DIY Builds
Photo by Vinicius Altava Pexels Logo Photo: Vinicius Altava

Do I need a gravel base for shed?

Gravel is the best type of foundation for your shed First off, it drains much better than a flat concrete pad. That'll help protect the runners and joists under your shed from rotting and decaying.

What smell do mice hate the most?
What smell do mice hate the most?

Peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, pepper and cloves. Mice are said to hate the smell of these. Lightly soak some cotton balls in oils from one or...

Read More »
How much does it cost to lay a concrete slab?
How much does it cost to lay a concrete slab?

A concrete slab costs between $4.34 and $7.73 per square foot, with an average cost of $6.60 per square foot. The national average cost of a...

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

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.

Can you have too much roof venting?
Can you have too much roof venting?

Dangers of Too Much Ventilation The two main dangers associated with too much ventilation involve roof damage and increased utility bills. If you...

Read More »
What is the lifespan of uPVC windows?
What is the lifespan of uPVC windows?

around 20 years Typically lasting around 20 years, which can vary between 10-35 years depending on the quality and upkeep, if your uPVC windows...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

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

Learn More »

What area will 20kg of gravel cover?

0.5m2 For example, 20 kilograms of pebbles may cover only 0.5m2, and please do remember it does vary on the depth of the gravel or aggregate used. Do not feel discouraged.

How do I calculate how much gravel I need? To calculate the weight needed to cover your specific area, such as pathways or driveways with our gravel or pebbles, you will need to know the length, width and depth of your space. By calculating the size of your outdoor space, our calculator will let you find an estimate which will help you while completing the order.

Calculator – How much do I need?

m Length m Width mm Depth

Area Volume Weight 20KG Bags - - - -

Please notes the purpose of the calculator is to provide a rough estimate. Simplest Gravel Calculator In The UK For example, if you want to cover 1m2 ( 1 meter x 1 meter) of your area of depth 50mm, you will need approximately 100kg of pebbles or gravel. On the other side, the depth of 30mm will need 60 kilograms. However, we do recommend a depth of at least 50mm for better results. Fraction 10/30mm 30/60mm 60/100mm 1m 2 3 Bags (50-60kg) 4 Bags (60-80kg) 5 Bags (80-100kg)

How much does a 20kg bag of gravel cover?

As heavy as it may sound, 20 kilograms or 50 pounds is not a lot when we look at the area we want to decorate in meters squared. Therefore, it is essential to understand the weight factor. For example, 20 kilograms of pebbles may cover only 0.5m2, and please do remember it does vary on the depth of the gravel or aggregate used. Do not feel discouraged. The final results are excellent! Yes, we've created a calculator with all our products in mind. You only need to select the depth depending on the decorative aggregate.

Do solar panels Increase home Value?
Do solar panels Increase home Value?

According to several studies, the value of a property will increase between 3% to 4% when solar panels are installed. However, some factors will...

Read More »
How can I get my dingy clothes white again?
How can I get my dingy clothes white again?

You can use hydrogen peroxide to whiten and brighten clothes, disinfect laundry, and remove stains. Pour it directly on stains such as blood. Add...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

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

Learn More »
Can a shed sit on a patio?
Can a shed sit on a patio?

Your wooden shed can be placed on an existing patio, or you can lay a new one especially for it. Unless you are quite handy in the garden, laying a...

Read More »
How high can a gazebo be without planning permission?
How high can a gazebo be without planning permission?

Garden Buildings are considered Permitted Development and do NOT require planning permission as long as: The building is to be placed less than...

Read More »