Let's start with the different types of foundations that will work for your type of storage shed, as there are several options that are sufficient and will meet different budgets.  How you use your portable shed should also be taken into consideration when you make the decision on the foundation you use. 

• Ground (using treated wood blocks to level your building)

• Gravel (AB3, it has limestone and is a larger rock )

• Concrete Slab or Strips 

• Concrete Piers

• Concrete Cinder Blocks

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Ground

 If you're purchasing a smaller shed to put in your backyard for simple, basic storage, it is possible to set our buildings directly on the ground because our builder constructs these portable buildings on 40 yr. CCA treated ground contact skids.  This option will work if your ground drains well and doesn't stay soggy long after big rains. 

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Gravel

Gravel can be used for any size portable building foundation.  The important factors are the type of gravel to use, the size of the gravel pad and the thickness of the gravel pad.  

Some customers prefer to trim the edge of the box of gravel with pave stones, treated lumber or landscape timbers to prevent it from washing away.  However, it isn't always necessary with AB3 and can cause issues with delivery to due to the size of the tires on the dollies our drivers use if the box is not made large enough on 12' wide buildings and wider. 

We recommend if it is boxed in that it is 1 foot bigger than the wooden shed you purchase if your building is 12' wide or wider. For example, a 12x12 would have a 13x13 box.  On smaller buildings, the skids are inset and the pad can be the size of the building with out any problems. It is ideal to have one side as level to the ground as possible so the mule can enter the pad with the building with out damaging your trim. The other option would be to add the trim around the perimeter on one end after delivery. 

The shed's gravel pad should be 3 - 4 inches deep and tamped down.  

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Concrete

Some city or county jurisdictions will require a customer to put their new portable shed on a concrete pad.  If that is the situation you find yourself in, you must follow their requirements in order to obtain your accessory structure permit.  

A floating pad works fine for our small backyard sheds. For larger portable buildings, for example a 16x50 prebuilt cabin, you would want to ensure it is thick enough to handle the weight of the building. Usually, 3 - 5 inches thick.

If you choose to do concrete strips you must use our skid dimensions if the strips are going in the same direction as the skids on your building. Keep in mind the closer to the ground, the easier it is for our driver to get the building over the edge (and it lessens the risk of damaging the edge of the concrete ) to set your shed down on top of the runners. if you want to set your building between the runners, you must leave the back open so the driver can slide the shed in. 

 

Piers
Pier plans and skid dimensions will be provided for your building by our builder. Your contractor may choose to make their own forms in 1x1 squares or purchase 10 inch sono tubes. Points to keep in mind is that the ground between the center row needs to be level so the mule can drive through. Piers should not be any more than 12 inches in diameter or above the ground more than 24 inches. It is recommended that they are 36 inches deep ( to the frost line for this area) to prevent wobbling and toppling.  It is preferred to have space cleared for the driver to back his trailer up so it can be used to aid in unloading. 

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Blocks

Cinder blocks can be used for your portable building in a similar fashion that they are used to block up a mobile home. Our builder recommends that you have a cap block and that the stack is not taller than 24 inches. The skid dimensions and pier plan will be provided to you to use set the blocks in the proper location and to follow the width requirements so the mule will fit through the center. It is also recommended that the driver would have clearance to back his trailer up to one end so he can use his trailer to help support the weight of the building as he unloads it.  If you have the blocks close to the proper location my driver will assist in ensuring they are in the right location to support your portable building.