How to Level Ground for a Shed
Finding the right shed for your storage needs is the fun part. However, a common question we hear is how to prepare the ground for a shed installation? No matter how well a shed is built, a poorly prepared ground and foundation will cause your shed to collapse. Here are the guidelines to follow when preparing the ground for a shed installation.
Tools you will need to Level the Ground for a Shed
-
Level
-
Measuring tape
-
Hammer or rubber mallet
-
4-5 Wood stakes
-
Pea gravel or crushed stone
-
Masonry blocks
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Choose a site that is already as flat as possible to minimize the amount of leveling that needs to be done. Be sure the area is also free of standing water, and will continue to be year-round.
-
We require the construction area to be cleared and leveled within 6 inches. We also need at least 3 feet of clearance around and above the building site (4 feet if your building's footprint is larger than 160 square feet). We will also need access to electricity within 150 feet of the unit.
-
Place four stakes in the ground where you want the four corners of your building, and place a fifth stake where you would like the center of the door opening. Use a tape measure to be as accurate as possible.
-
Remove approximately four inches of grass and dirt from the staked area.
-
Place pea gravel in the area from which you removed the dirt and compact it with a hand tamper. Add pea gravel until it is nearly flush with the ground.
-
Place masonry blocks on top of the pea gravel. Use a level to make sure the blocks are level. Use a hammer or rubber mallet to level the masonry blocks if necessary. Repeat these steps until the ground is level.
If these guidelines are followed correctly, the shed installer will have an easier time building your shed. Buying a storage shed is a big investment, which is why making sure the foundation is level is so important. A sturdy, level foundation helps a shed stand strong for years to come.
