How to Set a Garden Storage Shed

A garden shed needs a level, dry and stable foundation. Without a solid foundation, the garden shed will quickly become unstable and will deteriorate. A shed foundation must be placed in an easily accessible, visually appealing and well-drained location. Further, check on any restriction for shed placement; this would include city or town building permits and codes. There may also be neighborhood codes or restrictions to follow.

Building permit if required
Property plat
Wood stakes
Shovel
Rake
4-foot carpenter's level
Straight 2-by-4 lumber
Landscape fabric
Gravel
Anchor kit

Instructions

- 1
  Call local utilities and have property flagged. Also check for sprinkler system and low-volt lighting locations.
- 2
  Obtain any building permits or neighborhood association approvals required.
- 3
  Determine the location for the garden sheds based on the site conditions, code requirements and neighborhood restrictions. Find any property restrictions easements and setbacks in your closing paperwork for the property.
- 4
  Stake out the shed's foundation, adding 12 inches around the perimeter.
- 5
  Remove any grass, rocks or roots within the foundation with a shovel.
- 6
  Level the foundation with a 4-foot carpenter's level and a long 2-by-4 piece of straight lumber. Check the pad around the perimeter and across the pad.
- 7
  Add a layer of landscape fabric over the exposed dirt.
- 8
  Shovel a 4-inch layer of gravel over the landscape fabric and rake level.
- 9
  Place the shed on the new foundation and anchor it in place. Anchor kits are available at hardware stores and lumberyards. Follow the instructions provided with the kit to securely anchor the shed.

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Garden Sheds