A shed is only as strong as its foundation.
Choose the wrong base, and you could face tilting, water damage, or costly repairs down the road.
Two of the most popular shed foundations are:
Gravel pads
Concrete slabs
Both have their advantages and drawbacks, depending on your shed size, climate, and budget.
In this guide, we’ll compare concrete vs. gravel shed foundations, so you can choose the best base for a long-lasting outdoor shed.
Before you start building, don’t miss our Outdoor Shed Setup Checklist to avoid common installation mistakes.
1. Gravel Shed Foundation
Gravel is one of the most popular DIY shed foundation options because it’s:
Affordable
Quick to install
Great for drainage
Pros:
Cost-effective for small to medium sheds
Excellent drainage, reducing water damage risk
Easier for DIY installation
Cons:
Not ideal for heavy sheds or garages
Can shift slightly over time without proper compaction
Pro Tip:
Use ¾-inch clean crushed stone for best drainage
Compact in 4-inch layers to prevent settling
See our Step-by-Step Shed Installation Guide for full gravel pad instructions.
2. Concrete Shed Foundation
Concrete slabs are the most durable and permanent option for outdoor sheds.
They’re ideal for heavy structures and can double as a shed floor.
Pros:
Extremely stable and long-lasting
Perfect for large sheds or workshops
Provides a solid floor surface
Cons:
More expensive and labor-intensive
Requires proper drainage planning to avoid water pooling
Permanent—hard to move the shed later
Pro Tip:
Pour a 4–6 inch slab reinforced with rebar or mesh
Include a slight slope or drain channel to divert water
For proper concrete pouring techniques, see Lowe’s Concrete Guide.
3. Cost Comparison: Gravel vs. Concrete
| Foundation Type | Average Cost (per sq ft) | DIY Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel Pad | $1–$3 | Easy | Small to medium sheds, drainage priority |
| Concrete Slab | $5–$10 | Moderate/Hard | Large sheds, workshops, permanent use |
Key Takeaway:
If you need a budget-friendly, well-drained base, go with gravel.
If you want a long-term, heavy-duty base, concrete is worth the investment.
4. Which Shed Foundation Should You Choose?
Choose Gravel If:
Your shed is small to medium size (up to ~200 sq ft)
You want a DIY-friendly project
You live in a rainy area where drainage matters
Choose Concrete If:
Your shed is large, heavy, or a workshop
You want decades of stability with minimal maintenance
You’re willing to invest more upfront
Conclusion – Concrete vs. Gravel Shed Foundations
Your shed foundation decision comes down to budget, shed size, and permanence.
Gravel: Fast, affordable, and excellent for drainage
Concrete: Strong, permanent, and best for heavy sheds
Want to avoid costly mistakes during installation?
Download our free Outdoor Shed Setup Checklist
Follow our Step-by-Step Outdoor Shed Installation Guide
Build your shed right from the ground up and enjoy years of worry-free storage.
