What tools do I need for lay concrete footings for a shed?

This guide includes a comprehensive tools list. Key building & construction tools are detailed in the Tools Required section.

What is the Australian standard for concrete footings?

The primary Australian standard for residential slabs and footings is AS 2870-2011. This standard outlines requirements for footing design, including depth and width, based on soil classification and site conditions to ensure structural integrity and prevent subsidence.

How deep should shed footings be in Australia?

Shed footing depth in Australia is determined by soil conditions and local council regulations, typically ranging from 300mm to 600mm. AS 2870-2011 provides guidance based on soil reactivity, with highly reactive soils often requiring deeper footings to mitigate movement.

What concrete mix ratio is recommended for shed footings?

For general purpose shed footings, a concrete mix ratio of 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, and 3 parts aggregate (1:2:3) is commonly recommended. For higher strength or structural applications, a 1:1.5:2.5 mix might be specified, as detailed in AS 3600-2018.

How long does concrete need to cure in Australian conditions?

Concrete typically requires a minimum of 7 days to achieve sufficient strength and up to 28 days for full design strength in Australian conditions. Proper curing, involving keeping the concrete moist, is crucial to prevent cracking and ensure durability, especially in hot climates.

How to Lay Concrete Footings for a Shed

This guide details the process of laying concrete footings for a shed, providing a stable and durable foundation. Proper footings are crucial for preventing subsidence and ensuring the longevity of your shed structure, especially in varying Australian soil conditions.

Skill level: Intermediate
Time: 1-2 days (depending on shed size and site conditions)
Trade: Building & Construction
Updated: 30 October 2026

Tools you will need

Shovel: Square mouth and pointed for digging.
Pickaxe: For breaking up hard ground.
String Line & Stakes: For marking out footing perimeters.
Wheelbarrow: Heavy
Concrete Mixer: Electric or petrol, 2.2 cubic feet
Edger: For neat concrete edges.
Rubber Mallet: For tapping formwork stakes.
Circular Saw: For cutting formwork timber.
Drill/Driver: With appropriate screws for formwork.
Hammer: For driving stakes.

🧱 Laying Concrete Footings for a Shed

What is involved in laying concrete footings for a shed?

What skill level is required to lay concrete footings for a shed?

Intermediate — Estimated time: 1-2 days (depending on shed size and site conditions)

What tools are essential for laying concrete footings in Australia?

Shovel: Square mouth and pointed for digging. Pickaxe: For breaking up hard ground. Tape Measure: 8m retractable for accurate measurements. String Line & Stakes: For marking out footing perimeters. Spirit Level: 1200mm for checking level, and a smaller 600mm for formwork. Wheelbarrow: Heavy-duty, 100L capacity for concrete transport. Concrete Mixer: Electric or petrol, 2.2 cubic feet (60L) drum capacity minimum, or consider hiring a larger one for significant volumes. Trowel: Steel float and finishing trowel for concrete surface. Edger: For neat concrete edges. Rubber Mallet: For tapping formwork stakes. Circular Saw: For cutting formwork timber. Drill/Driver: With appropriate screws for formwork. Hammer: For driving stakes. Rebar Cutters/Benders: If using steel reinforcement. Water Hose & Spray Nozzle: For wetting formwork and curing.

What materials are needed for shed concrete footings, and what are the Australian standards?
Formwork Timber: 90x45mm or 100x50mm treated pine, sufficient length for all footing perimeters, plus stakes. Concrete Mix: General purpose cement, aggregate (10-20mm blue metal), and sand (washed river sand). Calculate volume based on footing dimensions. For a typical 3m x 3m shed with 300mm x 300mm footings, you'll need approx. 0.81 cubic metres of concrete. Mix Ratio: 1:2:3 (1 part cement, 2 parts sand, 3 parts aggregate) for general purpose, or 1:1.5:2.5 for higher strength structural applications (consult engineer). Reinforcing Steel (Rebar): N12 deformed bar, if specified by an engineer or for larger sheds. Bar Chairs/Spacers: Plastic, 40-50mm cover for rebar. Tie Wire: For securing rebar. Plastic Sheeting (Visqueen): Heavy-duty, for damp-proofing if required. Screws/Nails: For securing formwork. Water: Clean, potable water for concrete mixing.

Safety Requirements

⚠️ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety Glasses: Always wear when digging, mixing, or pouring concrete. Gloves: Heavy-duty work gloves for digging, chemical-resistant gloves for concrete. Steel-capped Boots: Essential for foot protection. Long Sleeves & Trousers: Protect skin from concrete burns and sun exposure. Dust Mask (P2): When handling dry cement. Hearing Protection: When operating concrete mixer for extended periods. ⚠️ Manual Handling: Lift with your legs, not your back. Get assistance for heavy items like bags of cement or large timbers. ⚠️ Site Safety: Ensure the work area is clear of obstructions. Be aware of underground services (dial before you dig: 1100). Use stable ladders if working at height. Keep children and pets away from the work area. ⚠️ Concrete Safety: Wet concrete is caustic and can cause severe skin burns. Wash off immediately if contact occurs.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: 1️⃣ Site Preparation and Layout

Clear the shed footprint of any vegetation, rocks, or debris. Level the area as much as possible. Using your tape measure, string line, and stakes, accurately mark out the perimeter of your shed. Double-check diagonal measurements to ensure squareness. Now, mark out the lines for your footings. For a typical shed, footings will run along the perimeter and potentially across the centre for larger structures. Footing width is usually 300mm to 400mm, and depth typically 300mm to 450mm below natural ground level, or deeper if required by local council or engineer for reactive soils.

Step 2: 2️⃣ Excavation of Footings

Dig the trenches for your footings according to your marked lines and specified dimensions. Ensure the bottom of the trench is level and firm. Remove any loose soil. The depth should be consistent along the entire length of each footing. If the soil is soft or reactive, you may need to dig deeper or consult an engineer. For structural integrity, AS 2870 Residential Slabs and Footings recommends minimum footing depths based on soil classification.

Step 3: 3️⃣ Formwork Installation

Cut your treated pine timber to size for the formwork. Place the timber along the edges of your trenches, ensuring they are plumb and level. Use stakes driven into the ground on the outside of the formwork to hold them securely in place. Screw or nail the formwork to the stakes. The top edge of the formwork will define the finished height of your concrete footing. Use your spirit level to ensure all formwork is perfectly level and at the correct height.

💡 Pro Tip: Lightly oiling the inside of the formwork timber will make it easier to remove after the concrete has cured.

Step 4: 4️⃣ Reinforcement Placement (If Required)

If your footings require steel reinforcement (rebar), cut and bend the rebar to fit within the formwork. Typically, two lengths of N12 rebar are placed longitudinally, with smaller stirrups or links tying them together. Use bar chairs to lift the rebar off the bottom of the trench, ensuring a minimum of 40mm concrete cover on all sides. Tie the rebar together with tie wire to maintain its position during the concrete pour. This is crucial for structural integrity as per AS 3600 Concrete Structures.

Step 5: 5️⃣ Concrete Mixing and Pouring

Prepare your concrete mixer. Add the specified amounts of cement, sand, aggregate, and water according to your chosen mix ratio (e.g., 1:2:3). Mix thoroughly until the concrete has a consistent, workable consistency – not too wet, not too dry.

Begin pouring the concrete into the formwork. Work systematically, filling the trenches evenly. Use a shovel or rake to spread the concrete and ensure it fills all corners and voids, especially around any rebar. Tap the formwork gently with a rubber mallet to help release air bubbles (vibration).

Step 6: 6️⃣ Screeding and Finishing

Once the concrete is poured to the top of the formwork, use a straight edge (screed board) to level the surface. Drag the screed board across the top of the formwork in a sawing motion to remove excess concrete and create a flat surface. After the initial water sheen disappears, use a steel float to smooth the surface. For neat edges, run an edger along the perimeter of the footings.

Step 7: 7️⃣ Curing the Concrete

Proper curing is essential for concrete strength and durability. As soon as the concrete is firm enough to resist surface damage (typically a few hours), begin the curing process. Keep the concrete moist for at least 7 days by regularly spraying it with water, covering it with plastic sheeting, or using a curing compound. This prevents rapid drying and cracking. AS 3600 specifies curing requirements for concrete.

Step 8: 8️⃣ Formwork Removal

After the concrete has cured sufficiently (typically 24-48 hours, but longer in colder weather), carefully remove the formwork. Loosen screws or nails and gently pry the timber away from the concrete. Be careful not to damage the edges of your new footings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1.Inaccurate Layout: Incorrectly squared or measured footings will lead to an out-of-square shed.

2.Insufficient Depth/Width: Not digging deep or wide enough can compromise the structural integrity, especially on reactive soils.

3.Poor Concrete Mix: Incorrect water-to-cement ratio or improper mixing leads to weak, crumbly concrete.

4.Neglecting Curing: Failing to cure concrete properly results in a weaker, more porous, and crack-prone footing.

5.No Engineering Advice: For larger sheds or challenging soil conditions, skipping an engineer's design can lead to costly failures.

Pro Tips

💡 Order Ready-Mix: For larger sheds or if you're not confident with mixing, consider ordering ready-mix concrete. It ensures consistent quality and saves significant labour. 💡 Hire Equipment: For a one-off job, hiring a concrete mixer, wheelbarrow, and other large tools is often more cost-effective than purchasing. 💡 Check Weather: Plan your concrete pour for a day with mild temperatures and no rain. Extreme heat or cold can affect concrete setting and curing. 💡 Waterproofing: If your shed floor will be a concrete slab poured on top of these footings, ensure you incorporate a damp-proof membrane (plastic sheeting) under the slab to prevent moisture ingress, complying with AS 2870. 💡 Slope for Drainage: While footings should be level, consider the overall site drainage. Ensure water will drain away from the shed foundation.

Recommended Tools
🔧 Makita DUC353Z Twin 18V Cordless Chainsaw: For quick and easy cutting of formwork timber. 🔧 Husqvarna K 770 Power Cutter: If you need to cut existing concrete or pavers to prepare the site. 🔧 Crommelins Plate Compactor: For compacting the base of your trenches if the soil is loose.

🔧 Baron F120 Forced Action Mixer: A high-quality mixer for consistent concrete batches, ideal for larger DIY projects.

Frequently asked questions

What is involved in lay concrete footings for a shed?: This guide details the process of laying concrete footings for a shed, providing a stable and durable foundation. Proper footings are crucial for preventing subsidence and ensuring the longevity of your shed structure, especially in varying Australian soil conditions.
What skill level do I need for lay concrete footings for a shed?: Intermediate — Estimated time: 1-2 days (depending on shed size and site conditions)
What are common mistakes when lay concrete footings for a shed?: 1. Inaccurate Layout: Incorrectly squared or measured footings will lead to an out-of-square shed. 2. Insufficient Depth/Width: Not digging deep or wide enough can compromise the structural integrity, especially on reactive soils. 3. Poor Concrete Mix: Incorrect water-to-cement ratio or improper mixing leads to weak, crumbly concrete. 4. Neglecting Curing: Failing to cure concr
What tools do I need for lay concrete footings for a shed?: This guide includes a comprehensive tools list. Key building & construction tools are detailed in the Tools Required section.
What is the Australian standard for concrete footings?: The primary Australian standard for residential slabs and footings is AS 2870-2011. This standard outlines requirements for footing design, including depth and width, based on soil classification and site conditions to ensure structural integrity and prevent subsidence.
How deep should shed footings be in Australia?: Shed footing depth in Australia is determined by soil conditions and local council regulations, typically ranging from 300mm to 600mm. AS 2870-2011 provides guidance based on soil reactivity, with highly reactive soils often requiring deeper footings to mitigate movement.
What concrete mix ratio is recommended for shed footings?: For general purpose shed footings, a concrete mix ratio of 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, and 3 parts aggregate (1:2:3) is commonly recommended. For higher strength or structural applications, a 1:1.5:2.5 mix might be specified, as detailed in AS 3600-2018.
How long does concrete need to cure in Australian conditions?: Concrete typically requires a minimum of 7 days to achieve sufficient strength and up to 28 days for full design strength in Australian conditions. Proper curing, involving keeping the concrete moist, is crucial to prevent cracking and ensure durability, especially in hot climates.

Written by Bricko, the Building & Construction specialist at QLD.Tools.