DIY Builds
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Should a shed slab be sloped?

If you choose to go with a concrete pad, it's imperative that the concrete be level. Any slope will impact shed assembly and ultimately affect the lifespan of your shed. An old RV pad that has a slope will not work if you are planning on bolting the shed to your concrete pad.

How much room do I need for a roll up door?
How much room do I need for a roll up door?

Six-foot rollup doors need at least 16 inches of headroom, while a 20-foot stainless-steel door requires 25 inches of vertical headroom. Extreme®...

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What is the difference between a cupola and a steeple?
What is the difference between a cupola and a steeple?

Is a Cupola a Steeple? Although a cupola may hold a bell, it is not large enough to hold many bells. A cupola is not as lofty as a steeple, nor is...

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Choosing the Right Shed Foundation

The most important part of any building is its foundation. Even a slight slope on a concrete pad can compromise a shed’s structural integrity. A proper foundation will help ensure your shed lasts as long as possible. A good foundation is level, compact, and allows for proper drainage. Factor in zoning requirements and the purpose of your shed as you choose which foundation to prepare for your shed. Good: Level ground The first option is to simply clear the area where the shed will be going, and compact the dirt as much as possible. When building the shed on a cleared dirt area, we will use blocks to level out the building, and keep it off the ground. Over time, your shed may settle an inch or two. In these cases, it is important to check that your shed is level about once a year, and adjust accordingly. Better: A gravel pad The second option is to go with a gravel pad. If you choose to go with gravel, it’s important to lay gravel that extends at least one foot around the perimeter of the building. For example, if your shed is an 8’x10′, lay your gravel out to 9'x11' feet. If you choose to go with gravel, the shed should still be placed on concrete blocks to keep the floor up off of the gravel. This helps prevent rot, and keeps the shed level so you are able to open the doors properly. For more information on building a gravel pad, check out this video tutorial. Best: A concrete pad If you choose to go with a concrete pad, it’s imperative that the concrete be level. Any slope will impact shed assembly and ultimately affect the lifespan of your shed. An old RV pad that has a slope will not work if you are planning on bolting the shed to your concrete pad. Bolting a shed to a concrete pad is most commonly done with sheds that have no wood floor. If you are going to include a wood floor, the shed can be placed on a concrete pad, but it will need to be placed on blocks in order to make it level.

We recommend Tucker Concrete or Blackstone Concrete for pouring concrete pads.

More questions? Give us a call at 208-888-1090, use our contact form, or come down to our Meridian office to discuss your shed!

What is the hottest burning wood?
What is the hottest burning wood?

Most oak trees put off a ton of heat when they burn, but the white oak is at the top of the list with an astounding 30.7 million BTUs of heat per...

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What happens if I add sugar to concrete?
What happens if I add sugar to concrete?

Sugar increases the setting time of cement up to 1.33 hrs at dosage level of 0.06% by wt of cement. There will be no effect on workability,...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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Do I need gravel under concrete slab?
Do I need gravel under concrete slab?

You do need gravel under a concrete slab, footing, or patio. Gravel provides a solid foundation for your concrete as it can be compacted. It also...

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Will squirrels live under a shed?
Will squirrels live under a shed?

They will live in the same location as long as they are not threatened if squirrel trapping is not put in place. Squirrels can dig under sheds and...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Will lumber prices go down in 2022?
Will lumber prices go down in 2022?

May 2022 some building material prices going down. Framing lumber and construction lumber have dropped dramatically in price over the last few...

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Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

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Is anti slip paint any good?
Is anti slip paint any good?

While there's no perfect product on the market, we highly recommend Cuprinol's anti slip decking paint. During our extensive anti slip decking...

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