I plan on building a 16x24 barn style shed with 8' side walls with a 5' to 6' loft area. The largest shed floor plan on your site appears to be 16x16. The area is relatively level with less than a 6" grade. I am also planning on using 2x6 pt with 3/4" plywood for the floor. Are there any concerns that I should be aware of before using the floating system with a larger shed/barn? Also, how long can I expect this type of foundation to last?


Thanks for help.

I'm not Deckman, but I think I have some good input:

16x16 is the biggest shed Deckplans.com will provide plans for. Once it goes larger in either direction, it becomes more like a garage than a shed. Code requirements are usually quite different for garages than they are for sheds. Be sure you check to see if you need a permit, and if you do, get one! Make sure you tell them how you plan to build it and what it will be used for.

I would guess you can plan on many years of faithful service from your shed as long as you follow the guidelines provided at this site. A wild guess would be 20 years or more is possible. Reason I say that is when I bought my house, I tore down a shed that was about 20 years old (according to a neighbor) and built on wooden skids, no blocks, no actual floor.

With a framed floor (use treated 2x6's for support) and proper block spacing, it could last indefinitely.

I have one recommendation- once you have the floor frame built, staple some plastic sheeting down over the frame before you put down your plywood. It will act as a sort of vapor barrier and will help keep pests out. You'll be glad you did. Good luck!

I remembered reading something about a shed a bit larger than 16x16, an I found the link:

www.ardiesdulcimers.com/TheShed.htm

It's like 16x18, just a tiny bit bigger than 16x16.

Thanks sinepaul,

That is good advice, especially the plastic sheeting. I have to get a permit, only $25 but worth it to keep me out of trouble.

Thanks again

quote="sinepaul"]I'm not Deckman, but I think I have some good input:

16x16 is the biggest shed Deckplans.com will provide plans for. Once it goes larger in either direction, it becomes more like a garage than a shed. Code requirements are usually quite different for garages than they are for sheds. Be sure you check to see if you need a permit, and if you do, get one! Make sure you tell them how you plan to build it and what it will be used for.

I would guess you can plan on many years of faithful service from your shed as long as you follow the guidelines provided at this site. A wild guess would be 20 years or more is possible. Reason I say that is when I bought my house, I tore down a shed that was about 20 years old (according to a neighbor) and built on wooden skids, no blocks, no actual floor.

With a framed floor (use treated 2x6's for support) and proper block spacing, it could last indefinitely.

I have one recommendation- once you have the floor frame built, staple some plastic sheeting down over the frame before you put down your plywood. It will act as a sort of vapor barrier and will help keep pests out. You'll be glad you did. Good luck![/quote]

Good news about the Permit! I think you'll be fine building your shed. I would suggest you anchor it somehow, especially considering the size.
The plastic sheeting is really a great idea, you'll be glad you did it. I am.
I used 2 big mobile home anchors at opposite corners for my little 10x8 Arrow shed, because I couldn't find anything smaller. I would put 1 at each corner for your shed.