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Shed Site Preparation
Site preparation is one of the most important parts of planning a project. There is no simple "one size fits all" answer since everyone’s needs, plans, and locations are different, but here are some common guidelines to follow when preparing for your new shed.
 
Base
This section is mainly for sheds that include a floor.

We strongly recommend a hard, compact base for your shed. The base will provide support and allow for proper drainage. The materials used for a foundation are almost always one of the following: compacted gravel, patio stones, or a concrete pad.
 
Gravel:Patio Stones:Concrete Pad:
2B Crushed Limestone GravelLarge Concrete Patio StonesFreshly Poured Concrete
2B Crushed Limestone GravelLarge Concrete Patio StonesFreshly Poured Concrete
 
Gravel:   Loose stones and gravel are easier to level and provide enough support, but must be contained. Gravel stones are often less expensive than solid materials such as concrete, flagstone or brick, but they are also less permanent.

Patio Stones:   If the area is level, stone pavers are a viable option. These come in different sizes such as 8x16", 12x12", or larger, and come in different thicknesses and depths. Be sure to rest the shed's floor on the block so that each foundational piece is fully supported at both ends and in the middle.

Concrete Pad:   A concrete pad is the most long-lasting option, and the most structurally supportive if done correctly. It must be level and plumb. A sloping pad means a leaning structure, which will put extra stress on joints. Concrete pads can be made larger than the structures they are supporting. The size and style of the structure, your location, and local codes can influence the design process, so please talk to one of our Project Advisors before pouring concrete.

Ground:   While it is not the best option, our sheds can also be placed directly on the ground if the area has been leveled just like the other base materials. We do not recommend this option because dirt and grass are less supportive, may shift over time, and often expose the foundation of your shed to additional moisture... all of which can reduce the lifespan of your shed. Our sheds are very durable and sturdy so this is still an option that can work for many situations, but we suggest that you take your climate into account, as well as any local codes that may apply, before deciding to use dirt or grass as your shed's base.

Once you have selected the base material, it must be leveled within 1-2 inches from side to side.

Our sheds include 4x4" foundation runners (AKA skids) that act as a buffer between the base and the supporting joists beneath the shed's floor, unless you choose the 2x8" joist option in the Design Wizard, which makes the joists large enough to act as their own buffer so the 4x4" skids are not necessary. In either case, make sure that the base is level and supports the shed's foundation evenly.
 
Dirt/Grass Base:   While it is not the best option, our sheds can also be placed directly on the ground if it has been leveled just like the other base materials (within 1-2 inches). We do not recommend this because dirt and grass are less supportive, may shift over time, and often exposes the foundation of your shed to additional moisture... all of which can reduce the lifespan of your shed. Our sheds are quite durable so this is still an option that can work for many situations, but we suggest that you take your climate into account, as well as any local codes that may apply, before deciding to use dirt or grass as your shed's base.
 
Depending upon your property, you may find it easier to dig out a level spot, instead of mounting the shed on posts. If you do it this way, be sure to dig out an area that is larger than the shed, leaving at least 12” around the shed’s perimeter. However, 24” is even better, because it will give you more room to build. Also, if the area that you dig out is deeper than a few inches, you can ensure that the ground will not eventually cave in against the shed by tapering the slope of the ground and planting grass to hold the dirt in place. You may also consider a retaining wall, but if you put it up before you build your shed, make sure that you leave enough room to work when you assemble the shed.
 
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After installation, consider out large selection of Outdoor Patio Furniture to compliment your newly built Shed.
 


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