Skid foundation is a simple and effective way to support the frame of the floor of a simple shed. A simple skid foundation is made of two pressure treated runners that are lying parallel to each other on the ground.
The size and the intended use of your shed will determine the choice of foundation to use: you have an option of using the pier or the wall system. Using any of the two gives a clearance above the ground. Depending on individual designs used in industrial and manufacturing industry, the foundations have different names; foundation skids, footing wall, spread footing, and pier beam systems.
Installing skid foundation has to be done correctly, so your shed stands firms and is not prone to shifting or doors and windows sticking. Your aim should be to have an insulated, stable, and dry shed that will last for decades with little maintenance.
Construction professionals in the industrial and manufacturing industry will always talk about the soil type and weight of structure before installing the foundation. Here are some insights on how to build a timber skid foundation for your shed.
Set up the Skid Foundation
You need to dig shallow trenches for laying the gravel for setting up the foundation. After the gravel is settled, lay some stone blocks on the trenches at even intervals. You can use stone blocks in the form of bricks or slabs that you can get from the local industries or hardware.
Check if Wooden Beams are Parallel
Once the blocks are in place, the wooden beams are placed on top of the blocks; you need to confirm that they are parallel to the ground and with each other. Then you bolt the subfloor of the shed to timber skids.
Know When to Use an Anchored or Non-anchored Design
A shed that is not anchored is a good design for a small shed because it makes moving an easy process. However, the disadvantage to this is they have to be standing on an almost flat surface, and the gravel has to be well compacted before placing the beams to avoid the foundation shifting from time to time.
The industrial and manufacturing experts' advice that if you want a non-anchored solution that will last for decades, make sure the timber skids foundation is done right.
Use Pressure Treated Timber
You will notice that we use pressure treated timber because of their superior rating for long-term ground contact and their high levels of resistance to rot and termite damage. The color of wood that is pressure treated is usually green, and it bears a tag to prove timber treatment.