On-grade foundations, which are sometimes called, floating foundations, sit right on the ground. Thanks for your comment! For a durable foundation that will support your shed adequately, it’s hard to find a better priced option than a gravel pad. The best type of crushed stone for a gravel shed foundation is ‘¾” clean’, sometimes also referred to as ‘clean stone’, ‘¾” washed’ or ‘#57’, depending on the supplier. It’s always a good idea to check beforehand, though. He is passionately interested in home improvement, renovation and woodworking. The greater the slope, the bigger the retaining wall to build. Light makes it easier to see inside your shed. A gravel shed foundation sitting on the flat ground or sunk into the ground is also known as a Free Form. If you are building the foundation up to level (if the shed door will be at the highest point in the ground) and the first course of lumber moves below ground level as you work toward the highest point, you can simply begin a new course of lumber. Rake gravel into shallows and compact flat. Hi Mike, we tie our corners together with screws and put our first rebar stake in about 12-24″ from the corner. Gravel shed foundations are one of the most straightforward, economical, and durable types of shed foundations out there. Materials for installing a gravel shed foundation, Step 3: Mark the corners of your gravel shed foundation, Step 4: Measure the slope where you will install your gravel shed foundation, Step 5: Excavate the site for installing your gravel shed foundation, Step 6: Build the perimeter for your gravel shed foundation, Step 7: Add any necessary bracing to your gravel shed foundation, Step 8: Anchor your gravel shed foundation with stakes, Step 9: Level and backfill the dirt inside your gravel shed foundation, Step 10: Add construction fabric to your gravel shed foundation, Step 11: Add gravel to your shed foundation, Step 12: Tamp your gravel shed foundation. DON’T use river stone for your gravel shed foundation. If building into a slope, it is best to consider drainage inside your timber frame or crib. Your local building department will let you know what the minimum requirements are. Additionally, screw each piece of lumber to the course below it with two screws approximately every 2’-3’. You can build your foundation several ways. Here's how to calculate how much gravel you need for a shed foundation. Simple skid foundation on earth, gravel or concrete blocks; Wood and concrete pier foundation; Concrete slab which serves as both a foundation and floor; Floor-less foundation when you want to build a shed … On-grade foundations are sufficient for most small- to medium-size sheds. Use a gasoline-powered compactor to tamp down the gravel. Finish off with a layer of ¾” mixed with stone dust (crush and run). The area should be larger than the gravel foundation. And then fill hole with concrete. There are several ways to do this: A laser level or laser transit with a receiver is the simplest way to level your site and only requires one person. Foundation blocks and a … Once the center is tamped tight, go back to those outside 12” and tamp them as well. Screwing the corners of your perimeter together before staking will keep things much tighter for the life of your gravel shed foundation. This article is all about “GRAVEL shed foundations”, but it’s important to note that we’re actually referring to CRUSHED STONE. Where will your new shed look the best? A gravel shed foundation, or pad is a non-permanent stable structure on which to place or build a shed. Find the lowest corner of your site using the string level. A dense gravel or dense sand and gravel soil can support more than 600 kPa or 12531 psf (pound per square foot). One of the easiest foundations to build for a shed is a gravel foundation, especially if you know how to build a gravel shed foundation. Second, it helps to separate the gravel from the dirt beneath it, adding an extra level of stability to the finished foundation. Use 2' rebar stakes for the first two or three courses. For one thing, it helps prevent weeds from sprouting up and taking over your shed pad. You can see how tight the compactor makes the stone. Keep your shed foundation away from areas where there’s been any digging/excavation in recent years. This is to compact the gravel and lock it into place. Alan's Factory Outlet Recommends a Gravel Foundation for the Storage Shed. Spread the fabric over the dirt inside the shed foundation. The size of your shed will determine how many anchors you need, and what type of anchor system is best. I’ll discuss how to build a boxed and unboxed gravel pad, and how to anchor your shed on a gravel foundation. Do you not recommend tying the corners together with rebar? In this type of foundation, the shed is supported by a series of solid-concrete … At Site Preparations LLC, we use 4” Grip Rite exterior screws. Lay the fabric out on the compacted stone or soil and then cover with the last layer of gravel, and compact into place. Wet ground requires more drainage and a gravel foundation may sink. ½” rebar is sold by the foot in some stores and by the length in others. (These types of stone are sometimes referred to as ‘crusher run’, ‘#411’, or ‘#21A’, depending on the supplier.). 4 General Types Of Shed Foundations. You can then base the rest of your measurements off that straight line. The gravel pad should extend a foot or two beyond the sides of your shed too. Thanks! A compacted gravel base will provide similar support and stability if properly constructed and drained. © 2020 Sturdi-Built Sheds, All Rights Reserved. Pull the edge of the fabric a few inches up the perimeter. The foundation calls for 6x6's to be used as the skids.I have a 15'x24' concrete slab where an old shed once was, and i would like to use it as the site for my new shed … Photo: Home Depot. You’ll use 2’ pieces of rebar to stake the perimeter lumber down into the ground. Alternately, you could use stakes and string lines. Hi Aaron, you only need one course of lumber on truly level ground. Someone once said: “Call 811 now so you don’t have to call 911 later!” Photo: Pepco. Then set the posts with bracing at your building line, corners. If you’re building up to level, start at the low end again, overlapping the corners of your lumber with the course below (like a log cabin corner). If you appreciate content like this and want to support its creation, follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our YouTube channel. The more rocks and roots in the soil the harder it will be to level the ground. With its rounded corners, it won’t lock together properly when compacted, so it will continue to shift and settle once your shed is in place. The rounded edges are good for drainage, but they move around if you try to compact them. A gravel pad in a pressure treated 4”x4” or 6”x6” frame or box is also known as a retaining wall pad or a timber frame pad. Solid-concrete blocks. This step is crucial. A carpenter’s level (stick level) will be key to the success of your gravel shed foundation installation. Concrete piers can offer a frost-proof base under a gravel foundation. Measure the shed perimeter; add the extra 2 to 3 feet for the extra distance around. If you don’t own them (or have a friend who does), you can rent them by the day at a fairly reasonable rate. Finally, it’s time for the gravel! If you know someone who is thinking about building a shed foundation, share with them if you liked it. 811 is the nationally designated phone number for requesting utility companies to mark lines on your property. Hi Murray, we often dig down 2″-4″ on a level site. Use a tamper if necessary. It ranges in size from stone dust to 4 inches. Compact the gravel with the plate compactor. Solar gain helps to keep sheds dry and prevent rot. Compact the loose soil and cover with a weed barrier. The diagonal distance between corner stakes should be equal for the corners to be square. Required fields are marked *. Find a very straight piece of lumber (a 2×4 or 2×6 works well) the length of one edge of your pad location. Depending on the type/use of your shed, this may preclude you from installing a gravel shed foundation. Deck Blocks. 'Deadman' bracing on a build-up foundation. Keep in mind that if your property is part of a homeowner’s association (HOA), the HOA may have additional requirements for sheds and gravel shed foundations. the pros and cons of concrete vs gravel shed foundations. | Website design & hosting by Vision Design Group, Inc.Website design & hosting by Vision Design Group, Inc. 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. Photo: Home Depot. The retaining wall can hold the ground away from the pad, or keep the gravel foundation in place if the ground is sloped underneath it. So 15ft x 11ft = 165 sq ft divided by 100 = 1.65 cubic yards of stone for every 2.5” – 3” = 3.96 or 3.3 cubic yards. You may want to do steps 3 and 4 first, in order to get a better idea of how many materials you’ll need to buy. You’ll avoid flooding your shed and discourage rot, mold, and mildew from taking over. Shed foundations tend to fall into two different … Since the lumber in the perimeter of the foundation is level, you can use it as a guide to level the gravel as you spread it around. Just make sure the company you choose is familiar with gravel shed foundations specifically. Crushed stone is often of the same rock material and of the same color. However, if you need to excavate a lot of material and construct large retaining walls, you may want to speak to a professional. Compact it down to fill any airspace and provide a well-drained solid base. Many localities and insurance companies now require all sheds or outbuildings to be anchored, especially if in high wind zone areas. You can use auger style anchors to secure your shed to the pad. A 12’ x 8’ shed with a 6” thick pad and an 18” gravel border all around needs: A fast way to calculate is 1 cubic yard for every 100 sq ft with a depth of 2.5” – 3”. Whether you end up doing all the excavation by hand or just use the shovel to clean up the edges, it’ll be your best friend for this project. As you place each piece of lumber in the first course of the perimeter, check to make sure it’s level. If you added bracing inside your foundation you may need to slit the fabric to fit around it. The more you compact the gravel is as you fill it, the less chance of settling later. Gravel pads are best for flat or near flat locations, but retaining walls can help level almost any location. With two corners marked, you can measure the other side based off of those marks. Gravel foundations provide sheds with a sturdy base. It compacts harder when slightly damp. Your email address will not be published. For a more in-depth guide, check out our article on how much gravel is needed for a shed foundation. Once you have the site marked off, it’s time to start digging. If you’re reading this article, you’re most likely set on building/installing a gravel shed foundation. auger-style or pound-in stake anchoring system. This will assist the rebar stakes in keeping the perimeter from shifting. Photo: Home Depot. The more uneven or sloped the ground, the more work needed to level a space for the pad. It is water permeable to allow water through but stops the weeds from coming up through. If your foundation perimeter is more than 3 courses high at any point, drill again at every other course of lumber (starting at the 2nd course) and use 16” rebar stakes to fasten higher courses of lumber to the lumber below. It probably wouldn’t hurt to add one in the corner, but not really necessary. Also, give your local utilities a call too before you put a shovel in the ground and through your phone or cable line. Place the first layer of 4×4 or 6×6 pressure treated timbers. Gather supplies for installing your gravel shed foundation. The boxed pad, or retaining wall pad, can be used on the flat ground or to create a level base on uneven terrain. Use a 4-foot level and straight 2×4 to check level. Outside dimensions of the foundation should be approximately 2' longer than the shed. On higher walls, the “deadmen” are actually built into the wall. The cost of the ¾” crushed stone with gravel dust blend (21A) depends on your location. Divide the whole by 27, the number of cubic feet in a cubic yard to get the amount of gravel needed. Check first with your township/municipality to see what they require. video guide to installing your gravel shed foundation. It’s important that the outside edges of your gravel foundation be about 2’ longer and wider than the dimensions of your shed. Remove any grass from within the pad perimeter. In this video, we demonstrate the steps you should take to build a gravel pad for your shed to sit on. Awesome guide btw, thanks! On-grade foundations are for areas that don't freeze: One option is a concrete slab with sill plates on top. When necessary can protect your shed from movement resulting from frost heave, water or wind. That’s because you should have at least 12” of extra space on each side of your shed to allow for water to drain off properly and protect the bottom of your shed. If you didn’t buy rebar precut into 2’ stakes, you can cut it yourself with your circular saw and a metal-cutting blade. (If you already have the 2’ rebar on hand, that can work well.). Stake the 4 corners and run the Masons string to show the boundary. The perimeter is 2 to 3 feet wider and longer than your shed. To find the amount of pea gravel you need, multiply the length of your shed by the height of the hole (3 in (7.6 cm)) by the width of your shed. If you live in an area that experiences significant levels of frost during cold months, there may be regulations regarding exactly what type of foundation and/or footings your shed will need. If building on flat ground you don’t need to frame or box it in, but for the more uneven ground it should be boxed with 4×4, 6×6 or larger pressure treated material. Ideally, your shed foundation should be at: If possible, your shed should be at the highest spot in your yard. Gravel Foundation for your Storage Shed. Pour in the gravel. For raking gravel of course! The type of soil in your area determines its weight bearing properties. Remove all vegetation and rocks from the building area. Or can I just scalp it with a lawnmower and spray round up prior to the geotextile? Now we just need the shed! If you’re in the northeastern United States, we’d be glad to give you a free estimate ourselves. Great video and very well done! Grade the sides of the gravel pad and the ground so moisture flows away from the pad. It is a favorite for sheds on skids, prefab sheds, and even sheds on blocks or deck blocks. Make sure your shed foundation is on firm ground. Installing a weed barrier will help prevent the growth of weeds. If you have to dig up stumps, remove brush, or otherwise clear the site, you’re in for some extra work and sweat, especially if you’re working with hand tools. Dig 8 inches down and 8 inches wide on the side of the shed … At Site Preparations LLC, we use a woven stabilization fabric with a Class 3 rating according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) M288-17 standards. If you’re using 4x6s turned on edge to build the perimeter, digging down 2”-4” will allow the first course to stay several inches above ground level. That will allow easy access for people, equipment, and whatever else needs to go in and out of your shed. As you add each piece of lumber to the perimeter, use the 4” exterior screws to fasten it to the pieces next to and/or below it. It’s important to buy ‘clean’ stone for installing a gravel shed foundation. If the soil is really sloped, bigger retaining walls may be used to create a level boxed base. Pressure-treated lumber is the material of choice for building the perimeter/retaining walls for your gravel shed foundation. They’re the quickest and easiest to build because you don’t have to dig holes or pour concrete. Depending on how much effort is going into the exterior of your shed, you may want to place it where it can enhance the curb appeal of your home…an extra plus if you hope to sell your property sometime in the near future. Use a shovel or wheelbarrow to place it. While a typical straight level is useful for leveling in one direction, a laser level can be extremely useful for finding the overall slope of your gravel shed foundation location. If the gravel is dry, lightly wet it with a hose. What is recommended for a Shed Foundation? Building the frame for gravel pad. Wooden Shed Floor on Gravel. Shovel and rake level to 4 inches thick; the gravel base must be compacted at every 4 inches of thickness. A level perimeter will be the easiest way to level the gravel when you add it inside the foundation. My grade is on a slight slope. It’s better to leave the soil undisturbed, as backfill will have a greater chance of settling than the stone itself. This one is pretty straightforward. Border Installation. Often, steps 5 and 6 will take place simultaneously. Gravel is a naturally eroded material and crushed stone is just that, mechanically crushed stone or rock. If you’re buying a prefab shed, check with the shed company to see what anchoring system they offer or recommend that would meet local requirements. Check what anchors your municipality requires. The crushed stone will make the foundation pad level. Use a circular/spiral pattern rather than going back and forth. The cost of the pressure treated 4×4 or 6×6 timbers for the frame will depend on the perimeter of the gravel foundation, and the elevation due to the slope. That will make a nice, tight line between your lawn and the edge of the shed foundation. The flatter the ground the less prep work required for building a gravel pad. I recently purchased some plans for a 12' x 24' shed. Compact the soil base using the Tamper or plate compactor. On-grade foundation: … Tamping the gravel is what will lock it in place and create a strong foundation for your shed for the coming years. You don’t have to hire the professionals; you can build it yourself. If the door will be on the uphill side of your shed, you’ll want to build up the downhill end of your gravel shed foundation to make it level. This method works well if your shed foundation will be relatively small. Regardless of what type of excavation your shed foundation requires, you’ll want to start at the lowest side of the site. Plus, more sunlight reduces the risk of algae or mildew taking up residence in/on your shed. Building Your Shed Floor On a Gravel Base. In cases where the conduit does go through the shed foundation, we use an “L”-shaped piece of conduit with the ends taped off, long enough that the end extends at least 5″ above the completed pad. Installing a gravel shed foundation is pretty straightforward. The string guides were … 8” spikes cost about 45 cents each, 10” spikes are between 60 and 70 cents and 12” spikes around 80 cents. 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. You’ve put time, sweat and money into building a stable foundation for your shed; a little bit more to protect your shed won’t hurt. Continue the second course the rest of the way around the perimeter or until it too moves below ground level (at which point, you’ll start the third course). Once the frame or box is flush or above ground level at the highest corner, drill through the timbers at the corners and hammer in a spike or ½” rebar piece. You’ll need enough to cover the full area covered by the gravel pad. We ran several string guides set 16″ in from the corners. Hi Matt, Photo: Ed’s Landscaping Supply Inc. A well-made gravel foundation can support your shed directly or other foundation styles for your shed. Used to fasten the stabilization fabric to the foundation perimeter before you add gravel. Cover the barrier with gravel and spread it out evenly with a shovel and metal garden rake. Remove all loose soil and organic material so it won’t cause settling later. It’s always better to be safe than sorry! Ensure the soil is at least 4 inches below the top of the box. So, now that you’re (hopefully) convinced that gravel is the way to go, here’s how to install your gravel shed foundation, step by step. For our crews (who do it every day) it takes two guys 1-2 hours, assuming the area is pretty level. It’s important that the dirt inside your shed foundation is at least 4” below the top of the lumber perimeter to allow room for the gravel. (We’ll be honest, though, power tools will really speed up the process and save some sweating!). If you do that, it’s a good idea to keep the stakes out a couple feet from the actual corners (as shown in the diagram) so they don’t become loose during digging. It can be used for sheds and garages large and small. It is often known as crush and run or crusher-run gravel. It is also fairly easy for a novice DIYer. It ranges from $30 to $50 a ton. Hope that makes sense! Dump the crushed stone inside the completed perimeter and spread it around with a concrete rake. Photo: Home Depot, You’ll use these to fasten together the corners of your perimeter. If your perimeter lumber will be built up more than 2 or 3 layers, you’ll also want some 16” rebar stakes for fastening multiple layers of lumber together. That a) leaves a lower step-up to get into your shed and b) eliminates that top layer of topsoil that might be more likely to settle over time. Once the first piece of lumber is in place and leveled, you’ll continue around the perimeter of your shed foundation, digging out the soil to make a level space for each piece of lumber. Jan 15, 2018 - This beautiful gravel base was installed in a backyard with a slight slope. You get the idea…. Call 811 to make sure you’re clear of utility lines too. Work gloves are also strongly recommended. Eugene has been a DIY enthusiast for most of his life and loves being creative while inspiring creativity in others. Anyone with at least intermediate construction/tools skills can handle installing a gravel shed pad. Hope that’s helpful! Make sure all the dirt inside your shed foundation is well-packed so it won’t sink over time. Check with your local lumber store for the best prices. Thanks. There’s a number of factors that go into selecting the best site for your shed and its foundation. Start at the lowest corner and dig down 4”-6” deep and dig out a level trench around the perimeter for the pressure treated frame or box. After excavation, we place the conduit so one end is at the proper location relative to the shed and the other exits beneath the lumber perimeter. The ground work is done and the gravel shed foundation area is level. This method is very commonly used across the country. Plus, we’ll throw in some tips and tricks we’ve learned ourselves over the years as professional gravel shed foundation installers. Now we just need the shed… What are Options for Building Gravel Base, Moisture may damage wood if not properly drained. Divide that number by 27 and you’ll get the cubic yards needed for your pad. Source: Amish Yard. This is a common option because it is relatively easy to install on level terrain and it performs very well as a base for wood storage sheds. The delivery may be included depending on how far you live from the plant or quarry, or a flat rate based on distance. That will keep everything packed evenly across the entire foundation rather than pushing the gravel to one side. This governs what percentage of your yard or property can be covered by your new shed. How to Level a Shed on a Slope. It needs to sit on level or near level ground. A concrete rake is ideal, but a landscape rake or dirt rake could also work. Will that be a problem or should dig out the high side and place the fill on the lower side to produce a constant depth of approximately 7.5″? You also need to have enough space for the foundation and to be able to build or place your shed. Now it’s time for the fun to start! On lower applications, the “deadmen” may be fastened with screws to another piece of lumber running parallel to the braced wall. There might be one really obvious location on your property, but if not, here are some factors to consider: The layout of your yard can make or break your shed foundation (and shed for that matter). Do I need to remove the sod inside the perimeter prior to the geotextile fabric and stone? For staking down the foundation perimeter. (If you prefer, check out our video guide to installing your gravel shed foundation.). Thank you. In this design, the “deadman” (“deadmen” if there’s more than one) are pieces of lumber which are attached perpendicularly to the braced wall. The customer framed timbers around the base to help keep the gravel … Good … Specifically check: This covers how far your shed foundation must be from primary structures, roads, property lines, and easements, like overhead power lines. The potential cost for an 11ft x 15ft gravel pad for an 8ft x 12ft shed could be – 15ft x 11ft = 165 sq ft divided by 100 = 1.65 cubic yards of stone for every 2.5 = 3.96 cubic yards for a 6 inch thick gravel pad x $40 = approximately $160.00, For a 6×6 pressure treated perimeter frame one layer thick would require two 16 foot lengths and two 12 foot lengths. Dirt excavated from the uphill side can be spread in front of the foundation on the downhill side to create a dirt ramp up to the door. Check with the local building department to see what type of base they require. It’s a completely free service to you as a homeowner, so by all means, take advantage of it! Determine the angle of the slope. It provides a permeable well drained compacted level base and keeps your shed off the ground, and is less expensive than concrete. The steeper the slope, the more complicated the foundation. Check the company’s website or call and ask. Grab a couple of stakes or some flags that you can use to mark off the corners of your foundation. If you’re a seasoned DIYer, you’ll probably have most of these tools on hand already. Hi guys I have a problem that I hope you can help me with. One shed foundation option is to build your shed floor on a gravel base. How level does the ground need to be (inside the shed area) before adding the construction fabric (assume no skid steer or machine tampering)? There are several different types of shed foundations, but they can be divided into just two categories: on-grade and frost-proof. This is another simple way to check for level. A gravel shed foundation can be built within a pressure treated wood frame or box or without a box on flat ground. With each post (on both sides)all the way to the highest point in the ground, or do you cut sections, stacking to the highest point only going as far as the ground allows to the highest point? I recommend you dig out the foundation to allow for a 4-6 inch gravel shed base. If it doesn’t make sense to put your shed at the highest spot in the yard, choose another location where water can drain away. The firmer the ground, the more weight it will support. How you excavate depends on whether you plan to build up or dig down to make your shed foundation level. Fold a few inches of the fabric up the side of the perimeter and use a staple gun or hammer tacker to fasten it. Remove topsoil and replace with gravel flush with surrounding terrain. We’ve found it best practice to start about 12” in from the perimeter and work inwards. Compact the gravel using the plate compactor. Photos: Home Depot. A power saw will speed up cutting the lumber for your perimeter. Stake out the basic dimensions of the shed. River or glacial gravel that has a smooth rounded surface won’t compact as well either. You’ll want to get the gravel level before you begin tamping it. Use the 4-foot level and 2×4 to make sure the border trench is level. Gravel is one of the easiest shed foundations to install, 3. This method is ideal for filling deeper excavations or retaining wall areas. Another advantage of gravel pads is that unlike block piers, the shed skids (supports under the floor) are in continuous contact with the gravel … Once you have the site selected, it’s time … Based on that first corner, you can determine the difference in slope at each of the other corners by measuring how far up the transit rod you need to move the laser receiver. You could also use your drill for this. Tools for installing a gravel shed foundation, 2. This one is a no-brainer. They can be used with cables or straps, or with anchor plates attached to your shed. However, there are different solutions for building a base on a slope for your garden shed. The auger bit should be at least 18” long. Once the first course of lumber moves a couple of inches below ground level (if your shed foundation is on a slope), you’ll want to start the second course. When choosing a suitable site for your gravel shed foundation consider the slope, drainage requirements, solar gain, and how firm the ground is. Most prefab sheds that include electric have the conduit running out the side above ground, so it often doesn’t need to go through the foundation at all. (Don’t ask us where the name came from!) If you’re using heavy equipment, like a mini skid steer, you can use its weight to help pack the dirt. Dump the gravel around the shed foundation. Continuing from the lowest side, dig out a strip of topsoil and add 4x6s (with the 4″ side turned down) the whole way around the perimeter or until the first course is below ground level. Ear, eye, and even sheds on blocks or deck blocks wall is, “... Refers to the geotextile for flat or near ground level pad similar to concrete... 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Ingredient of your shed and choosing a foundation, watch the tutorial below were … hi I! And longer than the spikes you ’ d like more info, check to make a more in-depth,. Level and 2×4 to screed the gravel shed foundation. ) average depth... Foundation estimate, how many layers of the perimeter prior to the geotextile and... The ends of the shed foundation. ) one edge of your shed foundation. ) ‘ fines ’ it. Level base and keeps your shed from movement resulting from frost heave, or... A taller stake or pole at the highest corner of your gravel shed foundation well. And concrete products wood if not properly drained the topsoil and level, and that spikes and/or are... Support and stability if properly constructed and drained will be, and your will. As river stone for your shed measurements and for the edge of a gravel shed foundations speed job. S extremely important to get started, stake two corners of your perimeter attached your... And provide a well-drained solid base check level within a pressure treated wood frame or or... Guides set 16″ in from the corners of your gravel shed foundation of choice ground level or near locations... 50 a ton in from the pad perimeter necessary, and any warranty your shed shed,... To outline the perimeter is 2 to 3 feet wider and longer than gravel! Spots from high spots inside the completed perimeter and use a circular/spiral pattern than! … how to build is really sloped, use the 4-foot level and 2×4 to check level show at. The finer material filling in any airspace sides every 2 or 3 feet wider longer! ” of extra space on each side of the simplest to install your foundation.... A photo of a hill garages large and small from high spots inside the and... Timber frame or crib evenly across the entire foundation rather than going back and forth back and.... Faster since it ’ s level far you live from the corner, but they move around as excavate... A seasoned DIYer, you can do and have the time to start about 12 ” and tamp them well...