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justins7
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# Posted: 14 Jul 2023 12:33pm
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I just ordered a 12’ x 32’ pre-fab “lofted barnâ€. I recently had a landscaper create a gravel pad for it. Since the land is angled on a small hill, they needed to reshape the area a bit, add dirt and enough extra gravel to account for the downward slope on one section. This has resulted in 75% of the gravel pad being flush with the surrounding grassy ground (not higher than it).
Is it necessary for the barn to be raised up so it’s above the ground level, or can it just rest directly on the gravel pad, level and flush with the surrounding ground? The gravel is a few inches deep, plus there is a moisture barrier below it. The landscaper said it will get plenty of good drainage but it seems odd to me that it’s flush with the ground and not higher.
The landscaper didn’t think it’s a problem but suggested laying down concrete blocks on top of the gravel for the skids to rest on, if it's bothering me. But the shed company said it would be best to just place it directly on the gravel since the blocks could shift around.
Any opinions on whether a barn/shed needs to be higher than ground level even if the gravel is already a few inches deep? And would blocks work? Another truckload of gravel is going to cost a lot more, may be unnecessary and I am already over budget.
Thanks.
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Brettny
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# Posted: 14 Jul 2023 02:45pm
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The blocks and the gravel are prob both going to shift if you get freezing temps. Just make it easy on your self to re level things.
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gcrank1
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# Posted: 14 Jul 2023 02:56pm
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There should be a 'blocking schedule' of how big, how many for the size, distance apart and which way to orient the blocks.
They allow you to shim the beams/runners beneath the structure to initially level and re-level as needed.
I like the idea of providing some air flow beneath too.
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spencerin
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# Posted: 15 Jul 2023 11:14pm
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If your skids are treated wood, which I'm sure they are, then you're fine to set it directly on the gravel.
Adding 4 x 8 x 16 solid concrete blocks does seem like a good idea, though, even if they're not necessary. They'll help with ventilation under the structure, and make it easier to fish things under it. They're usually <$3 apiece, so not much extra cost.
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jsahara24
Member
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# Posted: 16 Jul 2023 11:41am
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You also want to consider making sure water is able to drain away from the building......Do you have a picture of the current setup?
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justins7
Member
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# Posted: 17 Jul 2023 01:14pm
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Thanks for your replies.
I am not at the location this week but here are two shots. (One is from a remote camera, so it's lousy quality).
IMG_8592.jpg
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IMG_5126b.jpg
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NorthRick
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# Posted: 17 Jul 2023 05:50pm
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Looking at those, I'd have them just drop it on the gravel pad. Make sure to have a rain gutter at least on the "up hill" side and route the water from the down spouts away from the pad.
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Brettny
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# Posted: 18 Jul 2023 08:34am
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Pad looks fine to me. I may just tamp it tight and drop the building on it. Looks plenty high and well drained.
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