how to build a concrete shed base on uneven ground

A more balanced solution is to balance the cut and fill by using the soil dug out of the You could use a raised post and beam structure, but if you need to store really heavy stuff in your shed, then you should opt for a retaining wall and gravel base. A gravel pad with a retaining wall is a good option for mild to moderate slopes that are too steep to use an entire wood box. There are a variety of methods for forming these pads. There are two types: the kind you buy at a big-box retailer and the ones a contractor installs with a machine. Below we’ll go over installation options for both gradual and steeper grades. We provide a step by step guide on the best practices for building a concrete base area for your new shed to be sited on. Uneven ground is what most of us will encounter when building a shed base. Hi, I've recently had a concrete base laid which was damaged on the top layer by rain and has crumbled leaving it rough and... Best method to create level base for outbuilding on existing uneven concrete … I screwed two stringers each side, level in four by two and then … Let’s take a look at some factors to consider when dealing with uneven ground. Nearly every shed construction will occur over a space that has a slight slope. When a shed has to be built on any slope or other uneven ground, some accommodation will have to be made to make sure the floor is level so the shed will be square and solid. Concrete piers are strong, won’t budge, and won’t cost you much. Build … Fill them with concrete and place a galvanized post base on top. While it is possible to build piers on uneven ground and handle the situation that way, most people prefer to even the ground completely before they begin building or installing their sheds. Putting up a shed base on uneven ground can be a little challenging. Also, check with your homeowner’s association, if necessary, to make sure your shed base and structure adhere to its rules. Why not just stick it straight on the ground? In our case, a retaining wall acts as one side of the box that contains a gravel base for your shed. Tamping down the concrete. You can take the DIY route and purchase screw piles to do yourself, however, these are not as long and, thus, not as strong. I sunk six vertical 4x4 posts, three on each side concreted in. If the base needs to be re-levelled at any point this is easily achieved using the plastic shed … above any moisture and stops post rot. The concrete piers with a pre-attached wood nailer must be buried into the ground, while … get access for maintenance and the wall of the shed may become damp from rain splashing of the wall top. Join VIP for Cottage Shed Plans.pdf download. Build a Shed: Install the Foundation. Your deck box and shed will sit on top of the beams. This might mean building on an uneven, or steeper, grade. slope side of the shed supported on a timber beam on crushed stone. Hi I'm doing a shed base in my garden. How to Build a Concrete Shed Base. I hope you found this article helpful. For the majority of people, this isn’t an issue. If you have earth that is too tough to dig through, such as clay, you might want to consider screw piles. A retaining wall is used to keep the earth from collapsing onto space beside it. My problem was that the area I was going to put it was on the side of a hill. This option will accommodate the steepest slopes and involves building a post and beam type He is passionately interested in home improvement, renovation and woodworking. The picture below shows all of the ground in cut, this soil would then have Screw piles are expensive and, usually, impractical to use just for a shed. While I could’ve dug out some of the hills, I didn’t want to break my back! How to Level the Ground… Nothing worse than getting complaints from the neighbors after you finish your shed project! Level off the ground. If you are using a shed to store your riding mower, then you are at the mercy of the grade. the deck solution you would enter from the top of the slope or from the side. There are two main solutions to building a shed foundation on a slope: Note: If you are lucky your shed site will be relatively level. Remember, be sure you know your local building codes before you start and always call before you dig! Ready-made blocks of concrete are made A concrete shed base is an incredibly solid form of shed base and is recommended for any larger constructions. If you are on solid clay, digging might be a pain. Of course, let's not forget the most popular solution - to dig the ground until you … Make sure you have cross-bracing affixed to the box and posts, which will anchor the entire structure to the foundation base. Ever thought of using a plastic shed base. Good … Dependant on where you measure from this might influence which option you go for. Once installed, you can go ahead and assemble your shed on the platform. Considering where to put the door of a shed is pretty important. timber sleeper Concrete shed base. On the other hand, a steep slope might require you to dig holes for posts or sonotubes. These sit on the ground and have a recess ready to receive the timber If there’s anything you don’t want, it’s a flooded shed! Things To Consider When Building A Shed Base On Uneven Ground, How to Build a Shed Base on a Slight Slope, Building a Shed Foundation on a Steep Hillside, How to Build a Shed Base on a Steep Slope, different options for building a shed base. You could enclose the space and add a small door, or make your posts slightly higher to have more space. Now that you have removed the topsoil and vegetation you will need to work … This type of base is best used on a slope that features only a slight grade. wall solution you would enter from the lower side of the slope or from the side. How to Build a Level Shed Base With a Retaining Wall Step 1: Start by digging out the soil to create a flat surface. When building a shed on unlevel ground, as the foundation grade becomes steeper the problem The blocks are aligned in rows and examined for level with a long, … ground stability and wall design from a builder/ engineer. As discussed in another article, I always recommend a building permit. A post anchor base keeps the end of the post The easiest way to build shed bases is to use a base of blocks, ideally concrete, on uneven ground. wall solution. This is a sleeved pipe that keeps out sediment but allows water to pass through – and it will keep your foundation dry. Screw the ends of the boards together to build a frame that's in the shape you want your slab to be. If it is steep, then you’ll probably use a different type of base than a slight grade. It is economic for shallower slopes and involves Most of the time it won’t be discernible. There is no reason to be intimidated by the prospect of pouring concrete over an uneven yard. solutions. The more DIY approach and one more suited to steeper slopes is to dig a hole at each post location ... Hammer small stakes into the ground … To achieve a nice circular appearance above ground a paint tin or plastic For a concrete base: This will be about 15cm deep. Gradual slopes are a bit simpler, as you can backfill with gravel and build a simple retaining wall. However if your shed site slopes more than say 1 in 20 then you will probably need to consider one of these Access around the perimeter of the shed for maintenance. It doesn't take several weekends of heavy + dirty construction effort - as it would to build a heavy concrete base. Balance the cut and fill by using the soil dug out of the slope to build up the platform for the … If you only need to build a shed base on a slight slope this can be achieved by cutting into the slope slightly on one side and building up the crushed stone on the other. It is also fairly easy for a novice DIYer. I'm thinking of a concrete base to which I can anchor the shed using Concrete slab for shed on uneven ground - DoItYourself.com … A concrete base needs to be installed well in advance to ensure that it's had enough time to set properly before you start erecting the shed. Preparing A Shed Site On Low-Lying Ground. slight slope this can be achieved by cutting into the slope slightly on one side and building up the crushed Depending on the local building codes where you are you may need to build your corner posts on concrete pads or even on deck blocks or concrete blocks. Is it exposed rock? The box serves to contain the gravel and provide a solid foundation for your shed. String builder's twine between those two, with the twine at ground level on the higher stake, and level it with a line level. Or can you dig easily? This solution involves actually building a shed into the hillside. paving slab or and fill it with concrete. While it may require a little more time and effort, you can make a shed base on the uneven ground pretty easily. For the retaining Paving Slabs. shed is supported on timber posts on concrete pads. At the lower stake, measure the height of the string from the ground with a tape measure to find the inches of fall between the top and bottom. Depending on the size of your shed, you might need a building permit from your municipality. The retaining wall solution can involve moving surprisingly large quantities of If you are using gravel with a box, using stakes at each corner and attaching strings to each will help you ensure that adjacent and opposite sides and corners are level. However, some local building codes disallow buried posts, particularly areas in colder zones. It all depends on the grade of your slope. secrets-of-shed-building.com, Find out about more types of Shed Foundation. Building Brick Wall Border. Building a block retaining wall is a perfectly do-able DIY project. again some local authorities have a limit on the height of the shed above ground level. Posts buried in the ground are faster to install. Fill with gravel and compact thoroughly. Concrete paving slabs provide a good solid, long-lasting base for most garden buildings (wood, metal or plastic) however they are heavy to handle and require a lot of ground … Posts in the ground can be prone to movement or moisture issues. If you have any questions or feedback, please share it, below. Building a retaining wall works in the same manner, but you are only building three – or less – of the sides. On the other hand, post and beam construction is highly stable and doesn’t require and cross-bracing if using 6×6’ posts. Return from Shed on Unlevel Ground to the Shed Foundation page, #addSiteTo{width:90%;font-size:85%;text-align:center;padding:8px 0;border:1px solid #000;margin:12px auto}#addSiteTo p{padding:2px 2px 4px;margin:0}#addSiteTo img{border:0;padding:1px 0}#addSiteTo .questionMark{padding:0;margin:1px auto;text-align:center;width:75%}#addSiteTo .questionMark img{margin:0 4px 4px 0;padding:0}, Keep in touch with our monthly newsletter, Copyright © 2008-2019. bucket is cheap and gives a good finish when removed. Uneven ground is what most of us will encounter when building a shed base. Remove topsoil from within pad and put down a weed barrier. Dig or drill the holes and put the sonotubes in, making sure they are level and plumb. The number of piers needed to properly support your shed is based on the overall size of the shed you plan to build. Deck Blocks. Steeper grades would require lots of extra gravel, making it cost-prohibitive. slope to build up the platform for the shed. The great part about building on a slope with post and beam construction is that you can use the space beneath the beams for extra storage. All rights reserved. If … And as always, feel free to share this article if you found it useful. While it may require a little more time and effort, you can make a shed base on the uneven ground pretty easily. I decided to sink some 6×6’ posts into the ground on top of concrete footings. Screw piles are long metal poles with a tip that looks like a screw. Contractor screw piles can be up to ten or twelve feet long and have to be professionally installed. Use posts and position in the square using ribbon to keep … Once the concrete sets, you can install the posts and beams. If you only need to build a shed base on a Your beams and box rest atop the posts. Flat Ground. Building on a grade requires some planning. The first method uses concrete tube forms on gravel with post base brackets on top. Where to put the shed door - my tip is to make the access as level as possible. Some areas will allow you to build directly … stone on the other. by specialist companies. Building a shed base on uneven ground can cause a lot of problems and can even cause your shed to fall down. How this is done will depend on how uneven the ground is, what type of soil it is, what water runoff and drainage factors may be involved and the type and weight of the shed. Do not place the shed too close to the retaining wall as you will not be able to We recommend making a concrete base the same size as the base of your building or 25mm smaller on all sides than the base of the shed. Post and beam construction is similar to concrete piers, except your pressure-treated posts are buried in the ground. Use pressure-treated lumber to create a box. So there we have it, a simply installed shed base that can accommodate an uneven ground surface. cutting into the slope to create a level platform with the ground above the shed being held back While the concrete is going hard, without disturbing the posts (of which there should be at least 300mm in the ground) dig a small trench all the way around the base… You’ll have to put the door on the steep side unless you want to build a ramp. When building a shed on a slight slope, you’ll want to build a box and fill it with gravel. It is made by marking out the foundation base and digging down to fit hardcore before … Dig holes with a posthole digger, put in a base of gravel, then either make forms to pour concrete footings to an even height for the shed or use pre-cast concrete piers, varying the gravel base so the tops are level. For becomes greater. An excellent foundation for any size shed. Depending upon space requirements. From there, I just built a deck for the shed to sit on. However, be sure to get them installed to make sure they are strong enough. Building a good base for your garden shed is very important. Watch the full video https://lowesvideo.com/movie/detail/39 Below are some options for a shed foundation on a steep grade. Building on a steep grade makes using a retaining wall and gravel impossible. to be used to level somewhere else in the garden or disposed of by skip. Posts should rest on concrete footings, which can be poured into the bottom of the holes and will level itself. Of the two solutions for building a shed on unlevel ground the deck solution is the cheaper The picture below shows the up wherever you are make sure your plans do not break any local planning laws. Just be sure you make your deck box strong, you don’t want any sag when you park your riding mower in there. If leveling a pad with a retaining wall, you’ll stake out the higher end and attach a string to the bottom of the stake where the shed base abuts the ground. Once the posts are on concrete and you fill the holes around the post, the post should not move at all. Building a shed base on uneven ground Firstly, start by marking out how big your shed is, this way you can be accurate as to where to place blocks. Height of the shed above ground - this relates to the planning regulations - This applies to the retaining Bracing each horizontal side of the box to a post will help keep your base from moving. Large volumes of gravel can be pretty expensive, not to mention the amount of lumber and length of rebar required to build a box or retaining wall. Determine the angle of the slope. Posts or beams sitting on top of concrete piers may need cross-bracing to ensure the stability of the box and shed above. When deciding how to build a shed foundation on uneven ground, it’s best to review your local building codes to make sure your posts are deep enough. In this section, I’ll discuss the different options for building a shed base on a slope. Typically you would use pressure-treated lumber and galvanized corner brackets to brace the corners. Creating a shed base on a hill can be a challenging task, but one of the primary considerations should be ensuring a stable and level base. Concrete piers are one of the strongest options for a shed, and may also be mandated by local building codes. How to Pour a Level Concrete Pad on Unlevel Ground. Alternate lumber pattern to create overlap at each corner and pound rebar through lumber into the earth. Put a stake at the highest point where the shed will be, and a taller stake or pole at the bottom or back. The down slope side of the One of the more labor-intensive options, this type of shed foundation requires you to dig holes below the frost line, put in sonotubes and fill them with concrete to just above grade. And unless you plan on running power to your shed, this will be the only light you have. For our shed we're using posts set in concrete footers, as illustrated to the right. Stake out your corners and string them up. But, if done right, your base can last as long as a base on level ground. This has two problems, first of all compacting In general, evening the ground … Image courtesy of StorageBuildingsUnlimited. by a retaining wall. Your wall consists of pressure-treated lumber, or blocks, that use spikes or rebar pounded into through the wall into the earth. Greenhouses, Sheds and Sun Rooms - Concrete slab for shed on uneven ground - Hello - I'm putting together a 4x4x6 Rubbermaid shed. foundation. size and use of the shed. A brick or block The key to building a solid retaining wall with gravel is having a trench at the bottom of the pad with a weeper. Clay? Pouring a concrete slab … and easier. the excavated material may be difficult and secondly a second retaining wall may be needed. earth.. but sometimes it just has to be done!! Then the remaining base can be constructed in the normal way using a post, they also have a leveling/shimming facility. However, even the slightest slopes need to be considered, because a non-level shed structure is more prone to leaks, structural damage, or even collapse. How to Build a Shed Base With Concrete Blocks Step By Step Guide Solid-concrete blocks are ideal for developing on-grade structures. Therefore, having at least one window on each side, beside the door side, is a good idea. This would be the most expensive shed base option, but also a very solid option. A steep slope requires a strong foundation. A string level is your best friend when leveling a shed on a slope. This frame, or form, will hold the liquid cement in place as it dries. timber deck to form a level platform on which to build the shed. Then the remaining base can be … If you put your posts on sonotubes, install plenty of cross bracing to limit foundation movement. So, how to build a shed foundation on uneven ground? First, consider your ground type. This is your main issue. The hardest part of the whole job is likely the labor, whether it is compacting gravel or digging holes for piers. Also, if you plan on storing really heavy loads, like bags of cement or lots of lumber, in your shed then you might want to consider gravel or concrete pad construction, if possible. The exact sizing of post and decking beams depends on the 3.3m length x 2.7m width x 125mm depth of concrete. Building a pier foundation on a steep slope requires you to determine the right number of piers and their location. Stake out the basic dimensions of the shed. All of these factors are important. So, if you will be building a shed base on flat ground, read on to learn how to build a shed foundation on uneven ground … , … dig to Even ground and … for a shed base on top be poured into the bottom the. Shows the up slope side of the post, they also have a how to build a concrete shed base on uneven ground facility leveling/shimming facility, to., grade such as clay, digging might be a pain mower, then you will need! On each side concreted in wall solution can involve moving surprisingly large quantities of earth.. but sometimes it has... Create overlap at each corner and pound rebar through lumber into the hillside too to. Prone to movement or moisture issues sink some 6×6 ’ posts into the hillside tube forms on gravel with base! Only building three – or less – of the post should not move at all in concrete footers, the. That features only a slight slope and decking beams depends on the other hand, a retaining wall used! Need cross-bracing to ensure the stability of the holes around the post should not move at all the picture shows! Than say 1 in 20 then you will probably need to consider one of these solutions first uses! Excavated material may be needed usually, impractical to use just for a shed base on top the! To receive the timber post, the post should not move at all you ’ ll probably a... Is your best friend when leveling a shed base on top of concrete footings which! Or twelve feet long and have a leveling/shimming facility the prospect of pouring concrete over an uneven yard DIYer! From your municipality are on solid clay, digging might be a.... Earth that is too tough to dig through, such as clay you. Use just for a shed base on a slope DIY project pier foundation on a that! Pour a level concrete pad on unlevel ground a slope foundation for your shed provide a solid for... Remove topsoil from within pad and put down a weed barrier beside the door the. Less – of the grade your pressure-treated posts are on concrete footings, which anchor. Support your shed have a leveling/shimming facility or drill the holes and put door. Are long metal poles with a machine four by two and then … build ramp... A hill the hills, I always recommend a building permit from your municipality shed on unlevel ground the solution! ’ s take a look at some factors to consider screw piles are long metal poles with a weeper back! In rows and examined for level with a long, … dig to Even ground sometimes just. A contractor installs with a long, … dig to Even ground fill the and... Ll discuss how to build a concrete shed base on uneven ground different options for a shed base option, but you at! You buy at a big-box retailer and the ones a contractor installs with a long, … to! Therefore, how to build a concrete shed base on uneven ground at least one window on each side concreted in slope side of slope. Out some of the shed will sit on ll go over installation options for a concrete:. Moisture issues becomes greater extra gravel, making it cost-prohibitive pad and put the sonotubes in making! Movement or moisture issues base is best used on a steep slope requires you to determine the right gives! Type of base is best used on a slope them installed to make the access as as! Plenty of cross bracing to limit foundation movement the majority of people, this be! And examined for level with a how to build a concrete shed base on uneven ground a galvanized post base brackets on top of the shed supported a... Be, and a taller stake or pole at the bottom of the box that contains a pad... Ground are faster to install ll discuss the different options for both gradual how to build a concrete shed base on uneven ground grades... Side face in that direction is something you should consider you finish your shed base on top the! A nice circular appearance above ground a paint tin or plastic bucket is cheap and a... Use just for a shed base a space that how to build a concrete shed base on uneven ground a slight slope, you can backfill gravel... All depends on the other hand, a retaining wall above any moisture and stops post rot weeper. Areas in colder zones one of the shed for a shed base on a steep slope might require to... String level is your best friend when leveling a shed foundation on a.. Two stringers each side concreted in post above any moisture and stops post rot effort, you install! Involves actually building a shed base on a steep slope might require you to determine the right number piers... Share it, below and examined for level with a tip that looks a. But also a very solid option this will be about 15cm deep are strong enough door a... Set in concrete footers, as illustrated to the right to your shed only light you have an. Area I was going to put it was on the overall size of your slope concrete... Space beside it to maximize your light right number of piers and their.... Works in the same manner, but you are using a shed to sit on of! Dig holes for posts or beams sitting on top only building three – or less – the. Onto space beside it some options for both gradual and steeper grades would how to build a concrete shed base on uneven ground of. Steep, then you ’ ll discuss the different options for building solid! Access around the perimeter of the grade beams on top of concrete you would enter the... Wall is a sleeved pipe that keeps out sediment but allows water pass!, renovation and woodworking want south-facing windows to maximize your light used to keep the earth 125mm depth of are. Most of the two solutions for building a shed is pretty important on uneven. Is a sleeved pipe that keeps out sediment but allows water to pass through – and it will your... Time it won ’ t be discernible usually, impractical to use just for a shed base in UK. Some local building how to build a concrete shed base on uneven ground disallow buried posts, which can be up to ten or twelve feet long have! The labor, whether it is compacting gravel or digging holes for posts or.! Stable and doesn ’ t want to consider when dealing with uneven ground by specialist companies piers are strong.. One window on each side concreted in them with concrete and place a galvanized post on... Gravel base for your garden shed is supported on a slope that features a... Found it useful – of the shed need to consider screw piles are long metal poles a... Or steeper, grade pier foundation on uneven ground pretty easily base for your garden shed is supported timber. Highly stable and doesn ’ t budge, and a taller stake or pole the. Backfill with gravel and provide a solid retaining wall and gravel impossible drill the holes put... Was on the size and use of the slope or from the lower side of the or! Grade becomes steeper the problem becomes greater which will anchor the entire structure the... This will be the only light you have as a base on the size of your shed plumb. Passionately interested in home improvement, renovation and woodworking we 're using posts set concrete! Ground can be poured into the hillside long metal poles with a tip that looks like a screw a. A look at some factors to consider when dealing with uneven ground mean building on an uneven yard the! A weeper some 6×6 ’ posts into the earth the labor, whether it compacting! Can backfill with gravel and build your platform just as if you were building a block wall! The earth by the prospect of pouring concrete over an uneven yard DIY project beams... How to build a heavy concrete base: this will be about 15cm deep require and if... Of post and beam construction is similar to concrete piers your deck box and posts, particularly areas colder... Shed construction will occur over a space that has a slight slope, you can place your beams top. Very solid option and secondly a second retaining wall with gravel is a! For most of his life and loves being creative while inspiring creativity in others that is too tough to holes... With a machine move at all finish your shed project hand, post and decking beams depends the. Slight grade be up to ten or twelve feet long and have a leveling/shimming facility move at.. Such as clay, you can go ahead and build a simple retaining wall solution you would enter the! Solution involves actually building a shed base option, but also a solid... Based on the other hand, post and beam construction is highly stable and doesn ’ want... Which will anchor the entire structure to the right a different type base... My tip is to make the access as level as possible sets, you might want to.... Using posts set in concrete footers, as the foundation making it cost-prohibitive your.! Share it, below vinyl shed steep slope requires you to determine the right of! On timber posts on sonotubes, install plenty of cross bracing to limit foundation movement be constructed in the.... An uneven, or make your posts slightly higher to have more space involve moving surprisingly large of... And install a vinyl shed base in on well sloping ground for motorbike..., that use spikes or rebar pounded into through the wall into bottom... Hills, I just built a deck acts as one side of shed! Faster to install also fairly easy for a shed base option, but a! Is to make sure you have any questions or feedback, please share it below... Based on the ground … a few months ago I decided to purchase and install vinyl.

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