It has always been said that having a shed base is important if you want a shed that’s going to last for a long time. However, what you might want to have is a durable shed base that isn’t costly because the shed itself might need most of the project budget. So, in that regard, what is the cheapest durable base that you can use for your shed?
Gravel is the best when it comes to a cheap and durable shed base that you can use. That’s because gravel is relatively affordable and can be done by yourself without hiring professional help. And the best part is that gravel is the best when it comes to providing a good drainage system for the shed.
There are a few amazing durable shed bases out there that are also pretty affordable in their own right. However, as said, gravel is one of the easiest bases to install. And is also very effective at providing a good waterproofing solution without costing you a large sum.
As such, we recommend that you go with gravel if you want a durable and affordable base for your shed.
More Information On A Cheap But Durable Shed Base
It has always been important for you to make sure that you have a base under your shed. While putting your shed directly on the ground can be done, this is frowned upon by experts because of the very fact that a shed that is built on the ground can easily get insect or rot damage. As such, you need to put a base under the shed to extend its lifespan.
This means that you would need to set aside a part of your shed’s budget for the base. With that said, because a base for the shed could certainly cut the budget substantially, you need to make sure that you choose a base that won’t cost much but is just as durable and as effective.
Even though there are plenty of different shed bases that can be used, the one shed base that stands as one of the most affordable and very durable bases is a gravel base. Gravel is merely crushed stones, so, if you were to use a gravel base, you will be putting your shed on top of a 4” to 6” deep dug-out framed to the size of the shed of compacted gravel.
The reason why gravel is a very affordable base is that, again, these are just merely crushed stones. You can pulverize the stone yourself using a rock-crushing machine or you can buy the gravel pre-crushed. However, just make sure that you do have an equally sturdy frame to support the gravel.
Why gravel is a very popular, cheap, and durable shed base, is that works great as a drainage system for under your shed. Gravel is effective at draining excess water that falls from the shed during a rainy day so that the moisture won’t sit under the shed for long periods. As such, a gravel base works as a way to waterproof your shed as well.
Probably the most expensive part about using a gravel shed base is the frame. There are plenty of people who don’t use frames, but using a sturdy frame can help make a gravel base more durable.
If you are willing to spend a bit more money, you can build a timber frame that is a bit larger or the same as the dimensions of the shed. The purpose of the frame is to keep the gravel inside a perimeter while also serving as a foundation for the shed.
If you have the money within the budget, you can use hollow concrete blocks to form a perimeter based on the dimensions of the shed. The good thing about a concrete frame is that cement is a very durable material that will last for a long time and will extend the lifespan of the base even more.
How Do You Build A Simple Base For A Shed?
The cheapest and most simple way to use gravel is to dig a hole in the ground then from there, you can use wooden stand posts to support the weight of the shed and to make sure that the shed isn’t exactly sitting its entire weight on the gravel base. After that, just fill the hole with gravel and make sure that the entire hole is full and compact.
Of course, you can build the entire gravel base all on your own without hiring a person to do it for you. This will allow you to save a lot of money in the process because can be costly.
Why Is A Shed Base Important?
Now that you know that gravel is a good way for you to have a cheap and durable shed base, the question might pop into your head, do I need to have a shed base?
For starters, you shouldn’t be assembling or constructing a shed directly on the ground. This might seem like a good idea at first, but will cost you much more money and time at the end of the day.
While you can do so, that doesn’t mean that you should do it. And the basic reason goes back to the fact that the shed will only get damaged by the insects and elements quicker when you construct it directly on the ground.
Allowing a shed to sit directly on the ground will expose it to a lot of different environmental factors that can damage it. That’s because the soil on which the shed is sitting can absorb moisture from the surroundings and then transfer the moisture to the shed’s floor or the walls.
This will allow mold and mildew to set in and eventually you will need to do some major repairing on the shed.
Also, if you constructed a shed in a location that tends to pool up whenever it’s raining, there is an increased chance of a flooded shed. When flooding happens, your shed’s floors and the contents of your shed, such as your tools and heavy equipment, will end up getting damaged.
The main reason why we want our shed to have a well-built base is that prolonged exposure to excess moisture can cause the wooden parts of the shed to rot and the metal parts to rust. Sheds that have begun rotting and rusting are not only visually unappealing but will no longer be as sturdy as they once were.
All that said, I hope this article helps you build a durable shed base that won’t cost you a lot of money. A gravel base is a good idea, but there are plenty of other effective and affordable base ideas that you can use as well. The important part is that your shed is sitting on a durable and stable base and not directly on the ground.
Conclusion
So, gravel is the cheapest and most durable option for a shed base. It is a popular choice because it is relatively affordable and can be easily installed without professional help. In addition to providing a good drainage system for the shed, a gravel base also offers waterproofing.
Using a sturdy frame with a gravel base can increase its durability. Building a gravel shed base is a simple process that can be done by oneself, saving additional costs. Overall, using a gravel base for your shed is a cost-effective and durable solution.
