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Our outdoor storage sheds were designed to be easy to construct and install, and in order to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible you need to start with a good foundation. When you are selecting the location for your shed, you should first choose a site that is already comparatively level (to minimize the amount of digging) and avoid places that often have standing water.
There are a number of ways to level the ground for your shed, and the instructions for your building will come with specific recommendations for the most effective method. In general, though, there are a couple common ways to quickly and easily create a level and reliable place for the shed.
Method One
One method involves covering the entire space under the shed with gravel. To accomplish this, you must first mark off the area for the shed and make sure it is completely square. You may also want to extend this area a few inches longer than the dimensions of the shed to avoid mud and debris splashing up onto the nice siding during a heavy rain storm.
Once you’ve settled on the proper dimensions, you can remove about four inches of dirt and grass. Try to keep the bottom surface as level as possible and then fill the entire area with crushed rock or pea gravel. Fill the base until it is even with the ground and then compact the gravel with a metal roller. Again, make sure that it is completely level and then cover the entire surface with dry sand, working it in between the rocks with a rake. Once this is finished you can lay the paving slabs, level them out with a hammer, and then you’re ready to start building the floor.
Method Two
There’s another common method that isn’t quite so involved. Once again, you begin by marking off the area with stakes and strings – making sure that it is completely square. Once this is done you can mark spots on the string for the spacer (see your instructions for the exact layout), and then place some masonry blocks along those lines.
Place the 4×4 spacers across the stones and start leveling at the highest block. Dig down beneath each block and fill the hole with pea gravel. If the spacers are still not level, you can add or remove the gravel to even it back out. Never add gravel above the hole, though, because that could let the shed shift over time. You can add more blocks if you need to make big adjustments or use a shingle as a shiv if you just need a little more contact with the spacers.
A good foundation will help you get the most out of your sheds and other outdoor storage. Always follow the recommendations in your instructions and take the time to pay attention to all the little details. Some of them may require a full, concrete foundation, while others are fine with these methods. If you’re not sure what each structure will require, talk to one of our specialists and find out more.
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