rain/moisture is an issue. A lot of folks recommend concrete block I’m just not sure that’s the best way to do this

What options should I consider to have a good level steady long-term site for my building?

Thanks!

 

[GSPHUNTER]

Slightly elevated concrete slab.

 

[Forestryguy]

Could pour fillings in piling tubes. You shouldn't have to worry about a frost wall down there, unless there is a code for it. Only draw back I see of pouring fillings is it makes a great place to Brown Lacruse, Black Widows and Cotton Mouth to hide.

 

[darrenk75b]

4" thick concrete slab with a 12"-wide x 12" deep thickened perimeter edge. Works well enough for commercial construction, so I'm sure it will be fine for your shed.

 

[philos]

I appreciate the suggestions. I'd thought of a crushed gravel base but that seems not to be popular around here.

 

[Wellsdw]

Concrete blocks or small footings. Crushed gravel or Sandrock will work fine underneath shed. Drains well, packs well, cheap, and critters don’t dig and tunnel in it. Pretty common in nc

 

[OrangeArmy]

I wouldn't consider myself a grumpy old rokslider.. but I'll give input anyhow.
Like someone above mentioned, a 4" slab with a thickened edge around the perimeter would be a good choice. And like you said with rain/ moisture... make sure you get the shed up high enough and the ground sloping away. Don't want to fight water running in

 

[def90]

What size shed?

You mentioned having one delivered so I am assuming pretty small.. A simple poured slab should be fine for that. Have the ground around it graded away from the slab and maybe pour the slab on an elevated gravel base.

If you are looking at something more like a single car garage size then yes, a slab with a thickened edge along with proper grading and subsurface.

 

[Finch]

I put in a 12X24 building last year. After a lot of research, I went with the gravel pad route. My buddy with a skid steer leveled out the spot for me and packed the red clay down. I then installed a 4x6 border ( tall side up and anchored all the way around with rebar driven thru the top). I then put down a geotextile fabric and then #57 gravel on top of that. I used a compactor to pack it down as I went. Seems to be a really solid base. The building which is built on skids sits right on top of the gravel. It is solid, level, and I have zero drainage issues.

I didn't want to go the "placing it on blocks" route either just on top of the ground which is what a lot of ppl do. I almost decided on pouring concrete piers but ultimately decided the gravel pad would suffice. Good luck!

 

[grfox92]

I put in a 12X24 building last year. After a lot of research, I went with the gravel pad route. My buddy with a skid steer leveled out the spot for me and packed the red clay down. I then installed a 4x6 border ( tall side up and anchored all the way around with rebar driven thru the top). I then put down a geotextile fabric and then #57 gravel on top of that. I used a compactor to pack it down as I went. Seems to be a really solid base. The building which is built on skids sits right on top of the gravel. It is solid, level, and I have zero drainage issues.

I didn't want to go the "placing it on blocks" route either just on top of the ground which is what a lot of ppl do. I almost decided on pouring concrete piers but ultimately decided the gravel pad would suffice. Good luck!

View attachment 442897

This is the simplest most cost effective option IMO.

Sent from my SM-G990U using Tapatalk

 

[Team4LongGun]

If cost is not a factor, I would definitely go concrete. However, depending on size, you could be at $6k for a pad easy.
I would ensure my floor joist and plywood are pressure treated no matter the pad type. I suggest using elephant foot concrete blocks. Much cheaper than pouring a pad, and there is no wood touching the ground for moisture issues.

 

[98XJRC]

For what it sounds like your doing with a pre built shed the crushed stone route is the most cost effective and simplest route to go. Having a shed/garage built onsite is one that I would recommend having a slab poured for, however for most sheds that come pre built the stone pad is more then enough.

 

[Billy Goat]

Putting concrete in might classify it as a permanent structure. Meaning you might be subject to codes and setbacks. Just something to consider.

I'd just do a gravel pad, don't need to spend 3 times the money on a foundation as the building.

 

[GSPHUNTER]

I put in a 12X24 building last year. After a lot of research, I went with the gravel pad route. My buddy with a skid steer leveled out the spot for me and packed the red clay down. I then installed a 4x6 border ( tall side up and anchored all the way around with rebar driven thru the top). I then put down a geotextile fabric and then #57 gravel on top of that. I used a compactor to pack it down as I went. Seems to be a really solid base. The building which is built on skids sits right on top of the gravel. It is solid, level, and I have zero drainage issues.

I didn't want to go the "placing it on blocks" route either just on top of the ground which is what a lot of ppl do. I almost decided on pouring concrete piers but ultimately decided the gravel pad would suffice. Good luck!

View attachment 442897

That is what I might do if the shed has a floor of its own. Also add a ramp.