The average cost to install a gravel pad for a shed is $1,400, but it can cost between $800 and $2,000, depending on size and materials.
The typical cost of a gravel pad foundation for a shed is $1,400, depending on the size of your shed, labor costs in your area, and other project specifics. Find out if a gravel pad is the right choice for your shed and what to budget for as you plan out the project.
Gravel costs about $1.25 to $1.80 per square foot, or around $200 to $288 for an average 10-by-16-foot shed base. You’ll also need to plan for the cost of tools and materials needed to complete the project, as well as the labor cost if you hire someone to complete the project for you.
This is significantly more affordable than the cost of a concrete slab, which is generally $6 per square foot or nearly $1,000 for a 10-by-16-foot shed base. Plus, if you ever decide you want to move the shed or get rid of it in the future, the gravel pad is easy to remove—concrete, not so much.
The gravel pad should be a foot or so larger on all sides than the shed itself so that you can easily set the shed on top.
“There are two ways to look at filling a space with a material such as gravel,” says Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert Review Board member and general contractor in Raleigh, NC. “First, you look at the volume and figure out how much material you need. This should result in the number of cubic yards you need. Then you need to determine the weight of that much material. That will give you the info you need to estimate the cost of material.”
It costs about $30 per hour to hire a professional to lay gravel for you. But handy homeowners will be happy to know this is a pretty simple DIY project, as long as you don’t mind some digging and heavy lifting.
To start, you must measure out and remove the grass and topsoil from the area you plan to build the shed. Next, roll out landscaping fabric to cover the area you plan to fill with gravel to help avoid future weed growth. Then, place the pressure-treated lumber in a frame around the perimeter, digging out more dirt if necessary to ensure the frame is level all the way around. Secure the boards with lag screws to keep it together.
Once you’re ready for gravel, a local gravel delivery company can either lay the gravel in a pile where you plan to spread it out (if it’s accessible) or in a pile elsewhere on your property. But always have the area prepped and your frame complete before you schedule the gravel delivery so that you’re not wheelbarrowing tons of gravel from one place to the other.
Once the gravel is poured, use a steel rake to spread it out flat and evenly over the gravel pad base. Having a level on hand is necessary to make sure the gravel pad stays level throughout the process and before placing the shed on top.
If you choose to DIY this project, plan on spending several hundred dollars on materials and tools, including:
Wood landscape stakes: $10
Twine: $3
Work gloves: $15
Spray paint: $2
Shovel(s): $20 each
Hoe(s): $20 each
Wheelbarrow: $60–150
Level: $10
Landscaping fabric: $30 for a standard 3-by-50-foot roll
Pressure-treated lumber for framing (8): $50 per 16-foot 4-by-6-inch board
8-inch lag screws (4): $3 each
Drill: $50
Steel rake(s): $15 each
Total: $647
And don’t forget to factor in the cost of the gravel itself! You might also want to rent a skid steer from a local hardware store to remove the topsoil and carry the gravel rather than using a shovel and wheelbarrow. It costs between $200 and $400 to rent a skid steer for a day, plus delivery and pickup costs.
The type of gravel you use and the size of your gravel pad are the biggest cost factors for this project, but whether you decide to DIY or hire a pro and who you decide to hire also impact the total price you’ll pay.
The type of gravel you use in the gravel pad can impact the cost of your project. For example, pea gravel is the most affordable option, costing as low as $10 per ton, but it’s typically not as sturdy as other options. Crusher run gravel is also affordable, costing just $0.40 per square foot or $28 per ton. Crushed stone is closer to $2 per square foot or $60 per ton. Purchasing colored gravel can increase the price from as much as $20 to $50 per ton.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of average gravel material prices:
| Material | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Gravel | $0.70 |
| Crushed stone or limestone | $2 |
| Crushed shells | $0.60 |
| Rock pebbles (river rocks) | $1.50 |
| Crusher run | $0.40 |
| Caliche | $0.45 |
Some gravel sellers will offer you a discount if you purchase gravel in bulk. If you are building a large shed or a gravel driveway, patio, or pathway at the same time, acquiring the gravel this way may save you some money.
Every contractor is different, so take some time to read reviews online, ask your loved ones if they recommend anyone for the job, and look for a professional stone and gravel company near you that has all the qualifications and trustworthiness you’re looking for in a contractor.
While building a DIY gravel pad is something that the average homeowner can tackle with the right level of motivation, you may not have the time or desire to get deep into this project. This isn't necessarily a complicated or risky DIY task. However, it takes the right combination of brawn and patience to get it done the right way! Hauling the gravel and equipment needed to get this home update done can be challenging if you don't have access to a truck. If your shed will be placed in a remote part of your yard, bringing supplies in can be challenging when you don't have the right equipment.
You might also be concerned about having the skill and judgment necessary to make sure you're creating proper drainage on your lawn. Fortunately, gravel pros can swoop in to complete the job for you. Hiring a pro is one of the best ways to ensure that your pad is both level and properly packed. There are several types of pros that can help you build a new gravel shed pad. This is something that most driveway contractors can do because they routinely build gravel driveways. You may also find local gravel contractors listed in your area. Finally, looking up a stonework or masonry company may help you find a pro capable of building your pad for you.
If you decide that the time and money required to get everything in gear to start building your own gravel pad for a new shed just isn't worth it, you shouldn't have any trouble finding a local contractor with the skills and expertise all lined up to help. When calling around to talk with a gravel contractor, it's important to ask the right questions. Due to the need for precision, you want to make sure that any gravel pro you hire has experience with building shed pads. One incorrect measurement could leave you with a slanted shed. Be sure to ask these important questions:
What type of gravel do you offer?
Do you have experience specifically with shed pads?
Is your company licensed and insured?
Do you charge separately for gravel delivery?
How long will it take you to complete a pad with the dimensions I'm requesting?
Does your work come with a guarantee or warranty?
Is your company licensed and insured?
Can your company tear up and remove an existing pad?
Is there a minimum size to the pads you will build?
How quickly can you begin my project?
It's always a good idea to collect quotes from three to four local gravel contractors before making a decision. As you contact companies, keep in mind that many gravel contractors and stonework companies are used to completing large jobs that involve driveways, sidewalks, or commercial properties. You can save time by asking from the start if the company you're speaking with takes on smaller projects.
Leah Lopez Cardenas contributed to this piece.
To take advantage of any deals on ordering gravel in bulk, it can also be beneficial in the long run to work on other gravel projects you plan to complete someday. These may include filling in a gravel driveway, building a patio, constructing a fire pit area, planning a garden walkway, or using stone instead of mulch in your flower beds.
You don’t typically need a permit to build a shed, but it’s best to check with your local city clerk to make sure before you start the project. Every town, city, and municipality can have different rules when it comes to any home improvement project. Homeowners associations sometimes have restrictions on the materials you can use on your property as well.
This is a project you can probably complete yourself in a weekend. Even quicker if you hire a pro, who can likely get it done in a few hours. The main variable that might extend the timeline of your project is whether you can schedule a gravel delivery company to deliver the stone around the same time you’re removing the topsoil and framing out the gravel pad area.
