Should a Shed Base Be Bigger Than Shed?

When planning a shed, one of the most important decisions is determining the right size for the base. Should a shed base be bigger than shed? The short answer is yes, in many cases, especially if you're using a gravel base.

A slightly larger base can offer better protection from water damage, dirt, and weeds, helping your shed last longer.

However, the size you need depends on the type of foundation and shed you're working with. In this article, we'll explain the pros and cons of different base sizes and guide you in making the best decision for your project.

Should a Shed Base Be Bigger Than Your Shed?

In short, yes, your shed base should be slightly bigger than your shed—but only under certain circumstances. According to our research and testing, the answer depends on the type of base you choose and what you plan to use your shed for.

Gravel Bases: Go Bigger

When making a shed base out of gravel, it's best to make your shed base about 12 inches wider than the shed on all sides. Why, you ask? Well, the extra width serves several practical purposes:

• Protects your shed from water damage: From our experience, a wider gravel foundation acts as a buffer, reducing splashing water, which could lead to wood rot or moisture damage over time. It prevents water from soaking the bottom edges of the shed.

• Keeps it cleaner: The extra space helps prevent dirt and mud from splashing up onto your shed's walls when it rains.
• Blocks weeds and grass: A wider gravel area keeps weeds and grass from growing directly against your shed, helping to maintain airflow and reduce moisture buildup.
• Handles water runoff: If your shed doesn't have gutters, a larger base allows rainwater to drain properly without pooling near the shed walls.

Gravel bases are durable, easy to install, and generally budget-friendly, making them a solid choice if you want a base that'll keep your shed in top shape for years to come. If you want to go this route, be sure to check out our guide on how to make a shed base without concrete.

Concrete Bases: Keep It the Same Size

On the other hand, if you're erecting a shed base with concrete, it's better to keep the base the same size as your shed. Concrete is a hard surface that doesn't absorb water like gravel, so there's no need to extend the base beyond the shed's footprint.

After putting it to the test, we've found that having a concrete base the same size as your shed will offer stable support without causing splashback issues that could damage the timber.

While concrete bases are more labor-intensive to install and usually require a professional, they are ideal for sheds that don't have floors. Just make sure you carefully level the surface during installation to avoid problems down the road.

Why Not Go Too Big?

While making your base wider than the shed has its advantages, you don't want to go overboard. An oversized base—especially if it's paved or concrete—can cause water to splash back onto the shed, which can eventually lead to wood rot.

The goal is to find the sweet spot where your base is large enough to protect your shed but not so large that it causes new problems.

Conclusion

Whether a shed base should be bigger than the shed depends largely on the type of foundation you choose. For gravel bases, going 12 inches wider on all sides can help protect your shed from water damage, dirt, and weeds, ensuring a longer lifespan.

In contrast, a concrete base should match the shed's footprint exactly to avoid issues with splashback and moisture.

Planning the right shed base is key to keeping your shed in good shape for years to come. If you're ready to start building, explore our high-quality shed kits for sale at Homestead Supplier today!

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

• 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
• Best Insulation for Shed
• Insulating a Shed Roof
• How Much Insulation Do I Need for a 10x16 Shed?
• How to Insulate a Shed Door
• Where to Put Shed in Backyard
• How to Organize My Shed
• 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