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I went with a gravel base instead of concrete for my studio and people thought I was nuts
I mean, everyone in my neighborhood who built one used a concrete slab, but I just didn't want to deal with the cost and permanence. I dug down about 8 inches, put in a solid compacted gravel base with proper drainage, and built my 10x12 shed-style studio right on top. It's been solid for over a year now through a wet Seattle winter, no shifting or moisture issues at all. Has anyone else skipped the concrete and been okay, or did I just get lucky?
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victor6367mo ago
Yeah but you're playing with fire long term. Gravel moves, concrete doesn't. All it takes is one bad freeze-thaw cycle or a heavy piece of equipment in there to start seeing dips and wobbles. @betty_ward's friend might be fine for three years, but what about ten? Concrete is a one-time cost for a permanent fix. I've seen gravel bases fail and then you're stuck jacking up a whole building to fix it, which costs way more than just pouring a slab right the first time.
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betty_ward7mo ago
My buddy did something similar for his backyard workshop in Portland. He used a thick layer of crushed rock over landscape fabric, and it's held up fine for like three years now, even with all the rain. He did say getting it really level and compacted was the key part.
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