Tractor shed foundation

[Ugarte]

I'm thinking about doing something like this: It's a 12X20 foot 6x6 grid on compacted gravel. My tractor weights about 4500 pounds and the current base where I want to put it is comprised of stone dust, like our access road and driveway. Should I remove the stone dust to earth or can I just haul in the 3/4 gravel and compact? 1 layer of 3/4 t&g plywood over the top or 2 layers or 2x6x12 PT lumber (gets expensive, I know)? A concrete slab is out. Thanks.

 

[chim]

I used 4x6 under my shed on compacted asphalt millings. The shed is 14x26 and they run the long dimension. There are single runs near the outside and two double runs under the area where the tractor wheels go. The floor is 2x4's on 16" centers, covered with 3/4" T&G PT plywood. On the existing shed next to it, a critter chewed a hole through the floor from the bottom. To avoid that on this shed there's a hardware cloth barrier under the pltwood. Just to make sure it would be stiff enough, I brought a few full-size 2x12's along home that we salvaged at work. I ripped one and used 1-1'2 planks on each side for the tires to run on.

 

[Citydude]

Leave the stone dust and compact it. 3/4" washed stone will not compact without the fines.

 

[4570Man]

The stone dust that’s already well compacted is fine. I prefer clean rock for applications like this because you can dump it and be done because it doesn’t pack and settle unlike the crusher run.

 

[fatjay]

I called my lumber guy on tuesday and he said no more PT until august, talked to my other guy who supplies my supplier, and he said they were waiting on rail cars from canada, expected early august. Talked to my truss guy and he said they're a month out for orders. So if you're gonna get wood, get it soon while you can.

 

[4570Man]

I called my lumber guy on tuesday and he said no more PT until august, talked to my other guy who supplies my supplier, and he said they were waiting on rail cars from canada, expected early august. Talked to my truss guy and he said they're a month out for orders. So if you're gonna get wood, get it soon while you can.

There’s a big shortage of PT lumber here too. I was worried about getting some 2x8 pt for my current job for sill plates. My usual supplier is out but Lowe’s had a decent selection a couple days ago. All bets are off on building a deck.

 

[oosik]

I have simple dirt under all five of my carport stalls. Four "standard" size stalls and one large stall for the tractor. I have no need for anything other than dirt. Since all stalls are covered - they stay dry and never have a problem. While dirt will get on my clothes for any "under vehicle" work - it's a whole lot more comfortable than lying on gravel.

Seems to be quite a bit of work - just to get a wood floor.

 

[KennyG]

For a wood shed, I did something similar. I put down 4 x 4s over a compacted stone base, but then I filled the foundation with stone and added the floor. I had a couple of reasons. First, it eliminated the space under the floor which could become a home for critters. Second, the stone supports the floor between the foundation timbers. Seems to have worked well. I used some salvaged decking boards for the floor but I think treated plywood would have worked equally well.

 

[Ugarte]

Thanks very much everyone. I'll demolish my old shed this week and re-use all I can from that, but I guess I'll see want I can buy as far as PT in this area before I plan any further.

 

[Oldpath05]

If PT is hard to find might try this on hemlock timbers>> https://www.homedepot.com/p/Wolman-...ior-Wood-Preservative-4-Pack-14436A/204746312 And or build off cedar or red oak beams.