It just dawned on me that you can use cinder blocks also.


On 24 Oct 2006 09:42:01 GMT, Kay Lancaster wrote:

On 23 Oct 2006 01:52:42 -0700, JB wrote:
I would like to get a smallish garden shed (8' by 6' for example) for
general garden storage, i.e. lawnmower and other garden tools. What I
want to know is can I just place this directly on the lawn (the lawn is
flat), or do I need foundations of some kind? I live in the North East
of Engalnd if this is applicable.

I'd put a shed on a foundation of some sort... concrete, wooden sled base,
rock... something. It'll help the longevity of the shed and things
stored therein. You'll also want to think about ventilation and security.

In most areas of the country, you'll need a building permit for a shed
of above a certain size (8x10 in my county). If you haven't built anything
before, you're going to want some experienced help or some good books.
Most public libraries have a sslection of books on storage sheds and
similar outbuildings; the extension service in your state or in other
states often has some pretty good plans, too, as do lumberyards.
Here are some extension service building plans from North Dakota, to give
you an idea of what's available:
http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/abeng/miscplans.htm

Take a look at the vegetable stand for plans of a shed on skids
(sled base) as an example of something that could go "directly on the lawn".

Kay

JB wrote:
I would like to get a smallish garden shed (8' by 6' for example) for
general garden storage, i.e. lawnmower and other garden tools. What I
want to know is can I just place this directly on the lawn (the lawn is
flat), or do I need foundations of some kind? I live in the North East
of Engalnd if this is applicable.

Don't use a foundation or cinder blocks. A foundation goes all around
and you want ventilation. Cinder blocks are made from cinders from coal
fires and you want concrete pillars which don't use cinders and have
solid bottoms so they don't settle. (If a cement block is set on it's
side, it looses it strength.) The manufacturer of the shed usually
recommends something depending upon the height they want. Usually solid
4" x 8" x 16" concrete blocks are sufficient. This allows ventillation
under the shed.

Here is a good description of how to prepare the site for a storage shed
from the manufacturer of "Amish Storage Sheds" in Pennsylvania:

http://www.pastoragesheds.com/site-preparation.asp

They recommend using a base of 3/4" crushed blue stone for the shed,
2-3" deep, 1' larger than the size of the shed. Crushed stone provides
better drainage for rain or snow melt around the perimeter of the shed,
especially if no gutters will be installed on the shed. Water that
splashes directly onto the ground will eventually create a muddy area
that will splash up onto the shed walls.

* To prepare a gravel base, remove the sod from an area slightly
larger than the shed, level the site by removing dirt where necessary,
and spread the gravel to a depth of about three inches. Tamp the gravel
down with a piece of 4-by-4 or metal tamper until it is evenly
distributed and the site is flat and level.

* An outer "frame" of pressure-treated 4x4's or cement block will
help keep the stone in place and create a neater appearance; however, it
is not required

* Cement pillars, with or without tie-downs, are required by some
municipalities. Check local regulations for quantity and recommended
placement. OR use a concrete slab - 3-4" thick.

They specifically state to not use "cinder blocks".

They explain how to install anchors to keep it from blowing away.

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On Tue, 24 Oct 2006 09:47:17 -0400, Stephen Henning
wrote:


Don't use a foundation or cinder blocks. A foundation goes all around
and you want ventilation. Cinder blocks are made from cinders from coal
fires and you want concrete pillars which don't use cinders and have
solid bottoms so they don't settle. (If a cement block is set on it's
side, it looses it strength.) The manufacturer of the shed usually
recommends something depending upon the height they want. Usually solid
4" x 8" x 16" concrete blocks are sufficient. This allows ventillation
under the shed.


Tell that to MOST of the homes in the northeast. Most are built on a
cinder block foundation. I think you have your ingredients wrong, but
to appease, it would be fine to use cement blocks and leave a few
inches every two feet open for ventilation

Jangchub wrote:

Tell that to MOST of the homes in the northeast. Most are built on a
cinder block foundation. I think you have your ingredients wrong, but
to appease, it would be fine to use cement blocks and leave a few
inches every two feet open for ventilation

Cinder blocks are made with coal cinders to make them lighter.

Concrete blocks are made with concrete to make them stronger.

Many people mistakenly call concrete blocks, cinder blocks, just as many
people mistakenly talk about steam shovels which haven't used steam for
over a hundred years.

If you go to a dealer and ask for a cinder block, they may give you one,
so don't ask for them. Ask for concrete blocks.

See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinder_block

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Cheers, Steve Henning in Reading, PA USA
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