Chloe Zhang
Plastic sheds are a great addition to your outdoor space, but they can cause problems if not placed on level ground. While the process of levelling a plastic shed may seem daunting, it is relatively easy and affordable with the right tools. This guide will take you through the steps to ensure your plastic shed is installed correctly and avoid any potential issues. From choosing the right location to using gravel, crushed stone, or concrete, you'll be able to create a sturdy and level base for your shed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Area | Relatively level, flat area with no standing water |
| Tools | Hammer, screws, drill, shovel, rake, spirit level, measuring tape, ground tamper, pencil, string, floor jack, large lever |
| Materials | Gravel, mason blocks, paving slabs, crushed stone, concrete, asphalt shingles, treated wood shims, plastic shims, landscape timbers, plywood, posts |
| Process | Remove topsoil and grass, level subsoil, fill with gravel, compact, build frame, assemble shed |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a flat area
Picking a flat area for your shed is the first step to ensuring that your plastic shed is level. Putting a shed on a hill or slanted area can be a very difficult process that might require heavy machinery. It is much easier to level a relatively flat area.
You should also avoid areas with standing water. Over time, the water will soften the soil, and the weight of your shed will cause the soil to shift, which could cause big structural problems.
When choosing a spot, also consider the size of your shed. You will need to measure the base of your shed and mark out this area on the ground. You can use wooden stakes and a measuring tape to do this.
If you are building your shed on a concrete pad, be aware that concrete can dip, rise, or torque, just like any other foundation type. You will first need to unbolt the bottom plate of your framing from the pad and then use a large lever to pry up your shed.
If you live in an area that doesn't experience any winter conditions, and the ground is reasonably inorganic and hard, you may be able to get away with removing the grass layer and laying your shed directly on top.
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Remove topsoil and grass
Removing topsoil and grass is an important step in preparing a level foundation for your plastic shed. Topsoil is much softer than other types of soil and can cause problems for your shed if left in place. It is also important to remove grass because it can trap moisture around the base of your shed, causing it to deteriorate faster.
To remove topsoil and grass, start by using a shovel to dig a hole the size of your shed. The depth of the hole should be approximately half the length of the head of your shovel, or the full length if the ground is especially soft. As you dig, remove the topsoil and grass from the area, placing it in a pile on one side. Topsoil is typically browner in colour than other types of soil, so keep digging until you reach a lighter-coloured, more solid subsoil.
Once you've removed the topsoil and grass, it's important to level out the subsoil. You can do this by placing a plank on the subsoil and using a spirit level to adjust the soil until it is level. This will ensure that your shed has a solid and stable foundation.
After levelling the subsoil, you can replace the topsoil and fill the rest of the hole with gravel to support your shed's foundation. It is important to compact the gravel as you go, wetting it and using a ground tamper to compress it. This will create a sturdy base for your shed and help prevent future settling or unevenness.
By taking the time to properly remove topsoil and grass, level the subsoil, and fill the area with compacted gravel, you can ensure that your plastic shed has a strong and level foundation that will last for years to come.
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Use a spirit level
A spirit level is a tool used to check if a surface is level. It is one of the basic tools you will need to level the ground for a shed.
To use a spirit level, first, place a long plank across the area you want to level. The plank will allow you to judge where the ground is uneven. Next, lay the spirit level on top of the plank. Move the soil until the spirit level shows that the ground is level. Repeat this process across the entire surface of the area.
If you are using sand to create a level, roll out some weed membrane over the entire area where the shed base will be laid. This will provide a stable foundation and prevent the grids from migrating through the sand layers.
You can also use a spirit level to check if the posts of your shed are level. Place the spirit level on top of the posts. If the posts are not level, adjust the blocks or pea gravel until all four posts are level.
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Add gravel and compact
When preparing a foundation for a plastic shed, one of the steps is to add gravel and compact. Here is a detailed description of this step:
Excavate the area where the shed will stand, ensuring the depth is appropriate for the size of your shed. For smaller sheds, a depth of 4 to 6 inches of gravel is recommended, with larger sheds requiring a deeper base. Mark the corners and sides, ensuring they are even and parallel, and allowing for a 1-foot perimeter.
The next step is to fill the excavated area with gravel. The type of gravel used is important; angular gravel is recommended, and pea gravel should be avoided. Pour 3 inches of gravel into the excavated area, wet it, and then compact it using a compactor or hand tamper. Repeat this process until the excavated area is filled with compacted gravel.
It is important to note that the gravel should be compacted in layers to ensure a firm foundation for the shed. This process of adding gravel and compacting should be repeated until the desired depth is reached.
Some people also recommend adding landscape fabric between the earth and gravel to prevent the gravel from mixing with the earth over time. This is especially recommended when using washed or clear gravel. If using crushed gravel with fines included, this step is not necessary.
By following these steps and taking the time to properly compact the gravel, you will create a strong and durable foundation for your plastic shed.
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Build a frame on top
Building a frame on top of a levelled surface is a good way to ensure your plastic shed is sturdy and level. This method is particularly useful if you are placing your shed on uneven ground.
First, you need to decide on the size of your frame. It is recommended that you build a square frame that is slightly wider than your shed. You can use ground-contact-rated pressure-treated lumber to build your frame. One person built a 10x8 square frame with pressure-treated 2x4s and sheathed it with pressure-treated 1/2" plywood. This provided a level base for their shed, which was then placed on patio stones.
Once you have your frame, you will need to fill it with gravel. The type of gravel you use is important. It should be angular gravel, such as crushed stone or concrete, and not pea gravel. Pea gravel is not ideal for a shed foundation as it is normally one size and does not interlock well, making it unstable. When filling your frame with gravel, it is recommended that you pour 3" of gravel in, wet it, and compact it down. Repeat this process until your frame is filled.
You can then place your shed on top of the gravel, ensuring that it is level. You can use a spirit level to check that your shed is level on all sides. If it is not level, you can adjust it by adding more gravel or using wooden shims, asphalt shingles, or pressure-treated wood.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by picking a relatively flat area for your shed. Mark out the area of your shed base using wooden stakes. Remove the topsoil and grass from the area with a shovel. Level out the subsoil using a plank and spirit level. Then, fill the rest of the hole with gravel to support your blocks and wooden posts.
The gravel should be angular gravel, and not pea-gravel. Calculate how much gravel you need by multiplying the length of your shed by the height of the hole (3 inches or 7.6 cm) by the width of your shed.
If your shed is on a concrete pad, you will need to unbolt the bottom plate of your framing from the pad. Then, use a large lever to pry up your shed on the side that needs to rise. You can then use wood or plastic shims and hammer them under the bottom plate.
