Building a shed base on uneven concrete is a great problem to have, but it can be a challenge to build your shed so it looks straight, level and in line with the surrounding area. By following these steps, you can make sure the base is perfectly level and ready for your new shed.
Installing a shed base over concrete can be a tricky process but building one on uneven concrete isn’t impossible. Once you are confident about the elevation of your garden’s flat area and how to level it out, you can move on to constructing the shed base itself.
Some professional builders will recommend pouring a concrete slab to create an even base for your shed. However, as anyone who has ever poured (or hefted) 80 square feet of concrete knows, that’s a lot of work—especially if the ground you’re working with is uneven. Fortunately, there is a way to build your shed without using concrete—the CPTZ post and pier foundation system.
Guide to ‘How To Build A Shed Base On Uneven Concrete’
A shed base is a foundation that you build on top of the ground to support your shed. If you don’t have a concrete slab or level space to put your shed, this is a good option for you.
A shed base can be built out of many different materials and shapes, but most people choose to build them in one of two ways: as a simple rectangle or using blocks. A simple rectangular shed base is easy to make but doesn’t provide much strength for holding up heavy objects. Blocking out forms with wood lends more support than just laying down plywood or boards, but it also adds time and labor costs to construction projects—not everyone has the necessary carpentry skills.
The easiest way to create a solid foundation for any kind of project (including sheds) is by using concrete blocks because they are lightweight yet durable enough not only withstand heavy loads but also retain heat when working outside during cooler months (such as winter).
The shed should be built on a level surface of compact gravel or concrete.
While it is possible to build a shed on uneven concrete, we strongly recommend building the base on a level surface of compact gravel. It’s easier to work with and more forgiving than concrete, which can crack and crumble in extreme weather conditions. Gravel is also cheaper than concrete and more environmentally friendly because it doesn’t require any chemicals or additives during production. Plus, gravel is more durable than concrete and more aesthetically pleasing since it comes in a variety of colors.
If you’re still not convinced, consider this: The average person uses approximately 10 tons of gravel per year—enough to fill up an average-sized swimming pool.
Start by clearing the construction area of any stones and other debris that could obstruct the process.
Start by clearing the construction area of any stones and other debris that could obstruct the process. Use a rake or broom to remove rocks, stones and branches from your site; leave them out of the shed area.
Next, dig up about four inches of soil from around your site until you find stable earth underfoot. Remove all loose dirt so that only solid ground remains; this will ensure that your base is level.
If there is no grass in your yard to cover over a gravel base, lay down a weed barrier before filling in with gravel or sand (depending on whether you want an elevated shed). Use landscape fabric first if needed; then fill in with 3-8 inches of stone mulch or sand between 6-12 inches deep depending on how high your shed will be built off the ground (1/3rd – 1/2th its height).
Next, you will need to lay down a bed of gravel in the desired location for your shed base.
Before you can install the shed base, you will need to lay down a bed of gravel in the desired location for your shed base. While there are many choices available when it comes to selecting the material used as a base for your shed, gravel is one of the best choices because it’s inexpensive, easy to install and well-drained. Gravel is also easy to remove and replace if you need to relocate or expand your shed after it’s been installed. If properly maintained, this type of foundation should last for years without requiring much additional maintenance or upkeep.
To begin laying down your gravel bed, start by spreading out about 2 inches worth of pea gravel over any uneven areas on top of your concrete slab (if necessary). Then use a garden rake or broom handle (or similar tool) to level out all bumps from within this layer up until it’s smooth and level with surrounding surfaces.
You can use pea gravel, coarse gravel or crushed stone for this part of the process. Stone dust is not a suitable choice as it may get wash away with rain water.
You can use pea gravel, coarse gravel or crushed stone for this part of the process. Stone dust is not a suitable choice as it may get wash away with rain water.
Pea gravel is small and round. It is mostly used for filling up the trenches and tracks in gardens, driveways etc. Coarse gravel is larger than pea gravel however smaller than crushed stone. Crushed stone is larger yet again but still smaller than concrete blocks or bricks which are used to build walls on uneven ground.
Once you have spread out the gravel, use a tamper tool to tamp it down into place. This will ensure that the gravel is packed together tightly and well-compacted.
- Spread out the gravel over the area you have marked as your foundation, making sure that it is as even and level as possible.
- Use a tamper tool to tamp down into place. This will ensure that the gravel is packed together tightly and well-compacted.
- Repeat this process until you have covered all of your concrete slab with a layer of gravel to a depth of 3-4 inches.
Once you are satisfied that the ground is level, pour another layer of gravel. Tamp down as before until well-compacted again. Repeat this process until the entire area is covered in gravel to a depth of 3-4 inches.
Once you are satisfied that the ground is level, pour another layer of gravel. Tamp down as before until well-compacted again. Repeat this process until the entire area is covered in gravel to a depth of 3-4 inches.
Now that your base is complete, it’s time to build your shed.
Your shed base is now complete. Now you can start building your shed on top of it.
The shed base is now complete! Now you can start building your shed on top of it!
Now that the shed base is complete, it’s time to start building your shed. You’ll want to finish building your frame and then attach the flooring and roof panels before taking it outside for assembly.
Learn how to build a shed base even if your concrete is uneven
If you have uneven concrete, building a shed base can be a challenge. But with these tips, it won’t be as hard as it seems.
First, you’ll need to level the ground by placing gravel on top of the concrete and tamping it down with a tamper tool. Then you can build your shed base right over the gravel, making sure that its floor is level with the rest of your yard or garden area.
Final words
After pouring the concrete, you should allow it to harden for up to two weeks before placing any weight on it.
If you want to build your shed base on top of uneven concrete, we recommend using a cement foundation with rebar reinforcement.
This is because concrete can be poured into the foundation form and allowed to set up there for about 24 hours before moving onto next steps.
You may need some help drilling holes in your concrete pad so that rebar can be inserted through these openings during construction.
Once this has been done successfully then all that’s left will be installing your shed or other structure.
