Will asphalt support for a wood shed storing firewood?

[plowhog]

I want to build a shed to store firewood and garden tools/supplies.

Dimensions are 11ft wide by 6ft deep. 8 foot front wall, 6.5 foot rear wall, single slope roof. Half will be devoted for firewood storage-- I estimate about a cord and a half of hardwood such as oak. So I have the weight of the shed, plus firewood, to consider.

My ideal location has a 3" layer of asphalt, with about 4" of well compacted road base beneath that. Is that sufficiently strong so I could just lay 4x6 pressure treated lumber on top of it, then build up? Or should I remove it for a different method? I know oak firewood is on the heavy side, so I'm not sure what sort of weight support to expect from asphalt.

 

[ljjhouser]

Probably be ok but depends on how hot it is in the summer there. Is asphalt easy to put down or would concrete go down easier. I have no idea how to asphalt an area.

 

[seville009]

I want to build a shed to store firewood and garden tools/supplies.

Dimensions are 11ft wide by 6ft deep. 8 foot front wall, 6.5 foot rear wall, single slope roof. Half will be devoted for firewood storage-- I estimate about a cord and a half of hardwood such as oak. So I have the weight of the shed, plus firewood, to consider.

My ideal location has a 3" layer of asphalt, with about 4" of well compacted road base beneath that. Is that sufficiently strong so I could just lay 4x6 pressure treated lumber on top of it, then build up? Or should I remove it for a different method? I know oak firewood is on the heavy side, so I'm not sure what sort of weight support to expect from asphalt.

I wouldn’t hesitate to do it; shouldn’t have any problems based on how you describe it.

If the asphalt is been there awhile, that is probably better (more hardened and settled) than if it was relatively new.

If it does settle after awhile, you can just drag it to another spot.

 

[Hayloft]

Probably be ok but depends on how hot it is in the summer there. Is asphalt easy to put down or would concrete go down easier. I have no idea how to asphalt an area.

I vote to build it on the asphalt. Ballpark shed weight should be around that of a fully loaded pickup and cars and passenger trucks sit on 3" asphalt all the time. But like already mentioned if your temps get real high it's possible to get some asphalt sag (or imprint of your shed footprint) over time. Mitigate that by spreading the shed weight out with a larger footprint like more 4x6's or something --- just enough to spread the weight out.
Another solution might be to cutout small squares thru asphalt enough to use ready made pier blocks and set your 4x6's on them. That way your shed won't sit on the asphalt.
Good luck/regards

 

[stumblinhorse]

Interesting topic, I cannot do asphalt for less $ than I can do concrete in a small area. I have an 12’x16’ area I would like to do the floor of in my barn. The price is about the same. And concrete is much cheaper when I do it myself which I cannot do asphalt myself.

 

[seville009]

I read his post that the asphalt is already there, not that he wants to put new asphalt down. Maybe I’m misunderstanding…….

 

[stumblinhorse]

I read his post that the asphalt is already there, not that he wants to put new asphalt down. Maybe I’m misunderstanding…….

Ah, I get that now.

Sorry, carry on!

 

[plowhog]

Ballpark shed weight should be around that of a fully loaded pickup .... Mitigate that by spreading the shed weight out with a larger footprint like more 4x6's

My pickup is +/- 7,000 lbs without a load, spread over 4 wheels. Didn't think about that comparison.

Extra "cross bracing" under the flooring to better distribute the weight is a very good idea.

 

[dodge man]

Very long term it might shift, settle some but it’s just a shed so I wouldn’t worry about it.

 

[ljjhouser]

I read his post that the asphalt is already there, not that he wants to put new asphalt down. Maybe I’m misunderstanding…….

Wow....Missed that. HAS I thought is said ideal solution is. Thank you.
Then, in retrospect, if there, I would use it as is and see what happens. Best Wishes.