The right shed foundation can be affordable and provide full support for your structure
Building a shed or even buying a pre-made shed and installing it can be challenging enough without having to think about where you’ll put it. Add on the fact that you have 12 shed foundation styles to choose from, and the project can quickly get overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll discuss the different shed foundation options, the cost of installation, and some pros and cons of each to make your decision a little easier.
| Foundation Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Floating concrete slab | $250–$3,000 |
| Concrete slab foundation with footers | $800–$5,000 |
| Pier and beam | $350–$2,000 |
| Deck block | $50–$200 |
| Skid | $50–$200 |
| Gravel pad | $100–$400 |
| Concrete block | $50–$100 |
| Paver | $200–$1,000 |
| Plastic | $100–$400 |
| Screw pile | $1,000–$4,000 |
| Metal kit | $100–$800 |
| Metal shed jack | $100–$400 |
A floating concrete slab foundation consists of a single slab of concrete that you pour into a mold directly on the ground. Slab foundations are super rigid and supportive, which is why they’re often used for much larger and heavier houses. The floating slab style is a little less resistant to soil expansion and movement, but it’s still a great option in many areas and is easy enough to install for DIYers with some experience.
Who is this best for?: Floating slabs are simple to pour, so they’re a good option for experienced DIYers who want a permanent and fixed foundation. Floating slabs only get support from the ground, so they’re only best in areas without expansive clay soil and warmer areas where there is no frost line.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great value for the money | More expensive than other options |
| Provides lots of even support | More complicated to install than other options |
| Extremely durable | Takes 2-4 weeks to dry |
| Makes anchoring your shed a breeze | Prone to damage from expanding soil |
A floating concrete slab isn’t frost-proof, but adding footers below the slab will protect your shed foundation from movement during freezing temperatures. Foundation contractors either install footings that reach several feet into the ground, let them dry, and then pour the slab on top, or they pour everything at once—called a monolithic slab.
Footings distribute the weight of your shed to soil that’s deep enough that it won’t expand much with changes in moisture content. The footings typically sit below the frost line as well, so upward pressure from frost heave isn’t as much of a concern.
Who is this best for?: We recommend slabs with supportive footings for professional installation only. Ensuring the footings sit deep enough in the ground and provide the support necessary for the structure above is complicated. Additionally, expensive equipment is necessary for excavation and pouring large footers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The most supportive shed foundation | Expensive |
| Highly durable | Not suitable for DIY installation |
| Resistant to most soil movement | Not cost-effective for small structures |
| Suitable for oversized sheds |
Pier and beam foundations are another shed foundation style borrowed from home construction. Builders construct concrete piers that reach several feet into the ground and then install wooden beams to reach up and attach to the floor joists of the shed. These foundations are highly durable and are one of the best options for sloped plots. Experienced DIYers can build these, but they require more work and attention to detail than slabs.
Who is this best for?: Pier and beam foundations are best for build sites where uneven terrain is an issue. They’re also common in areas prone to flooding, as they raise the shed off the ground to prevent contact. These foundations are quite durable, although they’re often overkill for sheds, especially those on the smaller side.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ideal for sloped build sites | Often require a step leading into your shed |
| Help resist contact with wet ground | Somewhat expensive |
| Highly durable | Leaves space for critters underneath |
| Suitable for all shed sizes |
Deck blocks are similar to pier and beam foundations in that there are individual piers that provide direct support to the floor joists or beams. However, the deck blocks sit on the ground rather than a few feet down, as concrete piers would. Deck blocks are an affordable alternative to pier and beam foundations, providing similar protection from ground moisture and even giving you the added bonus of being able to relocate your structure.
Who is this best for?: Deck block foundations are a straightforward DIY solution to a shed foundation, so homeowners with some minor construction experience should be able to tackle these. Since they only require proper leveling and some gravel underneath, you can construct this type of shed foundation in just a few hours. These blocks can also work on build sites with slightly uneven terrain.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very affordable | Not as durable as permanent solutions |
| Easy installation fit for experienced DIYers | Subject to soil expansion and shifting |
| Provides protection from wet ground | |
| Suitable for uneven ground |
A skid foundation consists entirely of wood, making it a quick and easy shed foundation option for an experienced DIYer. Most shed builders construct their wood foundations out of six-inch by six-inch or eight-inch by eight-inch posts and then build the shed right on top of the foundation in place. Skid foundations are one of the least durable options, as your wood will sit directly on the ground, but you can prolong the life span by building them over gravel.
Anchoring your floor joists to your skids won’t require any additional tools or materials, like masonry screws, and you can lift and relocate a shed on a skid foundation if you decide you want it in a different area on your property later on.
Who is this best for?: Skid foundations are simple to build with standard woodworking tools, so they’re a great option for DIYers who have some carpentry experience or woodworking skills and tools. They’re also best for homeowners who want the option to move their shed after construction.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very affordable | Can rot more quickly than other options |
| Provides opportunity to move your shed | Not resistant to frost or soil movement |
| Suitable for experienced DIYers | Not as durable as concrete |
A gravel pad foundation consists of a large section of crushed stone or gravel, on top of which you build your shed. Water soaks through gravel quickly, so this foundation style helps resist rot over building directly on the soil. Most homeowners still couple a gravel pad foundation with deck blocks or skid foundations for added protection.
Gravel is inexpensive and widely accessible, and it can look quite appealing when coupled with a lumber perimeter.
Who is this best for?: Gravel is perhaps one of the simplest types of shed foundation, so it’s a good option for homeowners looking to finish construction quickly. Gravel can also make leveling deck blocks, block foundations, or skid foundations easier and can add some protection from ground moisture.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Not very durable |
| Simple to install | Subject to soil expansion |
| Great for adding moisture protection to other styles | Not frost-proof |
Concrete blocks—commonly called cinder blocks—are a suitable stand-in for traditional piers for a shed foundation. You simply stack blocks every few feet around the perimeter of your shed and then lay wooden beams over the blocks to serve as supports for your floor joist.
Concrete block foundations are fast and easy to install and level, and they lift your shed off the ground to protect it from moisture. Blocks are also very affordable. Aside from the lack of anchoring options, they work similarly to deck blocks, although they’re a bit more challenging to get level.
Who is this best for?: Block foundations are simple in design and construction, so most experienced DIYers should be able to tackle it without any issues. These foundations are also affordable, can adapt to sloped ground, and lift your shed off the ground to avoid foundation issues related to moisture.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very affordable | Not very durable |
| Suitable for some DIYers | Not frost-proof |
| Provide some protection from moisture | Won’t resist soil movement |
| Suitable for uneven build sites |
A paver foundation just consists of pavers installed on a level plane over your build site, so it’s straightforward to install and beginner-friendly. You can construct your shed directly on top of the pavers, or you can combine the paver foundation with a skid foundation for some extra protection and the potential for relocation.
Paver foundations aren’t permanent and will shift with soil expansion and frost heave, so they’re not the most durable option. Additionally, they’re not as good as gravel foundations, as runoff won’t soak into the pavers as readily as it would through gravel.
Who is this best for?: Paver foundations can be DIY projects for those with some experience, as pavers are maneuverable and relatively easy to level with the proper tools. Since they leave your shed exposed to moisture more than gravel would, we only recommend them in areas that receive little rainfall. A paver foundation is also a great option for homeowners who are putting in a plastic or metal shed that won’t put much weight on the pavers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to install | Leaves shed exposed to moisture |
| Usually quite affordable | Susceptible to frost heave and soil expansion |
| Ideal for plastic and metal sheds | Not the most durable option |
| Not ideal for larger sheds |
There are two kinds of plastic shed foundations: composite post foundation pads and plastic shed base tiles.
You can install foundation pads at the bottom of short post holes for foundation posts to rest on. These distribute the weight of the post to make it more stable and are super simple to install. However, they’re not the most durable, and even when you backfill with gravel, the posts that rest on them will still be more likely to rot from exposure to moisture.
Plastic shed base tiles—also called permeable pavers—are easy to lay down and fill with gravel, providing additional support for your floor joists or skid foundation on top. They help prevent the gravel from shifting, which could otherwise cause some instability in your structure.
Who is this best for?: The two plastic foundation options are great for those looking for a quick shed build and an easy and affordable foundation installation. They’re best in areas that don’t see a lot of moisture, as wooden components of your shed will still come in contact with moisture on the ground.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Straightforward installation | Long installation time in some cases |
| Very affordable | Not suitable for sloped or uneven build sites |
| Sometimes easy to move at a later date | Won’t resist soil movement or frost |
Screw piles—also called helical piers—are similar to concrete piles or piers you’d use in a pier and beam foundation, but you screw them into the ground rather than having to excavate. This makes the installation process faster since leveling them is as simple as turning them until they’re at the desired height.
Screw piles are an uncommon foundation solution, so these can be a challenge to find. Additionally, they require special equipment to install, so building this type of shed foundation isn’t suitable for DIYers.
Who is this best for?: Screw piles are best for homeowners who want to leave the foundation installation to a professional but want a sturdy, durable, frost-proof foundation that’s resistant to soil expansion. These foundations are also great for areas with sandy soil, as the treads distribute the weight of your shed across a larger footprint than traditional piles.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very durable | Expensive |
| Resistant to frost and soil movement | Not suitable for DIY installation |
| Suitable for any size shed | |
| Provide protection from moisture |
Metal kit foundations for sheds are affordable options that you can buy prefabricated and put together in just a few minutes with minimal tools. Metal is more resistant to moisture and insect damage than wood, so a metal foundation can last longer, although the material can rust over time with constant exposure to the elements. Metal kit foundations are simple and moveable shed foundations, and coupled with gravel underneath to wick water away, they can last for many years.
Who is this best for?: Metal kit foundations are best for homeowners in a hurry, as they take just minutes to assemble. We don’t recommend them in general, as they aren’t as sturdy as most other options, but for small sheds on flat surfaces, they can be a good option.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very fast assembly | Not the sturdiest option |
| Relatively affordable | Not the best in high winds |
| Resistant to moisture and insect damage | Subject to rust |
| Not suitable for sloped sites | |
| Subject to soil movement and frost heave |
Metal shed jacks consist of metal posts that have an adjustable height and sit on a flat metal disk that distributes the weight of the structure across a larger portion of the ground for stability. To install them, you simply level the area as best you can, place them on the ground, and adjust them to the desired height. The installation is fast, easy, and affordable. You can use them on slightly uneven terrain, but the ground underneath each jack needs to be level.
Metal shed jacks are more popular in the U.K. than they are in the U.S. Not only can they be difficult to find in America, but they may not be up to the building code in your area.
Who is this best for?: Metal shed jacks are great for homeowners who want a fast and affordable shed foundation installation, as well as those who may want to relocate their sheds in the future.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Subject to soil movement and frost heave |
| Easy to install | Not widely available yet |
| Moveable | May not be up to building code |
Most people consider a concrete slab foundation with footers the best possible shed foundation because it provides even support beneath your shed and is resistant to soil expansion and frost heave. Concrete is also the most durable material you can choose for your shed foundation.
However, the best foundation for a shed is the one that suits your climate and soil conditions and can support the weight of the shed you’re installing without any issues. As such, the best shed for you might not be the best for another homeowner.
For example, slab foundations may not be ideal in areas where flooding can occur, nor are they suitable for installation on sloped ground. In both of those cases, a pier and beam foundation would be the most durable type of shed foundation.
Since not every shed foundation style is going to be suitable for your shed and property conditions, there are a few things you need to think about when choosing the best one for your needs.
Durability. One of the first things we suggest thinking about is the durability of your foundation. If you’re putting up a plastic shed or a small metal shed that you’re expecting to have to replace in a few years, then you can compromise a bit on the durability without having to worry about foundation repair down the line. If you’re building your own shed or installing a prefabricated high-end wooden shed, then you’re going to want to opt for a more permanent and durable foundation that will last for many years.
Soil conditions. Any foundation is only going to be as strong as the soil underneath, so soil conditions are an important thing to think about. If you live in an area with clay-rich soil that will expand when it rains, you may want to avoid foundations that sit directly on the ground, including floating slabs, metal kit foundations, and skid foundations. These foundations can sink over time with changes in soil volume below. Those that sit deeper in the ground will resist soil movement. Similarly, if you live in a cold climate, you’ll probably want a deeper foundation like a pier and beam foundation, which is resistant to frost heave.
Building site. Assess your build site and determine whether or not it would be feasible to level it. If it is, then any foundation will work. If your property is sloped, you’re going to need something like a pier and beam foundation or another option that is suitable for uneven terrain.
Climate. If you live in an area that sees a lot of rain and flooding, then a foundation that elevates your shed will help keep it protected from water and moisture. Something like a pier and beam foundation or deck blocks would be suitable.
Moveability. Consider your future plans when choosing a shed foundation. If you think you’ll want to move your shed in the future, you might be better off with a skid foundation or something less permanent. If you know you’ll want your shed where you install it for years to come, then a permanent slab or pier and beam foundation will be ideal.
Building code. Most municipalities will require permits for shed construction, which means your shed foundation will need to be up to building code. Some foundation styles aren’t up to code in specific areas, so we recommend checking with your local building department to see what’s appropriate in your area.
Ease of installation. Some foundations take less than an hour to install, while others can take days. We recommend thinking about your experience as a DIYer and how much time you’re willing to dedicate to constructing your shed foundation. If you’re unsure of how to pour a foundation or level the foundation components, you can always hire a foundation company near you to do the work for you.
Cost. Finally, your budget can be a big driver in your decision. Think about what you’re willing to spend on your foundation and find an option above that works within that budget. Just make sure to consider long-term foundation costs as well, as you’ll likely need to replace foundations that are more affordable up front sooner than permanent foundations.
Skid foundations, deck block foundations, and concrete block foundations are the most affordable shed foundation options. Of these, we recommend deck blocks. Deck blocks are easy to install and level, and they raise your shed up off the ground to prevent rotting from exposure to water and moisture. Keep in mind that deck blocks won’t resist soil movement or frost heave, so they’re not ideal in areas with expansive soil or a deep frost line.
Concrete is a far more durable and stable option for a shed foundation than gravel, but it’s also significantly more expensive. If you’re looking to keep costs down, a gravel base surrounded by lumber is going to be a better option for you. If you instead want longevity and maximum support for your shed, concrete is going to be the better building material by far.
Shed foundations should have footings in areas where the soil is very clay-rich and expansive and in areas where the frost line is below the surface of the earth, but they aren’t a necessity if you’re building on loamy soil or in warmer climates. Footings add stability in areas where the soil at or near the surface can expand, contract, and shift in response to changes in temperature and moisture content.
