Can You Put a Shed on Pavers? [Answered]

In this article, we will discuss every detail about…

• What is a paver?
• What types of pavers can you use for a shed foundation?
• Can you put a shed on pavers?
• How to put a shed on pavers (the DIY process)
• Why pavers are suitable for a shed foundation?
• Explore the advantages and disadvantages of using paving slabs for a shed base.

What is a Paver?

Before we discuss whether pavers can be used for a shed foundation, let’s start by learning about what pavers are. A paver is a flat piece of material such as concrete, brick or stone, that is used to create a hard surface, for walkways, driveways, and other outdoor areas. Pavers are typically interlocking, meaning they fit together tightly without the need for mortal or other bonding agents. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, allowing for a wide range of design options.

What Types of Pavers Can You Use for a Shed Foundation?

When selecting paving slabs for a shed foundation, it’s important to choose the right type of slab that will provide a solid and durable base for your shed. Here are a few types of pavers to consider and that you can use for a shed foundation:

Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are strong and durable and can support the weight of a shed without cracking or shifting. Concrete slabs are also relatively affordable and easy to install.

Brick Pavers

Brick pavers are a classic choice for a shed foundation, and they have a timeless look that can enhance the appearance of your property. Brick pavers are also strong and durable, but they can be more expensive than concrete slabs.

Natural Stone Pavers

Natural stone pavers are a premium option that can add a touch of elegance to your shed foundation. Natural stone pavers come in a range of colors and textures, and they are highly durable. However, putting a shed on natural stone pavers can be more expensive than other options.

How to put a shed on pavers

Here are the steps to follow if you ever decide to use a paver for the shed foundation.

Assuming your shed is not that heavy and a paver foundation might be a suitable option for you to use, what are the steps that you have to follow?

Step 1: Choosing Paver Size

Choosing the right size and thickness of the paver is extremely important. Make sure they are sturdy enough to support the weight of your shed and any equipment you plan to store inside it.

Here are some paver shapes and sizes.

Rectangular	6X12-inch	to	24X36-inch
Square	6X6-inch	to	24X24-inch
Round	12-inch	to	24-inch
Hexagonal	8-inch	to	18-inch
Fan-Shaped	4-inch	to	24-inch

Step 2: Preparing the Ground

Preparing the ground where you plan to place the pavers is the second step. Remove any grass, rock, or debris, and remove several inches of soil. It’s extremely important to get your perimeter exactly level! Finally, use a compactor to pack down the soil.

Step 3: Lay Down a Base

The next step is to lay down a base. You can either use a layer of gravel or a layer of sand as a base. Spread the materials evenly across the area where you want to install the paver, making sure it is level.

Step 4: Installing Pavers

Now you can start placing the paver in the corners of the area and work your way inwards. Make sure each paver is level and evenly spaced from one another. Use a rubber mallet or a hammer and a block of wood to tap the paver into place. Once all the pavers are in place, fill the gaps between them with sand or gravel. Use a broom to sweep the material into the gaps until they are level with the top of the paver.

Step 5: Leveling Foundation

And lastly, use a level to check that the foundation is level in all directions. If there are any areas that are not level, adjust the paver accordingly.

By following these steps, you should have a solid and level foundation that can support the weight of your shed for years to come. Before following these steps, it’s important to note that you will need the necessary tools (see this article) such as…

• Shovel
• Landscaping rake or push broom
• Knowledge and experience to get the job done properly.

Since this is a serious and essential task, it may be best to hire a professional company to handle the job for you. Many foundation companies, like Site Prep, will take care of obtaining the necessary permits from the town and handling all the paperwork on your behalf, which can save you time and effort. Although Site Prep does not install pavers for shed foundations, we do install gravel and concrete foundations at affordable prices. We’ve had the privilege of working for a lot of happy customers over the years.

Why are pavers suitable for a shed foundation?

Pavers are suitable for shed foundations due to certain factors that make them popular, such as their durability and ease of insulation. Let’s go over each of these factors that make them suitable for shed foundations.

Durability:

Pavers are made from tough and durable materials such as concrete, brick, or natural stone, which can withstand the weight of a shed and the constant foot traffic. They are designed to last for a long time and are resistant to wear and tear.

Stability:

Pavers provide a stable and level surface for a shed to be built on.  They can be laid on top of a compacted gravel or sand base, which helps to distribute the weight of the shed evenly across the surface, reducing the risk of uneven setting or shifting.

Drainage:

Pavers are permeable, allowing water to drain away from the shed foundation. This helps to prevent water damage to the shed and keeps the surrounding area dry and safe to walk on.

Customization:

Pavers come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, allowing you to customize the look of your shed foundation to match the design of your outdoor space. This can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area around the shed.

Easy to Install:

Pavers are easy to install and require minimal tools and equipment. They can be laid by DIY enthusiasts, reducing the need for professional help, and saving on installation costs.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Pavers for a Shed Foundation.

Up until now, we have discussed the types of pavers that are suitable for a shed foundation, as well as the steps to follow for putting a shed on pavers. From this point on, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of using pavers for your shed foundation. This information will help you decide whether putting your shed on pavers is the right choice for your specific needs, or if you should consider other options for your shed foundation (like a gravel shed foundation).

Let’s start with the advantages,

Advantages to Using Pavers for a Shed Foundation

Pavers are relatively easy to install, and if you have a small shed, you can complete the task with basic tools. They are also typically less expensive than other foundation options, such as poured concrete. Pavers come in a range of sizes, shapes, and materials (see examples here) so you can choose the option that best fits your needs. Shed pavers are strong and can withstand the weight of a shed without cracking or shifting. They enhance the appearance of your property and create a more finished look for your shed foundation.

Disadvantages to Using Pavers for a Shed Foundation

What about the disadvantages of using pavers for your shed’s foundation?

Pavers have a limited load-bearing capacity compared to other foundation options, such as poured concrete or gravel (gravel does not have a limit). Over time, pavers can shift or settle, causing unevenness in your shed foundation, which could greatly damage your shed’s structural integrity.  This can be mitigated somewhat with a joint compound that holds the pavers together, but the foundation must be sloped to avoid puddles of water because of limited permeability. Pavers can create drainage issues if they are not installed properly, which can be difficult to maintain or remove. Shed pavers can also allow for the growth of weeds or grass between them. Lastly, they are not suitable for all soil types, such as soil with high clay content, which can cause the slabs to shift or settle over time.

Wrapping it Up…

So, “Can you put a shed on pavers?” Yes, you can. We hope the info we provided was helpful to your shed foundation journey!

It’s important to note that pavers are not the only option available to you and may not be ideal for your particular situation. Other suitable options include gravel pads or concrete foundations. If you are still undecided about which option is best for your shed, we highly recommend visiting our website to explore other shed foundation options and learn more about them. If you have any concerns or further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Happy shed foundation hunting!