How Much Gravel for a Shed Base? (Size Table)
Gravel for every common shed size, in tons, cubic yards and bags, plus how to build a gravel shed pad that stays level.
A gravel pad is one of the simplest and most forgiving shed foundations. It drains, it stays level if built right, and it’s far cheaper than concrete. Here is how much gravel you need for common shed sizes.
Gravel for common shed sizes
The pad extends 1 ft past the shed on every side, so a 10 × 12 shed sits on a 12 × 14 pad. The overhang keeps rain dripping off the roof from washing out the edges.
| Shed (ft) | Pad (ft) | 4” deep | Bags at 4” | 6” deep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 × 8 | 8 × 10 | 1.45 tons (1.04 yd) | 56 | 2.18 tons (1.56 yd) |
| 8 × 8 | 10 × 10 | 1.81 tons (1.3 yd) | 70 | 2.72 tons (1.94 yd) |
| 8 × 10 | 10 × 12 | 2.18 tons (1.56 yd) | 84 | 3.27 tons (2.33 yd) |
| 8 × 12 | 10 × 14 | 2.54 tons (1.81 yd) | 98 | 3.81 tons (2.72 yd) |
| 10 × 10 | 12 × 12 | 2.61 tons (1.87 yd) | 101 | 3.92 tons (2.8 yd) |
| 10 × 12 | 12 × 14 | 3.05 tons (2.18 yd) | 118 | 4.57 tons (3.27 yd) |
| 10 × 14 | 12 × 16 | 3.48 tons (2.49 yd) | 135 | 5.23 tons (3.73 yd) |
| 12 × 12 | 14 × 14 | 3.56 tons (2.54 yd) | 138 | 5.34 tons (3.81 yd) |
| 12 × 16 | 14 × 18 | 4.57 tons (3.27 yd) | 177 | 6.86 tons (4.9 yd) |
| 12 × 20 | 14 × 22 | 5.59 tons (3.99 yd) | 216 | 8.38 tons (5.99 yd) |
Bags are 0.5 cubic feet. Anything beyond the smallest sheds is cheaper and much easier as a bulk delivery.
Which gravel?
Clean #57 crushed stone (about ¾”, washed) is the usual choice. It drains freely, so water never sits under the floor, and it’s easy to rake level. Some builders prefer a compacted base of crusher run topped with an inch or two of #57; both work. Avoid pea gravel, which rolls and lets the shed shift.
How deep?
- 4” is common for small and medium sheds on firm, well-drained ground.
- 6” or more suits larger or heavier sheds, soft or wet ground, and cold climates with frost.
On a slope, the pad will be deeper on the low side. Build a frame of pressure-treated timbers to hold the gravel, and add their height to the low side’s depth.
Building the pad
- Mark the pad 1 ft larger than the shed on every side, and check that it’s square (diagonals equal).
- Strip the sod and topsoil inside the area, down to firm ground. Compact the soil.
- Build a frame from 4×4 or 4×6 pressure-treated timbers, level, and pinned to the ground with rebar spikes. On a slope, stack timbers on the low side.
- Lay landscape fabric inside the frame to stop the gravel from sinking into the soil and to slow weeds.
- Fill with gravel in 2” layers, compacting each one with a plate compactor or hand tamper.
- Level the top with a long straight board and a level. Check it in several directions.
Concrete blocks or skids on top?
Many sheds sit on pressure-treated skids or floor joists laid directly on the gravel. Others use solid concrete blocks set into the gravel at the corners and along the skids. Follow the shed maker’s instructions, which may also affect the warranty.
Use the Gravel & Stone Planner with the “Shed base” project to price your exact size, including fabric and delivery.