Does a Shed Slab Need Footings?

When planning a shed foundation, one of the most common questions is: does a shed slab need footings? The answer depends on several factors, such as the size of the shed, soil conditions, and whether you're dealing with frost.

In many cases, smaller sheds don't need footings, but certain situations may require them for added stability. In this article, we'll break down the key considerations so you can decide whether your shed slab needs footings, ensuring a sturdy and lasting foundation.

Does a Shed Slab Need Footings?

From our experience, whether your shed slab needs footings hinges on a few key factors. The purpose of footings is to provide extra stability to the structure, especially if the ground is prone to shifting, or if you're in a region where frost can cause heaving.

According to our research and conversations with builders and DIYers, smaller sheds (typically 10x10 or less) can usually get away without footings. But there are exceptions!

Factors to Consider

Climate And Frost Line

If you're building in an area where frost is a concern, like Wisconsin or the Midwest, the frost line plays a huge role.

For example, smaller sheds might not need footings, but for larger structures or those in areas with deep frost, shed footings depth below the frost line can help prevent your slab from heaving. So if you're in a frosty zone, digging deeper with footings may save you headaches down the road.

Shed Size

For smaller sheds (under 120 square feet), such as one of our 8x10 sheds or 10x10 sheds, thickening the edges of the slab (also called a “thickened-edge slab” or "Alaskan slab") might be all you need.

The idea is to make the slab edges thicker (about 12-18 inches) to provide more stability without needing full-depth footings.

Soil Conditions

After putting it to the test in areas with different soil types, we've seen that compacting a thick gravel base before pouring the slab can also make a huge difference.

In rocky or clay-rich regions like Missouri, some users have successfully poured slabs without footings for sheds as large as 28x32, with no cracking issues after decades! However, if you have softer, looser soil, adding footings might be a wise investment to avoid shifting.

Load And Usage

What you plan to store in the shed matters too. If you're storing lightweight items, like garden tools, you may get away with a simple floating slab or how to build a shed foundation with deck blocks.

But for heavier items, like lawnmowers or machinery, footings will help prevent any structural sagging. If you're working with a pre-built shed, be sure to check out our guide on how to put a foundation under an existing shed.

Conclusion

Whether a shed slab needs footings depends largely on your location, the size of the shed, and the type of foundation you want to build.

Smaller sheds in areas without frost issues can often sit on a thickened-edge slab without full footings, while larger sheds or those in frost-prone regions benefit from the added stability of footings. Understanding your soil conditions and the intended use of the shed will also help you make the right choice.

If you're looking for a sturdy, reliable shed foundation, Homestead Supplier has the shed kits and expertise you need to get started. Visit us today to find the perfect solution for your project!

If you want to learn more, why not check out these articles below:

• Can I Build a Shed Under Power Lines
• Does Shed Need Foundation
• How Far Does a Shed Have to Be From the Fence?
• How to Make a Shed Look Nice
• How to Keep Things Dry in a Shed
• What Size Shed for Riding Lawn Mower?
• How to Get Shed in Backyard with Fence
• How to Store Bikes in a Shed
• What Is a Lean to Shed?
• What Is a Potting Shed?
• What Is a Shed House?
• Can You Put a Shed on Grass?
• How to Level a Shed with Concrete Blocks
• How to Build a Cinder Block Foundation for a Shed
• Is a Shed a Permanent Structure?