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I am going to get a new shed but first I need the base. I have purchased a plastic grid base system, I have measured out the area and have cleared the turf on top.

Now, I am coming a bit stuck on the best way to ensure that the ground is level before I start constructing.

I have heard of laying gravel down and raking, but this is extra cost and I would like to attempt levelling the Earth base first.

At the moment I just have a pointed spade and a spirit level that is too short :-)

The issue I see is that the ground is a bit lumpy in places so will need to perhaps take from some the lumpy bits to place in the lower bits, but how can I know the places to take from to ensure a proper base?

Niall C.
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physicsboy
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3 Answers3

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Set stakes around the proposed site for the shed, attach string lines/wires, and make sure they are level. Then measure the distance between the string line and the ground periodically, and make sure the distances measured remain the same. Done.

enter image description here

r13
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When I did this a few years ago I used an old fence post (that wasn't warped) and a large spirit level. I would rest the fence post flat on the ground and use the spirit level to check it really was flat. When it wasn't flat, I tried to dig away soil to make it flat, rather than add back soil. If I did have to add back soil I ensured I tamped it down as well as I could.

Moving the fence post about, ensuring it was flat in both directions, worked fairly well. In my opinion, much easier than using stakes and string. I also used a plastic base (filled with gravel) and three years later the shed is still standing strong!

MrBunsy
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You can make a water level from a couple of yard/meter sticks and a length of clear vinyl tubing. The difference in height between any two points is the difference in the water level on the measuring sticks. These require two people to use, but they can be as long as you need.

Image from Permaculture News, attributed by that site to Lake of the Ozarks Permaculture, but that link is broken for me:

enter image description here

If you're moving earth around, be sure to thoroughly tamp the areas you fill in to ensure they won't settle further.

Tech Inquisitor
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