Before and after gravel pad foundation built by ShedPros showing proper site preparation for a shed

ShedPros Site Preparation Standards

A shed can only be as strong, level, and long-lasting as the foundation beneath it.

At ShedPros, site preparation is not an optional add-on — it is the structural backbone of every installation we perform. We follow a defined, professional process to ensure every building we place is stable, dry, and protected from the ground up.

1. Proper Base, Not Bare Dirt

We do not place sheds on dirt, grass, or makeshift blocks.

Every ShedPros installation is built on a compacted gravel foundation designed to carry the full weight of the structure while allowing water to drain away naturally.

Gravel provides:

• A stable load-bearing surface

• Natural drainage

• Resistance to settling

• Protection against ground moisture

This keeps your shed level and prevents long-term structural issues.

2. Laser-Leveled Installation

Every foundation we build is leveled using professional leveling equipment to ensure the structure sits perfectly flat.

A level base prevents:

• Doors from sticking

• Windows from binding

• Roof stress

• Floor sagging

Even a small amount of tilt can cause problems over time — that’s why we don’t guess. We measure.

3. Gravel Pad Size & Overhang

Our gravel pads extend beyond the footprint of the shed.

This overhang allows rainwater to fall and drain away from the structure instead of soaking directly into the base of the building. It also provides extra support around the perimeter, preventing erosion and edge settling.

This protects:

• The floor system

• The wall plates

• The runners or skids

• And the surrounding soil

4. Drainage-First Design

Western Washington receives heavy rainfall — so drainage is non-negotiable.

We shape and grade every pad to encourage water to move away from the shed, not toward it. This prevents standing water, mud, and long-term moisture damage that can rot wood and weaken foundations.

5. Ground Protection During Placement

When placing your shed, we use professional shed-moving equipment designed to minimize damage to turf, soil, and landscaping.

Wide tires and controlled movement allow us to:

• Cross lawns without tearing them up

• Avoid deep ruts

• Protect irrigation systems

• Navigate tight access paths

This is why we can place sheds where trucks cannot go.

6. Long-Term Stability

A properly built gravel foundation prevents:

• Structural shifting

• Door misalignment

• Floor deflection

• Moisture intrusion

This isn’t about today — it’s about how your shed performs 10 years from now.

Built Once. Built Right.

Most shed problems don’t come from the building — they come from what the building is sitting on.

At ShedPros, we build foundations that match the quality of the structure above them.

That’s how you protect your investment.

ShedPros consultant discussing a custom shed project with a homeowner during a site visit

“Communication was top-notch and the final outcome was even better than we imagined. A great experience all around.”

A proud member of our ShedFam