Shed Footings: The 2022 Complete Guide - Site Preparations Depending on how “footings” are defined, “floating footings” may be an oxymoron. Normally, “footings” only applies to shed bases that extend beneath grade and beneath the frost line. “Floating” concrete pads are poured on the highest of the ground and don’t technically include a under-grade “footing” feature. Nonetheless, as talked about above, shed footing requirements in some municipalities could be met with a floating concrete pad.

We usually suggest Against floating concrete pad footings for sheds (assuming the shed features a built-in wood floor). Floating concrete pads are costlier than both a gravel shed pad or concrete pier footings and so they don’t provide the same drainage advantages as a gravel pad.

The principle exception is any shed that can be built so the concrete pad also serves as the shed floor. In such a case, a concrete pad is unavoidable, and a floating concrete pad is probably the most affordable option unless frost-proof footers are required by code. You may see a full comparison of concrete pads vs gravel pads right here.


2. “Floating” Concrete Pad w/Shallow Footings
“Floating” pads will be poured with shallow footings across the edges to give them a bit extra heavy-duty. That is basically a hybrid mannequin between a easy floating pad and a full monolithic concrete pour (coated below). The primary difference between this and a monolithic pour is that the footings don’t prolong under the frost line.

Some municipalities require floating pads with shallow footings for medium-sized sheds. These footings are sometimes about 12” deep and 10” wide. The footings may additionally embrace additional reinforcement within the type of rebar or a steel mesh.


3. Concrete Pier Shed Footings
The best type of frost-proof cement shed footing is the pier. We recommend concrete piers because they fulfill frost-proof shed footing necessities and price less than most different shed footing options, together with floating concrete pads.

To put in concrete pier shed footings, holes are dug to the desired depth and a round kind is positioned in each gap. (These kinds are often referred to by the brand identify Sonotube®.) Concrete is poured into the forms as much as the desired peak and left to cure, after which the shed may be placed on the footings and anchored if vital. See the top of this text for extra detailed steps.

Relying on the precise native necessities, concrete piers could be poured to a beneath-grade depth of 24”, 36”, 48”, or more. The diameter of the piers also varies primarily based on constructing measurement and/or code requirements. 12”, 16”, 18”, and 24” are all frequent shed footing diameters.

Concrete piers are additionally the simplest method to degree a shed on a grade whereas maintaining frost-proof footers (a gravel shed pad is the simplest way all-around).

Combining concrete pier shed footers with a gravel pad creates a foundation that supports the shed whereas also draining water away from the wood base. We recommend this type of concrete shed footer for optimum longevity in prefab sheds with built-in picket floors.


4. Concrete Block Wall Shed Footings
It’s necessary to differentiate between concrete block wall shed footings and easy concrete blocks placed on the ground below a shed. Concrete blocks positioned directly on the bottom should not a ample shed footing and we don’t advocate them.

Then again, shed footings made from concrete block partitions are a completely different story. The truth is, such a footing is so durable that it’s overkill for most shed types! We solely advocate a concrete shed pad with block footers if the building comes with out a wood flooring and a) has a second story or b) will be used as a garage.


To build a concrete block wall shed basis, there are often three steps.
After Paving Concrete Contractors near me to the desired depth, a bolstered concrete footing is poured (approximate dimensions are 8” thick and 12” huge). After the footing cures, a concrete block wall is built to the specified top. A flat concrete pad is poured with the edges resting on the highest of the block wall. This pad serves as the shed/storage ground. You can see a step-by-step overview of how we set up concrete block wall footers on this video (the venture shown is a storage basis).


5. Monolithic Concrete Shed Footings
One remaining option for cement shed footers is a monolithic pour. It’s much like a concrete block wall shed footing, but is made fully of concrete and is constructed during a single pour. After excavation, concrete is poured for the footings, walls, and pad at the identical time.