DIY Home Improvement Forum banner

Stone or concrete for shed foundation ?

3.5K views 15 replies 4 participants last post by  rpulley825  
#1 ·
Will be placing fully constructed 16x12 shed on a foundation. Which is preferable ? Cost in deciding concrete or crushed stone is not a major issue. Minor grading will be required to level with front of shed. Thanks for advice !
 
#2 ·
A properly constructed concrete foundation will last longer than a crushed stone base.

There are other factors to consider, drainage, grade, access, weight of contents, plus many more.

ED
 
  • Like
Reactions: rpulley825
#8 ·
With 4x runners every 24" either method is suitable, with concrete being marginally better (IMO). I tend to take the "go big or stay home approach to building", but I don't think even I would pour concrete for a shed that already has a pre - built floor. I would build a level retaining wall with 4 x 4 treated post (suitable for ground contact) 1 foot bigger on all sides of the shed. Secure the with land scape pins. Cover the ground with 6 mil black poly. Fill, level and compact with crushed stone.
It will drain great and the the runners should last forever. Biggest downside is that as the years go by, if the retaining wall moves, the stone could spread allowing the shed to settle.

If you want to pour concrete, I would still put down 2 -3 inches of crushed stone. Form up w/ 2 x 6 mat'l, by moving some stone around mound up a little toward the center so you have about 4" thickness of concrete in the center and closer to the full 2 x 6 around the edge. I would also use light rebar mesh sheets wired together to make a single sheet covering the entire 16 x 24 base. And lastly since I we don't care too much about the concrete surface you can ask for long strand fiberglass with the mix.
Between the rebar and fiberglass it will stay together for decades!
 
#10 ·
I would also use light rebar mesh sheets wired together to make a single sheet covering the entire 16 x 24 base. And lastly since we don't care too much about the concrete surface you could ask for long strand fiberglass with the mix.
Between the rebar and fiberglass it will stay together for decades!

Looks like I overshot your shed size (16 x 12) by a few feet. Still would do everything the same.


Good luck with your project