MY ADVENTURE WITH DIY CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS
Mesh is one of those things that sounds great on paper, but for a small shed? I’m not convinced it’s always necessary. I’ve seen more issues come from poor prep than from skipping mesh, honestly. Heavy compaction and making sure the base is solid seems to do more for longevity than anything else, at least in my experience.
I’ve had a couple of hairline cracks show up over the years, but nothing major—definitely nothing structural. Usually just cosmetic stuff that you only notice if you’re really looking for it. The real trouble starts when people pour on soft ground or skip the gravel base... then winter just tears it apart.
If you’re not dealing with crazy freeze-thaw cycles, I’d say you’re probably fine without going overboard on reinforcement. Sometimes simpler really is better, especially if you’re not parking anything heavy on it.
MY ADVENTURE WITH DIY CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS
- Had the same debate with myself last summer when I poured a pad for my garden shed.
- Ended up skipping the mesh, focused on compacting the heck out of the gravel base instead.
- A year in, just a couple tiny cracks—nothing you’d notice unless you’re staring at your feet.
- Honestly, the prep work was way more important than any reinforcement for such a small project.
- Only thing I’d do different is maybe spend less time stressing about perfect edges... they get covered by dirt and plants anyway.
MY ADVENTURE WITH DIY CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS
I totally get where you’re coming from on the mesh debate. When I did my patio slab, I kept going back and forth—mesh or no mesh? In the end, my wallet made the decision for me. Skipped it, just like you, and put all my energy into tamping down the gravel. Used a rented plate compactor and probably annoyed the neighbors with the noise, but hey, priorities.
A year and a half later, it’s holding up fine. There’s a hairline crack by the corner, but honestly, I think that’s just concrete being concrete. If I’d spent more on mesh, I’d probably be annoyed at every little flaw. Instead, I just shrug and figure it’s good enough for a patio where I’m mostly grilling and hanging out.
Funny you mention the edges—I obsessed over them too, but now they’re buried under mulch and flower pots. If I ever do it again, I’m definitely dialing back the perfectionism. Sometimes “good enough” really is good enough, especially when you’re trying to keep costs down.
MY ADVENTURE WITH DIY CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS
I hear you on the mesh dilemma—felt like I was overthinking it for weeks. Ended up skipping it too, mostly because of cost and the fact that my slab wasn’t going to see heavy loads. Honestly, after a couple seasons, it’s still holding up better than I expected. Got a few cracks, but nothing major. I did spend extra time on drainage though, since I figured water’s the real enemy with concrete. Sometimes I wonder if I should’ve just gone with pavers, but the slab’s been fine for backyard hangouts so far.
MY ADVENTURE WITH DIY CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS
Skipping the mesh is pretty common for light-use slabs, honestly. I’ve seen plenty of patios and walkways last years without it, as long as you stay on top of drainage like you did. Water’s definitely the sneaky culprit—cracks are almost inevitable, but if they’re minor, you’re winning. Pavers are nice, but they shift around way more than a slab, especially if the prep isn’t perfect. For backyard hangouts? I’d say you made the right call.
