What do I use for my She Shed Foundation?

The easiest and quickest option for those with a very flat surface is to place your treated bearers straight on the ground. This can be on grass if you have a nice hard, flat site and this makes it relatively easy to move it later.

This is also very similar to placing your shed on skids

If you are wanting to move your shed around your property make sure your skids are strong and can take the weight and movement of the shed. Generally, the larger the shed the larger and stronger the skids need to be. Notching into your floor joists or bearers will help with strength.

Step 1. Dig out the soil to a depth of approx. 15 cm and check your surface is level.

Step 2. Create a frame around your square with some 6” x 1” timber (this will help to stop the dirt falling back in and create a solid surface).

Step 3. Lay a membrane over the exposed earth to help stop moisture. (this is optional).

Step 4. Add your gravel keeping it slightly lower than the top of your timber.

Your treated bearers will then have a good solid base to sit on.

Concrete Pad

You could opt to place your bearers on a concrete pad. This is a more expensive option but will create a solid base.

Step 1 Mark and measure the area.

Step 2 Create the frame with timber

Step 3 Dig out the area, removing roots of trees. Level and compact the soil.

Step 4 A small garden shed will not need reinforcing mesh but you can add this is you wish. Pour your concrete filling the whole area.

Step 5 Screed off making the concrete level. Tamp down well in the corners. As the concrete begins to set smooth off with a trowel.

Step 6 Let the concrete cure. (If the weather is hot and dry, water down the concrete with a hose to stop it drying out too fast.) Give it at least a week to cure correctly (you can cover it with plastic or a tarpaulin to help slow the drying process).

Another option that works well for a flat or contoured site, is to sit your wooden shed on blocks or piles. These can be either floating (sitting on top of the ground for a flat site) or you could choose to concrete them in place if your site is not level (a more permanent option). This lifts your shed up off the ground and gives you the opportunity to create a level base with the bonus of being able to add a small deck or steps.

Make sure you have enough blocks/piles for the size of your shed as you want to make sure your timber bearers are not put under excessive strain.

If you choose to put in piles this will also provide a good solid anchorage point for those sheds that are in high wind zones.

A steel frame is a good option if you wish to move the shed to a different location in the future.  Transportation is easier with the steel frame attached to the shed.

This Ranch has been built  on DEKO concrete foundation blocks with treated pine bearers.