How to Anchor a Storage Shed

Storage sheds that are build to keep various garden tools and other items can be built on a platform or a concrete slab. Once the structure has been built it should be anchored to the ground to keep it from moving or sliding off its base. One option you have is to secure a storage shed directly to a wooden platform that has been anchored to posts sunk into the ground. You can also attach the storage shed to a concrete base by driving nails from the frame into the concrete.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Wood stakes
• Post hole digger
• 4x4 beams
• 2x4 boards
• Miter saw
• Concrete
• Hammer
• Nails
• Power drill
• Lag bolts
• Ram set or power actuated nail gun

Wooden Platform

1. Measure the area for the storage shed using a tape measure.

2. Place a stake in each corner of the shed to mark the location of the post holes.

3. Dig holes for the posts using a post hole digger. The depth of the holes should be at least 14 inches.

4. Measure and mark a 4x4 post every 20 inches with a pencil.

5. Cut the pieces of 4x4 using a Miter saw.

6. Place the cut pieces in the post holes and add concrete. Depending on the type of concrete you are using it may need to be mixed separately, or you can put the concrete in the hole and just add water.

7. Let the concrete set overnight before attaching the floor framing.

8. Construct the floor frame of the platform out of 2x4 boards. The platform is constructed just like framing a wall for a house. Place two 2x4 boards the length of the wall on the ground and make a mark every 14 inches with a pencil and tape measure. The marks will indicate the placement of the 2x4 boards that will support the floor.

9. Place 2x4 boards on each mark and connect the boards together by using a hammer and nails or a nail gun with framing nails.

10. Place the floor frame over the posts that are in the ground and anchor it using lag bolts.

11. Drill two holes into the side of each 2x4 and 4x4 post using a power drill.

12. Insert lag bolts into the holes and tighten them using a socket wrench.

13. Attach the storage shed to the platform by using nails to secure the frame of the garden shed to the wooden platform

Concrete Slab

14. Place the garden shed or shed frame on top of the concrete slab and make sure it is sitting flush.

15. Drive nails into the frame and concrete using a ram set or power actuated nail gun.

16. Insert a .22 caliber shell into the power actuated nail gun, place the nail gun on the frame and then pull the trigger.

17. Repeat this process every 8 to 10 inches around the inside of the frame.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use screws instead of nails to attach the shed or shed frame to the platform base.
• Holes for the lag bolts should be offset when drilling to avoid overlapping the holes.
• Your ears will ring after using the power actuated nail gun if you do not wear ear protection.
• Drill holes that overlap means that only one lag bolt can be used.

References

• How to build a shed floor
• Building a shed

Resources

• Anchor kits