How thick should a gravel shed base be?

Four to six inches of compacted crusher run for a typical shed. Go to eight or ten inches for a pad that will carry a vehicle, and check the manufacturer spec for hot tubs.

How big should a shed gravel pad be?

One foot larger than the shed on every side. That margin means roof runoff lands on stone and drains away rather than splashing soil against the shed walls.

What gravel is best for a shed base?

Crusher run, also sold as #411 or dense-grade aggregate. Its mix of stone and fines compacts into a solid, level, load-bearing surface — washed stone stays loose and will not do this.

Drainage & Base

Shed & Pad Base Calculator

A gravel pad has to be bigger than the thing sitting on it — one foot of stone past each edge is the standard, so water drains away rather than pooling at the base. This calculator adds that margin automatically and sizes the compacted base for the load involved.

What you'll need

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40FT Gravel Grid for Driveway –HDPE Geocell Ground Stabilizer

$49.99

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HongWay 500 Pack 6 Inch Landscape Staples, Garden Staples Pins Galvanized 11 Gauge Ground Stakes Yard Lawn Staples for Turf Landscaping Fabric Fence Tent Irrigation Tube Outdoor Decorations

$37.99

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BlumeTrec 8"x8" Steel Tamper with 48" Handle, Heavy Duty Hand Compactor Tool for Leveling Soil, Gravel, Sand, Asphalt, Ground, Paver, Driveway, Garden, Yard and Blacktop Repair

$43.99

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Orange Mason Line String Line - #18 Braided Nylon String - 250 Ft Length - Nylon Twine for Gardening Or Masonry Tools - Perfect Construction String for A String Level, Twine String for Gardening

$7.99

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Prices as of Sep 25, 2026, 6:18 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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Frequently asked questions

How thick should a gravel shed base be?: Four to six inches of compacted crusher run for a typical shed. Go to eight or ten inches for a pad that will carry a vehicle, and check the manufacturer spec for hot tubs.
How big should a shed gravel pad be?: One foot larger than the shed on every side. That margin means roof runoff lands on stone and drains away rather than splashing soil against the shed walls.
What gravel is best for a shed base?: Crusher run, also sold as #411 or dense-grade aggregate. Its mix of stone and fines compacts into a solid, level, load-bearing surface — washed stone stays loose and will not do this.