foundation question

[lati_cz]

I will build shed, the plans call for structure to be placed on gravel. I'd like to have some sort of foundation. Preferably posts. Advice - diameter, size, depth, base framing etc., would be appreciated! Thank you Michal

[Houston Remodeler]

What are the typical foundations where this thing is going? Round these parts we don't worry about freezing temps.

Normally we use 'trailer pads' which are manufactured ceement blocks 16 x 16 x 4

[smifwal]

Depth will depend on the frost line in your area. How big is the shed?

[Radas]

Michal, I would consult your local building code as they were have specific guidelines you will need to follow depending on your area. Some areas require a slab with a rat wall while others may require a different set up.

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[cx]

Ali, your local building codes require a concrete foundation for an uninhabited storage shed? Tough neighborhood, that.

[Radas]

My mistake Kelly, that was actually an old HOA requirement. Local building code left shed details up to the inspector if greater than 200 sqft.

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[cx]

Ah, yes, HOA. Rhymes with PITA, non?

Lemme tell you about the time my customer wanted a four-car garage on his corner lot and the HOA wasn't gonna approve it because it would face a different street than the house faced. HOA rules required that the garage "face the street." The old woman running the HOA at the time couldn't seem to get her head around the concept of two different streets. Just gotta love them HOAs.

[Radas]

"face the street" sounds to me like it could face any old Street near or far haha.

Yeah HOAs are useless... If Mrs. Ali wasn't so persistent on living in a sub, we'd be on 10 acres and never have to worry about which direction the garage faced.

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[Davy]

"Ah, yes, HOA. Rhymes with PITA, non?" So true.

[Flyingscot]

Agree with checking codes. In my neck of the woods sheds must be on “skids” on a “properly prepared gravel bed”. What that meant was compacted #57 bordered by treated 6x6 lumber. Absolutely no foundations of any sort allowed.

[Carbidetooth]

In this neck of the woods, if it's going to be "permanent" it must conform to setbacks from property lines among other things. 5' on side, 15' from back. The way around that is to make it's "portable".

That means skids, pier blocks, patio blocks, etc., but nothing like a concrete pad or posts in ground.


I bet if I were to walk the neighborhood, I could find at least a dozen non- conforming structures. It comes into sight of inspectors if : 1. someone complains or 2. some other permit is pulled, or sometimes if property is sold.


My "shed" is an old 24' U-Haul I bought for $400, cheaper than the materials to build a proper shed.