subject: Shed Concrete Pier Foundation Guide [print this page] A concrete pier foundation consists of poured concrete cylinders that support wood posts.The piers,or footings,are the same as those used for deck construction.They are easy to make using cardboard forms that you cut to size.
To anchor the posts to the footings,it's best to use galvanized metal post bases.There are several easy-to-use adjustable types available,which are secured to the footing by means of a J-bolt set into the concrete.After the concrete is dry,you bolt down the base,set and plumb the post,and fasten the post to the base.
Pier foundations work well for gazebos because they allow you to build an elevated floor while keeping the structure securely planted in the earth.For sheds,piers offer a permanently fixed foundation and protection against frost heaves.If you're building a shed on level ground,use pads made from pressure-treated 2lumber instead of posts.Anchor the pads to the piers using the J-bolts and build the floor frame on top of the pads.
Constructing a pier foundation is not difficult work,but it's important that the pier layout is accurate and the concrete formsare set properly.Use batter boards and mason's lines to lay out thepier positions and check your work by taking measurements and applying some simple geometry.
Before starting your project,ask the local building department about the required diameter and depth of your piers and what type of post anchors to use.In most areas,concrete piers must extend into the ground below the frost line and stand at least 2"above the ground to protect the posts from moisture.Cardboard forms for piers are commonly available in 8",10",12",and 16" diameters.
