I am working on planning up a grave base for an 8'x12.5' Lifetime shed I just picked up on a Costco sale. I think I have everything figured out, but wanted a second opinion from some shedditors.
My wood frame is going to be 10'x14.5' and I want to do some lap joints in the corners and in the center of the long legs. Am I good to use deck screws for the fastening with this just being a frame for gravel or should I be looking for something more heavy duty and structural?
I am also planning on using some steel cable to tie down the shed and attach it to the frame. If the frame is staked in place using rebar is that going to be secure enough with wind gusts?
I'm going to be using 4x6's for the frame because that seems to be the better route and then filling with #57 stone. I am also thinking of having the frame sit on a base of 2-3" of the stone to limit contact with the soil. Should the outer perimeter also be backfilled for this same reason?