Site Preparation

How to prepare your site for your shed or playhouse.

Correct site preparation is very important to the longevity of your new building. We've laid out a few suggestions to help make sure your cottage kit is done properly and prepared for the years of wear and weather ahead of it.

Step 1

Mark the area, giving yourself an additional 12" on each side of your building

Step 2

Excavate the marked off area

Step 3

Compact the excavated area

Step 4

Make sure the area is level

Step 5

Fill site with desired foundation material (crushed stone shown)

Step 6

Level the foundation material

Foundation & Floor Materials

Crushed stone (with wooden floor)

For the foundation, we recommend removing 4-5 inches of topsoil and replacing it with 4-5 inches of #8 crushed limestone when preparing for a wooden floor. It's also beneficial to extend the stone 12" around the perimeter of the outbuilding. This added border helps protect the structure by reducing weed growth and minimizing moisture, contributing to a longer-lasting building.

Concrete pad

Another option is to install a concrete pad for your floor. This will require removing 2-4 inches of topsoil and replacing it with #8 crushed limestone. Then, pour a 4-inch concrete slab on top of the limestone. We recommend pouring the slab approximately 1 inch smaller than the building's footprint, as concrete tends to widen slightly during the pour. Our buildings are designed with 3" of siding that overlaps the outside edge of the concrete, so be sure your concrete pad remains above ground level. If you plan to add an apron in front of your building, drop it 4 inches below the main concrete slab so it does not interfere with the structure.

Permits

If it is necessary to obtain a building permit or cross a neighboring property, it is the buyer's responsibility to obtain a neighbor's permission or to purchase the necessary permits prior to delivery.