Laying a reliable foundation is the first step before constructing your shed. It must be a strong enough base to withstand the weight of outdoor furniture, lawn equipment, and other backyard items.

Your family can enjoy the shed for a lifetime since it won’t be rotting or rusting from a poor foundation.

Concrete, geocell, and gravel are the 3 best shed bases we’ve seen that people buy for their properties. Some require specific depths, while others only need square footage.

With these foundations, you won’t need to purchase floor joists or any tools except what you have at home.

Use our calculators to figure out how much of each foundation you’ll need to get started on shed construction.

Planning for your Shed Foundation: Choose the Base

A lifelong shed only lasts as long as the base you put it on. If you don’t choose the right foundation, it can backfire on you a few years down the road. We’ve seen customers have to invest in new bases or even replacement sheds.

Permeability, durability, and affordability are the 3 benchmarks for effective foundations for backyard projects.

The base must have enough strength to support the portable building without shifting underneath. Also, the best shed bases allow water to drain through its surface rather than splashback for structural damage. And you’ll want it all at a low price.

Purchasing a shed foundation that saves you money in the long run is far better than buying an ineffective base from the getgo.

How Much Gravel Do I Need for a Shed Foundation?

As a rule of thumb, gravel is an affordable option for supporting low-weight sheds. Local retailers and landscape stores carry gravel in bags and bulk, so you shouldn’t have trouble locating it.

We recommend building a shed gravel foundation that’s at least .5’ deep to withstand the portable building. It provides plenty of clearance, so ground moisture doesn’t rust or rot your shed.

The calculator for gravel foundation bases accounts for an additional 2’ around the perimeter to ensure your entire shed has support.

Shed Base Calculator for Gravel

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How Much Geocell Do I Need for a Shed Foundation?

Geocell is both durable and permeable for a long-lasting shed. You can build portable buildings with this material and even reuse the panel system for another backyard project.

When calculating the amount of geocell for your shed, the only number required is the structure’s square footage. This tells how many panels, clips, caps, and geotextile rolls you should purchase.

Our team has worked with clients building sheds on flat, uneven, and sloped surfaces with geocell and found tremendous success.

Shed Base Calculator for Geocell

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How Much Concrete Do I Need for a Shed Foundation?

Finally, you can opt for a concrete base, which is what most shed manufacturers and builders recommend. The price upfront is expensive but it provides excellent durability, preventing ground shifting.

You’ll construct a lifelong shed base with a concrete slab or pier, but it will require repair work due to cracking.

Shed Base Calculator for Concrete

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Calculate Your Shed with a Backyard Specialist

Even with using the calculators, you can receive a much more comprehensive quote and project evaluation from a specialist. They can evaluate the shed size, landscape, and other factors to recommend the best base selection.

Our team specializes in geocell foundations for sheds, gazebos, and other backyard projects. We’d be glad to explain more about the base and how you can use it for a shed that lasts your family a lifetime.

To speak with a backyard specialist and finish your shed as soon as possible, give our team members a call. You can reach us at (888)-897-2224 for a free project consultation.