A good foundation is level, compact, and allows for proper drainage. Factor in zoning requirements and the purpose of your shed as you choose which foundation to prepare for your shed.

Good: Level ground

The first option is to simply clear the area where the shed will be going, and compact the dirt as much as possible. When building the shed on a cleared dirt area, we will use blocks to level out the building, and keep it off the ground. Over time, your shed may settle an inch or two. In these cases, it is important to check that your shed is level about once a year, and adjust accordingly.

Better: A gravel pad

The second option is to go with a gravel pad. If you choose to go with gravel, it’s important to lay gravel that extends at least one foot around the perimeter of the building. For example, if your shed is an 8’x10′, lay your gravel out to 9'x11' feet. If you choose to go with gravel, the shed should still be placed on concrete blocks to keep the floor up off of the gravel. This helps prevent rot, and keeps the shed level so you are able to open the doors properly. For more information on building a gravel pad, check out this video tutorial.

Best: A concrete pad

If you choose to go with a concrete pad, it’s imperative that the concrete be level. Any slope will impact shed assembly and ultimately affect the lifespan of your shed. An old RV pad that has a slope will not work if you are planning on bolting the shed to your concrete pad. Bolting a shed to a concrete pad is most commonly done with sheds that have no wood floor. If you are going to include a wood floor, the shed can be placed on a concrete pad, but it will need to be placed on blocks in order to make it level.

We recommend Tucker Concrete or Blackstone Concrete for pouring concrete pads.