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Shed Site Preparation

Site preparation is one of the most important parts of planning a project. There is no simple "one size fits all" answer since everyone’s needs, plans, and locations are different, but here are some common guidelines to follow when preparing for your new shed.

Base

This section is mainly for sheds that include a floor.

We strongly recommend a hard, compact base for your shed. The base will provide support and allow for proper drainage. The materials used for a foundation are almost always one of the following: compacted gravel, patio stones, or a concrete pad.

Gravel:	Patio Stones:	Concrete Pad:

2B Crushed Limestone Gravel	Large Concrete Patio Stones	Freshly Poured Concrete

Gravel: Loose stones and gravel are easier to level and provide enough support, but must be contained. Gravel stones are often less expensive than solid materials such as concrete, flagstone or brick, but they are also less permanent.

Patio Stones: If the area is level, stone pavers are a viable option. These come in different sizes such as 8x16", 12x12", or larger, and come in different thicknesses and depths. Be sure to rest the shed's floor on the block so that each foundational piece is fully supported at both ends and in the middle.

Concrete Pad: A concrete pad is the most long-lasting option, and the most structurally supportive if done correctly. It must be level and plumb. A sloping pad means a leaning structure, which will put extra stress on joints. Concrete pads can be made larger than the structures they are supporting. The size and style of the structure, your location, and local codes can influence the design process, so please talk to one of our Project Advisors before pouring concrete.

Ground: While it is not the best option, our sheds can also be placed directly on the ground if the area has been leveled just like the other base materials. We do not recommend this option because dirt and grass are less supportive, may shift over time, and often expose the foundation of your shed to additional moisture... all of which can reduce the lifespan of your shed. Our sheds are very durable and sturdy so this is still an option that can work for many situations, but we suggest that you take your climate into account, as well as any local codes that may apply, before deciding to use dirt or grass as your shed's base.

Once you have selected the base material, it must be leveled within 1-2 inches from side to side.

Our sheds include 4x4" foundation runners (AKA skids) that act as a buffer between the base and the supporting joists beneath the shed's floor, unless you choose the 2x8" joist option in the Design Wizard, which makes the joists large enough to act as their own buffer so the 4x4" skids are not necessary. In either case, make sure that the base is level and supports the shed's foundation evenly.

Sheds with No Floor

We can build sheds without a floor. This is convenient if you plan to install the shed on an existing deck or concrete pad. However, this will require additional consideration for how the shed will be anchored, and supported by the existing base.

Please consult with your Project Advisor about this process in detail since every project and location is different. We will likely need to tailor the shed to your exact requirements.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions for us, we would be happy to answer them.

	Call Toll-Free:	1-888-293-2339
	Email:	contact@fifthroom.com
	Live Chat:	Click Here to live chat during our business hours (Also located at the top-right corner of every page on our website)

Quick and well packaged delivery. Product is absolutely beautiful.

L.S. - Carriere, MS

I ordered a 12'X14' oval gazebo and assembled it as a retreat from our bedroom

M.R. – Hedgesville, WV

…Our gazebos weathered Hurricane Katrina just fine…

N.W. Mobile, AL

Outstanding service

R.W. - Collegeville, PA

Arrived in a timely fashion, nothing was missing, instructions were easy to follow. I would do business with them again and have recommended them to others.

T.D. - Watsonville, CA

…I must tell you how thrilled we are with the gazebo - we just wish we had done it years ago!

M.S. – Raleigh, NC

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