Building a Shed Pad on a Budget by Hand. DIY How to

[@johnnyhotrod2608]

The best part was watching your daughter help. Brought tears to my eyes. I look forward to my daughter helping her daddy build a shed next year. I like your idea and how you built the base. I'm going to use your great idea. I already have heavy duty rail road ties to use in place of the wood frame base you bought.

[@nfiedler7]

an excellent book if you are considering building a shed. While you may not choose to build one exactly as shown in this book kzbin.infoUgkxT9ExVpR-3A-9rpRqx8vzXKZ3BMMTg_KH , the information found in here would be useful in any shed building project. The information is well presented, with color photos throughout. As was noted in a previous review, though some dimensions are given, the complete plans must be ordered elsewhere. I ordered the plans for the gambrel shed and did notice a few discrepancies between the book and plans however.

[@EvelynLogan-od7zc]

Hi 👋

[@cdunn4799]

I love that you involved your daughter. My son will be five this summer and I got him a kids sized galvanized shovel for Xmas...he loves helping me move rocks and dirt for various yard projects. Your shed project is pretty much the same thing I need to do. Looks great! Can't wait to get started. Thanks for the ideas!

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

C Dunn thanks, great to hear your son will be out there digging with you!

[@bobafettpalpatine2251]

This video made me realize i need to spend more time with my daughter and include her while working on the yard. Thanks man. I needed that wake up call. I always kept her inside to play with her dolls but not no more! Thanks so much... God bless.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

One of the reasons I like to have her in the videos is to have just that affect on fathers so thanks for sharing that! Even if your daughter is resistant at first, keep asking her to help you and keep explaining how things work to her. She'll be stronger and more independent in the future because of the time you spend with her. Take care buddy and God bless you and your family!

[@katrinaferguson87]

Really great video. Nice, nice work. And I loved seeing your daughter working with you - made me think about how I used to be with my dad, and realize just how much that made me who I am today. Thanks for that.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

awesome comment, thank you for sharing that! I hope my daughter will feel the same way some day about me!

[@IowaKim]

Katrina Ferguson I felt the same way! I remember helping my dad with projects and shoveling, doing and watching how things were built, I learned a lot! My sister and I went on to own her own acreages and doing all our own work outside.

[@cappaslangmurderer]

Katrina Ferguson beautiful comment.

[@samwittstruck.6685]

Katrina Ferguson

[@mergrew0110]

Katrina Ferguson. This takes me back to the early 80's when I used to have a little helper. She was my third hand, and understood what was needed, she would have the next tool ready without being told. When my wife helped she would always ask "why" or she would need the answer to a totally unrelated topic, and the job slowed right down, my little girl and I flew. She's a big girl now, but I miss those days.

[@CLONEINK]

Great job but the best thing in this video is your daughter helping. Just makes me smile thank you for the video this is a great idea.

[@JamieLuv2u]

Your wife is a lucky woman to have such an articulate and functional husband who clearly knows how to get things done and involves the daughter! Huzzah, Great job on a nice vid.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

wow, thanks for the nice comment! I have to stay on my wife's good side or she says the shed will double as my "dog house" haha

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

hulagan808 you're hilarious! My truck is a 2001 with a bed that is so rusty that only the rhino liner is holding it together along the wheel wells. It's the 4.7L v8 and runs fine. You can scoff all you want but when it comes down to it I saved far more than $500 when you add in the retaining wall probably more like $1200. Yes I worked my but off but there's nothing that makes you feel more alive than physical labor like that. I hope your comment was more an attempt at being funny than wishing me ill will because I can almost guarantee that mentality comes right back at you brother.

[@FletcherHillier]

@@hulaganz Sounds like that exact thing happened to you, sorry to hear that man. There are healthy women out there, but yes, they do get everything in our system in the event of a breakup. I just like building things though, idk who enjoys it. I recon I'd just build a better shed with cooler shit inside than a Harley death trap. You can let bitterness bury you early and unhappy, or learn to let it all go and realize that one bad human out of 7 billion ain't worth the trouble. At least you know his life expectancy is reduced as long as he's riding that thing. Hey and if you built the shed like shit, the bike won't last long out there

[@henrygee9501]

Nice job. The best part was seeing your daughter helping out. Those moments she'll cherish forever.

[@casperaudi7476]

It was nice that you had a helper your daughter Just like my boys they always like to help good job man

[@harleybobb9316]

Thanks, you put a smile on my face reminiscing of my Wife of almost 40 years, an I remodeling our home, the 'first time', with small children. All good memories.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Thanks! that's so great to hear!

[@charlesmartin7347]

Really nice she'd . I almost teared up with you and your daughter. Blessings and more Blessings

[@davidcousineau1397]

The excitement and inclusion of your inquisitive and eager daughter is beautiful to see. The two of you are so blessed to be pals. She grows from your engagement and you contribute more than you can ever imagine to her intelligence and confidence. Thanks for being a REAL dad!

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

wow, thanks David for the nice comment! I'm trying to be the best example of a Dad and man that i can for her. I'm blessed to have such a wonderful little girl who is so willing to learn just about anything!

[@andrewburkey6096]

I used your method for my 12x20 shed and it worked beautifully! I had no idea what to do for the base, I wanted something strong that would last for years to come. I'm about a year and a half in and everything looks as it did on day one. Thanks for the video!

[@magicpotionoflove]

The princess is such a good helper. She’s learning so much and will be very skilled in a few years. 💖

[@bigrexj4078]

One of the best DIY videos I have watched. Very instructional and straight forward. Great work! I just bought a shed and was researching how to get the ground ready, and your video has inspired me. I don't need a retaining wall, but the pad with the treated 6x6's and gravel was great work!

[@dessertaz5560]

It so nice to see a Dad and his daughter having fun together on a really nice project well done!!

[@soniadean2000]

Thank you Ryan for releasing a great product as this [ Check Details Here?> *WoodBlueprints. Com* ]. Most of the plans I have imagined in my mind are put down on your woodworking plans. This is more like a genius job. I love it!?

[@RedstonePinkenba]

Great video, Gives me some new ideas for my next shed. I liked how your daughter was right there helping you. Brings back memories of me helping my dad.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

RedstonePinkenba thanks, I have the same kind of memories of working with my dad. Trying to keep the tradition alive!

[@philjohnson8215]

This is the example of building a gravel foundation that I needed. Your ability to explain and show made it easier for me to understand. You also caught my ears by stressing an economical approach. You have a great little helper.

[@judyjudyjudy9593]

that picture with your little girl reminds of me when I was little. Doesn't matter where my Dad was or what he was doing, I was there with him helping if he would let me. My Mom said, she never worried where I was because I was where my Dad was. I grew up knowing how to do everything around the house, good thing too, I have been alone for 40 years!

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

hitchhiker that's awesome, sounds just like Laurel and me

[@b.walker5955]

Hitchhiker...I too was reminded of my time with my dad. Mom said similar about me as yours did about you! We were once in the attic working on the HVAC and I asked what that was, he said "Well Twinkle Toes, that's the FLU". I said "Oh, daddy, that poor pipe, are you sure it's sick?" Something tells me Laurel is a wee bit wiser than I was. : )

[@b.walker5955]

The best tool you have is that precious daddy loving daughter of yours. She got right in there and gave it her all. You know, I think she is the best of you work thus far. : )

[@Hatleyrocket]

No one could ever accuse you of not being a hard worker!

[@immaware6847]

Awww so cute that your daughter was helping. Very impressive project.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Thanks, she sure is a great helper!

[@bobferranti5222]

I'm terribly impressed at the job you did.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

thank you! I'm glad I spent the time to do a thorough job so I wouldn't have any regrets later

[@pacificnorthwestacct8791]

Great investment of your time and energy. Your family and you are certain to enjoy the memories making this plus the years of enjoying it.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Thanks Eric! Yes I will never forget the times my Dad let me "help" with projects when I was really small. working together as a family to accomplish a task is the best!

[@snowbird29803]

Great job! And better than a gym membership; I'm tired just watching.

[@robertevans6481]

That is a great foundation....like the retaining wall in the back and sides...glad to see your daughter like's the outdoors and is a great helper...

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

thanks, yeah she loves to work in general!

[@M.Happie]

I love how your daughter was a big part of this project, she must've loved helping you the whole way through. 😊👍

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

M. Happy yeah, she always is near by to lend a hand

[@barruzza]

What an adorable little girl helping out her Daddy. Awesome shed pad.

[@VoklstWestie]

Great job! Reminds me of my dads shed, now needing bulldozing, due to break-up of 43 year old cement slab...sheds fine, not worth saving! Years ago, mini tornado here in burbs of Chicago. Next day our neighbors son (whos shed blew away in yard & waffled to pancake size askes, "wow, how come your shed didnt blow away, like ours did?" So I open the door to my dads shed & give him 'the lesson' cement shab over rock w/rebar, wood bolted to cement slab, shed bolted to wood & rebarred thru wood into cement slab, etc!!! I told him his was a piece of metal open on bottom, laying on unleveled grass. My neighbor was the guy in highschool who wore a bow tie in the early '70s and carried a briefcase. I was the hippie wearing the poncho, guess girls arent so dumb!

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

haha, great story man! your dad's shed sounds like it was really built well! That's a long life out of a shed!

[@thonglee2516]

Vintage Wood Workshop

[@paulbrown8370]

I like the idea of the chicken wire underneath to stop the animals from getting under there. I have a few animals living under mine now, Possums, Groundhogs, Rabbits, and even a racoon. Mine is about 8 inches of the ground because i use to get a few standing inches of water under there.

[@EvelynLogan-od7zc]

Paul

[@hammerhead6537]

Getting ready to build a pad for my 10x12 shed. I finally found an excellent video on how to do it. You did a very good job and thanks for making the video.

[@Holler_Rat]

Great video. You do a really nice job explaining why you're doing what you're doing. Plus, it's awesome to see a man working with his daughter.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Thanks James!

[@tamaraweber3296]

The shed looks Great and thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Your very lucky to have a beautiful helper.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Thank you! Yes, she is already requesting that I help her build her own house someday!

[@soniadean2000]

I am not in the construction industry nor am I a carpenter, I wanted a good guide to help with small projects such as small sheds and some remodeling around the house. So there’s a magic which is Shed Plan [ visit here *WoodBlueprints. Com* ]. This Shed Plan covers all my instructions from top to bottom in a step by step manner.

[@measureoncecutthreetimes8677]

@@soniadean2000 SPAMMER !!

[@TonyRomearound]

Great job it looks awesome. Your daughter is quite the little helper. You look like a very blessed man

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

That turned out really nice! I also like the looks of that shed, the guy delivering it had some maneuvering skills!

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

thanks Wes, yeah he has it down! I was losing sleep over how it could be maneuvered in there!

[@thonglee2516]

Vintage Wood Workshop

[@howardlogan8123]

SHAWИEE HILLS I two men

[@howardlogan8123]

Two men

[@howardlogan8123]

Two men and a bow

[@wanders11]

Well done. Clearly described without excessive detours. Good work.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

thanks Bill! yes, it is challenging to edit all the footage down to a manageable length to keep it interesting so thanks for the feedback!

[@richmckay576]

Just an fyi, instead of using a small square to square up the building foundation. Try the 3,4,5 method. Meaning....from the inside or outside corner measure 3' one way and from the same corner measure 4' then the distance on the angle shud be 5'.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

great tip! I have heard of that before from Jimmy Diresta. I'll try it on my next project

[@rb8098]

I love the pace and professional quality of your video. You explain how to complete a project very well. It was cute seeing your little girl helping you put it all together. Thanks! I am going to start my rock base today.

[@danielsolowiej]

Oh! That's what you were doing when you explained the correct use of the shovel with respect to your father's teachings! Great. The ramming of stones is one of the most stable things I've seen because they get caught up with each other, and the rain helps more than bother, to seat the whole. Nice way to level up using the beam, that's tiring to do. I think the containment wooden wall will not move over time by movement the ground, because you joined the first row with the second. That was a question to make you, when I saw the first part of the video. There will be no moisture down there and if it enters the rain, will drain perfectly between the stones down. Love the shed man ! Thanks for sharing !

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Thanks Daniel!! yeah, I wanted to try my best to make it right!! Hopefully it will last a long time!

[@strider8933]

I so love that your daughter was included in the process. Major memories!!!

[@MegaDrummerboy16]

Oh yeah, & seeing your daughter learn what a real man is....... priceless 👍🏾

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

haha...that's what I'm hoping!! thanks

[@himaleemigel6413]

Nice job. your daughter is so supportive and she reminded me my childhood. Thanks for the video.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Himalee Migel thank you, she is a great helper!

[@MitchellDeitrich]

Wow man you did an awesome job! love the time laps with the daughter I like the interaction. Great video you captured this process really well dude!

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Thanks Mitch! working on the editing....need a better computer next!!

[@davemort83]

You can build that too. (-:

[@MitchellDeitrich]

David Mortimer I agree but sometimes tools, financial power, and know how come I to play. KZbin is our know how tool!! :)

[@Madmun357]

No, your editing was great. Helpful video!

[@keithkubicek3394]

and a good helper makes all the difference 0:56, 7:51

[@kmdesignstudio8364]

Loved the detail you showed in all the steps of preparing for the shed. Your time lapsed views caught my eye when your precious daughter was helping you every step of the way! It reminds me of exactly how my sweet daughter works with me on any project that I tackle! She's gotten to where she does her own when she knows I'm slacking! Great job! I'm looking forward to seeing more from you guys! Thanks so much for sharing this with us! And have a blessed weekend!

[@tonymcclintock5132]

Great job, thanks for doing this video. Think I'll try to do this myself also.

[@johnmontague69]

A lot of shoveling dude. Hard graft. Looks beautiful ☺

[@mastercheif1989]

Here is a suggestion for offloading stones in the back of your truck. Put a heavy-duty tarp down first before loading and tie a bow knot with all corners and center clasped together. Dig a hole to a minimum of 2 feet deep with a 2x4 set vertical just in front of your dump spot or better yet in the center of the dump spot, tie or better yet wench the other end of the rope to the hitch of your car. Instant leverage / pulley. It will save your back.

[@michelepinkney1504]

You did an amazing job!

[@Ronwixziv]

I appreciate your "step by step" way of explaining things. Thank you for that Sir.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

you're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@randommisshaps7]

Looks great. What are the benefit's to using gravel instead on cement on the base?

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Mike Allberry thanks, it's way cheaper and it provides great drainage.

[@williamchristopher3255]

That’s great idea your information was very helpful. Thanks.

[@EvelynLogan-od7zc]

William

[@jimgeelan5949]

nice vid matey, I'm from England and envy the size of the plots of land you all have out there

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Thanks! yes, we are lucky to have nice amounts of space here at reasonable prices. I try to keep in mind how lucky we are to have what we do here and that this shed is nicer than many "homes" in third world countries where they live in those corrugated metal shanty towns. So that is something that we should all remember and be thankful for living in countries that have access to electricity and running water and are relatively safe....whether it be the US or UK. sorry to get deep there!

[@blkacdevl2517]

Good video. As everyone is pointing out, you have a good little helper there. She's definitely a keeper.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

haha, thank you...i most definitely agree!

[@handydadtv]

Good job on this video. You've got a nice authentic style and will do well. Keep uploading!

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

hey thanks! I appreciate that! Its not always easy to tell if the videos are any good or not!

[@EsDACcompany]

Great Job! Enjoyed watching it and liked the portion where your kid helping from time to time.

[@DougCeleste]

GREAT video and thanks for sharing! I have critters going under my old shed that my uncle had built. Where do you buy that mesh that you used and what type do I get??? Can I use nails instead of staples since I do not have a construction stapler??? Thanks for any help!

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Thanks! They call it wire cloth and you should be able to find it at a local hardware store or a big box store. You can use larger staples that you have to hammer in.

[@DougCeleste]

Thanks so much for the tips! Much appreciated and I never thought about this for my shed. Using boards to seal up the gaps under the shed would cause the problems that you described and air needs to circulate while the wire cloth would also keep out the skunks and squirrels who love to go under my shed. I really admire your construction and wood-working skills and I wish I had those, too! VERY impressive talents that you have!

[@8756016]

Doug Celestial

[@legman1476]

Excellent work. I am also very impressed with how helpful your daughter was.

[@TJSWOODWORKINGSHOP]

You the MAN brother awesome job and great tips to i like it very good ideas,I hit the BIG BELL so I can see all your awesome project bro and God Bless :)

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Thanks Brother!! I appreciate the support my friend!!

[@TJSWOODWORKINGSHOP]

I'm a huge supporter of the woodworking community my brother and I love it it's awesome :)

[@wildernesshermit]

Excellent info, thanks.

[@texan4jesuschrist559]

The wife’s “has to look pretty”, sounds like my wife lol.

[@levenscott645]

Good sense and solid build. Nice looking prefab shed and great finished project. Enjoyed seeing your daughter lending a hand.

[@abelperez8373]

I missed what was the total cost (wood, gravel, etc.)? And how long did it take to make?

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Abel Perez total cost for the shed pad was between $400 and $500. It was a little more because of the retaining wall I had to build and those treated 6x6s aren't cheap. To clear the area and finish the pad took me about 3 weeks working off and on, nights and weekends. There was a huge stump right where the shed is now that I burned, then cut/ripped out. You can see that video on my channel called come along vs large roots. So that took extra time.

[@chantham6961]

Abel Perez ร

[@Darkmatter321]

I'm coming back! The Stump

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

UMU-i-D no! Revenge of the stump!

[@Bob3519]

Great job. I did the kind of foundation for shed too. I was renting property and didn't want to spend more than I needed. It worked great and was still going strong with no problems after two years. You have a beautiful house and yard, the shed was a nice addition. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@idontknow2293]

The best part is watching your daughter work with YOU. Clearly Daddy's little Angel. One tip if you don't mind. When hauling loose materials in your truck put a large tarp in the bed. Helps for the clean up and keeps your truck looking good.

[@Daniel-gi3jo]

Well, now ya have a place to sleep when you forget the anniversary, birthday, mother-in-law shows up, ect.

[@jiayihuang16]

Seems good so far! Was easy to talk to about his My Shed Plans [Go Here=> *WoodBlueprints. Com* ]. Guided me in the right direction & helped me understand everything & in the end it was what I wanted

[@csxhogger1]

Nice little helper with you! Enjoy they grow up so fast! Thanks, for sharing the video.

[@jackisears367]

Whyyyyy didn't you show the inside? That was all I wanted to see.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Sorry, maybe a "tour" video is in order!!

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Jacki Sears new tour video is on my channel!

[@angelachouinard4581]

I have to do my own pad. I'm getting a nice prebuilt shed and that's a big budget item. I watched several videos and your really impressed me. You showed getting your own gravel, which I will probably have to do and a great method to tie that retaining wall. Also, you included that critter proofing which no one else did but I sure need it where I live. Last but not least, working with your daughter really touched me. My Dad taught me all kinds of DIY stuff and I miss him big time. Subscribed.

[@dakotam2800]

I guess Im younger than I thought. By "shedpad", I thought you meant a house made out of a shed.

[@bowhunter8235]

Many, who have sub titles, run them so quickly that it's a challenge to read and visualize before sub titles disappear. Your timing was very good and photography as well. You have a great voice for 'teaching'. Total presentation was excellent. I'm looking to do something like this and your project presentation inspired me more than any other. Well done. Thank you.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Bow Hunter thanks so much for your feedback! I’ve been a science teacher for 15 years so I’ve had lots of practice explaining things but I’m rather new to making videos. Good luck with your project 👍

[@lynned3478]

You offered some very helpful suggestions on foundation preparation. Very methodical and 'measure twice, cut once' guidance. Thank you. Cheers.

[@minutesagoedited9761]

I dig that the man works with his daughter. Right on brother!

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Hey thanks! yes, I am very lucky to have been blessed with my little helper!

[@billanderson7760]

I liked seeing your little helper assisting.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Bill Anderson thanks man!

[@justusjenkins1285]

I love seeing you and your daughter work together, it reminds me of me and my Dad.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

thank you! she is so fun to work with and a great little helper. I know how much time with my Dad meant to me as well!

[@robertchen9686]

Thank you so much for the info. Outstanding

[@EvelynLogan-od7zc]

Robert

[@clydelewis850]

The way this video was done makes it very clear how this was done.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Clyde Lewis thank you for the feedback! I had a lot footage to edit down to this point and I tried to make it flow the best I could and keep it a reasonable length

[@randystekly6518]

I'm going to install a shed this summer and your information will be very helpful. I'm always on a tight budget and your video will certainly make a difference. Thanks!

[@EvelynLogan-od7zc]

Randy

[@greggwoods7173]

Very nice.. Have been pondering doing something similar.. Good to see it done by somebody who knows how.

[@cathypickren655]

Loved this video - i think i can do this. It may take me longer but i want to do it myself. Little people help all the time and they think its fun - the part i really loved about her was her interest on the install. She didn't just 'watch' she was all over the place to see how it was going and how it was done. Cool little chick.

[@JeffWilliamsGuitar]

Someday when I own a house and I want to build a shed... the first thing I'll be doing is watching this video again! Nice job!

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Haha, thanks man, glad you liked it!

[@MelodyHenshaw-w3o]

Neat shed

[@NobleRooster]

This is exactly the kind of video I was looking for. Wanting to get a shed for my slightly sloped backyard, but knew I was going to have to do some prep work to get a pad for it to sit on and was kind of clueless how to go about doing it. Thinking I can take a lot of pointers from this vid. Thanks!

[@karlknoche5378]

Nice clean video. Loved your daughter running around. I might suggest more instructions on laying out and squaring up the pad. I use the 3, 4, 5 method to set up the sides. A perfect right angle.

[@EvelynLogan-od7zc]

Hi 👋

[@GORF_EMPIRE]

Love daddy's little helper.... great job building and as a parent too!

[@charliehill995]

You did an excellent joy. The shed looks nice and much better than the run -of-the-mill ones. Your daughter appeared to be conscientiously engaged in performing journeyman level work. Did too! Your work was mediocre in comparison to your little helper's, given her age and size, which you will reflect on, over the ensuing years with fond memories. Now that is truly priceless.

[@danielborchardt5591]

Looks great! Id like to see how you did the.ledger board and ramp

[@EvelynLogan-od7zc]

Daniel

[@mct8888]

That delivery guy was worth every penny.

[@subhastheboss]

You did a very nice job building the foundation. Oh, a good helper too. Congratulations.

[@leonardbartholomew5021]

Good job! Kudos to your busy little helper too.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

LEB 3 thank you!

[@doloresmex12]

Love your little assistant ❤️

[@btdayoungsta2702]

Super awesome bro! I planned on building my foundation before my shed gets delivered and all the videos I saw was gravel on the ground spread out, yours the first I saw almost that suited my wants! Thanks a lot

[@CNormanHocker]

She must had a great allowance. The best assistant you'll ever have.

[@hermajestysmagicalqueendom7699]

That was very helpful.🖒 You did a great job and your daughter helping out was awesome. I look forward to watching more of your vloggs. Thanks for taking us along.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

great thanks! I appreciate you saying that...very encouraging!

[@khearl]

great ideas, loved you little girl helping, so sweet.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Thanks Karen!!

[@barryelitchfield]

Thanks for a great video. I'm in Canyon Lake Texas, in the Texas Hill Country, about 35 miles north of San Antonio. After you get through the 2" to 3" top soil when digging, you hit several inches of calichi rock. It's like limestone that's not finished compacting and hardening. You can dig through that layer with a good sharpshooter spade if you take small bites chipping away at the edges. Under that you hit the layer of limestone rocks mixed with calichi soil, and then you hit solid limestone bedrock. You need a 20 pound rock bar, and a pick/matock, plus a good strong back, arms and shoulders to dig through those layers. Because of this, we normally build up to level the foundation instead of digging into the soil and rock for a foundation for a little shed or small out building. Your method would be ideal here. I think I'll use your method myself when I build a storage shed this fall or winter. Thanks again for your excellent video.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

very cool to hear, Barry! Thanks for sharing the ground composition down in Texas...very interesting! Sounds like a killer to "dig" through that calichi rock so yeah this method should work fine. Of course you have different critters to worry about down there I'd imagine! good luck on building your pad! Email pictures when you're done: kylebollendorf1 at gmail dot com.

[@barryelitchfield]

Vintage Wood Workshop Yes, we're overrun with whitetail deer, plus Axis deer from Asia are a non-native pest. Mostly a problem with them eating the vegetation on the plants that homeowners plant (non-native plants). Plus, thousands of deer killed on the state and federal highways, farm to market roads, and county roads. A very large amount of damage to cars and trucks, and death and injuries to the occupants when deer come through the windshields.

[@netpasyanetpasya6381]

I watched your video last year and did the pad last summer and got the shed delivered before the winter. I get so many compliments on the final work, I blush every time. I had the stones delivered right on the pad and did everything pretty much by hand, the digging, the stone spreading, etc.... Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Awesome, you’re welcome, so glad it turned out so nice for you!

[@fionasmith8893]

What a great job...your wife is lucky to have such a handy fellow. I'd love to see the inside of the shed!

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Thank you! I'll be doing a shed tour video this week!

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Fiona Smith shed tour video is up on my channel!

[@zetaspring1110]

You co-worker/inspector 's the bomb.

[@James_T_Kirk_1701]

Hey if you ever do the again. In the rear where you have the retaining wall next time before you put the beams and gravel down put plastic down, the back fill and fold it down and put a couple inches of dirt on top of it. Kind of hard to explain in text. That plastic will a) help the water divert around when draining b) let the wood last longer and c) *bonus* in your case it would help with weed control in your flower beds.

[@EvelynLogan-od7zc]

James

[@ballroomwilliams7154]

You made this look so easy and uncomplicated...THANK YOU!

[@imnitguy]

Awesome video. Thank you for taking the time. As a father with a 5 year old helper myself, I really enjoyed that your daughter participated in helping you and that you let her. A+ Good job!