Storage Shed Foundations: How to Prep Ground for Sheds

For storage shed foundation preperation, please understand the following points:

1. For starters, we need a clear access way to the site you want the building set.  If we are not building this onsite, we will need at least 1’ on each side of the building to get it from the road to where you want it placed.  If this is being placed in a backyard that is fenced in, we will need the gate opening 2’ wider than your building or an appropriate amount of fence sections removed prior to our arrival.  Our delivery staff cannot remove or replace fencing or any of your personal property that inhibits our delivery process.
2. If we are building this onsite, we will also need a clear path for our materials and crew to get the building completed.  Keep in mind that we need 3’ all around the structure for construction.
3. The location of where you want the building to be can be marked with stakes or a rectangle/square painted on the ground.
4. This area should be as free and as clear as possible of any trees, rocks, grass, etc.
5. Please follow your local code guidelines and obtain approval prior to choosing the location and or laying gravel/cement pad with your local code office / HOA

Site Preparation Options

1. Blocking only. Once you have the location marked, we will level the building over the grass/dirt location.  We will use patio paver blocks and pressure-treated shims to level your building right on the ground.  We will assure that your building is leveled and every 8’ under each 4” x 6” pressure-treated beam.  If the building settles you can use a car jack and shim the difference.  In most cases, this will not need to be done. Blocking is a great option for storage buildings, small cabins, and small to mid-sized garages. You can landscape around the perimeter, but you do not want the base to be airtight.
2. Stone base. You will need to contact a local gravel yard and have 4” to 6” thick crushed gravel placed about 2’ wider than your building.  (If your building is 16’ x 40; the pad should be 18’ x 42’)  This gravel base is recommended for larger buildings that have substantial weight, because issues may occur down the road with a heavy building leveled with blocks only.  Creating the stone base will give us a perfectly level pad to place your building on top of.  You can landscape around the perimeter, but you do not want the base to be airtight.
3. Stone base with blocks. Once you have the gravel base set, we will place blocks every 8’ under each 4” x 6” runner to give the building more height off the ground.  This will allow access for plumbing & electrical access under your building.  We do not recommend heights over 2’ from the ground.  You can landscape around the perimeter, but you do not want the base to be airtight.  Contact us for more information.
4. Cement pad. You would select a local contractor to place a cement pad where you want the building built.  We can then build your building on the pad, and the cement pad would be your floor.  This would make the building permanent.  The pad must be the exact size of your building ordered, and it must be a perfect square or rectangle.  You can check it with this tool. The pad must be at least 4″ above ground on all sides and 100% level.  Our crew needs at least 3′ all around the pad for the building to be constructed.

In order to have a building that will last, you will want to select the best option for you, your building, and what works best for the location this will be at.  If the ground in the specified area gets wet during a storm and dries out quickly, then a block foundation should be fine.  If you have a lot of rain runoff or sandy soil, then a gravel base or cement pad might be a better option.  Ask our building consultants for guidance on this decision.