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I am looking to install a new shed. I want it to go in a certain spot, but there is a grade. I live in a area where we get heavy rains and heavy snows.I want this to be sturdy and last. But I also want it to be relatively inexpensive. I was thinking of blocking it, but that seems like a high retaining wall and would alot of stone. What would you recommend? All ideas are greatly appreciated.

First of all I would check for zoning laws. When I made my shed in upper NY where we get -20 degree weather and very heavy snow fall. I just laid the cement blocks on the ground and leveled, squared, them. Then I built the floor on top of the blocks. Then built the building on top of the floor. The building moves with the frost. Its been there since 1995 and still looking good. The only problem with a building built like that is that its high off the ground. Other then that you will have to put a foundation that is below the frost line for your location, but you also said you didn't want to spend much money. I see the picture and it looks like you are just building a wall that just lays on the ground. The problem I see with that is the frost will destroy your wall in time. The ground moves as it freezes in the winter time so you want your building designed so it can move with the frost.

Well originally I planned on digging down a little bit. Laying stone then setting the block at the perimeter. Then fill the center with stone. But when I roped it off is when I noticed how unlevel is it. That block is what I was going to use as the whole perimeter, I didnt plan on building a back wall that high for sure.

I'm thinking of mortaring all the blocks together, putting 3-4' rebar into the ground, filling the cavities on the block.

Digging footings for me is a pain the *** with all the rock in the ground. My luck itd go to dig the first footing and end up hitting a 6' boulder.

hurst1979olds said:

Well originally I planned on digging down a little bit. Laying stone then setting the block at the perimeter. Then fill the center with stone. But when I roped it off is when I noticed how unlevel is it. That block is what I was going to use as the whole perimeter, I didnt plan on building a back wall that high for sure.

I'm thinking of mortaring all the blocks together, putting 3-4' rebar into the ground, filling the cavities on the block.

Digging footings for me is a pain the *** with all the rock in the ground. My luck itd go to dig the first footing and end up hitting a 6' boulder.

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Not knowing the frost in your area I hope it works out for you. We are required 48 in here. I would hire a back hoe if you don't like digging by hand. It sounds like a lot of money and work just to have the frost destroy your building. Do you have a zoning officer or building contractor in your town because I am sure they will tell you what is required for your area. East Stroudsburg is that in the state of Pennsylvania and if so you must have frost??

Lay a concrete slab. It will last longer and if it shifts the whole structure will shift together ensuring doors /Windows stay functional. 4in is cheap 6in is good 8in is best

When I asked the company who I'm buying the shed from. They said lay 3-4" of stone. I told them at the time I thought it was on a 12" grade and he said encase the stone with railroad tie. I had the zoning person come out to give me the ok on the position of the shed. But she doesn't know building laws. I'll have to call the building inspector.

I don't need a building permit tho because it's under a certain square foot and there's no electric going out to it.

10 in. x 10 in. x 8 in. Concrete Deck Block, 012023A at The Home Depot - Mobile

Would this be something to consider?

hurst1979olds said:

When I asked the company who I'm buying the shed from. They said lay 3-4" of stone. I told them at the time I thought it was on a 12" grade and he said encase the stone with railroad tie. I had the zoning person come out to give me the ok on the position of the shed. But she doesn't know building laws. I'll have to call the building inspector.

I don't need a building permit tho because it's under a certain square foot and there's no electric going out to it.

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Just curious but do you pay property taxes?

Ric said:

Just curious but do you pay property taxes?

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Yes I do. Why?

Can pier blocks work you think?

I guess I don't understand what you are asking here. Are you going to build a proper foundation in the ground or just set the building on the ground with blocks under it? Where I live we have zooning laws for any building which needs a building permit and the town inspects the job after its done. You are the only person to know what you want, need or allowed ?

Inspection is not needed. Even if I pour footings the inspection isnt needed.

But I think this is the route I'm going. How to Build a Post & Beam Shed Foundation on a Slope - One Project Closer

hurst1979olds said:

Yes I do. Why?

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I was just curious because every thing we put up like sheds or putting in foundations always effects are taxes and you have to have building permits for anything you build.

hurst1979olds said:

Inspection is not needed. Even if I pour footings the inspection isnt needed.

But I think this is the route I'm going. How to Build a Post & Beam Shed Foundation on a Slope - One Project Closer

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You will like the wood floor over a cement floor in the spring when the frost comes out and the cement floor gets wet, it can cause rust/corrosion on all your metal objects in the building including tools. In farming communities around here the old farms from the early 1900's used raised wood floors as to not get their harvested grains wet and ruined.

Well, I'm going to be putting in 6 footings. I will brace it with 2x6. Kind of building it like a platform. I will put crushed stone on the bottom for drainage. The shed will be 20" off the ground on one side, and the other side will be close to ground level. Should get some good airflow underneath it so it will stay dry in there as well.

Ric said:

I was just curious because every thing we put up like sheds or putting in foundations always effects are taxes and you have to have building permits for anything you build.

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Building inspector said its not necessary under a certain square footage. If i had electric ran to it id need it inspected, then he said he'd only be looking at the electric. I'm only allowed 1 building on the property. But it doesnt affect my taxes.

form the base of the shed you are building with true railroad ties on the ground level them and secure them with galv clot nails or timber screws.
put heavy plastic inside base,build your shed.