Swapped from a poured concrete pad to a gravel base for my shed last month

I used to always pour a 4 inch slab for any backyard shed, but the cost and labor just got crazy after prices went up around here. This time I tried a 6 inch deep gravel base with landscape fabric and compacted it in layers... it was done in one afternoon instead of waiting days for concrete to cure. Has anyone else made the switch to gravel and regretted it later with settling or moisture issues?

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jordan4644mo ago

Man, I swear the cost of concrete has just gotten out of hand lately. I did a small pad for a grill area last year and almost cried at the materials bill lol. Going gravel for a shed makes a ton of sense honestly, especially if you're not putting a ton of weight in it. I've seen plenty of guys do it around my neighborhood and they haven't had any major settling issues after a couple of years. The only thing I'd watch out for is making sure you really compact it well in those layers, otherwise you might get some shifting down the road. Sounds like you saved yourself a huge headache and a bunch of money too.

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ninaw884mo ago

Gravel has been solid for my shed for three years now. Just gotta rent a plate compactor and take your time with each layer, no skipping.

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