subject: Concrete Slab & slabon-grade Foundation Guide [print this page] The slab foundation commonly used for sheds is called a slabon-grade foundation.This combines a 3 1/2"-to 4"-thick floorslab with a 8"-to 12"-thick perimeter footing that provides extra support for the walls of the building.The whole foundation can be poured at one time using a simple wood form.
Because they sit above ground,slab-on-grade foundations aresusceptible to frost heave and in cold-weather climates aresuitable only for detached buildings.Specific designrequirements also vary by locality,so check with the localbuilding department regarding the depth of the slab,the metalreinforcement required,the type and amount of gravel requiredfor the subbase,and whether plastic or an other type ofmoisture barrier is needed under the slab.
The slab has a 3 1/2"-thick interior with a 8"-wide8"-deep footing along the perimeter.The top of the slab sits 4"above ground level,or grade.There is a 4"-thick layer of compacted gravel underneath the slab and the concreteis reinforced internally with a layer of 66"10/10 welded wire mesh(WWM).(In some areas,you may be required to add rebarin the foundation perimetercheck the local code.)After theconcrete is poured and finished,8"-long J-bolts are set into theslab along the edges.These are used later to anchor the wallframing to the slab.
A slab for a shed requires a lot of concrete:an 810-ft.slab designed like the one in this project calls for about 1.3 cubicyards of concrete;a 1212-ft.slab,about 2.3 cubic yards.Considering the amount involved,you'll probably want to order ready-mix concrete delivered by truck to the site (most companies have a one-yard minimum).Order air-entrained concrete,which will hold up best,and tell the mixing companythat you're using it for an exterior slab.
An alternative for smaller slabs is to rent a concrete trailer froma rental center or landscaping company;they fill the trailer with one yard of mixed concrete and you tow it home with your own vehicle.
If you're having your concrete delivered,be sure to have a few helpers on hand when the truck arrives;neither the concrete northe driver will wait for you to get organized.Also,concrete trucks must be unloaded completely,so designate a dumpingspot for any excess.Once the form is filled,load a couple of wheel barrows with concrete(in case you need it)then have the driver dump the rest.Be sure to spread out and hose down the excess concrete so you aren't left with an immovable boulder inyour yard.
If you've never worked with concrete,finishing a large slab canbe a challenging introduction;you might want some experienced help with the pour.
