"If you're building something you want to last decades—like a workshop or even a garden shed—I'd personally lean toward investing upfront in deeper footings or even some basic soil stabilization."
Couldn't agree more with this. I've seen firsthand how investing in solid foundations pays off, especially in luxury home builds. Sure, the upfront cost can sting a bit, but the peace of mind and reduced maintenance down the line are priceless. You're definitely on the right track thinking long-term—your future self will thank you for it.
Good points overall, but honestly, deeper footings or soil stabilization might be overkill for something like a garden shed. Built mine about 8 years ago on compacted gravel and concrete blocks—still rock solid, no shifting or sinking. Sure, for a full workshop or house, go all-in on foundations, but smaller structures can do just fine with simpler setups. Sometimes practical beats perfect...
"Sometimes practical beats perfect..."
Couldn't agree more. For smaller sheds or garden structures, compacted gravel and concrete blocks usually do the job just fine. One extra tip I'd suggest is laying down a geotextile fabric beneath your gravel base. It helps prevent weeds and soil erosion, keeping things stable long-term. Did that on my greenhouse build about five years ago—still level and steady, even after some heavy rains and frost cycles. Just a small step, but worth it for peace of mind.
Totally agree on practical over perfect, especially for smaller builds. Geotextile fabric is solid advice—used it myself once or twice. But honestly, even without it, a well-compacted gravel base usually holds up fine if you prep properly. Key thing is drainage: slope the ground slightly away from your structure and it'll save you headaches later. Learned that the hard way with my first shed...ended up moving water by hand after every storm. Not fun.
