[coryanderson]

Hey everyone!

New to the site and hoping to get some input on a shed foundation. We are going to be building a 8x12 shed and I am currently preparing to lay down a concrete foundation for it.

My question: should I build an 8x12' pad/foundation or should I build it slightly bigger. I was initially thinking adding a foot on each side, so 10x14', but not sure if this is helpful or even a good idea.

Any thoughts/concerns?

 

[Nealtw]

Hey everyone!

New to the site and hoping to get some input on a shed foundation. We are going to be building a 8x12 shed and I am currently preparing to lay down a concrete foundation for it.

My question: should I build an 8x12' pad/foundation or should I build it slightly bigger. I was initially thinking adding a foot on each side, so 10x14', but not sure if this is helpful or even a good idea.

Any thoughts/concerns?

If anything make it an inch or two smaller than the shed so you will have no problem with water.

 

[F250]

OR... make it bigger with a severe slope away from the shed, and make sure that it extends beyond any roof overhang so it can catch the dripping edge (unless you're going to put gutters on the shed). Cheaper to just put a band of gravel around the perimeter to catch the drip.

 

[de-nagorg]

If anything make it an inch or two smaller than the shed so you will have no problem with water.

That is a good theory, but if you build in a low area, water might puddle around your shed and flood it anyway.

I elevate mine on C M U blocks, to allow the winter snow to melt and flow away.

Must use a plywood floor, though, but that is cheaper than concrete, and easier.

Then due to high winds, I use mobile home tie down straps to anchor my sheds .

ED

 

[coryanderson]

Thanks! That is what I was thinking. I am worried about water and was thinking it being too big would be an issue with water run off. This shed is being cut into a hillside a little, I am building retaining walls on the high and low side of the bill, so the slab will have at least 2 feet of level ground around it.

If anything make it an inch or two smaller than the shed so you will have no problem with water.

 

[Nealtw]

Thanks! That is what I was thinking. I am worried about water and was thinking it being too big would be an issue with water run off. This shed is being cut into a hillside a little, I am building retaining walls on the high and low side of the bill, so the slab will have at least 2 feet of level ground around it.

When we pour concrete foundations we put a 1x 2 at the top of the ouster form that leaves a space at the top of the concrete.

Then we set the sill plate 2x6 at 5 1/4" then the sheeting can go down passed the gap and not touch the concrete and the siding and house wrap go a little lower.

And now we see more people sealing that crack with a peel and stick with a primer.

 

[stadry]

why do you need any foundation ? place it on sleepers as previously suggested,,, 3' o/c w/3/4" marine ply floor,,, grade the perimeter ground so wtr runs away & downhill

 

[coryanderson]

I live in San Diego, so snow melt is a non-issue.

I guess I don't NEED a concrete foundation, but a concrete foundation is, at least in theory, better, right?

I'm not interested in cutting any corners and want to make sure I do it the right way. I don't plan to sell the house anytime soon, but a concrete foundation just makes everything look better I think.

Thanks for everyone's thoughts!

 

[de-nagorg]

Cutting into a hill in So. Cal. , Can I say MUDSLIDE?

If you want a foundation, you need footers, as well as anchor points for the occasional temblor.

Yes a concrete floor is nicer, and if you want it, I see no reason not to do it that way.

Just make sure that it is supported properly for the area.


ED

 

[Nealtw]

I live in San Diego, so snow melt is a non-issue.

I guess I don't NEED a concrete foundation, but a concrete foundation is, at least in theory, better, right?

I'm not interested in cutting any corners and want to make sure I do it the right way. I don't plan to sell the house anytime soon, but a concrete foundation just makes everything look better I think.

Thanks for everyone's thoughts!

You didn't say what the slope was and how high these walls would be in front and back?

 

[coryanderson]

Thanks! I’ve lived in CA my whole life, they are non-concerning to 99.9% of homes here and the majority of homes are built on some sort of hill. We just like to scare away people with their threat, and earthquakes too.

Cutting into a hill in So. Cal. , Can I say MUDSLIDE?

If you want a foundation, you need footers, as well as anchor points for the occasional temblor.

Yes a concrete floor is nicer, and if you want it, I see no reason not to do it that way.

Just make sure that it is supported properly for the area.


ED

 

[stadry]

start w/foundations, conc floor, anchor points, etc, & you skirt seismic rqmnts + PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS,,, build it on skids/sleepers, its temporary not subject to assessment, taxation, & govt p's-i-t-a - even if its got a 20yr roof

 

[coryanderson]

You didn't say what the slope was and how high these walls would be in front and back?

Good point - I forget the exact measurements, retaining wall in back goes from about 2' down to 1', wall in front goes from about 2' to 0'. I would guess it slopes down about 3-4' total over a 15' gap. The other side of the pad slopes about a foot total.

I plan to redo that wall in the back and build a 'real one'. That was my first attempt at building a wall and I think I'm just going to do it right.

By the way, the soil is pure clay. Without a Milwaukee Max Hammer Drill, I would still be digging that rear trench.

 

[coryanderson]

start w/foundations, conc floor, anchor points, etc, & you skirt seismic rqmnts + PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS,,, build it on skids/sleepers, its temporary not subject to assessment, taxation, & govt p's-i-t-a - even if its got a 20yr roof

I've been reading the local code, not sure what you are referring too. No need for permits or inspections with an 8x12 shed.

 

[Nealtw]

That is a serious foundation for an 8x12 shed.

 

[coryanderson]

That is a serious foundation for an 8x12 shed.

haha...Thanks! I'll take that as a compliment.

We're doing more to the property than just a shed. We are putting in a fence around the perimeter and redoing pretty much every inch of ground on the outside of the house. The walls are definitely overkill, but like I said before, I want to do things that look good and are structurally sound the first time. We want to be able to finish the walls to our liking (not sure what that is yet).

Part of our plan is to build retaining walls closer to the house and those are needed to give us more space in the back yard, so I'm taking these walls an opportunity to learn because those walls will need to be built well to do their job correctly. A much more intense slope closer to the house with a house above it, so a lot more at stake.

 

[Nealtw]

haha...Thanks! I'll take that as a compliment.

We're doing more to the property than just a shed. We are putting in a fence around the perimeter and redoing pretty much every inch of ground on the outside of the house. The walls are definitely overkill, but like I said before, I want to do things that look good and are structurally sound the first time. We want to be able to finish the walls to our liking (not sure what that is yet).

Part of our plan is to build retaining walls closer to the house and those are needed to give us more space in the back yard, so I'm taking these walls an opportunity to learn because those walls will need to be built well to do their job correctly. A much more intense slope closer to the house with a house above it, so a lot more at stake.

Are you doing a footing for those?

 

[coryanderson]

Are you doing a footing for those?

Yes .