A shed is important for storage and extra space around the house or ranch. But we need to consider what will be stored in the shed. The shed needs to sit on a foundation, and that is exactly what runners are. How important are these runners and why do I need them for my shed?
Runners are what make up your shed’s foundation, they are normally cut to 4×4 or 4×6 in size and are mostly placed 16” apart supporting a fair amount of weight. Shed runners make it possible to move a shed from one place to another. This makes them very important for the foundation of the shed.
It is not just about building a shed, it is about having a shed with all its versatility and good stability. There are different things a shed can be built on. A concrete base can be set up and a runner can be used.
Keep reading to know more about shed runners and how important they are.
What Is A Shed Runner?
A Shed Runner is a timber beam used as a foundation for sheds. Runners are also known as skids. It is made with two or more large lumber pieces. The runners can also be used for moving the shed from place to place if it is needed.
The size of the runners depends on the structure size. A bigger structure will require bigger and heavier runners as support. The runners are strong this is why they are used as foundations and if well constructed they will handle the shed weight and the stress of moving the shed without any worry.
What Are The Advantages Of A Shed Runner?
Because It is just a matter of moving the structure if need be therefore many places, sheds, and other structures built on runners are not considered permanent structures. This makes it easy to build without regulations and restrictions.
The major advantage is, it is not a costly foundation and it’s easy to build. Shed runners are not cumbersome, and are very easy to install.
What are Shed Runners Used For?
Runners are used for constructing a foundation for your shed. They can also be used for others things such as, to move a shed from one place to another.
The runners make it possible to move the shed from one location to another by simply using lumber poles to roll the shed into a different area on your property.
How Do I Install A Runner For My Shed?
The first thing to consider is the function of the shed, meaning will you be using the shed just for storage, and what will be stored in the shed, will there be other projects done in the shed? All of these things need to be considered when using runners as your foundation.
Planning before the installation is key to having a stable foundation(runners). The area the runners will be placed in must be prepared, and cleared of any big rocks, old tree stumps, etc. The base may be concreted or just lay out gravel where you will place the runners on. The size of the shed will determine the size of the runners that will be used for the foundation.
The next thing is to check if there are any local regulations against the project, which is unlikely but necessary to check up on. A space of about 20 inches should be left around the shed to drain any water. The base is the next thing to prepare for the runners.
Gravel base is one of the most commonly used bases when it comes to a runner foundation. The cleared site is covered with landscape plastic to keep weeds from growing. Then cover the space with gravel up to 6 inches in thickness. Ensure the gravel is level and compact. A power compactor can be used to achieve this.
The next thing is to lay the runners. You need to make sure that the runners are Pressure-treated runners. They come in 4 x 4, 4 x 6, or 6 x 6 in size. Remember, the size of the lumber must be able to bear the weight of the shed and what is being stored in it. For larger sheds that, for instance, have to support a vehicle,it would be best to go with the 6 x 6 runners for support.
Once the perfect dimension of the lumber is determined, a hole is drilled into each lumber at about 4 inches from the ends. The holes are for when you might need to move the shed in the future. All you need to do is latch your pull chain in the holes and move the shed. The runners are placed in a maximum of 6 feet increments in between them.
Two runners will be enough for a shed of 8×12 dimensions. Each runner will be 12 feet long while a 10×12 shed will need three. The runners are placed about 12 inches from the end of the floor on each side. If three runners are needed, the third will be placed midway between the two outers.
All the runners must be leveled. Use perpendicular planks to get each of the runners’ levels with the others. Gravel is used to ensure the runners are on the same level. Then, 4 x 4 cedar planks are used to brace the middle of the runners, and using lag screws you will brace the ends.
These cedar planks connect the runners, ensuring they don’t move out of place when the shed is moved to another location. The runners must be anchored to the ground to avoid heavy wind and/or flood water from moving the shed away.
Rebar or any other anchor kits can be used to anchor the runners. Joists are then attached to the runners, which allows for the shed floor to be installed. With this in place, the shed floor can be made with thick plywood.
Considerations For Building A Shed On Runners
Building a shed on a runner can be executed when the considerations of the area have been thoroughly analyzed. There are important things that must be noted when installing runners. The ground on which the runners will stay must be level and free of any obstructions. A little slope is good to allow easy drainage of water.
The ground must be able to support the runners and the shed. Obstructions, like rocks and wood stumps, must not be on the ground. These obstacles will debar easy movement if the shed is to be moved. They can also disturb the balance of the runners, making the foundation uneven.
Drainage is an important consideration when planning to build a shed on a runner. The ground must not be marshy or constantly wet. The increased moisture will make the logs rot quickly, which is very bad for the shed. To avoid rotting, the ground must be well-drained.
What Is The Best Base To Put A Shed On?
The base for a shed can be gravel, wood, concrete, or plastic base. Although the plastic base offers good advantages as it removes the worry of rot or the stress of laying concrete. But it is not movable like the wooden runners. The best foundation is still the runners for me.
Conclusion
Shed runners are an excellent foundation for sheds to lay on. They are not only strong and sturdy, but they also offer mobility and versatility to your sheds. It is important to take note that the ground the runners will be on must be well-drained and be able to support the weight of the runners and shed. Water is not a friend to even pressure-treated lumber.
The ground is good to have a slight slope to help in draining water. It is also important to remove stumps and any other obstacles that may stand in the way of the runners if you need to move the shed. With this information, you should be able to go ahead and choose runners for your shed. You can even get them done by yourself if you have unprocessed lumber laying around.
