It’s one thing to build shed foundations, and it’s another thing to maintain them. The maintenance of sheds doesn’t start and stop at building strong shed foundations.
It also extends to securing the area where your shed will stand from rain and other forms of precipitation.
Rocks are suitable materials for drainage because they push or hinder precipitation around the shed. They also absorb the heat energy from the sunlight and afterward radiate it at night.
Ready for a Roofing Quiz?
Should I Put Rocks Around my Shed?
You should put rocks around your shed if at all you want it to be durable. However, it depends on the make-up of your shed and its location.
Some homeowners prefer large rocks while others use smaller rocks; not only do they want safety and durability, but they also consider their shed’s looks.
Rocks control drainage; they hinder erosion around the foundation of your shed. In whichever way, putting rocks around your shed has more benefits than any inconveniences it might cause others.
It’s more important to have your building standing with the conviction that it will remain than to think about the fate of a substantial building around an eroded area.
You can’t undermine the importance of rocks in drainage systems. For people who live in icy environments: this helps to melt ice in no time, thereby driving water away from your shed’s foundation.
Rocks also absorb the heat energy captured from sunlight and, at night, radiate the captured heat.
Additionally, if the position of your building is in the direction of flowing water, then your best option is to put rocks around it. In this regard, you will have to get a landscaping professional for assistance.
The required amount of rock is in bulk supply and not some sparing approach. With an adequate amount of rock, what is left is how to put the rocks around a shed.
How to Put Rocks Around the Shed?
There are steps to follow if you want your rocks neatly and carefully put around your shed without any worries.
The steps below will guide you so that putting rocks around your shed will not be challenging if you’ve acquired your rocks. Let’s dive right in!
#1. Do Away With Debris
Do not mix your rocks with debris. Debris on rocks can cause more harm to the shed than the benefits the shed provides.
Therefore, removing debris from the area where you want to put rocks around your shed is the first step you should take.
#2. Avoid Mulching
Here is the need for quality. Do not be tempted to mix up your rocks with other materials to improve quantity.
You should avoid casting rocks alongside weeds or grass since the combination of rocks and grass will not blend properly.
Apart from the beauty defect it might cause, grass or weed will not survive in the hands of extreme precipitation.
#3. Level The Area
It’s best to grade the area where you will put the rocks around your shade. At least, it should not be as sloppy or hilly as it was: a leveled ground will suit the rocks better.
If you don’t grade the ground, your shed may erode or jampack.
#4. Provide An Underlayment
An underlayment helps restrict weed/grass growth. Without an underlayment, stubborn grasses will likely grow back on the surface of your rocks after a long period.
And you will be compelled to weed them off seasonally.
#5. Add A Lining
A lining will help guide your stones. If you do not want to always go in search of your stones after every harsh weather, you must add a lining to your rocks. Linings also add beauty to your landscaping.
#6. Add Soil
The soil here provides a befitting ground for your rocks. It is not mixed with the rocks but poured under them on the underlayment before introducing your rocks.
#7. Install Your Rocks
Finally, carefully install your rocks on the soil and spread them to fit the created space. Your rocks will settle comfortably and conveniently. Some people install rocks to cover the shed foundation level.
Related: Will Wood Roofs With Tar And Rock Leak?
What kind of Rock should I Use Around the Shed?
Gravels are also a good option when looking for what rock to use around your shed. While some go for gravel shed foundations, others choose other rock forms.
Like other rock forms, they do not permit water entry around the base shed.
You can use many good rocks around your shed without any worries. You are at liberty to use river and lava rocks.
You can also use the beach and polished pebbles for your landscapes. Like gravel, you can also use cobblestone and flagstone. Boulders can also serve the purpose.
The table below reveals some rocks, also providing their sizes and primary purposes.
Rocks To Use Around your Shed
| Rock/Type | Size | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel ( Sedimentary) | Pea size | Drainage control/absorb heat |
| Riverstone | 1-3 inch | Landscaping/Drainage control |
| Flagstone (Sedimentary) | 1-4 inch | Drainage control/Landscaping |
| Brick Chips | 1-3 inch | Drainage control |
| Lava Rock (Volcanic Rock) | 1-3 inch | Landscaping |
If constructed properly, most of the rocks mentioned above serve as drainage control materials and add beauty to your shed.
Tips for Putting Rocks Around a Shed
Before putting rocks around a shed, there are some options you should consider. Remember, you are not only safeguarding the premises, but you are also decorating.
Now, let me enlighten you more.
#1. Try the Right Rocks
Igneous rocks are one of the best rocks to use around your shed base. Other rocks may not offer what they offer.
Notwithstanding, you should go with what is available, only make sure that your choice is the right one.
#2. Go for the Affordable
There’s no point leaving your shed without protection waiting for your dream rock: You’re not dealing with some garden landscapes. Some rocks may not offer beauty, but they serve other purposes.
#3. Use the Right Building Tools
You should use the right building tools if you want them to be efficient and stress-free. You will need a spade or shovel for leveling and a bucket for installing the rocks.
Landscape Rocks Around Shed Ideas
You will need a landscaping professional to do the job. Nevertheless, there are some landscape rocks around the shed ideas you might like to try out.
Whether you’d like to use your shed for a workshop or storage doesn’t matter. Whatever you consider will produce a stunning outcome.
If your shed is well-built, positioned, and maintained properly, it reveals more of your home’s glory.
#1. Set Aside a Yard
Prepare at least a lawn for your shed from your spacious backyard. Give your shed its yard if you want it to be set apart from the rest of the building. By doing so, the shed stands secured and agile.
The outskirts of the set-aside yard become an exciting place to plant tall flowers for your privacy. I recommend Roses, but you can still choose whatever flowers you want.
#2. Border Garden
When you put Cobble stones in front of your shed, it has a distinctly homey feel. You won’t need a border garden anymore if you grow winter plants on it at intervals.
The good thing is that you can get a gravel-filled placeholder and maintain your plants in the beds to get some sun. Remember, the plants are in a pot.
Although a few suggestions might put you through, it’s advisable to contact a landscape professional.
Conclusion
There are so many landscaping ideas to use around your shed. But apart from the decoration, it is also essential to protect your shed.
No matter how appealing your landscaping ideas are, they are not good enough if they do not clear your doubt about safety.
Rocks are the best materials around your shed; hence it’s best to include rocks in your landscaping ideas.
