Project advice - Machine Underground -Tractor & Commercial Equipment Discussion Forum

**gunmaker** · 07-13-2008, 10:08 PM

I'm in the planning phase for a new project, to prepare a site for a new manufactured shed. My area has too many regs when it comes to construction.

I'd like to here some real life experience of others in this regard. What type of site prep do you think is reasonable to support a shed? Code says

that anything over 200 sq/ft needs to have footings below the frost line. What have you guys found to be reasonable and durable when installing shed from approx 10x20 to 14x28? Can a stone bed be sufficient for the largest?

LarryRB · 07-13-2008, 10:43 PM

get yourself 6 sonic tubes. About 18 bucks each, and 36 bags of concrete ready mix. Plot out your square for the shed and split the longitudinals so there is three tubes equal each side. Post hole digger is quickest way to bury tubes.. Each 9 inch tube by 48 inches will hold 6 bags of sacrete, ready crete whatever brand in down that way... You're below frost line and some serious anchors too.

Dougster · 07-14-2008, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunmaker

Code says

that anything over 200 sq/ft needs to have footings below the frost line.

Same rule here in Taxachusetts... or put differently: Anything under 200 square feet does not require a foundation or building permit or needs to meet normal building setbacks or anything else.

It's the way my evil neighbor was able to build his woodworking & motorcycle repair shop so damn close to my property line and house. He just kept it a hair under 200 square feet and called it a "shed"!

There wasn't a damn thing I could do about it.

Dougster™

**gunmaker** · 07-14-2008, 08:48 PM

If a 20 ft long shed requires no footings or support, how many footings would you place crosswise to the length of a 28ft shed?

**PaulChristenson** · 07-14-2008, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunmaker

If a 20 ft long shed requires no footings or support, how many footings would you place crosswise to the length of a 28ft shed?

Have these guys do it for you...

Storage Shed Plans & Storage Shed Kits By Jamaica Cottage Shop

Dougster · 07-14-2008, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunmaker

If a 20 ft long shed requires no footings or support, how many footings would you place crosswise to the length of a 28ft shed?

First off, I would put footings under a 20-foot long shed. Just because you don't have to by law doesn't mean that you shouldn't!

Secondly, the number & size of footings necessarily depends on how the shed was built (i.e., design, weight, number and size of floor joists/beams). The best thing to do is see what the manufacturer recommends. Looks to me like spacing could be as little as 4 feet to as much as 7 feet depending on loads and joist & beam design.

Dougster™

**gunmaker** · 07-16-2008, 10:12 PM

Would a concrete slab provide the same long term stability?

Dougster · 07-16-2008, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunmaker

Would a concrete slab provide the same long term stability?

I suppose that depends on your soil characteristics, the thickness of the slab, your water table & frost line depths and the use (or non-use) of grade beams. But if I were going to the trouble of putting down a full reinforced concrete slab, I'd want to design and use it as the shed's floor.

Dougster™

**gunmaker** · 07-17-2008, 09:35 PM

Well...talked to the shed people, and we're leaning towards putting a 16 x 26 shed right on a 6" slab. These fellows will pre-fab it and erect it on site. Gotta see how the numbers

crunch!