Would the same approach work for a 10x12 TuffShed? I think so but thought I'd ask. I loved the straightforward approach and this fits my wherewithal. The time lapse and explanations were my speed for sure. Thank you. Might want to remind people to dial 811 or your local "know before you dig" organization depending on how deep and where you intend on putting the shed. And as others have asked, the anchoring options are definitely something many of us also need to sort out.
Nice and simple. I would consider a couple slight alterations/additions. 4×6 would maybe be better since it would allow you to set the wood in two inch trenches. Use weedblock prior to laying the gravel. Also consider rebar in each corner for stability.
This is by far one of the fastest ways I’ve see a shed foundation be made. I’ll be getting a shed in 2 weeks and this has saved me time and stress on how I’m going to build the foundation for it. Thank you so much and this video is very helpful.!
@@josiahr1375 it's a pretty good starter shed. I think down the road I may need to upgrade just for a bit more space and structure. I have noticed that if I hang a lot on the walls, it bows somewhat
Great vid. I am thinking about buying a small shed and was looking for ideas on the base. I think another positive about this approach is that you can move the shed and foundation if you need too without having a permanent concrete base. 👍
Screws can pull out depending on the orientation and load on the screw, but I agree that I probably would've been fine the other way. This is a temporary shed for me so I'm not too worried about weeds, but I will have that under my next shed for sure! Thanks for watching! :)
@@thebackyardbuilderthe purpose of the weed barrier is so the gravel doesn’t sink into the dirt over time and become nearly impossible to remove later without just digging out the entire area.
OMG, YOU’RE A LIFESAVER 👍🏽🙌🏽. I had planned a patio remake for this summer that just recently ended. I purchased a new shed and had items marked on my patio according to my plans/layout. My much larger storage shed arrived that I’ve purchased to store my outdoor items but I also specifically purchased the shed to 1) keep the leaves and debris from the branches that hover over almost the entire rt side of my patio where there’s nothing but uneven dirt and roots anyway but it’s a HUGE PROBLEM bc there’s CONSTANTLY LEAVES and A MESS ON THE WHITE FENCE TO CLEAN UP and 2) I cannot metabolize Vit D so it was ordered by my doc to spend 20 mins minimum outside daily bc each of the many rounds of high doses of Vit D proved unsuccessful. Going outside is an issue for me bc I have other med situations so this summer was going to be the seasons where those things wouldn’t stop me from “simply” going onto my patio bc this much larger shed would also store what I need to deal with my obstacles in a dignified manner whilst abiding by my lease bc I’ll have an easy and secured place to store what’s needed while I’m out there. *I almost forgot….the reason YOU LITERALLY SAVED ME JUST IN TIME is I just received a notice Re patio inspections taking place between a date that happened a week ago until some time early in OCT. I hadn’t been able to get the shed assembled bc I’m not familiar w/building foundations and especially not on uneven ground. While I was trying to deal with that situation, I had gone to the dentist and that one cleaning ended up costing me my entire summer bc I had surgeries every 2 weeks and check ups from the second weds of June til Sep - I’m still healing. It’s a blessing to be able to have what I needed done (another issue caused by a drunk driver 17 yrs ago) medically yet the burden of needing to get my patio redone which started with the new shed assembly worried me even more bc now I couldn’t physically do anything about it (couldn’t even hold head down or lift things). I did buy a few items for the foundation prep but I was completely at a loss UNTIL I FOUND YOU VIDEO JUST NOW 👏🏽🙌🏽👍🏽🙏🏽☀️
Thanks! - I was able to use leftover scrap wood to save even more. The tip on having them deliver the gravel was a game changer! On my project they could access the area that I needed it to be permanently placed then offloaded, required SO much less work then expected and was worth the delivery fee.
Thanks for posting this! I did pretty much the exact same project following your guide; same shed, same dimensions; cost me about $400 but that included buying a wheelbarrow and the gravel was pricier than what you paid at $172 including delivery; I did put down the weed barrier like others suggested and I did the half lap joints
If you're trying to get off on the cheap by getting a resin or Rubbermaid shed, this is a great idea - save a ton not dealing with cinder blocks, a pressure-treated base, and time leveling too. Very clever idea.
I appreciate the video,, as the cut into the ends of the 4"x4" reminded me of when I cut the 6"x6" posts for my deck to support it's weight. When I built the foundation for my 7'x7' shed I oversized the area, to a 9'x9'. I chose to use skids that i was fortunate to be able to get as my foundation. However below that i did put a layer of gravel down ( I dug too deep , and ended up overworking myself uneecessarily. Fortunately I had enough gravel to cover the skids (with tarpaper over it) having no wood exposed, only an appearance of a gravel base. I rented a pick-up truck myself to have the gravel loaded. Sorry for the pail carries up/down to the back of the house 😖 Cheepest and effective route I could think of. I hope you bought the pressure treated 4'x4'
Two questions: - Would the wood directly on the ground or be at risk of rot/pests? - Is the shed not anchored into the ground in some way? I’d like to do the same but was considering building the frame the exact dimensions of the shed so the walls can be anchored to the wood base, and rebar driven at an angle into the ground/frame so it won’t blow away.
@@BorkMcGork if you use lumber treated for ground contact, it was last for a long time before rotting. I did not anchor this one, but there are anchor kits you can buy if you would like to anchor yours
using 2 2x4s to make a 4x4 might work as well as being able to run the grain in opposing directions to hopefully mitigate twisting and warping, and make the half laps very easy... does that make sense?
@@xisotopex yeah that makes sense, I like that idea! I had a similar one about 5 mins after I finished cutting all the 4x4s haha. Hindsight is definitely 20-20. Good idea though and thanks for watching! :)
Thank you SO much, this makes much more sense than other ideas I have seen online. Also, my back could never make those trips carrying the gravel- must’ve been a workout!
This is great if you don't live in hurricane country, or get a gentle breeze. I once watched someone build one of these and immediately it was blown about 20 foot away. It was metal and completely destroyed.
@@jacka55penguin resin shed can be good or bad depending on where you live, that's for sure. This is a free shed I was given so I am happy to make it work until I upgrade. You definitely want anchors though if you live somewhere with high winds
Building this set up this weekend. I don't have a saw, so I used butt joints on the 4x4's with 90 degree angle ties to secure them on the inside of the frame with 6 2inch deck screws on each corner. For gravel I am using crushed limestone gravel (1-1.5"). The shed is a 7x7 Rubbermaid like the one shown except it has a window on the front above the doors. Thanks for the idea! Saved me money vs pouring a concrete base.
Another way to "screw down" and connect the post is, use galvanized "Tie Plates" they come in different sizes. I would recommend using a sizable tie plate on both sides to secure the post do not come apart. This saves a lot of time from cutting the post and screwing them together. Just another idea.
Hello Jeff, I have watched a few videos regarding building a foundation with gravel and turns out they are offering their installation service and I did not see any prices thus very expensive. Your DIY build-a- foundation is in the price range I can afford and I appreciate that you itemized the costs. I ordered a 7×4 shed just like your shed; what size of foundation would I need? What type of gravel did you use? I look forward to your answers. Thank you so much! Susanne F.
Thank you so much for watching! I would say you could probably make your base either 8x6 or 8x5 depending on if you want even spacing all around the shed. I believe I used 3/4 inch gravel, but you can always ask your local stone supply what size they recommend. Thanks again for watching my video, I'm glad you found it helpful :)
Can I use the same method, (albeit with more gravel & wood surround) on a 40’ “high cube” shipping container? Then lift it up from the gravel using a bunch of the four-sided concrete cubes with the cross cut into the top?
@@joe003314 my shed is protected from winds by all the trees around it, but you can buy shed anchoring kits if yours is in a more open area. Hope this helps, thanks for watching!
Great video, love the half lap. Did you have to build a floor on it? I'm trying to figure out how to put a metal shed on a gravel foundation but I'm not understanding the flooring portion
Hello! Thanks for this video. Do you have any updates on how its held up so far? Also, any issues with water when it rains since the foundation doesnt extend out far all around? Looking at doing this over yhe next couple days.
Hello. Thank you for your video and brake down of foundation setup/cost. My husband and I are planning to buy this shed and do the same foundation to but do have a couple questions for you. What kind/grade of gravel did you use and second is how you anchored down the shed to the foundation. We looked for another video but didn't see anything. So just wanted to get some more insight. Appreciate your time and feedback! Jessica 😊
Awesome video. Have you thought about using a grid panel then put the gravel on it to make ot more stable? Just curious, coz i wanna put a shed i bought from Costco 6'3" W x 3'6" D x 5'9" H. Thank you.
The shed comes with a floor. I have not secured it down with anything other than filling it with all my junk! Hahaha, but there are shed anchor kits that you can get to anchor your shed 😁
I love how you digging the ground and may even use the grass elsewhere, but here in Arizona digging the ground with shovel isn't such an easy task buddy🥵 It's too hot to shovel outdoor like that and our ground isn't as soft and nice as yours! But thanks for a few helpful points 🙂
Sure! I will have to make my own video better explaining how to cut half-lap joints, but I'm the meantime, this video shows it pretty well: ua-cam.com/video/ckA7_R6z7Bk/v-deo.html
@@thebackyardbuilder can you tell me how to anchor Keter shed to this base? My shed will arrive tomorrow. Now feel confused about this step. Really appreciate!
@@wangwill577 I would say you could grab some ground anchors from your local hardware store and you could attach your shed to those. They are basically really big screws with an eyelet on top. That would probably be the best for this setup. Hope this helps!!
suggestions.... 1) Use a tarp on driveway where they will drop rocks. 2) Could have made a quick trip to big box store to get wheel barrel and then just return it or keep it. Good $100 investment.
Yeah I have a wheelbarrow now, definitely worth it haha. I purposely didn't put down a tarp because every time I do, the shovel I scoop with gets caught up on the tarp. I appreciate the suggestions though!
This guide is a good resource of videos, pictures and drawing. It does not have plans, so if that's what you're looking for don't bother with this book. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxLum--iPp9YKZ09j1BMdHaBMLkrGfIbcm What this book does have is a lot of great information on the building of sheds, design ideas, building options, etc. The author goes through the steps to build a foundation, framing, roof, even ideas on internal storage and external finishes. The text is easy to follow and understand. There are many sidebars that give tips and advice which most laymen probably wouldn't have considered. The photographs are great quality too. This is a great book and I'd recommend it highly for anyone needing or interested in building a shed.
Two questions, would it be better to have the shed sitting on the 4x4s? Or is it fine in the center of the 8x8 square? Also does this shed need to be anchored ? I have same one
I am at the process of waiting for the gravel at 3, spent all day yesterday leveling and digging and got the 4 8 foot 4x4s screwed together and in place ! Thanks for the video
@@blazingcello13 I wanted it sitting on the gravel to allow airflow underneath the shed. I didn't need to anchor it where I was putting my shed up, but if you live in an area with higher winds or you are concerned about the winds, you can definitely anchor it down :)
@@blazingcello13 I wanted it sitting on the gravel to allow airflow underneath the shed. I didn't need to anchor it where I was putting my shed up, but if you live in an area with higher winds or you are concerned about the winds, you can definitely anchor it down :)
Good video and helpful as I am putting up a 6 x 5 shed. But my question is how you anchor this shed to this type of foundation since the foundation the shed sits on is gravel.
You can get shed anchor kits that are essentially giant screws that screw down into the ground and then you fill the gravel in around them. You could use those as your anchors :)
Where did you put the excess grass/dirt you dug up or in more recent projects what have you done with it? Might be a no brainer question, but random thought that popped in my head.
I have built my gravel foundation and am ready to build the shed on top of it. The shed does have a floor. My question is do I need to wait to build the shed on top of this gravel foundation when it is dry and has not rained? Right now we had hard rains so it is very wet where the gravel base is. Does it matter if it is wet when I build the shed on top of it or should I wait until it dries out? I did lay down landscape material before I put down the gravel. Thanks
@@Trigoddess you could wait until it dries out of you would like, but I think there should be enough airflow through the gravel that you could build it now
I dont have it anchored, but you can buy shed anchor kits that secure your shed to the ground. My shed is in the back corner of my yard and is very protected from the wind so I am not concerned about it blowing away. It hasn't yet in the 2 years it's been there 👍
1. What about moisture breaking down the wood over time? 2. Mine is a tin shed with no floor. I was thinking of putting down cinder blocks, ground level around the perimeter. Then building a platform. Would that work?
The posts I used are rated for ground contact so they will break down much slower than untreated wood. I think your plan should work and allow for ample airflow underneath the shed:)
You can pick up shed anchors online or at hardware stores that screw down into the ground and can hold it steady. Or you could run some beans across the footprint of the shed and anchor directly into those 👍
Only thing I don’t care for is there’s no weight on the 4x4 boarder. So if the shed settles the boards could potentially end up interfering with the door opening if they rise at all. I would attach 4x4’s diagonally across each corner about 3ft from each corner. Then dig the ground out so they can be covered with the gravel. The weight of the gravel and shed will keep the border against the ground instead of free floating as it is now.
That's a good idea! I was going more for cheap than super sturdy for this one because it was a free shed I was given and I plan to get a nice wooden one down the road and so for that one I will make the base really nice 👌
We’re going to have the 8 by 8 shed from Reeds Ferry installed early next month, and we plan to just let them install it on the ground without digging. Because we don’t have much room and it’s easier. We will demolish the old one first.
Thank you for video, quick question!!! I just purchased 8x10 resin shed. I have 2 inch stepping stone concrete pavers. Will that work? Also how big is your shed in video?
Awesome thanks. Just got the same size shed from lifetime. Really don't want to make a concrete base as I'm not sure about the location. How much gravel did you need fit for the 8x8? Also would it be recommended to put a membrane underneath the gravel? Thanks Update 1 ton I saw from your comments. Possibly needs a firm base between the plastic floor and sharp gravel?
Yeah you could put a membrane underneath the gravel and lay plywood or something overtop if you wanted. I just put the shed directly on top of the gravel
I’ve been contemplating a shed foundation for months. I was going to lay rock/sand and then lay 12” pavers down but then I saw your video. Went and bought the 4x4s yesterday at Lowe’s for about $65. My shed is 7.5 x 8 so I am making mine just slightly larger than yours. Rock is like $25 a yard which is plenty. (Extra for delivery) I’m about ready to start cutting the wood like you did and get this foundation built! I may use smaller rock than you used, so it packs down more smooth. Thanks for the idea. It looks nice, fairly simple and will drain just fine when it rains.
Yes, depending on how big of a slope, you could get additional 4x4 beams and build the wall up on the lower part of the slope so that the top remains level if that makes sense? One side might only have 1 beam, but the other side might be two beams tall. Hope that helps, thanks for watching!!
Awesome! Quick question, did you have to anchor the shed in any way? If not, do you ever have issues with the shed moving from wind, or anything like that?
Do most sheds come with the floor or just the outer shell? A metal vs Plastic composite, which is better? I really appreciate this vid. This shed project was really stressing me out. Thank you.
I believe most garden sheds come with a floor. As far as metal vs. plastic, i think that would come down to which is more important to you: budget or structure. Im sure the metal would be stronger and look better, but would probably also be a good bit more expensive, though i could be wrong. I went with plastic for the price and because it is more of a temporary shed for me. I will be upgrading down the road so i just needed something cheap to get me through a few years. Hope this helps, thanks for watching my video!
Should I buy gravel bags from HomeDepot or should i order it from a company and drop it off at my house like you did? I have a 10x10 metal shed, and i will be making a 12x12 foundation obviously, the same way you did. Thanks.
Having it delivered is definitely easier, but can be more expensive if you don't have a good local option. You would have to compare costs to see what works better for your budget :)
Great vid and job well done. Random question - but what brand of trousers are those - I'm looking for some that utiliarian like those but that actually fit well and aren't baggy.
I'm not sure if that is a standard price. I called my local masonry supply store and that was the price they gave me and I wasn't going to ask any questions because that was way cheaper than I thought it would be! Haha
How is this holding up? Need to build a foundation for a 8’x15’ resin shed. Does the ground just need to be fairly level and you can level the gravel or does it need to be nearly perfect?
Thanks for the video. I have just bought a similar resin shed and also have a gravel pad ready to go. Did you have any issues with putting the base of the shed directly on top of the stones? How does it feel when you step inside the shed ? I was thinking of putting a 1/2" sheet of ground contact plywood on top of the gravel to lay the base on just to add rigidity and just so i would not feel the stones when I step on it, but I'm wondering if that is necessary or not.
Yeah that would probably be a good idea just to keep the floor flat. I don't really feel individual stones through the floor. But the middle does feel slightly higher and then it slopes ever so slightly to the edges which doesn't bother me as I'm just using it for storage, but adding that sheet of plywood is probably not a bad idea just for a little extra rigidity. Good thought!
Love this video. So my shed is 8ft x 7.5, so I'll most likely need to go 10 ft lumber for each side. Unless I went 10ft lumber on the 8 ft. side of the shed, and 8ft lumber on the 7.5 side of shed. Also, you said the posts are actually 3.5 x 3.5, but home improvement stores list them as 4x4x8 right?
Would the same approach work for a 10x12 TuffShed? I think so but thought I'd ask.
I loved the straightforward approach and this fits my wherewithal. The time lapse and explanations were my speed for sure. Thank you.
Might want to remind people to dial 811 or your local "know before you dig" organization depending on how deep and where you intend on putting the shed. And as others have asked, the anchoring options are definitely something many of us also need to sort out.
@@Link.Hogthrobyes I think this would work for all sizes of sheds :) That's a good point, always call 811 first before you dig!
Nice and simple. I would consider a couple slight alterations/additions. 4×6 would maybe be better since it would allow you to set the wood in two inch trenches. Use weedblock prior to laying the gravel. Also consider rebar in each corner for stability.
This is by far one of the fastest ways I’ve see a shed foundation be made. I’ll be getting a shed in 2 weeks and this has saved me time and stress on how I’m going to build the foundation for it. Thank you so much and this video is very helpful.!
This was a great 1- day project for me, and with a wheelbarrow it will go even faster! I'm glad it was helpful for you!
Exactly what i was saying. So much easier than others.
Where did u get the shed or how did u build it I saw how u build the foundation now I wanna see how the shed was built
@@thebackyardbuilder I found your video by chance to be the exact same shed I plan to buy. How are you finding it so far?
@@josiahr1375 it's a pretty good starter shed. I think down the road I may need to upgrade just for a bit more space and structure. I have noticed that if I hang a lot on the walls, it bows somewhat
Great vid. I am thinking about buying a small shed and was looking for ideas on the base. I think another positive about this approach is that you can move the shed and foundation if you need too without having a permanent concrete base. 👍
True! Just move the gravel and replant the grass and it's like it was never there!
2 things.
1) screws don’t pull out.
2) before the gravel, put down a weed barrier mesh.
Screws can pull out depending on the orientation and load on the screw, but I agree that I probably would've been fine the other way.
This is a temporary shed for me so I'm not too worried about weeds, but I will have that under my next shed for sure!
Thanks for watching! :)
@@thebackyardbuilderthe purpose of the weed barrier is so the gravel doesn’t sink into the dirt over time and become nearly impossible to remove later without just digging out the entire area.
@@blakethingstad ah I gotcha, that makes sense! I plan to dig up the foundation anyways when I get a bigger shed so no harm no foul 👍
Weed barrier doesn't work at all, I've tried it many times and it always comes through. @@thebackyardbuilder
@@disgruntledveteran79 I think they meant to use the weed barrier just to keep the gravel from sinking into the mud over time.
OMG, YOU’RE A LIFESAVER 👍🏽🙌🏽. I had planned a patio remake for this summer that just recently ended. I purchased a new shed and had items marked on my patio according to my plans/layout.
My much larger storage shed arrived that I’ve purchased to store my outdoor items but I also specifically purchased the shed to 1) keep the leaves and debris from the branches that hover over almost the entire rt side of my patio where there’s nothing but uneven dirt and roots anyway but it’s a HUGE PROBLEM bc there’s CONSTANTLY LEAVES and A MESS ON THE WHITE FENCE TO CLEAN UP and 2) I cannot metabolize Vit D so it was ordered by my doc to spend 20 mins minimum outside daily bc each of the many rounds of high doses of Vit D proved unsuccessful. Going outside is an issue for me bc I have other med situations so this summer was going to be the seasons where those things wouldn’t stop me from “simply” going onto my patio bc this much larger shed would also store what I need to deal with my obstacles in a dignified manner whilst abiding by my lease bc I’ll have an easy and secured place to store what’s needed while I’m out there.
*I almost forgot….the reason YOU LITERALLY SAVED ME JUST IN TIME is I just received a notice Re patio inspections taking place between a date that happened a week ago until some time early in OCT. I hadn’t been able to get the shed assembled bc I’m not familiar w/building foundations and especially not on uneven ground. While I was trying to deal with that situation, I had gone to the dentist and that one cleaning ended up costing me my entire summer bc I had surgeries every 2 weeks and check ups from the second weds of June til Sep - I’m still healing. It’s a blessing to be able to have what I needed done (another issue caused by a drunk driver 17 yrs ago) medically yet the burden of needing to get my patio redone which started with the new shed assembly worried me even more bc now I couldn’t physically do anything about it (couldn’t even hold head down or lift things). I did buy a few items for the foundation prep but I was completely at a loss UNTIL I FOUND YOU VIDEO JUST NOW 👏🏽🙌🏽👍🏽🙏🏽☀️
Thank you for sharing that amazing story! I'm so glad I was able to help. That's all I want with these videos is to be able to help people :)
Thanks! - I was able to use leftover scrap wood to save even more. The tip on having them deliver the gravel was a game changer! On my project they could access the area that I needed it to be permanently placed then offloaded, required SO much less work then expected and was worth the delivery fee.
If you can have them deliver right to where the shed foundation will be, that's so much nicer! :)
Hope you used pressure treated wood!
Thanks for posting this! I did pretty much the exact same project following your guide; same shed, same dimensions; cost me about $400 but that included buying a wheelbarrow and the gravel was pricier than what you paid at $172 including delivery; I did put down the weed barrier like others suggested and I did the half lap joints
@@jcherrybon4753 you're welcome! Sounds like yours is the next level up from mine! :)
Thank you!! You are by far the easiest to watch and listen to!
@@tatishamays3497 thank you!
If you're trying to get off on the cheap by getting a resin or Rubbermaid shed, this is a great idea - save a ton not dealing with cinder blocks, a pressure-treated base, and time leveling too. Very clever idea.
Thank you very much! I got the shed for free, so definitely saved on cost there!
Dude your use of infographics was such a nice touch. I love that style
Thank you! I'm a visual learner so I always love a good infographic!
I appreciate the video,, as the cut into the ends of the 4"x4" reminded me of when I cut the 6"x6" posts for my deck to support it's weight. When I built the foundation for my 7'x7' shed I oversized the area, to a 9'x9'. I chose to use skids that i was fortunate to be able to get as my foundation. However below that i did put a layer of gravel down ( I dug too deep , and ended up overworking myself uneecessarily. Fortunately I had enough gravel to cover the skids (with tarpaper over it) having no wood exposed, only an appearance of a gravel base. I rented a pick-up truck myself to have the gravel loaded. Sorry for the pail carries up/down to the back of the house 😖 Cheepest and effective route I could think of. I hope you bought the pressure treated 4'x4'
@@ralex3228I did get pressure treated so we are good there 👍 thanks for watching!
Two questions:
- Would the wood directly on the ground or be at risk of rot/pests?
- Is the shed not anchored into the ground in some way?
I’d like to do the same but was considering building the frame the exact dimensions of the shed so the walls can be anchored to the wood base, and rebar driven at an angle into the ground/frame so it won’t blow away.
@@BorkMcGork if you use lumber treated for ground contact, it was last for a long time before rotting. I did not anchor this one, but there are anchor kits you can buy if you would like to anchor yours
How do you anchor the shed so it doesn't blow away in a storm?
I like your format...not long winded waiting for the information I want.
Great video, easy to follow and straight to the point! After seeing your video, I don't have to hire a contractor. You saved me money, THANK YOU!
You're welcome!! Thanks for watching:)
It’s crazy I was thinking of doing this same setup for a shed and I found your video. I’m glad it worked. I’ll be getting to my project soon.
Great job. And I agree with the others on here... Much easier shed foundation video then the others I've seen
Thank you! I appreciate you watching! :)
using 2 2x4s to make a 4x4 might work as well as being able to run the grain in opposing directions to hopefully mitigate twisting and warping, and make the half laps very easy... does that make sense?
@@xisotopex yeah that makes sense, I like that idea! I had a similar one about 5 mins after I finished cutting all the 4x4s haha. Hindsight is definitely 20-20.
Good idea though and thanks for watching! :)
Thanks for the video. I am just wondering how the wood will hold up in rainy weather and watering the grass?
@@r.i.p6569 thanks for watching! The wood is rated for ground contact so it is designed to be able to handle being out in weather
How has water drainage been? Seems like the wood might trap water in, rather than allow it to run.. maybe drill small holes in the wood for drainage?
@@krispy5139 haven't had any issues thus far! The holes could be a good idea though :)
@@thebackyardbuilder thanks, also trying to decide if pressure treated lumber is needed or not.
@@krispy5139 if it's touching the ground, treated is usually better, but you can get regular, you may just need to replace it sooner
Thank you SO much, this makes much more sense than other ideas I have seen online. Also, my back could never make those trips carrying the gravel- must’ve been a workout!
It was for sure! Definitely recommend using a wheelbarrow!
This is great if you don't live in hurricane country, or get a gentle breeze. I once watched someone build one of these and immediately it was blown about 20 foot away. It was metal and completely destroyed.
@@jacka55penguin resin shed can be good or bad depending on where you live, that's for sure. This is a free shed I was given so I am happy to make it work until I upgrade. You definitely want anchors though if you live somewhere with high winds
I used mulch. Free. It doesn't decompose since its inside/dry. The shed sits on the wood perimeter so the wood doesn't get wet.
Building this set up this weekend. I don't have a saw, so I used butt joints on the 4x4's with 90 degree angle ties to secure them on the inside of the frame with 6 2inch deck screws on each corner. For gravel I am using crushed limestone gravel (1-1.5"). The shed is a 7x7 Rubbermaid like the one shown except it has a window on the front above the doors. Thanks for the idea! Saved me money vs pouring a concrete base.
Happy to help! Hope it works well for you!!
Another way to "screw down" and connect the post is, use galvanized "Tie Plates" they come in different sizes. I would recommend using a sizable tie plate on both sides to secure the post do not come apart. This saves a lot of time from cutting the post and screwing them together. Just another idea.
I like that idea a lot! That would definitely save some time, thanks!
Hello Jeff,
I have watched a few videos regarding building a foundation with gravel and turns out they are offering their installation service and I did not see any prices thus very expensive. Your DIY build-a- foundation is in the price range I can afford and I appreciate that you itemized the costs. I ordered a 7×4 shed just like your shed; what size of foundation would I need? What type of gravel did you use? I look forward to your answers. Thank you so much!
Susanne F.
Thank you so much for watching! I would say you could probably make your base either 8x6 or 8x5 depending on if you want even spacing all around the shed. I believe I used 3/4 inch gravel, but you can always ask your local stone supply what size they recommend.
Thanks again for watching my video, I'm glad you found it helpful :)
@@thebackyardbuilder Thank you for your reply.
Thanks for sharing. It's a great video and very helpful.
Thanks for watching!! :)
Can I use the same method, (albeit with more gravel & wood surround) on a 40’ “high cube” shipping container? Then lift it up from the gravel using a bunch of the four-sided concrete cubes with the cross cut into the top?
I would think that should work yeah :) I want to get into the shopping container game myself!
This is great idea but how did you prevent shed from blowing away during high winds?
@@joe003314 my shed is protected from winds by all the trees around it, but you can buy shed anchoring kits if yours is in a more open area. Hope this helps, thanks for watching!
simple and perfect. great video!
Thanks so much for watching!
DUDE! You are my hero! Thanks so much.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching!!!
Great video, love the half lap. Did you have to build a floor on it? I'm trying to figure out how to put a metal shed on a gravel foundation but I'm not understanding the flooring portion
@@pichu4721 my resin shed came with a floor so I did not have to build one
How did you secure the shed to the foundation? I think only with 4 posts and anchors to the ground, high wind will blow the shed away
Yep- same question. There's no way that shed is secured to the ground.
If you fill the shed, it won't blow away.
This is great, thanks so much!
Does it matter if the pressure-treated 4x4s are also rated for 'ground contact?'
Get the pressure treated stuff
You want it rated for ground contact. Not all PT lumbar is.
Hello! Thanks for this video. Do you have any updates on how its held up so far? Also, any issues with water when it rains since the foundation doesnt extend out far all around? Looking at doing this over yhe next couple days.
Everything is holding up well, no complaints here! :)
Hello. Thank you for your video and brake down of foundation setup/cost. My husband and I are planning to buy this shed and do the same foundation to but do have a couple questions for you. What kind/grade of gravel did you use and second is how you anchored down the shed to the foundation. We looked for another video but didn't see anything. So just wanted to get some more insight. Appreciate your time and feedback!
Jessica 😊
Thanks for watching!!!!
I used 3/4" gravel and I didn't use shed anchors, but there are shed anchor kits out there that you can buy :)
@@thebackyardbuilder Thank you for the information. Definitely will look for the shed anchor kits for our build. Have a good evening!
Jess 😊
Awesome video. Have you thought about using a grid panel then put the gravel on it to make ot more stable? Just curious, coz i wanna put a shed i bought from Costco 6'3" W x 3'6" D x 5'9" H. Thank you.
I didn't think about that when I was doing mine, but that is a great idea for added strength!
How long did you let the gravel stone settle before putting the shed on it?
@@JosephJones757 I made the foundation on a Monday, and I believe I got the shed the following Saturday so it was about a week.
does the toolshed have flooring or the gravel is the floor? how is the toolshed being secured down if its a windy day. thx ahead of time.
The shed comes with a floor. I have not secured it down with anything other than filling it with all my junk! Hahaha, but there are shed anchor kits that you can get to anchor your shed 😁
I love how you digging the ground and may even use the grass elsewhere, but here in Arizona digging the ground with shovel isn't such an easy task buddy🥵 It's too hot to shovel outdoor like that and our ground isn't as soft and nice as yours! But thanks for a few helpful points 🙂
@@MMK6850 yeah Arizona is just a little different than PA! Hope it works well for you!
I'm a beginner with the DIYs. So, can you tell me step by step how to measure for the 1/2 Flap Joints?
Sure! I will have to make my own video better explaining how to cut half-lap joints, but I'm the meantime, this video shows it pretty well:
ua-cam.com/video/ckA7_R6z7Bk/v-deo.html
Would have been interested to see how you anchored the shed.
Maybe on the next one!
@@thebackyardbuilder can you tell me how to anchor Keter shed to this base? My shed will arrive tomorrow. Now feel confused about this step. Really appreciate!
@@wangwill577 I would say you could grab some ground anchors from your local hardware store and you could attach your shed to those. They are basically really big screws with an eyelet on top. That would probably be the best for this setup.
Hope this helps!!
@@thebackyardbuilder can not believe you reply so fast!!! That is really helpful. Thanks!!!
@@wangwill577 I try to be good about responding comments, good luck with your shed and thanks for watching!!! :)
suggestions.... 1) Use a tarp on driveway where they will drop rocks. 2) Could have made a quick trip to big box store to get wheel barrel and then just return it or keep it. Good $100 investment.
Yeah I have a wheelbarrow now, definitely worth it haha. I purposely didn't put down a tarp because every time I do, the shovel I scoop with gets caught up on the tarp. I appreciate the suggestions though!
Great video! Did you anchor the said down somehow? Unless I missed it. For very windy days.
I did not, I just filled it with a bunch of junk ;) it's well protected from the wind where it is at
@@thebackyardbuilder thank you!
This guide is a good resource of videos, pictures and drawing. It does not have plans, so if that's what you're looking for don't bother with this book. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxLum--iPp9YKZ09j1BMdHaBMLkrGfIbcm What this book does have is a lot of great information on the building of sheds, design ideas, building options, etc. The author goes through the steps to build a foundation, framing, roof, even ideas on internal storage and external finishes. The text is easy to follow and understand. There are many sidebars that give tips and advice which most laymen probably wouldn't have considered. The photographs are great quality too. This is a great book and I'd recommend it highly for anyone needing or interested in building a shed.
Two questions, would it be better to have the shed sitting on the 4x4s? Or is it fine in the center of the 8x8 square? Also does this shed need to be anchored ? I have same one
I am at the process of waiting for the gravel at 3, spent all day yesterday leveling and digging and got the 4 8 foot 4x4s screwed together and in place ! Thanks for the video
@@blazingcello13 I wanted it sitting on the gravel to allow airflow underneath the shed. I didn't need to anchor it where I was putting my shed up, but if you live in an area with higher winds or you are concerned about the winds, you can definitely anchor it down :)
@@blazingcello13 I wanted it sitting on the gravel to allow airflow underneath the shed. I didn't need to anchor it where I was putting my shed up, but if you live in an area with higher winds or you are concerned about the winds, you can definitely anchor it down :)
@@thebackyardbuilder appreciate it! Hopefully will have shed done today exactly like the video, I’m in WNY I don’t think I’ll need any anchors lol
@@blazingcello13 thanks for watching!
Good video and helpful as I am putting up a 6 x 5 shed. But my question is how you anchor this shed to this type of foundation since the foundation the shed sits on is gravel.
You can get shed anchor kits that are essentially giant screws that screw down into the ground and then you fill the gravel in around them. You could use those as your anchors :)
Where did you put the excess grass/dirt you dug up or in more recent projects what have you done with it? Might be a no brainer question, but random thought that popped in my head.
I had another spot of my yard that needed grass so I moved it there :)
I have built my gravel foundation and am ready to build the shed on top of it. The shed does have a floor. My question is do I need to wait to build the shed on top of this gravel foundation when it is dry and has not rained? Right now we had hard rains so it is very wet where the gravel base is. Does it matter if it is wet when I build the shed on top of it or should I wait until it dries out? I did lay down landscape material before I put down the gravel. Thanks
@@Trigoddess you could wait until it dries out of you would like, but I think there should be enough airflow through the gravel that you could build it now
Hi, Is there an easier way to join the 4x4s? I only have a hand saw. Thanks and great video
If you get screws that are like 4+ inches lone, you could use butt joints and just sit them next to each other
How do you secure to the ground so that it won't blow away with high winds?
@@tejpalsingh9368 you can buy shed anchors online or at hardware store s if you live in a place with high winds. Hope this helps!
How is the shed attached to the foundation? Or does it just blow away when the storm comes?
I dont have it anchored, but you can buy shed anchor kits that secure your shed to the ground. My shed is in the back corner of my yard and is very protected from the wind so I am not concerned about it blowing away. It hasn't yet in the 2 years it's been there 👍
Does the plastic flooring have any bumps from the rock gravel under it?
No, the floor is pretty smooth since i tamped down the gravel as best I could 👍
As the gravel settles and sinks, the doors won't open?
I ended up with extra gravel that I can work in if the gravel settles, it has been a year now and it still works fine so we shall wait and see! :)
Dude I bought the same size shed this is awesome thank you
Of course dude!!!
1. What about moisture breaking down the wood over time?
2. Mine is a tin shed with no floor. I was thinking of putting down cinder blocks, ground level around the perimeter. Then building a platform. Would that work?
The posts I used are rated for ground contact so they will break down much slower than untreated wood. I think your plan should work and allow for ample airflow underneath the shed:)
How did you anchor the shed? I was planning on ding this same thing but thats the part I am caught up on with these resin sheds.
You can pick up shed anchors online or at hardware stores that screw down into the ground and can hold it steady. Or you could run some beans across the footprint of the shed and anchor directly into those 👍
Only thing I don’t care for is there’s no weight on the 4x4 boarder. So if the shed settles the boards could potentially end up interfering with the door opening if they rise at all. I would attach 4x4’s diagonally across each corner about 3ft from each corner. Then dig the ground out so they can be covered with the gravel. The weight of the gravel and shed will keep the border against the ground instead of free floating as it is now.
That's a good idea! I was going more for cheap than super sturdy for this one because it was a free shed I was given and I plan to get a nice wooden one down the road and so for that one I will make the base really nice 👌
Maybe some rebar tied into the wood border bc it could move around easily
That's a good idea :)
We’re going to have the 8 by 8 shed from Reeds Ferry installed early next month, and we plan to just let them install it on the ground without digging. Because we don’t have much room and it’s easier. We will demolish the old one first.
@@Riconald what is he shed made of? If it's wood, you will need some sort of airflow underneath so it doesn't rot out
Thank you for video, quick question!!! I just purchased 8x10 resin shed. I have 2 inch stepping stone concrete pavers. Will that work? Also how big is your shed in video?
I think those would probably work. My shed is 7x7
Great Vedio! what is the type of the gravel, thanks a lot!
I believe it was 3/4" gravel. I just looked up online what size and type of gravel was best for sheds ;)
Did you use any anchors? Contemplating if i need anchors for my lifeyime shed. Thanks for the video my shed will be up in no time
I did not use any anchors
I am preparing to install a lifetime shed. Curious how yours worked out. Did you assemble it on the gravel base?
@@copace1 yes I assembled it on the gravel base
looks good thinking of doing the same but got to thinking what did you mount the shed to? or is it just sitting on the stone?
Excellent video. Professional. There are also some good comments that I would never had thought of until someone mentions it.
Thanks for watching! I agree, whenever I get a bigger shed, I will make some changes based on the feedback in the comments :)
is the floor doing ok on the stones. Can you put a tractor mower in there without cracking the whole thing?
The floor is still doing good a year later 👍. I have a push mower so I don't know how it would hold up with a riding mower
So what stopped you from just buying a wheel barrel?
Pure stubbornness! Haha. I have one now though! ;)
You make it look easy. Thanks for the tutorial.
That was awesome! Straight to the point!
No nonsense here! Except for me being slightly crazy! ;)
Loved the cost break down
Thank you!
Awesome thanks. Just got the same size shed from lifetime. Really don't want to make a concrete base as I'm not sure about the location. How much gravel did you need fit for the 8x8? Also would it be recommended to put a membrane underneath the gravel? Thanks
Update 1 ton I saw from your comments. Possibly needs a firm base between the plastic floor and sharp gravel?
Yeah you could put a membrane underneath the gravel and lay plywood or something overtop if you wanted. I just put the shed directly on top of the gravel
@@thebackyardbuilder great thanks. Thinking about it more I may need some form of anchors also as we can get fairly strong gusty storms here
@@SuperBrit33hi there~ so finally how did you anchor your resin shed to the gravel shed base?
How long did it take you to build the foundation and the shed?
I built the foundation in a day and the shed in a few hours. You could probably do it all in a day, definitely over a weekend 👍
Do you really need the wood around it, or can I just dig and add my gravel?
Keep going bruv, like your approach. Thumbs up
Great video! Where did you get the shed? How is it holding up?
I got it from a grandparent who was moving, but you can get them at most hardware stores I believe. It is holding up quite well! :)
I’ve been contemplating a shed foundation for months. I was going to lay rock/sand and then lay 12” pavers down but then I saw your video.
Went and bought the 4x4s yesterday at Lowe’s for about $65. My shed is 7.5 x 8 so I am making mine just slightly larger than yours.
Rock is like $25 a yard which is plenty. (Extra for delivery)
I’m about ready to start cutting the wood like you did and get this foundation built!
I may use smaller rock than you used, so it packs down more smooth.
Thanks for the idea. It looks nice, fairly simple and will drain just fine when it rains.
You're welcome, thanks for watching! I'm glad you found it helpful :)
How is that shed doing after a year with the gravel foundation?
@@stanb2748 still going strong!
Is the shed just sitting on the rock, or is fastened down for wind?
Wouldn’t you need to ground that base with something to prevent it from shifting? Rebar or something similar?
What did you use for shed base between gravel and shed floor?
I put the shed directly on the gravel
Did you reseal the joint on the posts…and would you need to put a drain tile ?
I didn't seal the joint at all after. You could probably put a drain tile if you wanted, but I don't think you would have to
Anyway to do this on a slight slope? This yard looks pretty flat. I'm new to DIYing
Yes, depending on how big of a slope, you could get additional 4x4 beams and build the wall up on the lower part of the slope so that the top remains level if that makes sense? One side might only have 1 beam, but the other side might be two beams tall. Hope that helps, thanks for watching!!
Should have used your outdoor trash cans (with wheels) to transport gravel lol nice video thanks
Oh that would've been a good idea! 😜
Type of screws did you use?
@@petegarcia1982 I used decking screws
Appreciate the video, Strasburg PA? If so small world. Keep up the vids🤙
Thank you, really appreciate you making this video. Great job!
Thank you for watching!!
How much gravel did your purchase? I just bought the four pressure treated 4x4 from home depot. Now need to buy the gravel
I ordered 1 ton of gravel for this project and had plenty
How does it stay in place it’s just layed down on the ground
It's stays put from all the junk I filled it with;)
Are those posts rated for ground contact?
@@jasonful yes they are
Awesome! Quick question, did you have to anchor the shed in any way? If not, do you ever have issues with the shed moving from wind, or anything like that?
I did not anchor my shed but there are shed anchor kits you can buy. I haven't had any issues yet and it's been over a year now :)
Do most sheds come with the floor or just the outer shell? A metal vs Plastic composite, which is better? I really appreciate this vid. This shed project was really stressing me out. Thank you.
I believe most garden sheds come with a floor. As far as metal vs. plastic, i think that would come down to which is more important to you: budget or structure. Im sure the metal would be stronger and look better, but would probably also be a good bit more expensive, though i could be wrong. I went with plastic for the price and because it is more of a temporary shed for me. I will be upgrading down the road so i just needed something cheap to get me through a few years.
Hope this helps, thanks for watching my video!
@@thebackyardbuilder Appreciate the good advice.
Im reading about shed as well, Resin maybe better as metal may rust.
Interesting video.Im thinking of sonthing similar but in concrete.
I like that plan!
Should I buy gravel bags from HomeDepot or should i order it from a company and drop it off at my house like you did? I have a 10x10 metal shed, and i will be making a 12x12 foundation obviously, the same way you did. Thanks.
Having it delivered is definitely easier, but can be more expensive if you don't have a good local option. You would have to compare costs to see what works better for your budget :)
Add a jig saw to your arsenal for faster joint cutting
Great vid and job well done. Random question - but what brand of trousers are those - I'm looking for some that utiliarian like those but that actually fit well and aren't baggy.
They are 5.11 tactical pants. They fit very well :)
Is this the standard price for gravel? I'm seeing $43 a cubic yard.
I'm not sure if that is a standard price. I called my local masonry supply store and that was the price they gave me and I wasn't going to ask any questions because that was way cheaper than I thought it would be! Haha
@@thebackyardbuilder Thanks. For me in Raleigh, NC it was $57 for a cubic yard and $100 delivery fee
@@tylersmith9469 that's a bit more to save up for sure, but isn't too bad! :)
What kind of gravel did you use and precisely how much? I have a 7x7 resin shed in my garage waiting to be put together and put up this weekend.
I order 1 ton of gravel, and I believe it was 3/4" gravel
How is this holding up? Need to build a foundation for a 8’x15’ resin shed. Does the ground just need to be fairly level and you can level the gravel or does it need to be nearly perfect?
It's holding up well after a year and a half. No issues so far!
I have to set up my 10x10 amazon shed. Idk if it will work with mine since it states it has to be perfectly level or the holes won't line up!
Just lots of prep work to get it level. You can do it! :)
Thanks for the video. I have just bought a similar resin shed and also have a gravel pad ready to go. Did you have any issues with putting the base of the shed directly on top of the stones? How does it feel when you step inside the shed ? I was thinking of putting a 1/2" sheet of ground contact plywood on top of the gravel to lay the base on just to add rigidity and just so i would not feel the stones when I step on it, but I'm wondering if that is necessary or not.
Yeah that would probably be a good idea just to keep the floor flat. I don't really feel individual stones through the floor. But the middle does feel slightly higher and then it slopes ever so slightly to the edges which doesn't bother me as I'm just using it for storage, but adding that sheet of plywood is probably not a bad idea just for a little extra rigidity. Good thought!
@@thebackyardbuilder
Roger that. I appreciate the feedback.
Thanks for the vid.I am going to be doing the same thing for my son-in-law, and I appreciate that you took the time to show how is done thanks 🙏🙏🙏🙏
@@vampiresquid5588 I'm glad it was helpful for you. It means a lot that you took time to watch it :)
Love this video. So my shed is 8ft x 7.5, so I'll most likely need to go 10 ft lumber for each side. Unless I went 10ft lumber on the 8 ft. side of the shed, and 8ft lumber on the 7.5 side of shed. Also, you said the posts are actually 3.5 x 3.5, but home improvement stores list them as 4x4x8 right?
Yeah you could use 10 footers for the longer side. And you are correct, they are sold as 4x4 posts but they are actually 3.5 by 3.5.
Google dimensional vs non dimensional (nominal) lumber. Every man and woman that ever builds anything with lumber needs to know this.