Can a shed sit directly on concrete?

Author: Dariana Quigley  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 10, 2025

By placing your shed directly on concrete, you ensure stability and longevity. We'll delve into the preparation needed for a concrete base, discuss the benefits, and offer practical tips to secure your shed effectively.

Does a shed need a base if it's on concrete?

Concrete slabs are undoubtedly a solid foundation for a shed, being stable, durable, and strong. However, local building regulations may require an extra base for compliance.

Can a shed be placed on concrete?

Concrete is an effective shed base because it's strong, long-lasting, and can support heavy weight loads.

What should I put between shed and concrete?

We recommend using Selleys Brick & Concrete sealant for this application. It will bond well to all the surfaces you have mentioned. If the grey is not a desirable colour then we recommend using Selleys Roof and Gutter Silicone sealant in translucent.

What surface should a shed sit on?

Generally, a well-constructed and level foundation is crucial to ensure the shed's stability and longevity. Concrete slabs are a good choice as they provide a durable and long-lasting base suitable for heavy or larger sheds. However, another very popular option is a gravel base.

Concrete Ninja Warrior Dry Pour Slab for Backyard Building

Does a 10x12 shed need a foundation?

A gravel pad is the best kind of foundation for a 10×12 shed. This kind of foundation allows for easy drainage which will prevent rot and prevent erosion from under your shed. The foundation that you place your 10x 12 shed on is just as important as the construction of your shed.

Does a shed need to be attached to the ground?

Yes, generally, a shed should be anchored.

Also, some municipalities require sheds to be anchored before granting building permits. So to protect your shed and get a permit for your building, it is best to anchor it, whether it is a small mini barn larger storage shed.

What should you put between wood and concrete?

In some cases, separating wood from concrete with a water-impervious membrane or vapor retarder is all that's required.

How to put a shed on a concrete slab?

The most secure method of attaching your shed to the concrete slab is with cast-in stirrups. Just like the stirrups on a horse, these components are meant to be a mounting point. They are set into the wet concrete or set up before the concrete is poured.

Is 2 inches of concrete enough for a shed?

If the shed is relatively small and light, a 4-inch-thick concrete slab should be sufficient. As a general rule, a thickness of around 100mm (4 inches) is recommended for most applications.

What is the best base for a shed?

A concrete base - is the most suitable shed base over grass or soil. Wooden decking - comes in second as the next-best shed foundation option. Paving slabs - come in our list third, but it is a close call between decking and slabs.

How to waterproof a shed on a concrete slab?

Starting at one end, apply sealer along the bottom of the shed wall where it meets the concrete slab. Apply the sealer evenly and smoothly. It's important to apply enough sealer to contact the concrete slab and the underside of the shed wall. This will prevent the water from seeping under the wall and into the shed.

Should you put a shed on gravel or concrete?

A gravel base is an ideal foundation for small prefab sheds and can even be a good option for some portable garages. However, concrete is a great option for larger garages and any building that's not pre-built with a floor. If it doesn't have a floor, then a concrete foundation is a good option.

Can you build a shed on top of concrete?

The short answer is yes, you can put a shed directly onto a concrete base. Concrete offers a sturdy, level foundation that is ideal for supporting the weight of a shed. If you're looking to learn how to protect underside of shed floor, then having a concrete base is a fantastic way to do it.

Can a shed sit on concrete blocks?

Cinder blocks are a cheap and inexpensive way to give your portable building some increased stability and foundation. Yet, cinder blocks may not be the best option for a portable building foundation if it is not set up properly. However, many smaller sheds can be just fine on nothing but cinderblocks.

Do I need to anchor my shed to concrete?

Absolutely, yes! Anchoring your shed is crucial to prevent it from being damaged by wind or shifting ground.

Can you put a shed straight onto a concrete patio?

If you're getting a shed without a built-in floor you're going to need a concrete pad. The walls of your shed will actually get anchored to the concrete pad and that will provide a lot of stability that you would have otherwise gotten with a built-in floor.

How much does a 12x12 concrete slab cost?

Pouring a 12-by-12 Concrete Slab

On average, some areas can cost as low as $50 for pouring a 12-by-12 slab of concrete . Otherwise, inclusive of materials and installation, a 12-by-12 patio will cost roughly $796 to $1,476 at $4 to $8 per square foot.

How big of a slab do I need for a 10x12 shed?

So, you would need roughly 1.48 to 2.22 cubic yards of concrete for a 10x12 slab, depending on whether you go with a thickness of 4 inches or 6 inches. However, it's always a good idea to order a little more concrete than calculated to account for any miscalculations or spillage during pouring.

Do you need a moisture barrier between wood and concrete?

If there is no barrier between wood and concrete, the moisture from the concrete can potentially transfer onto the wood if there is no barrier.

How to prevent wood from rotting in concrete?

Set in Gravel and Concrete

Fill the first three inches up with gravel so the end of the post doesn't come into contact with the dirt. Gravel allows water to drain quickly away from the post and into the soil. Be sure to place the post in the center of the hole. Finally, fill the entire hole up with cement to the top.

What will hold wood to concrete?

Adiseal is a high-performance adhesive that will stick wood to concrete. It will provide a strong, flexible, waterproof and durable bond between wood and concrete.

Can a shed sit directly on the ground?

Your shed foundation matters. You can't have your shed sitting on the ground, or it will rot from the moisture.

Does a shed need to be anchored down?

In most areas, anchors are required by law. The exact number of anchors is usually decided by your local building inspector and will vary from coastal regions to inland regions. Please consult a local building inspector for the number of anchors to use for your shed.

Does a shed have to be on skids?

Even if a shed isn't placed on skids, it still needs to rest on something to keep the floor off the gravel. Wooden formers, concrete blocks or pavers will work instead of a skid.

Previous article
What solvent is used to clean metal before painting?
Next article
How does hydro jetting work?