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How Much Gravel Do I Need for a Shed Base?
A gravel shed base needs 4 to 6 inches of compacted crushed stone, extended about a foot past the shed on every side. Here is the depth to use, a size-by-size quantity table, and the stone that compacts best.
How deep should a gravel shed base be?
For a typical garden or storage shed, build the pad 4 inches (100 mm) of compacted crushed stone on firm ground. On soft, wet or clay soil, go to 6 inches (150 mm) and lay geotextile fabric underneath so the stone does not sink into the mud.
Extend the gravel about 300 mm (12 in) past the shed footprint on every side. The extra apron keeps the edges from crumbling and gives rain somewhere to drain away from the building.
A 10 x 12 ft shed therefore sits on a pad of about 12 x 14 ft once you add the one-foot border.
Gravel needed by shed size
These figures include a 1 ft border all round and assume a 4 inch compacted depth. Add roughly 50% more stone if you build a 6 inch pad.
| Shed size | Pad size (with border) | Volume at 4" | Crushed stone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 x 8 ft | 10 x 10 ft | ≈ 1.2 yd³ | ≈ 1.8 t |
| 10 x 10 ft | 12 x 12 ft | ≈ 1.8 yd³ | ≈ 2.6 t |
| 10 x 12 ft | 12 x 14 ft | ≈ 2.1 yd³ | ≈ 3.0 t |
| 12 x 16 ft | 14 x 18 ft | ≈ 3.1 yd³ | ≈ 4.5 t |
Order 5–10% extra for compaction and spillage. Crushed stone loses volume as it is tamped down.
What gravel works best?
Use 3/4 inch (19 mm) crusher run — crushed stone mixed with stone dust, also sold as Granular A or 3/4 minus. The dust packs the gaps so the pad compacts rock hard and stays level. Avoid pea gravel or round river rock: they will not lock together and the shed will shift.
Compact in two lifts with a plate tamper, checking for level as you go, then frame your shed or set blocks on the finished surface. To turn your own measurements into a precise order, use the Crushed Gravel Calculator or the all-purpose Aggregate Calculator, and see the gravel depth guide for other projects.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should gravel be for a shed base?
Four inches (100 mm) of compacted crushed stone on firm ground, or six inches (150 mm) on soft, wet or clay soil with geotextile fabric underneath. Extend the gravel about a foot past the shed on every side.
What kind of gravel is best for a shed base?
Use 3/4 inch crusher run (Granular A or 3/4 minus) — crushed stone with stone dust that compacts hard and stays level. Avoid pea gravel or round river rock, which will not pack down.
How much gravel do I need for a 10x12 shed?
About 2.1 cubic yards (roughly 3 tonnes) of crushed stone for a 4 inch pad, allowing a one-foot border around the shed. Add 5–10% extra for compaction.
Do I need fabric under a gravel shed base?
On firm, well-drained ground it is optional. On soft, clay or wet soil lay geotextile landscape fabric under the stone so the gravel does not work its way into the mud and the pad stays stable.
Disclaimer: This guide gives general estimates for planning. Actual gravel quantities, weights and prices vary with material type, particle size, moisture, compaction, supplier and your province. Costs are material-only ballparks in Canadian dollars and exclude labour, delivery and taxes unless stated. Always confirm quantities and prices with your local supplier.