How to Level the Ground for a Shed

If you’re planning to install a storage shed on your property, you may be asking yourself, “How do I prepare uneven ground for my shed?” 

But no need to worry. We’ve broken down the process of leveling the ground for your shed into five medium-skill level steps. If you have basic carpentry skills and a strong back, this job shouldn’t be too difficult. Plus, you’ll be able to complete the project without ruining your budget. 

How do you level a large area of ground for your shed? 

You will be able to level the ground for your shed in 5 steps! Each individual step is further explained so to eliminate any confusion on your end. If you want to skip ahead to a specific step, just click the words below. 

1. Choose location
2. Square and stake corners
3. Complete excavation
4. Install a perimeter (optional)
5. Install a gravel base

Let’s get started! 

2. Beware of Zoning Requirements

Your township zoning code may prohibit you from placing a storage shed too close to property lines or other existing structures. If setback requirements interfere with the desired placement of your shed, you may be able to apply for an easement in order to gain exemption from setback requirements.

Your property may also be subject to zoning laws that control the percentage of your property that is allowed to be covered with an impervious surface (paved driveways, sidewalks, patios, swimming pools, buildings, or anything that prevents rain water from soaking into the ground). You may be required to present a rough sketch of your property when applying for a permit that shows existing impervious surfaces. Google maps in satellite view can be a useful tool in order to complete this step.

If your township requires you to to control water runoff from your new storage shed or garage, you may be interested in our drainage system installation service.

4. Avoid Steep Grades if Possible

The closer your site is to level, the less work you’ll need to do to prepare it for your shed. You should also be aware that a steep grade will most likely require the use of a retaining wall. 

5. Watch Out for the Stuff Underground

If you have a private sewer system, make sure you don’t place your shed above the seepage bed or underground sewage tank. Also avoid placing it on top of buried gas lines. Your utility company may be able to mark the location of your gas lines free of charge.

9. Pay Attention to Aesthetics

Of course, you want to be thoroughly satisfied with the aesthetics of your shed. Where will your shed enhance curb appeal? Will it look better on an angle or parallel with the property line? These are just a few questions to ponder.  

STEP 2: SQUARE AND STAKE THE CORNERS

Now that you’ve chosen a location for your shed, you’re ready for Step 2. Follow these 5 steps to make sure the finished shed pad is perfectly square:

1. Gather tools
2. Stake the first and second corner
3. Stake the third corner
4. Add the final stakes
5. Stretch final lines
6. Mark the ground

Note: Many people ask, “how do you prepare uneven ground for a shed?” If your site is more than 12” off level over an 8′ span, jump to our Step 3. You can check the level by using an 8’ 2×4 and a level. Place the one end of the 2×4 at the highest corner of the site and place the level on top. If the 2×4 is level and the one end of the 2×4 is more than 12” off the ground, then you should proceed to Step 3.

Note: Your shed pad should be 12″ wider than your shed on all sides. For example, a 10×12 shed should be installed on a 12×14 gravel pad. Add another 12” when installing the corner stakes. Using a 10×12 shed as an example, the four corner stakes should cover an area measuring 13’ x 15’. If you’re not planning to install a 4×6 perimeter, then the area covered by the corner stakes should measure exactly 12′ x14′.

1. Gather needed tools for leveling ground

We understand that you are anxious to get this whole process going. Believe us, we were too. But first, you must gather all the needed tools in order to make sure this process comes together as needed. Here is a list of tools for leveling the ground:

• Tape measure
• Marking paint
• Level 
• Sledgehammer
• Circular saw
• Rake
• Tamper 
• Shovel
• Staple gun/hammer tacker
• String
• Mallet
• Safety gear
• Spray paint 
• Sledgehammer (for very uneven ground)
• Drill with ½” auger bit (if very uneven ground)

2. Stake the First and Second Corner

First, pound in your first stake, making sure it is perfectly straight. Next, pound in your second stake at a distance of 4’ from the first one.

3. Stake the Third Corner

This step is the most tricky. Install your third stake at a distance of 3’ from the first one (just eyeball it to get it as square as possible) and wrap your string around the third stake. Then measure from the second stake and move the third stake until it measures exactly 5’ from the second one. This creates a triangle shape that you can use to square your shed pad.

4. Add the Final Stakes

Finish installing the final corner stakes by using the triangle as a square. Stretch your string to the desired length (in this case 15’) from the first stake and let it just barely touch the second. Then pound in another stake at the 15’ mark.

Repeat that process on the other side. Stretch your string from the first stake to the desired length (in this case 13’) and let it just barely touch the third stake. Then pound in another stake at the 13’ mark.

Finally, simply measure 13’ from the one corner and 15’ from the other to get the location of the fourth stake.

5. Stretch Final Lines

Tightly stretch lines around the outside of your stakes (make sure the stakes are placed securely in the ground).

6. Mark the Ground

Mark the ground so that you can remove your string before beginning excavation. A can of spray paint is great, but you can also get creative and simply use your shovel to dig a small trench following the lines.

After marking the lines, remove your string. You are now ready to begin excavation.

STEP 3: COMPLETE EXCAVATION

(If your site is more than 12” off level over an 8’ span, you may need to complete this step before Step 2)

If completing this step before Step 2, use the following 7 steps to achieve preliminary leveling of your site. If you’ve already completed Step 2, you may skip this section. 

1. Stake the corners
2. Mark the area to be excavated
3. Remove surface debris and topsoil
4. Remove subsoil, rocks, and roots
5. Clean the corners
6. Check the level using a 2×4
7. Proceed to Step 2

1. Stake the Corners

Give yourself a general idea of where your shed corners will be. Your stakes should extend past the footprint of the shed at least 2’ all the way around. This will give you room to install a retaining wall and a shed pad that’s at least 1’ wider all the way around your shed.

2. Mark the Area to be Excavated

Stretch strings between the stakes and mark the area to be excavated. Remove strings. 

4. Remove Subsoil, Rocks, and Roots

Continue to dig down, removing sub soil, rocks, roots, and any other obstructions until your site appears level (and watch out for that chest of buried treasure).

5. Clean the Corners

Take some time to clean the corners and smooth out your excavation site. This will save you time later.

7. Return to Step 2

If you want to make sure your site of excavation is square Return to Step 2

If you’ve already completed Step 2, follow these 3 steps to level your shed site:

1. Remove Surface Debris and Topsoil

Remove all surface debris and top soil, even in areas that don’t need to be excavated. This helps to prevent weed growth in the future.

2. Clean the Corners

Take some time to clean the corners and smooth out your excavation site, saving you future time. 

3. Check the Level and Excavate as Needed

After your site is as level and clean as possible, check the how level the ground is using a 2×4 and level. Cut the 2×4 if necessary to fit within the graded area. Place the level on top of the 2×4 and move it around from one part of the excavation to the other, checking the level along the way. Excavate any high areas or fill in low areas as needed.

STEP 4: INSTALL THE PERIMETER (optional)

Follow these 8 steps to install a 4×6 perimeter around your shed base. This step is optional but recommended for a neat and clean end result.

1. Cut 4×6’s to length for first course
2. Lay in place
3. Join corners with screws
4. Measure across corners and square
5. Drill holes for pins
6. Verify level and install pins
7. Install additional courses as needed
8. Replace soil around outside edge

2. Lay in Place

As you lay the 4×6’s in place, make sure they are resting firmly on the ground. You may need to smooth out the soil by filling in low spots or removing high spots.

6. Verify Level and Install Pins

Verify that your 4×6 frame is level and make adjustments as needed. Cut the rebar into 2’ lengths using your sawzall or grinder and pound it into the freshly drilled holes in the 4×6 until the top of the rebar is flush with the top of the 4×6.

7. Install Additional Courses as Needed

If you’re planning to use your 4×6 perimeter as a retaining wall, then you’ll want to add additional courses until the wall reaches the desired height. Use landscape timber spikes to fasten each new 4×6 to the one underneath. 

8. Replace Soil around Outside Edge

Fill in the outside edges around the 4×6 frame with soil. You are now ready to install a layer of gravel on your flat and level surface. 

Step 5: Install a 5” Gravel Base

Use the following four steps to install the gravel and complete the final step for leveling the ground for your shed.

1. Install the landscape fabric (optional)
2. Spread the gravel
3. Level and smooth with a 2×4
4. Admire your level shed base

Confused about whether or not you should install a gravel or concrete shed foundation. Learn more about that issue in our blog post: Gravel vs. Concrete: Which Shed Base is Best for You?

3. Level and Smooth with a 2×4

Take the 2×4 used to level the excavated area and slide it across the surface of the gravel. This helps to smooth out uneven spots and create a pad that’s perfectly flat. If the job was done correctly up to this point, it should be very easy to level the gravel.

4. Admire Your New Shed Base

Step back and admire your work. Your shed now has a solid foundation that will help to ensure it functions properly and lasts for a long time. Note that this method can also be used to level ground for other gravel pad uses, such as gravel hot tub bases, gravel fire pit areas, or even gravel under a deck.

If you are interested in reading more, feel free to read our article on how to build a shed base on uneven ground. 

FAQs

Does a shed base need to be perfectly level? 

Yes, your shed base should be perfectly level.

Can you put a shed directly on the ground?

No, you can not. If you put your shed directly on the ground, you will run into problems such as erosion of the floor, extra mildew, and possible structural damage.