Under-the-concrete base options for small shed

[Viper98912]

Hello friends,

Looking for some advice on what base to put under a concrete pad for a small 10x12' garden storage shed I want to build. I have a little bit of a slope that I need to fill in, perhaps with maybe only 1 or 2 yds of fill. So I'm curious to know what you think is better for the base under the concrete pad:

Option 1)
- Level out with fill dirt (clay around here)
- Build a 10x12' box with 2x8's
- Fill the bottom ~3" of the box with crusher run
- Pour the remaining ~4-1/4" or so with concrete

Option 2)
- Level out with fill dirt
- Put a 3" (or more?) layer of crusher run in a ~12x14" area
- Build a 10x12' box with 2x4's
- Fill the box with 3-1/2" with concrete

Option 3)
- Skip the fill dirt and level out a 12x14' area with a minimum of 3" (or more?) of crusher run, with it being deeper at the lowest point of the slope
- Build a 10x12' box with 2x4's
- Fill the box with 3-1/2" with concrete

 

[carcruse]

I'd go with option 3, for the options with clay fill, you will need a way to sufficiently compact the clay and that may be difficult. I'm not sure of the gradation on crusher stone but around here we would use 21A stone. Adequate compaction of 21A stone can be gotten in many ways even flooding the area.

Edit; forgot to mention, 21A base should be a minimum of should 6" thick.

 

[C-S-H]

Option #3 if the site drainage is adequate.

Have you considered a soil-cement base? Use the clay, portland cement, some sand, and a rototiller? Top with mosaic tile inside the shed.

 

[Boneill230]

Set on building it? An Amish shed place near me has 12x20's that they can deliver on site with a powered dolly. If using it for yard/garden storage might be something to look into to save some time. All you need for them with the pressure treaded bottom rails is 4" of 3/4" clean gravel and you can boarder that with pressure treated 4x6s or 6x6 depending on how much of a slope you're dealing with.

 

[Viper98912]

I'd go with option 3, for the options with clay fill, you will need a way to sufficiently compact the clay and that may be difficult. I'm not sure of the gradation on crusher stone but around here we would use 21A stone. Adequate compaction of 21A stone can be gotten in many ways even flooding the area.

Edit; forgot to mention, 21A base should be a minimum of should 6" thick.

I do plan on renting one of those walk-behind or jumping jack compactors to compact the soil and the fill. I believe 21A stone is the same (or nearly the same) as crusher run.

Option #3 if the site drainage is adequate.

Have you considered a soil-cement base? Use the clay, portland cement, some sand, and a rototiller? Top with mosaic tile inside the shed.

I have not, and haven't heard of it honestly. Is that typical in the southwest US or something?

Set on building it? An Amish shed place near me has 12x20's that they can deliver on site with a powered dolly. If using it for yard/garden storage might be something to look into to save some time. All you need for them with the pressure treaded bottom rails is 4" of 3/4" clean gravel and you can boarder that with pressure treated 4x6s or 6x6 depending on how much of a slope you're dealing with.

I don't believe there's any Amish in Georgia. Also, the shed is designed to match the house.

 

[Boneill230]

I don't believe there's any Amish in Georgia. Also, the shed is designed to match the house.

I'm aware of that , 90% of them ship. The delivery method is done pretty much everywhere since Lowes and Home Depot sell the same styles. Comes fully assembled all you have to do is provide the gravel base, they come in with a trailer/dolly that can put the shed wherever you want in the yard. No hassle with making a concrete pad especially for a smaller building like that.

The majority that are small companies (Not big box stores like HD) allow you to customize with colors/trim/ect. too which could help match your house. Pine Craft Sheds is one that around here and they are based out of Ohio.

my .02!

 

[njk4o5]

#3