Poured concrete base vs. gravel base for a 10x12 shed? I'm torn after my last one sank.
I built a shed in my backyard in Ohio about 3 years ago. Went with a gravel base because it was cheaper and everyone said drainage would be better. But after two harsh winters that thing shifted almost 4 inches to the east. Now I'm starting a new 10x12 build and I keep going back and forth. Concrete is solid but costs way more and if I mess up the pour I'm stuck with it. Gravel is easier but I don't want to level it again next spring. What did you guys go with on your sheds and how did it hold up long term?
You ever notice how people always try to save a few bucks up front and then end up paying double later on? I see this all the time with driveways, fences, even cars. Same thing with your shed. Gravel is just kicking the can down the road, especially in Ohio with that freeze-thaw cycle. I poured a 4 inch slab for my 12x16 shed about 8 years ago and it hasn't budged a millimeter. Yeah, concrete costs more and you gotta get the forms right, but once it sets you're done worrying. My neighbor did gravel and now he's out there every spring with a shovel and a level like it's a hobby. Spend the money once and forget about it is my rule for anything that sits on the ground.
Spend the money once and forget about it" is basically my life motto now. I tried gravel and my shed ended up doing a whole 4 inch migration pattern like it was trying to explore Ohio without my permission.