Good job, I just did exact same process but 8x14 with the 24" pavers from HDepot. Only additional tips I could give someone to consider who are going to pursue the same project are: Use a C grade PT wood for better ground contact resistance / Use poly-sand instead of regular so it hardens, seals, bonds and doesn't wash away as easy / 3rd would be getting a perfectly square 2x6 and notch it on the ends to the depth of the paver so you can run it across the wood frame to level the final sand layer. This method used here can turn out to be a very solid base for a shed or even just an easy patio.
I am researching ideas for a base of a shed for me too. The pne thing a buddy of mine mentioned was always put a geotextile type fabric under the gravel. If you dont, that gravel can sink or migrate into the dirt below
That was a really reallly good Job.... I am feeling lazy I am probably just going to make the frame some mesh and just do it with bags of quickcrete lol
Thank you for your video, I'm going to do the same in the next days for my new shed, for shure I will see your video again and again to get all the details. Thank you so much!
I used plastic board. Made the base ground level, so surrounding soil helps hold the more flexible than wood boards in place. Plastic will never rot. So holds everything in place. Used engine powered compactor rather than hand tamper.
Good job. Especially in 4-6 hours in OSHA approved flip-flops (!) I built a small patio several years ago, using treated lumber at grade because I am on rock and clay. I chained together 24x24 squares from 2x4s, screeded in sand, and used the same 12x12 pavers four in each space. I was amazed that in far less than 10 years the lumber rotted out anyway. No more ground contact wood for me.
Thanks! We will see how the pressure treated wood holds up. I have built decks that touch the ground and they have held up very well. It would probably be a good idea to treat the wood with copper naphthenate to increase its life.
I am looking to build a base for our 8x15 shed. I have no idea what I am doing, so this helps alot. Would the weight of a lawn mower or snow blow cause the base to become undevel?
@@matthewwilliams9590 not if you build a solid base of compacted rock, paver base, sand, and pavers. You could park a car on it and it would stay level :)
I'm curious as to why the preference is so often wood (even pressure treated)? What about using cinder block to create a raised bed, with rebar and quick-set cement for reinforcement? (I see blocks so little I'm wondering if there is some major disadvantage I don't know about?) A lot of how-to guides will also suggest putting in weed barrier beneath a gravel layer and extending out the perimeter 12" away from the drip line around the roof on all sides to prevent mud (splash back) and weed growth right up against the sides of the shed. However, in my experience weed barrier doesn't allow for adequate air flow. (I have found entire colonies of termites and other creepy crawlies under moisture-logged barriers so not a fan.) I prefer the idea of using pavers, as shown in this video, because it will allow for water drainage and serve as a natural weed block (better than gravel over weed barrier, IMO). However, so many how-to guides discourage pavers beneath sheds as opposed to gravel or a poured-concrete pad. How come?
I like the video but I would recommend not putting so close to the fence line. Usually there are utilities in the last 3-5 feet near the edge of property lines. Also if you give yourself 5-6 feet spacing you can run a lawnmower or weedwacker behind the shed. Otherwise the weeds growing between the shed and fence will make you mad later.
Thanks for your comment! In this circumstance, I didn't really have a choice as there wasn't much room to work with. There are no underground utilities in this part of my property, so I shouldn't have any problems. I'll spray roundup down the sides if I have to ;)
I would say 5-6 feet is pretty excessive for people with small yards especially since most backyards never have underground utilities aside from the crappy cable companies drop line (service) lines that they are too cheap to locate anyway since it’s just cheaper for them to fix them when they are cut. I left 24” between my back fence and shed so it’s just enough to fit the mower through or trimmer without taking up the whole yard. If you’re digging with a shovel just below the roots of the lawn there should be no reason to be afraid of utilities anyway. If so, then you should already have locates anyway if you think you are going to hit something or build something on top of an old sewer pipe that already needs replacing.
The only issue I see, at the end of the video, camera angles aren’t always accurate, but it looks like the right side of the shed roof will drain over the fence into the neighbours yard? Easily fixed with some jerry rigged eavesthrough but definitely not allowed in many places if it does drain onto a neighbours property.
Awesome video , Sir. If you don't mind, could you please make a list of the materials you had to purchase, including saws, hammers, etc. I'm a new DIY on the block, and knowing what materials I need would help me tremendously. Oh, and listing the brand names would suffice as well. That's if you don't mind. Thank you so much, and have a blessed day.
Thank you for the video. I will watch it again (and again), though I already watched it few times; since I have a plan to build a shed. That’s why I need a base and you showed me “how”. Thank you again. I may not get any extra hands, have to do it by myself. So your video will help me a lot. One question though - may I get the link of the shed which you bought or at least the name of it, please? Thank you.
I'm glad it helped! The shed I used is actually discontinued now. It was this one: www.homedepot.com/p/Suncast-Vista-7-ft-x-7-ft-Resin-Storage-Shed-BMS7702/302345861 Here is a similar shed of the same size: amzn.to/43Oewj4
Safety First: flip flops. Did you check for your property lines and check with zoning laws or the landlord? Pavers are for down south, like Florida, for instance. I would put the stakes on the outside and pour a slab.
@@hanoveroak OK, nice. So the edges were staked into ground with several stakes on each side. That should work well. In my area, still might not pass code, as stakes can theoretically pull out. They want something fish hook like that looks into place. There is a huge screw in type, like a mega metal version of beach umbrella stand, and another type you hammer in. But in real world your solution should be at least as strong as shed itself. Like any storm that can rip your base out is gonna tear of the plastic sides apart. So no point making base any more secure.
Hi, I m planning to build a foundation like that, my shed is the same size as yours. May I ask why do u need to anchor down those 8 sticks? I hope it is not that hard to build it since I am a woman and no help at all. Thanks.
Hi there. Good question - I used the stakes to hold the wooden frame in place and to keep it level. I think that anyone can tackle this project. It would help a lot to have another set of hands though! Thanks!
Basically they're acting as chair legs. The shovel lifts the frames and the level uses bubbles to tell you "Hey, i'm exactly level where you need me to be." Don't forget to make bubble say you're very slightly tipped up when screwing in, so when you set back down, the weight will solve it and you won't be left with a tiny .01* tilt, not that it matters much.
Paver base is a crushed rock/shell material that forms a solid base that, when compacted, won’t sink over time. The paver sand is added after the base so that you can create a smooth level surface to lay the pavers on. You could skip the sand, but it will be very difficult to make all your pavers level.
Few questions please, -Why pavers instead of concrete slab? -What were the total cost for materials? -What sand and gravel brands/type were those? -How has it held up since, any sinking or leaning? Thanks!
I didn't want to put something as permanent as a concrete slab and figured this would be the best alternative. Total materials cost was around $250 but I got my paver base and sand from a local wholesale stone distributor so I saved a lot of money there. It has held up perfectly so far - no leaning or sinking whatsoever. You can also coat the pressure treated wood with Coppercoat Wood Preservative. That would help protect against wood rot down the road. Hope this helps!
Hello, I’m again. Finally the temp has come down to below 100. Inspired by your method I decided to move on. I have started compacting my ground. Like to get your advice. The place where I’m building my shed, it’s under a big tree (I was not allowed to use other places 😅) and the slope of my backyard is toward that direction. Questions: Can I use those 12x12 concrete patio stone as the base, so there will be two layers of patio stones. If not, can I use pea gravel instead of drainage rocks? I’m also little worried about the invisible roots of the tree; what will they do in future. Any advice is appreciated. BTW, my shed is 9x7.😊
I would use pea gravel as your base - I think that would work the best! As long as the roots aren't exposed I wouldn't think you would have any major issues since you will be building an elevated base. Good luck with your project and please feel free to reach out if you have any other questions. Thanks!
If the area I’m using is mostly grass, do you recommend me digging it up to prevent weeds or just do this right on top? Because your area is mostly dirt already
Great vid! Would the sand get washed away with the rain if the shed was not covering it completely? I am installing Rubbermaid 7x7 but was considering a base of 8x8. Concerned that sand within pavers would get washed away.
Thanks! I don’t think that would be an issue. The cracks between the pavers are small and once you sweep the sand in between them it pretty much stays put.
I initially had the same thought. If material is paver base and not sand, I think water typically activates the base and hardens it up. Fingers crossed 🤞
Thanks a lot. That’s what I thought; but wanted to make sure. I was debating to use 4x4 pressure treated in all 4 sides; or just build a concrete side with 4 inch deep and 6 inch wide; then use screw to attach.
I'm glad it helped! The shed I used is actually discontinued now. It was this one: www.homedepot.com/p/Suncast-Vista-7-ft-x-7-ft-Resin-Storage-Shed-BMS7702/302345861 Here is a similar shed of the same size: amzn.to/43Oewj4
Thanks! We will see how the pressure treated wood holds up. I have built decks that touch the ground and they have held up very well. It would probably be a good idea to treat the wood with copper naphthenate to increase its life. I didn't want to put something as permanent as concrete and figured this was the next best thing.
The most impresive thing about this video is that you did it in flip-flops! Looks great. This is going to help me with my shed project
Haha thanks! :)
Good job, I just did exact same process but 8x14 with the 24" pavers from HDepot. Only additional tips I could give someone to consider who are going to pursue the same project are: Use a C grade PT wood for better ground contact resistance / Use poly-sand instead of regular so it hardens, seals, bonds and doesn't wash away as easy / 3rd would be getting a perfectly square 2x6 and notch it on the ends to the depth of the paver so you can run it across the wood frame to level the final sand layer. This method used here can turn out to be a very solid base for a shed or even just an easy patio.
How long does it last?
How long do you think that still of base will last?
I am researching ideas for a base of a shed for me too. The pne thing a buddy of mine mentioned was always put a geotextile type fabric under the gravel. If you dont, that gravel can sink or migrate into the dirt below
Watched this about 20 times to get my one done, great help
Great - glad it helped!
Thank you for taking the time to put this together! I'm doing the same for my shed in Australia and found your video really helpful.😊
No problem! Glad it helped!
For an 8x10 framing, does it matter which 2x6 is on the outside for screwing? Or whatever gives you the “inside” measurement works? Thanks again
I would leave 24 inches from the fence to be able to walk around it and repair the fence when needed …I learned the hard way …
Do you water the sand around the cracks of the pavers too? Thanks for showing how to do this; looks great!👍
That was a really reallly good Job.... I am feeling lazy I am probably just going to make the frame some mesh and just do it with bags of quickcrete lol
Great job! One question I have, how did you secure the shed down to the base, so it doesn't blow away?
insane attention to detail. That shed ain't goin nowhere.
Thank you for your video, I'm going to do the same in the next days for my new shed, for shure I will see your video again and again to get all the details. Thank you so much!
Sure thing - glad it helped!
Knowing me, I would have epoxied it. 😊 Great job!
Looks really nice! Good work!
Thank you!
Looks good man. Yeah a few stepping stones to the front door will be a nice finishing touch.
Yep that’s exactly what we did - thanks!
I think I would make a cement edge so the rocks and gravel wouldn't spill out without the 2x material, once it does rot away.
I used plastic board. Made the base ground level, so surrounding soil helps hold the more flexible than wood boards in place. Plastic will never rot. So holds everything in place. Used engine powered compactor rather than hand tamper.
Good job. Especially in 4-6 hours in OSHA approved flip-flops (!) I built a small patio several years ago, using treated lumber at grade because I am on rock and clay. I chained together 24x24 squares from 2x4s, screeded in sand, and used the same 12x12 pavers four in each space. I was amazed that in far less than 10 years the lumber rotted out anyway. No more ground contact wood for me.
Thanks! We will see how the pressure treated wood holds up. I have built decks that touch the ground and they have held up very well. It would probably be a good idea to treat the wood with copper naphthenate to increase its life.
I am looking to build a base for our 8x15 shed. I have no idea what I am doing, so this helps alot. Would the weight of a lawn mower or snow blow cause the base to become undevel?
@@matthewwilliams9590 not if you build a solid base of compacted rock, paver base, sand, and pavers. You could park a car on it and it would stay level :)
I'm curious as to why the preference is so often wood (even pressure treated)? What about using cinder block to create a raised bed, with rebar and quick-set cement for reinforcement? (I see blocks so little I'm wondering if there is some major disadvantage I don't know about?)
A lot of how-to guides will also suggest putting in weed barrier beneath a gravel layer and extending out the perimeter 12" away from the drip line around the roof on all sides to prevent mud (splash back) and weed growth right up against the sides of the shed. However, in my experience weed barrier doesn't allow for adequate air flow. (I have found entire colonies of termites and other creepy crawlies under moisture-logged barriers so not a fan.) I prefer the idea of using pavers, as shown in this video, because it will allow for water drainage and serve as a natural weed block (better than gravel over weed barrier, IMO). However, so many how-to guides discourage pavers beneath sheds as opposed to gravel or a poured-concrete pad. How come?
I like the video but I would recommend not putting so close to the fence line. Usually there are utilities in the last 3-5 feet near the edge of property lines. Also if you give yourself 5-6 feet spacing you can run a lawnmower or weedwacker behind the shed. Otherwise the weeds growing between the shed and fence will make you mad later.
Thanks for your comment! In this circumstance, I didn't really have a choice as there wasn't much room to work with. There are no underground utilities in this part of my property, so I shouldn't have any problems. I'll spray roundup down the sides if I have to ;)
I would say 5-6 feet is pretty excessive for people with small yards especially since most backyards never have underground utilities aside from the crappy cable companies drop line (service) lines that they are too cheap to locate anyway since it’s just cheaper for them to fix them when they are cut. I left 24” between my back fence and shed so it’s just enough to fit the mower through or trimmer without taking up the whole yard. If you’re digging with a shovel just below the roots of the lawn there should be no reason to be afraid of utilities anyway. If so, then you should already have locates anyway if you think you are going to hit something or build something on top of an old sewer pipe that already needs replacing.
@@stuart488 thanks Stu - this is my line of thinking as well.
The only issue I see, at the end of the video, camera angles aren’t always accurate, but it looks like the right side of the shed roof will drain over the fence into the neighbours yard? Easily fixed with some jerry rigged eavesthrough but definitely not allowed in many places if it does drain onto a neighbours property.
Yikes, most jurisdictions REQUIRE a property line set back of 4-5 feet. If so in your city/county don’t piss off your neighbor…
Great video thanks for sharing
Sure thing!
Awesome video , Sir. If you don't mind, could you please make a list of the materials you had to purchase, including saws, hammers, etc. I'm a new DIY on the block, and knowing what materials I need would help me tremendously. Oh, and listing the brand names would suffice as well. That's if you don't mind. Thank you so much, and have a blessed day.
Looks great
Thank you!
Thank you for the video. I will watch it again (and again), though I already watched it few times; since I have a plan to build a shed. That’s why I need a base and you showed me “how”. Thank you again. I may not get any extra hands, have to do it by myself. So your video will help me a lot. One question though - may I get the link of the shed which you bought or at least the name of it, please? Thank you.
I'm glad it helped! The shed I used is actually discontinued now. It was this one:
www.homedepot.com/p/Suncast-Vista-7-ft-x-7-ft-Resin-Storage-Shed-BMS7702/302345861
Here is a similar shed of the same size:
amzn.to/43Oewj4
Thank you so much for your reply 😊
Great work!
learn a lot from your great job. brilliant!
Thanks! So glad it helped you!
hey going to do my own with your help. did you ever make the walkway you mentioned at the end? would like to see if you did...thanks
Hi, great job! Any issues with weeds coming from the floor?
Thanks! No issues with weeds at all.
Safety First: flip flops. Did you check for your property lines and check with zoning laws or the landlord? Pavers are for down south, like Florida, for instance. I would put the stakes on the outside and pour a slab.
How are you going to change your fence pickets with it that close? Why didn't you stain the would just wondering . It is very nice I must say
I just didn’t have enough room to move it that far away from the fence. Worst case the shed comes apart if I need to work on the fence.
Nicely done!
How did you secure shed to the base? In my area, required for storms, etc. Has to be attached to ground.
Did you do anything like that?
Thanks! I used bolts and secured it to the wooden edges.
@@hanoveroak OK, nice. So the edges were staked into ground with several stakes on each side. That should work well.
In my area, still might not pass code, as stakes can theoretically pull out. They want something fish hook like that looks into place. There is a huge screw in type, like a mega metal version of beach umbrella stand, and another type you hammer in.
But in real world your solution should be at least as strong as shed itself. Like any storm that can rip your base out is gonna tear of the plastic sides apart. So no point making base any more secure.
The sand also makes it impossible for termites to get to your structure. They cannot move through sand that is 2 to 3 inches deep.
Good point!
How did you anchor the shed to the floor? L bracket? if so how long were the screws?
Hi, I m planning to build a foundation like that, my shed is the same size as yours. May I ask why do u need to anchor down those 8 sticks? I hope it is not that hard to build it since I am a woman and no help at all. Thanks.
Hi there. Good question - I used the stakes to hold the wooden frame in place and to keep it level. I think that anyone can tackle this project. It would help a lot to have another set of hands though! Thanks!
Basically they're acting as chair legs.
The shovel lifts the frames and the level uses bubbles to tell you "Hey, i'm exactly level where you need me to be."
Don't forget to make bubble say you're very slightly tipped up when screwing in, so when you set back down, the weight will solve it and you won't be left with a tiny .01* tilt, not that it matters much.
@@PlatClapper great tips here!
Thanks for the video. About to do the same following your steps.
You consider staining the framework?
Sure thing - glad it helped! I would suggest maybe treating the wood with some CopperCoat wood preservative. That will help keep it from rotting.
@@hanoveroakwhat to do to keep termites from eating it?
What size wood boards are those?
They are 2” x 6”
Can you use 4x4 green treated posts instead?
Absolutely!
Did the shed go up? Would like to see how it turned out
Yep! If you skip to the end of the video you can see the shed installed. :)
@@hanoveroak curious if the shed is bolted down somehow? Or just weighted? I’m building a similar Plastic type shed I got from Costco
@@rafaelochoa9776 yes I screwed the plastic base down to the wood edges of the foundation.
Nice work boots!
Haha Florida for ya!
Wow great job
Thank you!
Whats the difference between paver base and paver sand? And can you use paver base without using the sand?
Paver base is a crushed rock/shell material that forms a solid base that, when compacted, won’t sink over time. The paver sand is added after the base so that you can create a smooth level surface to lay the pavers on. You could skip the sand, but it will be very difficult to make all your pavers level.
Few questions please,
-Why pavers instead of concrete slab?
-What were the total cost for materials?
-What sand and gravel brands/type were those?
-How has it held up since, any sinking or leaning?
Thanks!
I didn't want to put something as permanent as a concrete slab and figured this would be the best alternative. Total materials cost was around $250 but I got my paver base and sand from a local wholesale stone distributor so I saved a lot of money there. It has held up perfectly so far - no leaning or sinking whatsoever. You can also coat the pressure treated wood with Coppercoat Wood Preservative. That would help protect against wood rot down the road. Hope this helps!
Question how do you tie down/ make sure the shed doesn’t move with strong winds? Thank you.
I screwed the base of my shed into the pressure treated wood frame all the way around the edges.
Thank you!
How many bags of crushed stone, paver base and sand was required to complete a foundation of 7’ x 7’?
I used about 12 bags of rock, 40 bags of paver base and 10 bags of sand.
You regret not leaving more space on the sides of the shed? So you can get behind it if you need to?
How is this holding up?
It’s holding up great!
Hello, I’m again. Finally the temp has come down to below 100. Inspired by your method I decided to move on. I have started compacting my ground. Like to get your advice. The place where I’m building my shed, it’s under a big tree (I was not allowed to use other places 😅) and the slope of my backyard is toward that direction. Questions: Can I use those 12x12 concrete patio stone as the base, so there will be two layers of patio stones. If not, can I use pea gravel instead of drainage rocks? I’m also little worried about the invisible roots of the tree; what will they do in future. Any advice is appreciated. BTW, my shed is 9x7.😊
I would use pea gravel as your base - I think that would work the best! As long as the roots aren't exposed I wouldn't think you would have any major issues since you will be building an elevated base. Good luck with your project and please feel free to reach out if you have any other questions. Thanks!
You need space to maintain fence AND shed
I left 3ft on each fence side.
Nice video. Are those paver slippers?
Haha they’re called Florida work boots ;)
Just wondering what material did you use before you place pavers? The color does not look like sand? Thank you
That’s actually paver base. Basically just crushed rocks and shells.
If the area I’m using is mostly grass, do you recommend me digging it up to prevent weeds or just do this right on top? Because your area is mostly dirt already
I would remove the grass before so that you’re building directly on dirt.
Great vid! Would the sand get washed away with the rain if the shed was not covering it completely? I am installing Rubbermaid 7x7 but was considering a base of 8x8. Concerned that sand within pavers would get washed away.
Thanks! I don’t think that would be an issue. The cracks between the pavers are small and once you sweep the sand in between them it pretty much stays put.
I initially had the same thought. If material is paver base and not sand, I think water typically activates the base and hardens it up. Fingers crossed 🤞
Hi there, which sand did you use for this?
We used bags of paver sand. It can be found at Home Depot or Lowes in the paver area. Don’t use play sand as it doesn’t compact as good.
I liked the part where your dog was "helping." 😁
What are the measurements for the stakes?
I would go about 18 inches on the stakes.
Can you do this with those polypropylene paver base panels, maybe only need 2x4’s instead of the fill?
I have never used that product but I think that would probably work.
AWESOME
Thanks!
Would you tell me how you secured the base of the shed with the foundation? I live in a windy area. Thank you.
I screwed the base of my shed into the pressure treated wood frame all the way around the edges.
Thanks a lot. That’s what I thought; but wanted to make sure. I was debating to use 4x4 pressure treated in all 4 sides; or just build a concrete side with 4 inch deep and 6 inch wide; then use screw to attach.
@@aavmesh that’s actually a great idea and would last forever!
Hey. What’s the name of the shed you used and where did you get it from
I'm glad it helped! The shed I used is actually discontinued now. It was this one:
www.homedepot.com/p/Suncast-Vista-7-ft-x-7-ft-Resin-Storage-Shed-BMS7702/302345861
Here is a similar shed of the same size:
amzn.to/43Oewj4
Nice work. Any concerns with the wood frame for the base. Would it hold long term? Did you consider using concrete instead of wood?
Thanks! We will see how the pressure treated wood holds up. I have built decks that touch the ground and they have held up very well. It would probably be a good idea to treat the wood with copper naphthenate to increase its life. I didn't want to put something as permanent as concrete and figured this was the next best thing.
If you had to guess how long would you expect the wood to hold up
Wood frame will last 10 years if he’s lucky, it’ll be a mess after that sadly
@@hanoveroak hey great video but i got to thinking what did you mount the shed too?
@@boster8368 I bolted it to the edges of the wood frame.
How do you anchor the shed?
We screwed it down around the edges to the wood frame.
@@hanoveroak Yea i read through the comments and saw that! Lol, thanks for sharing and responding!
How long did it took you ( in hours)?
It was a 4-6 hour project.
Where do I get those Steel toe flip flops though? 😅
Hahaha
HI, WHAT WAS THE GRAY "SAND" YOU USED?
Hi there - it’s just normal paver sand.
You know a person is experienced when they can do a job in flip-flops.
In FL we do everything in flip flops!
I'm going to do all construction jobs in flipflops
No weed matting, gloves to protect hands but flip flops to protect feet?
7x7? You built a closet!
why no adding water to the cement powder?
No cement was used in this project actually.