Shed base question

[supton]

Finally getting around to fixing my old shed. I reused the prior homeowners base ten years ago; I cut the base down to what I needed, slapped on plywood, and it made it about ten years. The plywood has delaminated in a few places, so I am tempted to go advantech this time.

Anyhow, for some reason Arrow (the metal shed maker I am thinking of using again) gives a bizzaro recommendation of using 2x4's for joists. Which the PO did, and sagged badly. Even I knew it was wrong, so I used 4x4 runners under the mess to kill sag, along with seven cinder blocks for my 10x8' shed to sit on. (Pretty sure I have one dead center of the floor.)

Now I'm trying to figure out how to expand this to 10x12', and it seems easiest to just rip it all out and restart, using 2x8 PT for everything. I tried last weekend to extend but it started to look too hack even for my tastes.

Question: can I use just four cinder blocks this time, or should I put in a runner mid joist (again) and use six or seven? If I do that I am not sure I really need 2x8 then, and 2x6's will be cheaper to buy.

I shored up the last shed with some 2x3's for snow load, and generally pull snow after each storm.

 

[Hokiefyd]

My shed sits on four concrete bases, has two courses of what look like 8x8s or 10x10s to build it up, then is stick-built on top of that. It has a plywood floor, but I'm not sure what the joists are. I've parked a lawn tractor in it before, though, so I imagine it's at least 2x6s. I could take some pictures for inspiration if you like. Its dimensions are about 12'x12'.

I did build a ramp up to it...the ramp is about 6-7' long, and the runners of the ramp are 2x4s...three of them. I would not use 2x4s for joists, given how "bouncy" the 2x4s are with weight on them.

 

[supton]

I like your ramp. I did likewise, using 4x4 but then used plywood. I hatd the plywood, always slippery. I put on non-slip stuff but that got ripped off in the first snow. I thought of tacking down some quarter inch stock but never did. If I redo it I will likely use cheap 1x3, something to make a surface; but really I don't need a ramp. So I will be leaving that off.

That is a good point about pilings, I forgot about those. Originally I did not want to pull a permit, but it ought to be ceap enough, and then it won't move or settle. I will give that some thought.

 

[JTK]

I just had this 8'x12' shed built for me back in June. The builder wanted to put it on a crushed stone base, but I wanted it up in the air a bit for breathing room, ability to jack/shim it if necessary and to keep critters from digging out the crushed stone to live under it. We opted for patio blocks three across the front/back and two kind of in the center.

Things are going to move unless you dig and place supports below the frost line.. atleast where I live.

It took me longer to oil base prime, calk all seams and top coat it, then it did to have built. ~$2100 all-in. Gotta build a ramp yet..

 

[doitmyself]

I am shocked how many people simply set these expensive sheds directly on the existing grade with no concern for drainage of rain and snow away from the building. Avoiding moisture around and under the building will avoid a lot of maintenance issues for decades.

 

[supton]

Originally Posted By: doitmyself
I am shocked how many people simply set these expensive sheds directly on the existing grade with no concern for drainage of rain and snow away from the building. Avoiding moisture around and under the building will avoid a lot of maintenance issues for decades.


Probably clueless about the issue, or too cheap (and shocked!) to pay for it. Or figure they will move by the time it is a problem.

 

[JTK]

Yep, rotting from the bottom up can be slowed down drastically with some air movement under there.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: supton
I like your ramp. I did likewise, using 4x4 but then used plywood. I hatd the plywood, always slippery. I put on non-slip stuff but that got ripped off in the first snow. I thought of tacking down some quarter inch stock but never did. If I redo it I will likely use cheap 1x3, something to make a surface; but really I don't need a ramp. So I will be leaving that off.


I used 5/4" deck boards for my ramp surface. I, too, started with a 4x8 piece of plywood on some 2x8s or 2x10s laid flat. That worked okay, but it was a bit hokey. So I just built a real ramp. I don't even store a tractor in it, but with the shed being about 18" off the ground, a ramp is helpful.