How to Construct a Foundation for a Storage Shed
Laying out the plans for your new shed can seem challenging, but with the right planning and materials you'll be on the right track quickly. Using a concrete foundation for you shed will add years of life and stability to the structure, and you will not have to worry about repairs as often as you would with a wooden foundation. Knowing how to construct a foundation for a storage shed is the first step. However, keep in mind that this is a permanent foundation, so plan and pick your location carefully. Finally, make sure to follow any building codes applicable to your local area. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 2x8 boards
- 2x4 stakes (cut to two feet)
- 1/2 rebar
- Shovel
- Nails
- Hammer
- Carpenter square
- Line level
- Contractors marker paint
- Wire mesh
- Gravel (optional)
Instructions
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1
Using the measurement for the size of the shed you are constructing, mark those exact measurements at the location using the contractor's marking paint on the ground.
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2
Dig out the area to about six inches in depth. Make sure that the dug-out area is smooth and level at a six inch depth across, from side to side.
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3
Go around the edges and dig out an eight-inch trench; this will form the footer for the exterior wall support. Slope the interior of the trench about 45 degrees, so that the footer is roughly about 18 inches at the top.
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4
Beginning in one corner, install a 2x8 board down each trench. Mount the 2x8 in place with a 2x4 stake. The 2x8 boards will be used as the form to shape the concrete until it sets. Make sure that the top of the board is about four inches above the ground. Using the carpenter square, make sure the corner is perfectly square. Adjust the board and stake as needed to square it up.
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5
Line the final walls of the trench with the 2x8 board frames and hold them in place with the 2x4 stakes at each corner, roughly about an even 4 feet in-between. Make sure the top of each board is four inches about the ground.
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6
Using the line level, make sure that the four corners and opposite corners are level and square. Make adjustments, as needed, to square them up.
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Lay the 1/2 inch rebar in the trench around each side and lay the wire mesh randomly in the center, so as to reinforce the concrete as it is poured and as it cures.
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Tips & Warnings
If you live in an area where the slab will be below the frost line, it is recommended to lay an additional four inches of a gravel base prior to pouring the cement to provide additional support.
Be sure to follow the building codes and obtain any needed permits that are required for your local area.
