[HTFreak]

Is there any difference between using a sonotubes to install 4 x 4s into for a shed foundation vs just digging a hole and inserting the 4 x 4s into the holes (using stakes to make the 4 x 4s level)???


Below is a video by Lowes how to build a shed with the just "dig a hole and insert the 4 x 4s into it" method without sonotubes.


My brother told me that the sonotubes help condense the cement and "holds the cement together" vs just digging a hole.


He said that I should also elevate the shed to allow air underneath so there is no rotting, but I have a fearless 2 year old who crawls under everything...


Thoughts?


Here is the lowes video of a shed foundation with just the dig a hole method.

 

[Nealtw]

I missed the much more important question. Is it a good idea to put a shed post in the concrete? NO.
Does your area have a frost depth?

 

[HTFreak]

Does your area have a frost depth?

36 inches google says.


https://www.google.ca/search?ei=jO6...hUKEwjHqdOJ2rTpAhWJT98KHU0FD_AQ4dUDCAs&uact=5

 

[HTFreak]

I missed the much more important question. Is it a good idea to put a shed post in the concrete? NO.

That's what everyone is telling me as well!! Thanks!!! :smile::smile::smile:

 

[Missouri Bound]

How big is the shed? Is it "just" a shed or do you have workshop plans for it?
Most sheds are just set on cement cap blocks.
You probably don't need to put any cement in the ground. Of course you could pour a few footings instead of blocks but either way no wood should go in the ground.

 

[Nealtw]

36 inches google says.

So you want a hole at least to frost depth.
You want a hole that has smooth sides so water wont freeze under lumps and bumps in sides of the concrete.



I have been doing this for many years no one has ever given me a reason for gravel on the bottom of the whole



So dig you holes put 6" of concrete in the bottom of all of them, have a coffee and let them set up a little put you sono tubes in and set them up to the height you want the beam on and fill that up and put the post holder in like they did in the video.

You just want to work at getting the tops level

 

[Marson]

You can put wood in the ground, but it must be rated for that. Look for a foundation grade 6x6. Pole buildings have been built that way for many years. YOu also don't need to mix concrete. Just dump some dry into the bottom of the hole, tamp it, and set your post, and backfill with dirt. The concrete will draw moisture from the soil and harden. The reason this works is that the dry concrete conforms perfectly to the shape of the holed.


Again, pole buildings have been built this way for years, and I don't think I've ever seen a foundation failure in one.



Of course, I too would question why you need frost footings in a shed? I've had many sheds, all set on concrete blocks of one form or another, and can't think of reason why it wouldn't be good enough.

 

[Missouri Bound]

I have been doing this for many years no one has ever given me a reason for gravel on the bottom of the whole
l

I think that comes from the mindset that when you put a post in the ground the gravel will "allow" water to drain away from the bottom. Since nobody recommends putting the posts in the ground anymore it's kind of a moot point.

 

[Nealtw]

I think that comes from the mindset that when you put a post in the ground the gravel will "allow" water to drain away from the bottom. Since nobody recommends putting the posts in the ground anymore it's kind of a moot point.

You would still put them in the ground for a fence.
But first if the water drains into the ground the gravel will help it to do nothing. If the water won't drain the gravel won't help if there is no place for it to go.

A post or concrete sitting in water does no harm
All rot happens at the surface of the ground.

 

[Nealtw]

A frame can be built to hold the tubes at the top

 

[Nealtw]

You can put wood in the ground, but it must be rated for that. Look for a foundation grade 6x6. Pole buildings have been built that way for many years. YOu also don't need to mix concrete. Just dump some dry into the bottom of the hole, tamp it, and set your post, and backfill with dirt. The concrete will draw moisture from the soil and harden. The reason this works is that the dry concrete conforms perfectly to the shape of the holed.


Again, pole buildings have been built this way for years, and I don't think I've ever seen a foundation failure in one.



Of course, I too would question why you need frost footings in a shed? I've had many sheds, all set on concrete blocks of one form or another, and can't think of reason why it wouldn't be good enough.

 

[carpdad]

A shed the size in the video does not need a foundation. No footing, no post in the ground. A level ground is even better but uneven ground can be overcome with layers of cement blocks. Thick cement pavers are good for this. Start with floor frame, level with blocks after top soil is removed, then build the walls on the floor. Some moth balls thrown under the floor will keep the kid out.:smile: