Shed Timber Retaining Wall Help

[rboarderi]

Long time reader first time poster here. I am looking to add another 10x16 shed to my property and would like some help from you guys on the foundation. On my previous shed on level ground I just made a 4x4 base and filled it with gravel. The space that I would like to put this shed is on a decent slope in one corner. For the shed base to be built completely flat and level the front right corner will need to be 4 inches of the ground, the front left corner 12 inches, the back right corner 8 inches and the back left corner about 26 inches. What is the best way to go about a base with my current situation? Should I do it the same and just build up a 4x4 frame (sort of retaining wall base) to accommodate the slope and then fill with gravel? Will a frame like that hold up to a shed? Do I need to go about this completely different using a different type of base (concrete blocks, piers, etc.)? Cost is a factor here and it looks like timber construction is going to be my best route but ny advice would be much appreciated! Ill attach a few pictures below.

 

[jhelrey]

Could build it like a deck and build the shed on top of the deck. Could use 6x6 and build your own retaining wall and set shed on gravel pad. Lots of options.

 

[Barnuba]

I had a similar situation when I installed my shed. I used Sonotubes filled with concrete dug below the frost line and set to the height I needed above ground. Once the concrete set and cured I installed 4X6's by lagging them into the top of the concrete pillar. When I had the shed delivered they slid it right onto the foundation.

 

[Cudajas]

I had a similar problem, I built a 4x4 timber retiaing wall. I used fill, pit run, up to about the last 4 inches, and toped the rest with 3/4 gravel.

Seesm to be holdign up fine, but its only been a few weeks.

I would suggest adding in a few tie backs and deadmen on the higher courses.



All done.



With the shed on.



Jason

 

[theoldwizard1]

Building a retaining wall is a good idea, but a lot more work than you realize !

To start with you are going to need a footing, even if it is just 1 layer of block BELOW grade. Drainage and tiebacks are critical especially for a wall that is over 1' high. Filling with gravel is great for drainage, but can get very expensive !

 

[Daniel Dudley]

I think that you could truck in fill without needing to build a retaining wall. let it slope down a few feet away from where you are putting the shed and it will be fine.

 

[chadman]

I would build it like a deck with posts sunk into the ground. The timber retaining wall idea is a sagging shed waiting to happen IMO.

 

[CNGsaves]

OP, do you have access to affordable railroad ties?? You could build the retaining wall with them, and secure with some rebar pegs between ties, along with some sort of buried deadman (could be a long rebar going through RR tie at angle and driven into the ground). Put down some weed barrier and last few inches of gravel.

Also, OP be good idea to Update GJ Profile with at least your Country and State as this helps with getting best replies from other GJer's. Good luck.

 

[rboarderi]

I updated my profile, I am located in Niantic, CT.

I like the look of what you did Cudajas, that's exactly what I was envisioning and pretty much what I did for my previous shed except it had much less grade.