Comments on: Storage Shed Site prep. – Crushed Stone Base

By: Dave

Dave — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 18:24:29 +0000

1. Should landscape cloth (the type that is placed under mulch) be under the gravel to inhibit the growth of weeds around the shed?

2. Please reinterate the size range of the gravel that should be used under the shed.

By: admin

admin — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:15:19 +0000

@ML

The stone base does more than offer drainage.
When you get backsplash around the shed from rainwater running off the roof the stone which extends around the perimeter keeps the run off from splashing dirt back onto the side. Further, it keeps weeds and grass from growing around the shed which will cause the siding to deteriorate over time.

Pooling water could be an issue if you get several inches of rain or if the site is in a low lying area but having done thousands of sites using the crushed stone base method I have yet to experience a problem.

Also you should go 4-6 inches deep not 3″.
Hope this helps.

By: ML

ML — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 22:08:38 +0000

So, I’m not real clear on proper drainage. Seems like if you dig a 3 inch hole and fill it with rock, you have a 3 inch deep pool full of rocks, whereas without the hole the water could run down a slope and away from the building. How’s the water get away?

By: Storage sheds-plans-designs-styles and #1 shed buyers guide » Blog Archive » Shed Moving – How to move your shed

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 22:17:44 +0000

[...] Ideally, you prepared the new storage shed site with crushed stone (for site preparation instructions click here) [...]

By: Doug

Doug — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 01:55:16 +0000

Thanks for the advice. I’m considering a portable garage at this point for my storage needs. I’ve never owned one before. I’ve heard that some of them may have cheap covers, however, if not purchased from the dept stores they should be of good quality.

By: admin

admin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 21:19:24 +0000

Hi Jon sorry for the late reply.

If you read the reply to the previous question above it may give you the answer.

Ideally, you do not want to remove the roots unless the tree is dead.
If the tree is not dead then you run the risk of having the roots knock the shed out of level over time.
You could also dig around the roots the best you can and back fill with the crushed stone however you will still have some leveling issues in the future.

I would suggest stoning on top of the roots and then setting the shed on some 2 or 4 inch thick solid concrete blocks.

Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions.

By: jon b

jon b — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 18:01:55 +0000

Is there a way to use the stone method as a foundation with large roots very near the surface?

By: admin

admin — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:08:42 +0000

Is the tree still there?

If the tree is still there I would try not to disturb them. Assuming they are a few inches down then I would just stone over them. Eventually, they may push the stone and therefore the shed up causing it to be out of level so keep that in mind.

If the tree is dead I would cut the roots at the edge of the site and yank them out. Over time they are going to deteriorate and cause the stone and shed to settle and fall out of level.

Hope this helps

By: John

John — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:01:34 +0000

Thanks for info. I have some fairly large tree roots (around 4″ or so)on my soon-to-be shed site. Do I have to remove them or could I cover with stone. Thanks.

By: Don

Don — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:43:28 +0000

Thanks John and will do.