Learn about different types of shed bases with pros and cons. Includes real-life insights, photos, and tips from personal experience with sheds on our farm.
When we put in one somewhat temporary shed, I got a lot of feedback on my YouTube video that the shed base was incorrect. It was built according to the instructions in the manual for the shed, however. There were some issues with the instructions, but we’ve built structures and purchased sheds since then so I figured I’d show some of the sheds we have, their bases, and the pros and cons of a variety of options.
This post may contain affiliate links which may earn me commissions should you click through them and take certain actions. As an affiliate for Amazon, Cricut, xTool, Home Depot, and other sites, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please DIY carefully. View my full legal disclosures here.
Please read the whole post so you don’t miss any important information!
What Type of Base Should You Use for a Shed? Pros and Cons of Common Shed Foundations
Before you build or buy a shed, it’s important to choose the right base to support it. The base (or foundation) keeps your shed level, dry, and secure. There are several options depending on your budget, shed size, and the ground you’re working with.
Considerations:
How long do you want the base (and shed) to last? Is this a shed you want to keep here permanently? If so, invest in a more expensive and long term solution. If it’s a lightweight plastic shed or something that’s relatively temporary,
How tolerate are you to things living under the shed? Some shed bases make for the perfect home for mice, ground hogs, rabbits, raccoons, fox, etc. It’s also a great place for critters (pets) to hide if they escape… for example, my chickens like to hide under a couple of our raised sheds, lay eggs in there, and then come out with 20+ chicks about 3 weeks later. Or the eggs go bad and explode under there. It’s extremely difficult to clean under the shed when there’s an open space. This is more or less problematic depending on your setup. The she shed is near the woods and it has a groundhog that lives under it and it’s not really an issue (at least at this point).
Are you finalized on the location of the shed? If you may move it later, don’t do an expensive or permanent base. Our guinea pig and rabbit shed is raised and leveled on a few paver stones. I don’t love this as the permanent option, but I’m not settled on the location so we are keeping it as is for now. Eventually, I may pour a concrete pad for the forever home of the shed.
How much work did you want to do?
Building a wood base is fairly easy, but it’s also quite a bit of labor and you still need to do some leveling of the ground. With the current cost of wood, I don’t see a great benefit to the wood vs. a concrete slab. We poured a small concrete slab for our mini split, and I’d be pretty confident in being able to replicate something similar for a small shed.
Expense Considerations
Concrete and rebar can be expensive. Wood can be too though. But keep in mind that labor varies for different jobs. If you’re hiring a job out, generally you can expected to pay 3x the cost of supplies in labor costs, but this varies depending on how labor heavy the job is.
If you could build the frame for your concrete slab, then directly hire a concrete company to pour the concrete, this might be cheaper than building the whole thing yourself.
Concrete pavers can be expensive and you’ll potentially need to make a LOT of trips to haul them home, particularly if your vehicle isn’t rated to transport that many pounds worth of stone.
Landscaping companies will often be able to dump a load of crushed stone for you on the spot needed if your shed base will be close to the driveway. If they need to go into a muddy area where their truck might get stuck, they may refuse and then you need to transport the gravel by hand from your driveway to where the base will be. This could be extremely labor intensive, particularly if you’re hiring out some of that work.
Insulation
Our she shed is raised up with space underneath it… this meant that we potentially let in a lot of hot air without insulating the flooring as well… which we didn’t do. I had lofty plans to insulate under the shed, but we installed the flooring before considering it. Due to the spacing between the ground and the shed, it’s too difficult to get under it to insulate. We would have needed to rip up the sub floor to insulate underneath, I believe. Needless to say, this is something to consider if you plan to use your shed as a living space at all. I think a concrete slab would have been better.
Video Tour of Our Shed Bases
Here is a breakdown of common shed base types with their pros and cons.
1. Gravel Base (Crushed Stone)
A layer of compacted gravel that helps with drainage.
✅ Pros:
- Great drainage (prevents rot)
- Inexpensive
- Easy to DIY
- Works well with plastic or wooden sheds
❌ Cons:
- Not suitable for very heavy sheds
- Needs a border to contain the gravel
- Can shift over time if not compacted properly
- Pests may dig underneath and shift the gravel, kick it out, etc.
In the photo below, the company who helped excavate for our barn added concrete piers per the plan supplied by the modular barn company, then they laid stone dust along the areas where the pressured treated wood would touch the ground.
2. Concrete Slab
A solid poured concrete foundation, usually 4–6 inches thick. You should typically use rebar inside the concrete while pouring it to help ensure it can support weight.
✅ Pros:
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Great for heavy sheds or garages
- Pest-resistant and rot-proof
- Can be used for anchoring the shed
❌ Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires formwork and curing time
- Permanent (hard to move or remove later)
3. Concrete Pavers / Patio Stones
Large, flat pavers arranged in a grid on a level surface.
✅ Pros:
- Good for small-to-medium sheds
- Allows some drainage
- Semi-permanent (can be moved later)
❌ Cons:
- Requires a level, compacted base (usually gravel or sand)
- Can shift or settle over time
- Not ideal for very heavy loads
I find that installing concrete pavers is a lot of work and while it looks nice, a concrete slab is a LOT simpler to pour and I think it will hold up better long term.
4. Wood Frame Base (Timber Frame or Skids)
A raised wooden platform built on pressure-treated lumber or skids.
✅ Pros:
- Keeps shed off the ground (helps prevent rot)
- Flexible and easy to move
- Can be built on uneven terrain
❌ Cons:
- Wood can rot over time (even if treated)
- Needs regular inspection and maintenance
- May not last as long as concrete
- Pests can get under the shed and build a home under it.
Many sheds are on skids and this makes them easier to move.
5. Plastic Shed Base Grid
Interlocking plastic grid tiles filled with gravel.
✅ Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to assemble
- Good drainage
- Eco-friendly (many made from recycled plastic)
- Great for plastic or small wooden sheds
❌ Cons:
- Not suitable for very large or heavy sheds
- Needs a level ground underneath
- Can be more expensive than gravel alone
Final Tips:
- Check local codes – Some areas require a permanent foundation.
- Consider moisture – Choose a base with good drainage if your area gets a lot of rain.
- Level is everything – No matter what base you choose, make sure it’s level before installing your shed.
Choosing the right shed base is a small decision that makes a big difference in how long your shed lasts. Pick the one that works best for your yard, your shed, and your budget!
Please share and pin this post! If you make this project, share it in our Stuff Mama Makes Facebook Group. We have regular giveaways for gift cards to craft stores. You can also tag me on Instagram @doityourselfdanielle; I love seeing everything you make!
