Concrete Shed Base Cost Calculator
Estimate your concrete shed base costs with our free calculator. Get accurate pricing for materials and labor for any shed foundation, from a small garden shed to a large workshop.
Dimensions
Pro Tips
- →Concrete shed bases cost $4-7 per square foot installed
- →A 10x12 ft shed base (120 sq ft) typically costs $480-$840 total
- →4 inches thick is standard for most sheds — increase to 6 inches for heavy machinery or vehicles
- →Gravel base underneath (4-6 inches) is essential for drainage and prevents frost heave
- →Small shed slabs (under 1 cubic yard) can often be poured with bagged concrete mix
Estimated concrete cost (materials + delivery) · For projects over 1 cubic yard, ready-mix is typically more economical and easier to work with.
74 bags × 80lb
1.63 cubic yards + delivery
120 sq ft × $3.00–$8.00/sq ft
Prices vary by location and time. Contact local suppliers for accurate quotes.
Includes 10% waste factor
For general step-by-step instructions, read our complete Small Concrete Slab and Gravel Under Concrete.
Shed Base Costs: What Affects Your Project Price
A concrete shed base is one of the most straightforward concrete projects — a simple rectangular slab with no special forming challenges. The cost range ($4–7/sq ft installed) reflects this simplicity.
Cost Breakdown
For a typical 10×12 ft shed base at $5.50/sq ft ($660 total):
- Materials (concrete): $180–220 (1.6 yards ready-mix or bagged)
- Gravel base (4–6 inch compacted crushed stone): $60–100
- Forming materials (lumber, stakes): $40–80
- Labor: $300–400
- Total: $580–800
Project Size and Cost Examples
| Shed Size | Area | Concrete Needed | DIY Cost | Pro Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6×8 ft | 48 sq ft | 0.6 cu yd | $100–160 | $190–340 |
| 8×10 ft | 80 sq ft | 1.0 cu yd | $160–240 | $320–560 |
| 10×12 ft | 120 sq ft | 1.6 cu yd | $240–360 | $480–840 |
| 12×16 ft | 192 sq ft | 2.6 cu yd | $380–560 | $770–1,350 |
| 14×20 ft | 280 sq ft | 3.8 cu yd | $550–820 | $1,120–1,960 |
When to Increase Thickness
Standard 4-inch thickness handles most residential sheds. Go thicker in these cases:
- Heavy machinery or equipment: Farm equipment, tractors, car lifts — use 5–6 inches
- Drive-in workshops: Vehicle access requires 5-inch minimum
- Sandy or poorly draining soil: Thicker slab compensates for weaker subgrade
- High-frost climates: Pair a thicker slab with a deeper gravel base to reduce heave risk
Each additional inch of thickness adds roughly $0.30–0.50/sq ft to the installed cost.
DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor
A shed base is the best candidate for DIY concrete work:
- Small enough to pour with bagged mix (under 1.5 yards) or a single ready-mix truck
- Simple rectangular form is easy to set square
- No decorative requirements — any minor surface imperfections are hidden under the shed
Potential DIY savings: 40–55% of the total cost. A 10×12 ft base costs $480–840 professionally but only $180–280 in materials for a capable DIYer.
When to hire out: If the site requires significant grading, has poor drainage, or has access too tight for a concrete truck or loaded wheelbarrow.
Why the Gravel Base Matters
A 4–6 inch layer of compacted crushed stone under the slab is non-negotiable. Without it:
- Water pools under the slab, accelerating deterioration
- Frost heave shifts the slab in cold climates
- The slab settles unevenly as the soil below compacts under load
Budget $60–120 for gravel on most shed base projects. It's a small cost that prevents expensive problems.