Need Help With Shed Foundation

[Phabeon]

Purchased a 7x7 Rubbermaid Shed with flooring included but directions(and this forum) bring to my attention the need for a stable floor in addition to that included flooring. It will not hold valuables or anything really heavy, just my lawnmower and old as nails snow blower, and other knick knacks that are taking space in garage. I live in cold a$$ Wiscosin FYI

Directions from Shed manufacturer list as such... 86L x 84 W and other than a blurb about a stable base/foundation thats pretty much it.. so no help there.

Now what does that translate into in terms of building a wooden frame? i.e. if I just buy 4 2x4 8's how much would I need to cut off of each one to make it 86L x 84W ?

My thinking is this..

1. Buy 9 paver stones and set them up in 3 lines, left, middle, and right..
2. Build the wooden frame using treated 2x4's 8' to the directions stated size of 86Lx84W
3. Throw 2 pieces of 3/4"s 4x8 treated plywood over that
4. build shed and throw on top of that..


So my Queston's:

1. Any ideas on how to best make the paver stones level?
2. No idea on how to size the wooden frame to fit 86Lx84W ?? never build a frame, basically short version of my question up above..
3. How exactly do I build the wooden frame? i.e. connect 4 2x4 8's into a square but whats in the middle?
4. My supplier is basically Menards or HomeDepot, if I need gravel as a base for the pavers, what type do I ask them for? In store they just pointed me to pea gravel?
5.


Appreciate any and all thoughts on this!


oNe

 

[CJM8515]

Id just set some patio stones down in some compacted gravel and put the shed on that. Its plastic, its not heavy and your just storing some lawn tools in it.

 

[Phabeon]

Id just set some patio stones down in some compacted gravel and put the shed on that. Its plastic, its not heavy and your just storing some lawn tools in it.

I'm really new to all this.. so what exactly do I ask for at Menards or HomeDepot?

Last time the guys just pointed me to pea gravel 10lb bags..

thanks!

oNe

 

[CJM8515]

Id do it like this since its just a plastic shed:

Dig out about 3" of soil, some mason line, a line level and some stakes will greatly help in this situation to make sure your deep enough and have something to follow. Then id fill with 1/4 stone just b/c its cheap, use a tamper to compact it and then sit the patio stones on that.

It isnt rocket science b/c the shed itself isnt all that heavy. In all honesty ive seen people just dump these types of sheds on the grass and call it a day. But a foundation of some sort will keep it from shifting.

 

[bad_idea]

Look up on youtube how to make a patio w/ pavers. Then find a good nursery around town that sells gravel by the ton and pavers. It will be much cheaper to buy a truckload of gravel than to buy it by the bag at HD. Youtube is your friend w/ projects like this. I am in process of stick building a shed and youtube has helped immensely. Got a door thats sagging? Look it up on youtube. Leaky spigot on the front of the house? Youtube again. Just make sure you watch a few videos and they all kind of jive, sometimes morons post videos on there.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Now what does that translate into in terms of building a wooden frame? i.e. if I just buy 4 2x4 8's how much would I need to cut off of each one to make it 86L x 84W ?

Why are you worried about the small pieces of waste?

 

[srmofo]

2x4x8 are 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches by 96 inches long. that should get you started on building a base.

Personally I wouldnt screw around with a base unless your yard gets swampy after a good rain. Its a rubber maid shed. Pick a level spot, grade it smooth and flat, place shed.