What is the best base for a store bought shed?

[netrate]

I am going to buy a shed from a big box store, vinyl or metal. I am wondering what the typical or best way to prepare the ground before installing it?

[John Bridge]

Hi David,

I've never owned one of those, but I know you've got to keep them up off the ground if they have a plywood floor.

[Kman]

I've had a few of those, the metal ones.

I mostly did them on a slab, not having the intention to move them in the future. It's about the most expensive foundation, but also the most durable if you're placing something heavy inside. It also allows you to securely anchor the building to the ground if you have high winds or storms there.

The metal buildings are prone to rust after a few years, especially if there's a tree hanging over it. But they're more resistant to the heat than the vinyl buildings. The vinyl buildings overall are more sensitive to temperature extremes. They're brittle in the cold and can warp in the heat.

The manufacturers usually have a floor kit that's made from treated lumber for an additional cost. They're better if you ever decide to move the building, which is good for a renter. Of course, you still have to level them, so keep that in mind if it might be on an incline.

[Davy]

I remember back when I was in high school, my dad bought two metal sheds, seems like they were 10x10's. We set forms and poured concrete, dropping it around the edge to keep the inside dry. All I remember is about a million screws and nuts that came with the kit.

[Kman]

We did the same thing, Davy. We put them end to end to make a 10x 20 building. Dad stored some equipment for his bricklaying business in it.

I remember all the wasps that like to spend their summer vacation there.

[Flyingscot]

My shed sits on a compacted bed of #57 crushed limestone bordered by landscape timbers.

[Kman]

What did you use for skids?

[Flyingscot]

Kevin,

If you're asking me they were part of the construction of the shed. I did not have to buy a separate floor kit. My city code requires them and the company that built it is used to our rules. The gravel bed was also a requirement. We are not allowed to build them on a concrete slab unless it is pre-existing and even then it must be on skids.

www.weaverbarns.com

I'm sure there are companies like this pretty much everywhere and I cannot recommend them enough. I was originally getting a shed from a big box store and then saw one of these. I thought there was no way to afford it. Believe it or not this shed (8x12) with several options was only $3200. It's all solid wood. No pressboard. No plywood. The floor is 1 1/2 inch thick tongue and groove pine.The windows open and actually have screens. A lot of bang for the buck. Probably one of my best purchases ever.

[Kman]

Originally Posted by Lynn

We are not allowed to build them on a concrete slab unless it is pre-existing and even then it must be on skids.

So you can't have a permanently attached building there? What if you built your own from the ground up?

[Flyingscot]

Kevin,

Nope. Sheds cannot be built on foundations. We also have a huge setback if the shed is greater than 100sq ft. 15ft in from the rear property line and 15 feet in from the sides which is an issue when the lots average about 25ft wide.

[netrate]

I wonder if patio stones would work as well. Maybe some stone dust first to level it out and then patio stones after. Does that sound ok?

[Redlands Okie]

Yes the patio stones on a compacted stone dust would work. That at least allows some drainage. Probably still need beams or a floor kit under the building. Lots of options and a person has to work with what they have available, just look at the long term uses since you will not want to redo it later