Shed Site Prep

Site preparation is a crucial step before installing your new shed, barn, tiny home, or animal shelter. Starting with a level, stable surface is vital to ensuring the long life of your structure. If the ground is unstable, the shed may sink or shift, causing it to become unlevel and ultimately comprising the building’s overall structural integrity. At Midwest Backyard Structures, we recommend a crushed stone base.

A backyard shed with a front porch, two windows, with two entry points: a single and a double door
A square crushed gravel pad for a shed located in a wooded area

Crushed Stone Base

A level crushed stone base is worth every minute and every Penny spent. We recommend a 3/4” CA6 road pack, three to five inches deep to evenly support your structure. The rock pad provides a level base for the structure and absorbs splattering caused by rain runoff. The pad size should be six inches larger than the final structure size on all sides.

A man checking the levelness of concrete shed blocks

Concrete Shed Blocks

If you'd prefer another option, we also offer 4" x 8" x 16” concrete blocks. These blocks are typically made of precast concrete and are designed to support the weight of the shed while providing a stable and level surface. Concrete shed blocks are resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, making them a low-maintenance option for long-term use. We suggest five blocks per 14’ runner and four blocks per 13’ runner.

Note: Concrete blocks are susceptible to settling after installation, which may cause the structure to sit unevenly, creating unusual stress on the overall structure.

What to Know Before Purchasing

Purchasing a shed or outdoor structure is a fun an exciting process, but there are many steps. Thankfully, our experience has allowed us to identify the typical roadblocks and determine the best ways to avoid them. To help you through the process, we've put together a list of things you need to know and address before buying your new outdoor structure. By following our guidelines, you can ensure that your purchase process will go as smoothly as possible!

  • Midwest Backyard Structures will contact you within three business days after purchase to schedule a tentative shed installation date. 

  • Three feet of clearance around your entire shed is required. Four feet is required if the new building is larger than 160 sq. ft. 

  • The crushed stone pad size should be six inches larger than the building on all sides. 

  • The installation site needs to be cleared and prepared level with crushed stone or graded level for placement of Concrete Blocks. 

  • Check with your HOA and/or municipality for any local building code requirements prior to purchase. note: be familiar with and clearly mark any setback requirements in effect. 

  • Locate and mark any underground tanks, utilities, lines, etc. that may be damaged by weight passing over.

  • Create a clear path to the shed’s designated area. We will need a minimum of 2’ on both sides of the building’s overhang (not the building’s width) and at least 1’ above the building’s peak. Our tallest structure is typically 14’.

  • Our base prices do not include optional accessories, permits, zoning, or excavating. 

  • The homeowner is required to complete and sign off on the Midwest Backyard Structures Pre-Delivery Checklist.