Jacking up a Shed - Making a Workshop

Raising up a #shed w/ a car jack and adding concrete blocks. In this series I am taking an old 10 x 14 foot pre-fab shed and making it a finished office and #shop. #carjack
Thanks to WD40 for partnering on this video! wd40.com
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Goochland, Virginia 23063
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[@janellekm]

Thanks for your video. When I had my shed professionally installed, I commented to the guys about them not cementing the posts in. As a result, my shed has sunk a bit, and I was left with the thought that I would have to pull apart the shed and rebuild. Not now, I can jack it up. Once again, thanks for showing me how I can jack up my shed. ❤

[@gregsabados3762]

Something you should consider, you used hollow core blocks laid on their side to support your shed. so you only have a few inches of concrete at each web supporting the shed instead of the whole block. Hollow core blocks are traditionally used with the holes running vertically. So, I suggest keeping an eye out for cracking blocks and replace them with solid blocks when you get the chance in the future.

[@AB-nu5we]

I noticed that too. I'm not sure that type of block is appropriate for this application. If you watch again where she lets the last side drop on the last side block, you see it crack a little.

[@scottjohnson3226]

I believe you both are correct. I believe the new block being used as is is at risk of failure. She should replace the brick.

[@sdcofer52]

Ditto

[@matthewprice9781]

Also, oriented in this (wrong) direction opens up the doors for standing water in the open cells. Freezing and thawing water over time will most certainly crack these blocks. Solid blocks are 100% the way to go here.

[@TB110602]

Is it possible to use solid I - beam post instead of bricks and wooden boards? Just a question

[@grantMH1]

You are a motor - Nothing stops you - you're a Viking! Always enjoy your videos - please : don't ever stop them

[@rocketwontoo5073]

You might want to consider putting up rain gutters to help with water issue as well as a skirt around the building to keep critters and leaves from under the building.

[@Kkuts37]

Brava! I love that you don't shy away from anything!! Can't wait to see more, Linn! :)

[@Okimyhome]

I can’t agree more 👍 a great example to follow 😀

[@jenniferw8963]

After watching your video, I just did the same thing today to my shed because it was sitting too low. We used a 2.5 ton car jack and jacked up one corner at a time and added 1/2" fence picket thickness each time. So far we are up 1".. next step is 2 x 4 thickness to get up to 1.5 inches. Going for a total of 4 inches higher, then we'll add 4 in x 8 in x 8in solid concrete block. Your video helped me out a lot.. didn't realize it was so easy to raise my shed (house) :)

[@ceciliaescobedo5624]

Awesome! Answered all my questions that I had about lifting my shed and transform into a livable space. Thank you so much for your video. You truly inspired me as I am a female as well. 😀

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic work, Linn! 😊 You know, my parents have a small farm here in Brazil. And something my father did that was fantastic was to put gravel all around the house and other buildings we have there... Now we never have mud around the house and to clean you just need a good blower. 😊

[@h.chappelle2720]

I am turning a 1950s bungelow into a place for my dogs to hang out sometimes. It needs a jackup all over, it was made in three pieces-kit spread out as a 10 X 16. So, I can jack up each section. It is just the back part that is sinking, but it looks like the cement blocks used back then are deteriorating a little in the other areas, and I am thinking about putting new blocks. I am unsure I will do it myself, but at least I know how it is done. Another video I saw suggests to use large gravel under the cement blocks to help prevent the blocks from sinking. Some say to use bottle jacks with jack stands. The car jack you use looks safer, as there is some distance. Thanks for posting how you did that. Some just say to jack it up at the corner, but you jack it up several inches from the corner, and that makes it easier.

[@knippo]

Can't wait to see next steps to get the shed finished! Have fun with the new project, Darbin!

[@maureenposhweddingflowers5429]

Thank you so much! I built a chicken coop in the backyard and the concrete blocks we used for the foundation all sunk, doors didn’t open right, floor rotted, etc. I wanted to tear down the coop and build a greenhouse instead but had no idea how to keep the same thing from happening. Now I see that we can use your method to jack it up once a year and return it to level. Thank you for a very helpful video

[@1OTDM]

Sounds to me like you have clay/loam soil. A longer-term solution would be to remediate the soil by removing 2-3 feet of dirt, filling with large gravel/stone dust and compacting heavily like you would preparing for a foundation. Then backfill the rest of the hole with soil you bring in.

[@Wildevis]

Great job and nice to have the right tools :-) I agree with Tess that a removable grating around the edge will help to keep the underside clean of leaves and critters and water flowing through. Can't wait to see the finished product! I am on a mission to get my house sorted out as I stopped doing my old freelance work and started a new business , so have to plough through boxes and bags of the old business, as I had to keep samples for repeat customers and can now finally get rid of them. Can also see which of the old stuff I can still use or otherwise donate/sell/throw away. Always nice to re-purpose what you have and organising your space to be more useful

[@raylarkin5004]

Like your enthusiasm. You show very well that doing it gets it done. Good work. 👍

[@janetstone236]

Yes, an inspiration. I am jacking up the very front peak of a 32" A-frame, that somehow in 1965 they put the peak in the middle of a joist, vs adding ONE MORE PIER, to add support to the outer front wall. Quotes of $2,700-$4000 have caused me to DIY. I am using jack posts from Home Depot for the temporary load. CAN'T WAIT to finish this, it is keeping me from installing the flooring.

[@Theexsquaddie.]

Great little project. From a safety point of view I would recommend bottle jacks for a project like this especially if the floor/trolley jack is unable to roll as they don't have a straight lift this way. Otherwise good job as always. Can't wait to see this project progress.

[@tri339090]

Nice job jacking up the shed ... I would suggest adding some gutters and a rain barrel in the rear of the structure to help control water. Also a French drain with corrugated tile burried the gravel will help a lot with water management.

[@oobaka1967]

Very relieved to see you weren't trusting the jack enough to put your hands between the shed and the blocks. Only takes an eye blink and you lose a few fingers at best. My shed is 40 years old. I don't even want to imagine what's under it.

[@Bill.L.Carroll]

Great reno so far, can't wait to see the rest.👌 Super job, Linn👍

[@annehalkyard]

Thank you so much for the detailed video. My studio shed has sunk in one corner and I need to get a block under it and I see from you how to do it. Thank you so much.

[@dri50]

Nice job! Raising the shed will discourage critters from living under there. It will also promote better air flow and drying. It will be easier to get the leaves out. And maybe Darwin will keep on eye on the underside and chase the bunnies away!

[@KennethMcGrath]

Instead of stairs, you might want to consider a ramp. That will make it easier to move things in and out of the structure. Just a thought! :)

[@kensharp2453]

As mentioned by others, the more supporting blocks you have, the better off you will be when you start using it as a shop. Good video and narration as you went through the job of raising the shed (shop). Can't wait to see the rest of the job.

[@sethbracken]

Tar paper or a shingle between the top block and the wooden frame will prevent moisture from wicking up.

[@sethbracken]

Ah, I see now you put some shingles in. Nevermind!

[@daniellargey8430]

For future reference, best to lay cement blocks with hollow voids facing up, as they are designed to be used that way. keep up the good work.

[@motor1395]

As always Linn you are amazing!! That’s going to be a great shop once you are done. Take care, Norm in Arizona

[@captaincoyote1792]

Wow, Darbin....I congratulate you on tackling this. I’m retired Navy (BTW, great liberty port in Stockholm!) and retired federal game warden--so I tend not to shirk from a challenge. However, my 12x20 shed, while on an 8” deep gravel pad, has settled, I have been wringing my hands considering attempting to re-level.....I’m overly concerned with making something “worse” (like snapping a framing timber or one of the support joists....ouch!). Watching you do this....I mean, what the hell. I guess I’ll go for it. Incidentally, that’s a nice area you now live in. The nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, not too far from the coast and the Outer Banks, the Appalachian Trail, surf fishing Virginia’s coast to chasing trout in the mountains. Enjoy that area while you live there! Thanks again.....Bravo-Zulu on this great video!

[@sandrajones3994]

I'm impressed! I'm turning my 12'x8'x12' storage building into a guest house/she-shack. Biggest project I've done yet. I'm trying to work out in my head how I will jack it up to insulate underside of floor (can't do inside). I will get a friend to help with that and may post it, along with before and after pics when I finish. Wish me luck.

[@stgray35]

One thing I would advise is to put more blocks under the centre of the floor, if not, you will risk bowing in the middle, and make boxes around the blocks and pour concrete, will make it more secure 😊

[@AgentJeffy]

@@GalacticStudios You first set the blocks around the outside, then you jack one side up maybe an inch or so and crawl under to put blocks under the center supports. Because you've already put the block around the edges, worst case if the jack fails the shed will fall on the new blocks you've added. It's not high enough to have it fall off the blocks.

[@senseisecurityschool9337]

@@GalacticStudios push them with a stick?

[@tedshort2250]

Instead of adding the blocks to the perimeter foundation, I would have preferred the method we use which is to place a treated 4x4 of width length across under the shed at each block interval to span the floor as beams. It all depends upon the blocks lining up of course, but that can be remedied if needed. Also, this would require a second person for ease and safety. Nicely made video!

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Nice work Linn! Thanks for sharing the video, And Merry Christmas! To you and your family!👍😎JP

[@karenmitchell6814]

I have a shed like this with the same issue: how to keep the moisture away. Grading, a couple of gutters and rain barrels will further help to keep the whole thing dry and keep the bugs away too. Also I hope the wood you have on top of the concrete block is pressure treated? I couldn’t tell. I also added gravel under my shed and grating around the perimeter to make it less attractive/accessible to animals.

[@dude_man_bro]

Great idea!

[@debean5670]

Gutters would really solve this problem. I have them on my shed with a downspout on both front and back to move the rainwater away from the foundation. You could also use this for water collection into barrels if you are managing a garden.

[@Woodden]

What is really fun is watching them jack up and move a big house.

[@redbeard757]

I would say gutters are gonna be a good addition...where there is moisture and wood termites will soon follow, especially in VA.I just got done researching good ways to do this too! My shed sets in a low area and takes a lot of water damage. It has a concrete floor so I will have to lay a row of block under the whole thing, not looking forward to it, but hopefully it will make a good video.

[@billbaggins]

as others have suggested.. cladding would have many benefits. you should also put some mechanical protection around the power cable, to prevent damage when mowing/weed whacking. will be a nice space when you finish

[@the_realJP_]

I am needing to do a very similar project, except that I am adding the timbers underneath of an existing shed that is resting on the ground.

[@reforzar]

“Man, that shed is jacked up!” 😂

[@grizdeluxe]

I like the snow too! I moved to Bend from Portland so I could get the change in seasons.

[@amiller799]

FWIW, I use solid concrete blocks. They come in 2" and 4" and most building supply have them. They look just like what you used only no holes, that could crush under load. I'm sure you will be fine so file this away for future building leveling projects.

[@soosaisteven3984]

Thank you. I've learnt something from this video. Pls make video on high pressure laminate on plywood cabinet which will be used to hold roasting oven. Will the laminate take the heat?

[@robonyt]

I've lived in Virginia most of my life, and never heard anyone say they loved the snow. But I'm with you, I'd miss it.

[@sandrajones3994]

I love snow!

[@MariaMora31]

Many thanks, been searching for "how to make a wood foundation for a shed" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Damkietor Nonpareil Dominion - (do a search on google ) ? It is an awesome exclusive guide for building better sheds and woodworking without the normal expense. Ive heard some great things about it and my colleague got amazing success with it.

[@tcl5853]

I appreciate all you do and show us!

[@beebob1279]

Nice job. What are you going to do to keep critters from going under your shed?

[@mike130557]

You’ve now created some useful storage space under the shed too. Make a couple of flat trolleys to roll in and out. You could store garden furniture under there, or firewood? Who knows!!!

[@christinamedrano6912]

Thanks for the video. Thanks to Hurricane Sally our shed flooded and has sunk towards the water side. Need to buy a jack!

[@silversage03]

I need to do the same with my small kitty shed. It's currently so low to the ground that we have problems with skunks getting underneath to nest.

[@hadlock]

That ramp looks like it needed some new decking, the support frame under the decking looked like it had at least 20 more years of life in it. Not sure the decking needed replacement even, probably just hit it with a planer to pull the top 1mm off and repaint.

[@rossa7215]

This was helpful to see. Having owned one of these sheds, the thing that gets to them is water/moisture. Mud, as you showed, gets splashed up onto the wood supports and the siding material, acting like a sponge to absorb rain and eventually causing rot and the need for renovation or replacement of the shed. I learned that lesson the hard way, and in hindsight should have spent the money on a complete gravel bed, or concrete pad before my install. Yours was already there, I know. In the beginning of your video you discussed evaluating the condition of your shed before proceeding. From the images, it looks to me as though most of the siding is soft at the bottom, and I would have tested that with an awl, or a sharp screwdriver first. Otherwise this was great.

[@markpack1111]

Always being 10 steps ahead of the g.... We will All be living in one of these sooner than later..

[@japgmxmx]

la admiro por hacer todo tipo de trabajos, esto demuestra que no es cuestion de genero, solo de ganas de hacer las cosas, felicidades miss darbin, y gracias

[@charliestory8929]

I would plant pavers around the perimeter to keep the varmints from getting under it. Plus seal the area with Hardie Siding. This keeps the wind out which should reduce heating co$ts. Oh and nice job.

[@neuf350z3]

I’m very interested to see this process. I bought a big shed years ago to store stuff but want to turn it into a workshop since I have no garage. I’m in MA so weather factors into my conversion.

[@newnam]

Nice job! Love your videos. Always some inspiration!

[@tesshoefler1745]

You could put up grating around the perimeter of the shed to keep debris from getting under there! Just a thought!

[@normanbott]

My thoughts exactly and it could look decorative too.

[@esskayrepairrestoration8265]

And to keep the local wildlife from making their home under there!

[@dvdru]

@@esskayrepairrestoration8265 I have a skunk living under my shed. I'm not going to bother trying to to get rid of him as he goes away in the spring.

[@chou1234chou]

bj sims h

[@esskayrepairrestoration8265]

bj sims I had in mind some of the nasties we have in Oz, there’s quite a few of them you don’t want nipping at your ankles as you leave the shed! 🙂

[@taniamaduro1200]

Do you have a final pic with the gravel? You said the gravel helps prevent mud?

[@danscalone8110]

Nice Job. Can't wait to see how your shop turned out. BTW, I just Subscribed.

[@MojojoJenkins]

Neat! I'm excited for this project!

[@rekostarr7149]

did you jack up the middle of the floor of the middle beam? I have a long shed and I'm wondering how to have access to underneath with a jack... open the floors? :/

[@darbinorvar]

this was a small shed so it was easy to access the middle.

[@hdadb]

Linn, would you think of tying the shed floor beam to the new footings? I could see that a strong wind might blow it off its foundations. Although, of course, I have now knowledge of your climate!

[@Ryzomadman]

looking great, had a giggle watching the video as I had to use the subtitles as my headphones refused to work today on the train home..

[@jeremylakenes6859]

Just get long 4x6s and put them on your trailer same width as the skids. Use metal pipe as rollers and use a boat trailer hand winch to roll it right on. Keep truck in neutral and the trailer will roll itself under the shed.

[@josephatnip2398]

the water Moss mud issue on the bottom of the shed isn't because it's too low to the ground it's because you don't have any guttering on it if you don't get a lot of snowfall it's not a necessity to have it high off the ground

[@dcpersad]

You look so happy jacking the shed up. Are you planning to insulate under the floor or upgrade the power coming in?

[@corinnepondell5818]

Love your videos, doing a similar thing with my shed

[@thomasmarliere2505]

I love your enthusiasm 😊

[@VioletUpton]

Good job!!!!!Iw have had to jack up my mobile trailer 38 footer! It is a bit scary and crazy!!

[@rodw]

Hi Linn, great job !! I noticed that you had a helper but you did the bulk of the work. Kudos to you! Out of curiosity what are the dimensions of your shop? Thanks for sharing your talent and video, Rodney

[@coryshook7648]

You make me realize I’m such a chauvinist jerk! I admire you. I need to be better. I will try.

[@philipallen8648]

Maybe worth considering using a roll of Damp Proof Course (DPC) Membrane if you have any concerns of damp coming into your shop from the blocks. Not expensive but effective.

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

Very nice to follow all your ideas. WD40 is a panacea. Here in the Netherlands a day of snow, very different from Sweden.

[@SLynn-yb3uf]

Thanks for sharing I'll have to go get me a jack have a really nice Playhouse building in my backyard setting on blocks about to sink needs fixed thank you

[@pgvandy1]

Great job.... getting ready to do mine too!

[@budwoodman1716]

Using slotted block vs solid block or a taller pier support? I suppose since there are so many spaced uniformly around the base, the load will be evenly distributed so there is not enough downward force to crack any one of the slotted blocks.

[@JAM-zb2vh]

Hello I just want to tell you that you did a great Job and God bless you. Yes a man would of did it his way but you did it your way way to go.

[@1viva]

Excellent step by step video and explanations! Thank you! 1- But what is the standard elevation/clearance for a garden shed?, 12 inches?...and 2- will a wire mesh or fence be needed all around the bottom to prevent skunks, racoons, and other animals to go underneath? Tks! :-) Mario

[@ghassanalniser5477]

the weather is very cold in your place be careful ...... and good job .... عمل رائع ممتاز بلتوفيق تحياتي

[@danawheeler6517]

Are the loose stacked blocks going to be structurally sound enough now that it’s going to be more than a tool shed? Maybe I’m just looking at this from my California seismic point of view

[@VineyardFX]

Nice work. Very helpful.

[@FredMcIntyre]

Nice work Linn! 👍🏻👊🏻

[@debdottir]

That was cool. Do you think that is a stable foundation?

[@GroovyDrifter]

Maybe it is unnecessary, but I'll also make boxes around the pillars to pour some concrete. And by the way, great work, as always.

You're a clawed woman. Very brave. Congratulations

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

Minimum distance from grade to sill is 8" for non-pressure treated lumber. Make small concrete pads at three points uniformly spaced front, center and rear on both outboard floor beams, as well as the center floor beam. Place either deck blocks or, better yet, adjustable deck supports (affordable polymer) on each concrete pad, lower the shed and secure the floor beams to the supports. Next, insulate the underside of the floor using closed cell foam. Two to three inches will provide the necessary R-value for comfort and economy. While installation sheets are much less expensive, spray foam is really the way to go, although optimum application requires 70°F or higher. So, in the interest of expediency, sheet goods is best for the timing of this project. To finish the exterior and minimize pest infiltration, make frames for 90° lattice to close in the crawl space beneath the shed. As you're already planning, gravel around the perimeter of the shed is great. Gutters, or a slat system like Rainhandler, would also make a tremendous difference provided grading shed water away from the structure. Finally, insulate between the studs and rafters before constructing anything inside the shed. At about R-5 per inch, 2"-3" closed cell foam sheets are a wonderful choice here, as well. Don't forget to seal the edges and any penetrations with closed cell foam spray foam like Great Stuff. Properly insulated, this shed will be cozy and quiet; warm in the winter and cool in the summer. A portable heater, such as as Mr. Heater propane model, and a portable air conditioner will provide comfort for all seasons. Finally, to minimize the load on the circuit powering the shed, LED lighting it's the perfect choice. Best wishes on this project Linn.

[@dustymojave]

A propane heater in a closed shed is dangerous unless exhausted outdoors. Carbon monoxide.

[@bbrachman]

You will get used to the term 'Noreaster' very quickly. Are you going to put mesh at the bottom of the outside of the shed to keep critters from making a home underneath?

[@impossibletm2618]

11:26 Turn on captions :D

[@DarrenD777]

You're such a child....but thanks for the laugh! :-)) I find it interesting that a lot of Swedes have absolutely no accent when they come to the US, but a some do.

[@arthurmead5341]

@@DarrenD777 that's true, that simone girertz one has like none

[@JusBidniss]

impossible 9 I think what she meant was that she wanted to erect a small... er, uhm, that is to say, she wanted to get hold of some hard wood and, er, ahh, that is, uhm, she wanted to improve the structure by stiffening, uhhh.... Nevermind....

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

I wondered if anyone else would comment on that?... A 10 foot deck is pretty small - most guys exaggerate the size of their decks... I have a sizable one but it's not that wide 16'x4' for my shed....

[@JusBidniss]

@@Scotty_in_Ohio I totally get what you mean. I used to exaggerate, too, but then I just figured it's not the size of the deck, but what you do with it that counts.

[@BoeingVaporhead]

Good stuff, Linn! If you have the time and effort, please film the interior work as well. I'm about to insulate and wall my shop's interior; I'd like to see your approach. Though Georgia winters are fairly mild, I find it difficult to turn wood while wearing mittens.

[@darbinorvar]

I do plan to film everything!

[@NotaFullDeck333]

What size is the shed? And what was the jack you used? I need to do the same

[@darbinorvar]

it's 10' x 14'. I used a 2 1/2 ton floor jack.

[@voneschenbachmusic]

Linn 'bout to "jack this shed up" lol

[@MidLaneBoss]

You should also put a board across the bottom to keep things from getting under the shed again.

[@ronyerke9250]

Eaves troughs and downspouts will do the most to stop mud splasing up on your shed walls.

[@BlackWolf-di9gq]

"A couple of ants" haha

[@BasicPoke]

Thank you so much. You are a smart gal.. I need to raise a shed too.

[@williamsantiago7303]

Great video, very informative. How tall is your shed? Thumbs up👍 on your video.

[@ADVBear]

Linn, you are a remarkable woman. Fearless.

[@woodperfect]

On the right side the 4x4 beam looks warped, might be good to put a 6x6 railroad tie or p/t beam on all 4 sides what do you think Alexandra?

[@ADVBear]

@@woodperfect I think that could be a good idea.

[@pauldevey8628]

Try using slat wall and 3D print the fittings to hold your tools.

[@SangeetaKaurKhalsa]

I had to jack up my studio shed and put galvanized wire mesh under it because rodents had dug under it and piled at least a ton of dirt up underneath the floor-lesson learned!

[@rickvillarreal3972]

You go girl, solid block's would have been better all the way around, but you did great as a doer.

[@kaycox5555]

WD40 is a terrific product, and I'm happy to see him sponsoring you, Linn. Great video.

[@kjonesy4142]

... even the shoveling part, lol 😅

[@robertmaggi6979]

Great job Darbin but as Greg and the others said u myt have to change those cement blocks mate.... i'm looking ford to the rest of the build i think if u buy some square fence posts and cut them down to 1 foot lengths and place 2 or 3 a cross it be safer again great job babe ;)

[@joescharbrough3120]

We don't really know what kind of construction technique was used for the floor support. Time to look hard at that now. You are talking about adding a lot of weight to the shed with hand tools and I assume a stout hand tool workbench. Better to reinforce the floor now while you are in the jacking mood. Some center pillars for support should help but you really need to examine how the structure is. Some sheds are built very well and some are built for low dollar and light weight storage. We did not see enough of the under structure to know how this is built. Once again a very nice video.