Garden shed on lawn
 

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.

Garden shed on lawn
 

I would build some sort of foundation. Some put down a concrete slab,
others build a framework and fill it with gravel and dirt to set the shed
on.

With a foundation you have less chance of water getting into the shed and
soaking what ever you have stored there. It also reduces the amount of
surprises you will have when you find mice or snakes have made a home there
(depending on which type of foundation you choose).

Dwayne


"JB" wrote in message
oups.com...
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.

Garden shed on lawn
 

I am a bit new to all this kind of thing, are there any links detailing
either approach?

Thanks.

Dwayne wrote:

I would build some sort of foundation. Some put down a concrete slab,
others build a framework and fill it with gravel and dirt to set the shed
on.

With a foundation you have less chance of water getting into the shed and
soaking what ever you have stored there. It also reduces the amount of
surprises you will have when you find mice or snakes have made a home there
(depending on which type of foundation you choose).

Dwayne


"JB" wrote in message
oups.com...
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.

Garden shed on lawn
 

"JB" wrote in message
oups.com...
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.



While interviewing various sheds, pay attention to whether they're well made
enough that you can fortify them. Crime is random, theft happens, and if you
attach a hefty padlock to a cardboard door, nothing is achieved. Some sheds
aren't much more than that.

Garden shed on lawn
 

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.

Yes, you really should use a foundation. It doesn't have to be
concrete. Our 8x12 shed is placed on top of a simple wood construted
foundation.

Garden shed on lawn
 

Thanks, for the info.

Not wanting to sound TOO stupid, but I would really like specifics
about the wooden frame. For example for your 8'x12' case, do I just
need two 8'x2"x2" and two 12'x2"x2" bits of wood, nail them up into a
square and then that's it, or would I require something more elaborate?

Thanks again.

Jangchub 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.

Yes, you really should use a foundation. It doesn't have to be
concrete. Our 8x12 shed is placed on top of a simple wood construted
foundation.

Garden shed on lawn
 

"JB" wrote in message
ups.com...
Jangchub 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.

Yes, you really should use a foundation. It doesn't have to be
concrete. Our 8x12 shed is placed on top of a simple wood construted
foundation.


Thanks, for the info.

Not wanting to sound TOO stupid, but I would really like specifics
about the wooden frame. For example for your 8'x12' case, do I just
need two 8'x2"x2" and two 12'x2"x2" bits of wood, nail them up into a
square and then that's it, or would I require something more elaborate?

Thanks again.



How about three 4x8 foot sheets of 3/4" thick plywood, laid over a frame
made of treated 2x4" wood? You might need to trim an inch or three off the
plywood, unless the internal floor size really is 8'x12'.

Garden shed on lawn
 

OK, that sounds good to me. Looking at one on the B&Q website it says
the base should be 300mm wider than the dimensions specified.

Anyway, this maybe another stupid question, but it can get fairly windy
here (not hurricane standards), but I take it there is no fear of these
things blowing over????

Thanks.

JoeSpareBedroom wrote:

"JB" wrote in message
ups.com...
Jangchub 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.

Yes, you really should use a foundation. It doesn't have to be
concrete. Our 8x12 shed is placed on top of a simple wood construted
foundation.


Thanks, for the info.

Not wanting to sound TOO stupid, but I would really like specifics
about the wooden frame. For example for your 8'x12' case, do I just
need two 8'x2"x2" and two 12'x2"x2" bits of wood, nail them up into a
square and then that's it, or would I require something more elaborate?

Thanks again.



How about three 4x8 foot sheets of 3/4" thick plywood, laid over a frame
made of treated 2x4" wood? You might need to trim an inch or three off the
plywood, unless the internal floor size really is 8'x12'.

Garden shed on lawn
 

I'd address the tip-over question directly to the manufacturer, on the
telephone. The instructions may contain info about anchoring the structure.
Their people should be able to tell you this.



"JB" wrote in message
oups.com...
OK, that sounds good to me. Looking at one on the B&Q website it says
the base should be 300mm wider than the dimensions specified.

Anyway, this maybe another stupid question, but it can get fairly windy
here (not hurricane standards), but I take it there is no fear of these
things blowing over????

Thanks.

JoeSpareBedroom wrote:

"JB" wrote in message
ups.com...
Jangchub 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.

Yes, you really should use a foundation. It doesn't have to be
concrete. Our 8x12 shed is placed on top of a simple wood construted
foundation.


Thanks, for the info.

Not wanting to sound TOO stupid, but I would really like specifics
about the wooden frame. For example for your 8'x12' case, do I just
need two 8'x2"x2" and two 12'x2"x2" bits of wood, nail them up into a
square and then that's it, or would I require something more elaborate?

Thanks again.



How about three 4x8 foot sheets of 3/4" thick plywood, laid over a frame
made of treated 2x4" wood? You might need to trim an inch or three off
the
plywood, unless the internal floor size really is 8'x12'.

Garden shed on lawn
 

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


Out of box idea here.....

How abt buying a small utility trailer..something that
can be moved around with a car....and using that as a
storage shed?

Garden shed on lawn
 

wrote in message
...


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


Out of box idea here.....

How abt buying a small utility trailer..something that
can be moved around with a car....and using that as a
storage shed?

That might attract tornados, and plastic pink flamingos.

Garden shed on lawn
 

In article ,
"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote:

wrote in message
...


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


Out of box idea here.....

How abt buying a small utility trailer..something that
can be moved around with a car....and using that as a
storage shed?

That might attract tornados, and plastic pink flamingos.

Only if you place a sofa outside. It helps if you have some elevation
but near Zero I'd put the flamingoes in a secure place.

Aside.

My dad built his sheds on a concrete foundation. Foundation was made
large and his sheds grew into over time. Given what he could afford and
find. He is 84 and still at it. I have none but store plywood and lime
in his. Best of all worlds ;)). We live about 100 yards apart with my
younger brother in between.

Bill

--

S Jersey USA Zone 5 Shade Beware Of THINK LIKE THIS
This article is posted under fair use rules in accordance with
Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, and is strictly for the educational
and informative purposes. This material is distributed without profit.

Garden shed on lawn
 

Ours is constructed of 2" x 12' and 2" x4" in whatever dimensions
necessary, wood.


On 23 Oct 2006 05:50:15 -0700, "JB" wrote:

Thanks, for the info.

Not wanting to sound TOO stupid, but I would really like specifics
about the wooden frame. For example for your 8'x12' case, do I just
need two 8'x2"x2" and two 12'x2"x2" bits of wood, nail them up into a
square and then that's it, or would I require something more elaborate?

Thanks again.

Jangchub 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.

Yes, you really should use a foundation. It doesn't have to be
concrete. Our 8x12 shed is placed on top of a simple wood construted
foundation.

Garden shed on lawn
 

Well, here in TX last week we have a servere rain storm and over a
thousand trees were torn out of the ground. Anything can up and go.
We have a wood construction shed, not plastic or vinyl and we put it
in a protected part of the yard as close to the fence the code would
allow. It should be okay

On 23 Oct 2006 06:51:16 -0700, "JB" wrote:

OK, that sounds good to me. Looking at one on the B&Q website it says
the base should be 300mm wider than the dimensions specified.

Anyway, this maybe another stupid question, but it can get fairly windy
here (not hurricane standards), but I take it there is no fear of these
things blowing over????

Thanks.

JoeSpareBedroom wrote:

"JB" wrote in message
ups.com...
Jangchub 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.

Yes, you really should use a foundation. It doesn't have to be
concrete. Our 8x12 shed is placed on top of a simple wood construted
foundation.


Thanks, for the info.

Not wanting to sound TOO stupid, but I would really like specifics
about the wooden frame. For example for your 8'x12' case, do I just
need two 8'x2"x2" and two 12'x2"x2" bits of wood, nail them up into a
square and then that's it, or would I require something more elaborate?

Thanks again.



How about three 4x8 foot sheets of 3/4" thick plywood, laid over a frame
made of treated 2x4" wood? You might need to trim an inch or three off the
plywood, unless the internal floor size really is 8'x12'.

Garden shed on lawn
 

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

Garden shed on lawn
 

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

Garden shed on lawn
 

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.

--
Pardon my spam deterrent; send email to
Cheers, Steve Henning in Reading, PA USA
http://home.earthlink.net/~rhodyman

Garden shed on lawn
 

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

Garden shed on lawn
 

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

--
Pardon my spam deterrent; send email to
Cheers, Steve Henning in Reading, PA USA
http://home.earthlink.net/~rhodyman