Can I put my shed on a gravel base?

Gravel shed foundations are one of the most straightforward, economical, and durable types of shed foundations out there. In addition, they're also one of the simplest to install on your own.

siteprep.com - How to Build a Gravel Shed Foundation - The Complete Guide

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a. Tape measure

This one’s a given for any construction project!

b. Marking paint

For marking straight lines for the edge of your foundation. Alternately, you could use stakes and string lines.

c. Level

A carpenter’s level (stick level) will be key to the success of your gravel shed foundation installation. It’s ideal to use a level that is at least 48” long.

d. Drill w/ ½” auger bit

This will be for drilling holes to stake down the shed foundation perimeter. The auger bit should be at least 18” long.

e. Sledgehammer

For staking down the foundation perimeter.

f. Circular saw

A power saw will speed up cutting the lumber for your perimeter. If you don’t buy precut stakes, you may also want a metal-cutting blade for cutting rebar stakes to anchor the perimeter.

g. Screw gun

Screwing the corners of your perimeter together before staking will keep things much tighter for the life of your gravel shed foundation. You could also use your drill for this.

h. Staple gun/hammer tacker

Used to fasten the stabilization fabric to the foundation perimeter before you add gravel.

i. Shovel

Whether you end up doing all the excavation by hand or just use the shovel to clean up the edges, it’ll be your best friend for this project.

j. Rake

For raking gravel of course! This will make it easy to get your gravel level before you compact it. A concrete rake is ideal, but a landscape rake or dirt rake could also work.

k. Tamper

This is to compact the gravel and lock it into place.

l. Wheelbarrow

This will make hauling and spreading gravel much easier than using only a shovel.

m. Personal protective equipment

You’ll need hearing and eye protection when using power tools. Work gloves are also strongly recommended.

n. Laser level (optional)

While a typical straight level is useful for leveling in one direction, a laser level can be extremely useful for finding the overall slope of your gravel shed foundation location. If you don’t have your own laser level, you may know a landscaper or contractor who would let you borrow theirs for an hour or two. Just remember to ask nicely!

o. Mini skid steer (optional)

A mini skid steer will speed the job up A LOT. This is especially true is your gravel shed foundation will be installed on a slope. Mini skid steers can be rented for about $200-$250/day or about $700/week.

p. Plate compactor (optional)

To really get your gravel shed foundation compacted well, there’s nothing better than a gas-powered vibrating plate compactor. It will not only save you a lot of time with the hand tamper, it will also pack your gravel much tighter and make a firmer base for your shed. You can usually rent a vibratory plate compactor for about $80-$100/day.

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Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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Should I hammer in anchors?

Push the anchor in as far as it will go. If you drilled the right size hole, you won't be able to get it all the way in without tapping it with a hammer. When the anchor is fully inserted, the front edge of the lip should be flush with the wall.

homeguides.sfgate.com - How to Properly Insert an Anchor Into a Wall - Home Guides

Screw the bolt that came with the molly bolt or toggle bolt into the sleeve or screw a wood screw into a plastic wing anchor. As you tighten the bolt or screw, the wings will expand against the back of the drywall or, in the case of a molly bolt, the sleeve will expand against the sides of the hole to hold the bolt in place.

Tip

Wall anchors are rated for weight. Toggle bolts and molly bolts can hold the most weight while conical anchors hold the least. Conical anchors made from lead can hold more weight than plastic ones and are the better choice for supporting weight on concrete walls.