Installing a shed in the yard is easier said than done.
You can’t put together a shed and then plop it in the middle of nowhere. You will need to account for how stable the shed is and where it will be located.
This is essential for you to feel confident in how the base is going to last and how it will turn out when you begin working on something like this.
It’s essential to think about using a good gravel base for a shed. This includes asking, how deep should a gravel base be for a shed?
A gravel base should be at least 4-6″ deep for a shed. This is to make sure moisture does not slip into the base leading to cracks and/or unwanted instability.
Always account for this when you are installing a new base for a shed.
You do not want the shed to become wobbly, which can happen when the gravel base is unstable. Take your time to figure out how the gravel base will be installed and then set it up.
This guide is going to provide tips on how to go about using a gravel base for a shed and what to think about.
Tips For Using Gravel Base For A Shed
1. Aim For 4-6″ Depth
You will want to start with the depth of the gravel base for a shed.
You should be aiming for a minimum depth of 4″. However, most will want to go for a higher depth measurement coming in at 6″.
This will be good for the moisture barrier you are setting up with the gravel base. You do not need to have a shed that is sitting on a cracked base. This can happen when moisture starts getting into the base leading to unwanted damage.
It’s best to take the time to think about where the gravel base is going to go.
If you have this much depth for the gravel base, it will go a long way in delivering valued results.
2. A Level Gravel Base Is Essential
You will want to think about where the gravel base is going to be set up.
Think about how the gravel base is going to be managed. This includes ensuring you are getting the gravel base set up on a leveled surface.
You will have to take the time to look at where the gravel base is going to be set up and how it is going to work on the surface that’s already there.
Most will think a sloped surface is fine and it can be but it is a lot harder to work with. Keep things simple and level the area first.
This will save you a lot of issues later.
3. Solidify The Edges
You will also want to take the time to solidify the edges of the gravel base for a shed.
Why is this important?
When you are dealing with moisture in the yard, you will notice it is going to puddle near the edges of the base. This tends to happen in almost all setups.
This is normal.
You will want to take the time to add an extra layer of protection along the edges of the gravel base. This will ensure water does not seep into the base.
This is good for the longevity of the gravel base and is going to make it a lot easier for you as time goes on.
4. Consider The Placement Of The Gravel Base
You will have to plan everything for a gravel base.
The shed needs to be put in the right spot and that means ensuring it is not going to be exposed to inclement weather routinely.
Yes, a shed is going to be outdoors but this does not mean it should be set at the bottom of a hill where all of the water is going to go.
This is a major issue.
If you are going for something like this at the bottom of a hill, you will need to go for a much deeper base. This is how you are going to end up with a moisture-resistant setup.
Final Thoughts
How deep should a gravel base be for a shed?
A gravel base should be at least 4-6″ for a shed. This is to make sure moisture does not seep into the gravel base causing it to crack and become unstable. It is also recommended to keep the gravel base leveled once it is set up.
This is how you are going to get a shed to last longer and it will work out as you want it to.
Sheds are going to be exposed to the weather, so you will want to get the gravel base spot on. It is a must. Otherwise, it will get ruined over time.
