Case Study: Shed Foundation

Case Study: Shed Foundation

Shed is a simple roofed structure that can be used as a storage. Due to that, shed can be used to build a tack room for the horses in order to store bridles, saddles, saddle pads, and medical supplies. There are two type of shed foundations, on-grade and frost-proof foundations.

On-Grade Foundation
On-grade foundation is also known as floating foundation. It usually easy and quick to build because it sit right on the ground. It does not require to dig deep holes in the ground. It is also inexpensive to build one. That is why most sheds are built using on-grade foundation. on-grade foundation are usually build out of pressure-treated lumbers or solid-concrete blocks. It is best to not use standard wall block or hollow block because those block can crack under the weight pressure of the shed.

• Solid-Concrete Blocks: The blocks are laid and spaced evenly in straight row. The number of blocks and spacing between each block are determined by the size of the shed. The block is 8 in. by 6 in. wide, and 2 in. or 4 in. deep. The thicker blocks need to be stacked first, and then follow by thinner blocks. If people want to raise the lower corner so it is evenly to the other corners, they can add more thinner blocks on top of it. One thing to be aware of is that if there is any chance that the rain can run off and drain under the shed, the blocks cannot be directly place onto the ground. First, people need to compact the soil, and lay about 2 to 3 in. of gravel on the compacted soil. Then, they can lay the blocks onto the gravel bed. These processes are to ensure that the soil won't wash away or become soggy, so the shed won't be affected on a rainy day.
• Precast Pier Blocks: The shed foundation can also made out of precast pier blocks. The method for laying out the precast pier blocks is similar to the method of solid-concrete blocks above. The only difference is that the precast pier blocks have a square hole instead of just flat concrete.
• Skid Foundations: Skid foundation is a type of on-grade foundation. It is easy to build in terms of both concept and application. The long and straight timbers are evenly spaced and placed in parallel. Then, the floor frame can be built on top off the timbers. The downside of this foundation is that it works best only on the sites that are flat and even.   
• Timber-Frame Foundation: This foundation is composed of a rectangular timbers (usually made from pressure-treated) sitting on the gravel bed. The shed wall will directly build onto the woods. This causes the shed to transfer its entire weight to the ground. The good thing of having this foundation is that people get to choose different type of flooring options, such as concrete, granite, marble chips, and many more.

Frost-Proof Foundation
Unlike on-grade foundation, frost-proof foundation is harder to build. However, it is stronger and can last longer than on-grade foundation. This foundation usually was built in the cold weather region where the weather can have an affect on the buildings

Which shed foundation is the best?
Determining the best type of foundation is usually based on the size, site, and the type of flooring of the shed.

Link:
http://www.finehomebuilding.com/how-to/articles/firm-foundation-backyard-shed.aspx