[drkshdw]

I need to build a shed. It will be small, 10' x 12', as that's as big as I can build here without a permit. My question is, what kind of foundation would be best to build it on?

We have sandy-ish soil here and our frost depth is 42". A concrete pad would be nice but I'm concerned with it heaving and decking piers just sink into the ground with every rain so something between those two. A few days on the google led me to a plethora of options but it's overwhelming to say the least.

My main reason for asking is because this will eventually become a small studio so having a level floor is important but I don't want to go through the hassle of an 8 course block foundation if I don't have to. So which way to go...gravel pad? Paver patio? Deck with footings concreted in 42" below grade? Set directly on the ground? Concrete pad with lots of rebar to minimize heaving?

Any and all suggestions welcome as this is the only thing stopping me from starting construction on this thing. Once I decide on a foundation, I'm digging and building. So what says the Pelican brain trust?