The Top 6 Garden Shed Foundations In Arkansas
Did you know a garden shed foundations are one of the best ways to make your shed stand the test of time?\. For portable buildings, the foundation is crucial for keeping it well maintained. By ensuring the foundation is done correctly, you will extend the life of your building substantially. We will take a look at the best garden shed foundation options available for homeowners in Arkansas.
What Is A Garden Shed Foundation?
A Garden Shed foundation is the pad on which your portable shed will rest. Often, it is made of concrete or gravel and can be lined with treated lumber. The base of the shed will rest directly on top of the foundation.
What Is The Difference Between a Shed Base and a Shed Foundation?
Many people don’t differentiate between a shed base and a shed foundation, but there is a significant difference between the two. A shed base is the structural frame on which the shed is built. It is the bottom part of the shed that is exposed to the elements and has direct contact with the foundation on which it sits. Because of the exposure to the elements, we at Ozark Premier Buildings build our storage sheds with a base of treated 4×4 runners to give a rot-resistant shed base.
A shed foundation is a material that provides a platform on which the shed will sit. It is often made of gravel or concrete and is installed in a way that gives a sturdy place for your shed to stay for years to come without breaking down.
What Is The Most Affordable Garden Shed Foundations?
The most affordable garden shed foundation to build is a gravel foundation. Especially if you can do some or all of the project yourself, gravel will definitely be the way to go if you are looking for an affordable option.
There are cheaper options that some people may classify as “foundations”–such as plastic pallets–but a gravel foundation will give you the most affordable option that still provides a solid foundation.
What Is the Easiest Garden Shed Foundation To Do On My Own?
The easiest garden shed foundation to install on your own is a gravel shed foundation. A 4” – 6” layer of washed gravel surrounded with a treated 4×6 edge provides a simple installation and a great foundation. There are some foundation options that are easier to install, such as plastic pallets, however, they, do not make a foundation at all.
The ease with which a shed foundation is installed depends a lot on what skills and equipment you have. Because most people have access to the equipment necessary for a gravel foundation, it tends to be the most simple option. However, depending on your skills, a concrete pad or a post-and-beam may be the best option for you.
What Garden Shed Foundation Lasts the Longest?
The garden shed foundation that lasts longer than the rest is a concrete pad foundation. Because of the toughness and durability of concrete, it will not break down as fast as other options, especially if it is installed correctly. If you want a shed foundation that you won’t have to worry about for years, go with a concrete pad with a base of crushed stone.
If you need a contractor to install a concrete shed foundation on your property, please contact us and we can recommend a local, trustworthy company that we work with often.
What Should I Consider For My Arkansas Shed Foundation?
Every person can give you their opinion of what the best shed foundation is. There are several factors that can determine which one you choose.
- Location
The location of your garden shed can impact which one you choose, whether it is on a slope or in a swampy area.
- Local restrictions
Some local municipalities have requirements for shed foundations. A common requirement is that the shed foundation must have footers below frost depth.
- Building size
A larger-sized shed may need a different foundation type than a smaller one.
- DIY or Professional
If you are an avid DIYer, you may choose a foundation to fit your skills.
All of these factors will affect which garden shed foundation you choose. Below, we will discuss what we have found to be the best shed foundations overall, as well as the situations in which each one is best suited.
What Are The Best Shed Foundations For Arkansas?
Concrete Slab Foundations In Arkansas
A concrete slab foundation is the most solid and sturdy foundation. A concrete foundation consists of 3-5 inches of poured concrete with 4-8 inches of crushed stone as the base. This option is more expensive and more involved to install than some other types of foundations, but the result is a solid pad that will last a lifetime. Because of the skills necessary to install a concrete pad, most people opt to hiring a professional to install a concrete foundation.
Concrete pads will keep your shed off the dirt, allowing it to stay in better condition. Concrete also prevents rodents from burrowing underneath your building.
Concrete garden shed foundations are optimal in a number of situations. They are especially important for sheds that will have the equipment or other heavy materials stored in them. The concrete slab handles heavy equipment very well and will last a long time. Concrete foundations work well for large buildings as well.
Gravel Garden Shed Foundation In Arkansas
A gravel pad foundation is the best choice for shed foundations. This consists of 4”-8” of washed gravel that is tamped down to avoid settling. We recommend that you install a treated lumber border in order to keep the gravel from spreading out. Gravel foundations are the best blend of affordability and quality.
Gravel pads have a number of superior attributes. First of all, gravel pads tend to drain much better than any other option, keeping the shed base dry and rot-free. Second, a gravel pad compacts well, giving a solid surface that won’t settle or break down. Third, it is easier to install than a concrete pad, making it an excellent choice for DIYers.
Gravel shed foundations are versatile and can be used in most scenarios, including both small and large buildings alike. If your foundation is not quite level, a gravel pad is probably the easiest to create a sturdy, level foundation. In areas with much rain, gravel is also the number one choice because of its drainage superiority.
What is the difference between washed stone and crushed stone?
Crushed stone is stone that is crushed up and includes larger pieces and smaller particles. These small particles can cake up when wet, so it is often better to use washed stone. Washed stone is cleaned, which removes the stone dust and small particles, leaving the larger stone pieces and less caked-up dirt.
Poured Pier Garden Shed Foundations In Arkansas
A poured pier foundation is a combination of concrete and gravel in one foundation. This type of foundation consists of concrete piers that are dug and poured into the ground at regular intervals, spaced to line up with the runners on the shed. The piers can range from 12” deep to 48” deep or more, depending on your location and how large of a building you have. Once the piers are poured, washed gravel is tamped in between the piers to make a flat surface for your building. This type of foundation can be a DIYer project if it is on the smaller size, but we recommend hiring a professional for large pier foundations. We often work with a number of local contractors, so contact us if you need a professional to install your gravel foundation.
A poured pier foundation is ideal if you need a foundation that reaches below frost level. Piers tend to be more labor intensive than a gravel foundation but give the sturdiness of concrete with the drainage of gravel.
Poured piers are best in an area that is nearly level. If your building is in a sharply sloped area, we recommend a post and beam foundation. Concrete piers are an excellent choice for any homeowner to install, especially on larger buildings, or in an area where drainage is crucial.
Paver Garden Shed Foundations In Arkansas
A paver foundation uses pavers to form a shed foundation. While not as popular as the previously mentioned options, pavers can be effective if the other options are not available. Using patio-style pavers, this foundation is laid out similar to a patio, giving your shed a smooth surface to set on. We highly recommend a stone base of 3-5 inches of crushed gravel before you lay the pavers down. Additionally, the entire patio should be sloped to make sure that water drains off and does not puddle up underneath the shed.
Pavers are a good option for DIYers. If you happen to have an old patio, it can be torn up and the pavers reused. Pavers provide a hard surface and will last a long time if you install the stone base as well. They often do not last if they are placed directly on the ground as they are prone to breaking if the ground below settles a bit.
Concrete pavers are not the same as concrete, although they do provide some of the characteristics of a good foundation. We do not recommend stacking pavers if the area is unlevel.
Cinder Block Garden Shed Foundation In Arkansas
Another type of shed foundation that many people use is a cinder block foundation. This type consists of using placing cinder blocks at regular intervals along the treated runners of the shed base. If the ground where your shed is placed is unlevel, you can make your shed level by stacking multiple blocks on top of each other. However, stacking cinder blocks more than 12-16”” high should have extra support to keep it structurally sound.
Cinder blocks are easy to place, so it can be a decent option for DIYers. Don’t use open core blocks because they tend to crack and break more easily, but rather use solid cinder blocks for this purpose. We recommend that you make as many points of contact with the shed as possible to spread the weight out.
The downside of using cinder blocks is that the weight of the shed is focused where the blocks are, making it more likely that the ground will settle at those spots. This causes the shed to twist over time. Cinder blocks are also more likely to break or crack, making them a more short-term to medium-term solution.
Cinder block foundations are better used on a flat area, ideally one that has crushed stone already on it. If the ground is unlevel and one end needs to be built up more than 16”, we do not recommend using cinder blocks. Overall, cinder blocks make a great short-term foundation, especially if you are planning to move your shed to a different location eventually.
Post And Beam Garden Shed Foundation In Arkansas
Post-and-beam foundations are somewhat similar to concrete pier foundations but use wood beams instead of concrete piers. Post and beam foundations consist of 4×4 or 6×6 treated posts every 4-6 feet, with a wood frame fastened on top of posts, forming a “platform” for the shed to sit on. If the posts are set correctly, post and beam foundations are very sturdy and will provide a good foundation for your shed.
Post and beam foundations are a bit more involved than using cinder blocks. If you have construction experience or are handy, this type will be fairly simple to install. However, without tools or construction skills, it may be better to hire a professional for this setup.
A post-and-beam setup is the ideal solution if your building is on a steep slope. If the grade drops more than 2-3 feet, you may consider this as a primary option.
Which Garden Shed Foundation Is Best For Water Drainage?
The best garden shed foundation for water drainage is a gravel foundation. Gravel shed foundations will drain well while still providing a sturdy foundation.
Preferably, use washed gravel for the foundation, which has all the grit removed. This allows the water to travel through the stone and into the ground and prevents water from puddling around the shed base.
If you choose to use a poured concrete page, we highly recommend that you have it sloped inwards with a drain in the middle so that the rain can drain away from the building.
Which Garden Shed Foundation Is Best For Heavy Buildings?
Concrete shed foundations are the best option for heavy buildings or storing heavy materials and machinery. Concrete gives your shed the solid base that it needs and keeps the shed from bowing under the weight.
Why Do I Need A Garden Shed Foundation In Arkansas?
Why can’t I just place my garden shed on the ground? Shed foundations may seem like an unnecessary expense for your backyard; however, they are quite important. Below are the three primary reasons why you need a foundation for your garden shed or other portable foundation.
Prevent Settling
One of the biggest problems a shed may face is settling, which is when the ground below part the shed drops and causes that part of the shed to be on a different level than the rest. Your shed will have multiple issues if this happens. A properly installed shed foundation will avoid this issue by creating a surface that remains flat for your shed to rest on.
Increased Stability
By adding a stable and sturdy surface below the shed, you increase the stability of the structures. This is especially important if you have heavy equipment that you drive in and out of your shed. A shed foundation gives the stability that your shed needs to handle daily use.
Proper Weight Distribution
Without a foundation, the weight of a shed is unlikely to be well distributed because the ground is rarely perfectly level and often shifts. A foundation distributes the weight of the shed more evenly, keeping the shed structure from warping.
Prevent Sticking Doors Or Building Twist
Buildings are made to operate properly when they are squared up and leveled. If one end sags or settles, it tends to warp the building or twist the frame. A twisted building will cause mandoors and roll doors to stick and perhaps not open or close at all. Windows often cracks, and gaps appear between panels, allowing moisture to enter the building. Overall, a foundation will help prevent any of these building issues from occurring.
Do I Need A Garden Shed Foundation?
Yes. If you want your garden to stand the test of time, you need a garden shed foundation. Sheds without a foundation do not last as long as sheds with a foundation.m Making your investment lose its value instead of giving you value.
Are Garden Shed Foundations Good For Any Kind Of Portable Building In Arkansas?
Garden shed foundations are built the same as any kind of portable building. The principles that apply to garden sheds will also apply to prefab cabins, storage sheds, and other portable buildings.
Do I need a permit for a garden shed in Arkansas?
According to the Rogers, Arkansas code, you only need a permit to place a garden shed if the structure is larger than 200 square feet, which is anything over a 10×20 building, and also higher than 10 feet tall.
Anything smaller than this does not need a permit in that area. However, check your local municipality to find out what the exact permit requirements are.