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How to Level the Ground for a Shed is an Official Step-by-step Guide.

Level and prepare the site before the day of delivery if you are planning to install a storage shed on your property.If you need to determine if your shed needs a foundation, that is a separate topic.

We show you how to level the ground for your shed into five steps.This job shouldn't be hard for you if you have basic carpentry skills and a strong back.There is a full step-by-step guide for how to build a gravel shed foundation.

If you want to install a storage shed, you need to apply for a permit.If you make this one of your first steps, you will not have to deal with hassle and frustration down the road.

Obtain a storage shed installation permit from your township website.If you have more questions, you can call the township office and ask to speak to the building permit person.

You can't put a storage shed too close to the property lines in your township.If setbacks interfere with the placement of your shed, you may be able to apply for an exemption from them.

The percentage of your property that is allowed to be covered with an impervious surface may be controlled by the zoning laws.There are impervious surfaces that prevent rain water from soaking into the ground.When applying for a permit that shows existing impervious surfaces, you may be required to present a rough sketch of your property.If you need to do this, you can use the maps on the internet.

If your township requires you to control water from your new storage shed or garage, you may be interested in our drainage system installation service.

Less work will be needed to prepare your site for your shed if it is close to level.A retaining wall is likely to be required for a steep grade.

If you have a private sewer system, make sure you don't put your shed above the underground sewage tank.Don't put it on top of the gas lines.The location of your gas lines may be marked for free by your utility company.

You should not place your shed under trees that are prone to losing branches.If you can, remove the old trees before you install the shed.

Sometimes you want to drive your vehicle up to your shed to make loading and unloading easier.Make sure the location is easy to get to.

If you place your shed in a shaded area it will support the growth of mildew on the walls and roof over time.Mildew growth is discouraged by exposure to the sun.It will be hotter in the summertime if it is placed in an area with no shade.You have to decide which scenario is more beneficial to you.

You will want to consider the appearance of your property when placing your portable building.Where will it improve curb appeal?Will it look better if it is parallel with the property line?As you think about the possibilities, these are just a few questions.

You are ready for Step 2 now that you have a location for your shed.The shed pad needs to be nice and square.

If your site is more than 12” off level, you should jump to Step 3.You can use an 8' 24 and a level to check the level.The 24 should be placed at the highest corner of the site.If the one end of the 24 is more than 12” off the ground, you should go to Step 3.

The shed pad should be 1' wider than the shed on all sides.A 1012 shed should be installed on a 1214 gravel pad.It's a good idea to add another 12” to the corner stakes.The four corner stakes should cover an area of 13' x 15'.If you don't plan on installing a 46 perimeter, the area covered by the corner stakes should be 12 feet by 14 feet.

Make sure your first stake is straight.At a distance of 4' from the first stake, pound in your second stake.

The most difficult step is this one.Wrap your string around the third stake and install it at a distance from the first one.Move the third stake until it measures exactly 5 from the second one.You can use the triangle shape to square your shed pad.

Place the triangle as a square to finish installing the final corner stakes.If you want to stretch your string to the desired length from the first stake, just barely touch the second.Then pound in another stake.

On the other side, repeat that process.Take the string from the first stake to the desired length and let it barely touch the third stake.At the 13' mark, pound in another stake.

Simply measure 13 from one corner and 15 from the other to get the location of the fourth stake.

Make sure the stakes are placed securely in the ground by stretching the lines around the outside of them.

Before starting excavation, mark the ground so that you can remove your string.A can of marking spray paint is nice, but you can also get creative and use a shovel to dig a small trench following the lines.

You may need to complete this step before Step 2 if your site is more than 12” off level.

If you complete this step before Step 2, you can achieve preliminary leveling of your site.You can skip this section if you have already completed Step 2.

You should give yourself a general idea of where the corners will be.The stakes should go all the way around the shed.This will allow you to install a retaining wall and a shed pad that is at least 1' wider all the way around your shed.

In areas that don't need to be excavated, remove all surface debris and top soil.It helps to prevent weed growth in the future.

Continue to dig down until your site appears to be level, and watch out for that chest of buried treasure.

Take some time to clean the corners.It will save you time later.

Use a 24 and level to check the level after your site is as level and clean as you can make it.The 24 needs to be cut if it is to fit in the graded area.If you want to check the level along the way, place it on top of the 24 and move it around from one excavation to the other.Do not fill high areas or low areas.

In areas that don't need to be excavated, remove all surface debris and top soil.It helps to prevent weed growth in the future.

Take some time to clean the corners.It will save you time later.

There are 8 steps to install a 46 perimeter.If you want a neat and clean end result, this step is optional.

Make sure the 46's are on the ground as you lay them in place.You can fill in low spots or remove high spots to smooth out the soil.

Measure the distance across the corners of the frame with a measuring tape.The frame is square if the two measurements are the same.Pull or push on the corners to adjust the frame.

To drill holes through the 46's, use a 58' drill bit and pin them to the ground.Place 2 pins at each corner.

Make adjustments if your 46 frame is level.The top of the rebar should be flush with the 46 holes when you pound it into them using your sawzall or grinder.

If you want to use your 46 perimeter as a retaining wall, you need to add courses until the wall reaches the desired height.Each new 46 should be fastened to the one underneath with landscape timber spikes.

The outside edges of the frame should be filled with soil.You're ready to put a layer of gravel on your surface.

The following steps can be used to install gravel and level the ground for your shed.

Is it a good idea to install a gravel or concrete shed foundation?In our post, learn more about the issue of Gravel vs.Which is best for you?

Before spreading the gravel, some shed base installers prefer to put down landscape fabric.To prevent weeds and to give the foundation more stability, the intent is to separate the gravel from the dirt below.It is listed as optional, since fabric is not required for most do-it-yourself projects.

The gravel should be spread at a thickness of 3-6 inches.A 3/4′′ inch crushed stone is used for a shed base.

You can use the 24 that was used to level the excavated area.It helps to smooth out spots and create a flat pad.It should be easy to level the gravel if the job was done correctly.

Look at your work.A solid foundation will help to make your shed last for a long time.

Do you want to tackle this project on your own?You will be surprised by the efficiency of our crews, who can install your new gravel pad in less than an hour.We will do all the work for you if you request a free quote.

6 feet apart are the main beams.I like to put the shed on one block.

We recommend a gravel shed foundation.You can get a quote on professional installation if you are in the Mid-Atlantic US.

This guide was published on the internet.I am planning a 4060 metal building with concrete floor and I think some of this guide is applicable to this project.Is it better to remove soil or add gravel for this type of foundation?You have shown pictures of both in this guide.I am thinking about water flow but what else should I think about?

Even if the foundation is a build-up, we usually remove the first few inches of topsoil.When the gravel is added, that prevents unnecessary settling.If you own a building with a concrete floor, you should check what type of footers are required by your local government.If it is helpful, we have a video that shows the steps we use when pouring garage foundations.

We usually to screw them at an angle with galvanized exterior screws, then stake the entire run in place.You can refer to our shed foundation installation guide for more information.