Lancaster County Barns is not responsible for site prep. Your town may have specific requirements for shed size, placement or foundation etc., if not, here are some suggestions: (Please feel free to call, place a sales quote, at no cost, and we will provide a floor plan and specs upon your request. This provides you with documentation to supply your town if permits are necessary.)
RECOMMENDED SITE PREPARATIONS
Pressure Treated Shipping Rails
Your structure may be placed directly on the ground due to the pressure treated 4x4s. It is important to leave an air space under the floor so as NOT to trap moisture.
Stone Pads
Your structure may be set on a 4" to 5" deep pad of 3/4" Clean or 2B stones (3/8" to 1/12"). This is stone without powder/dust mixture. The reason is that the dust eventually washes away and may cause additional settling. In order to inhibit weeds and deter moisture, we recommend that the stone perimeter extend 12" beyond your structure perimeter. Do not store mulch or topsoil against the side of your structure. A stone pad can be installed by framing with landscape timbers or 4x4s and then filling flush with stone, or by digging out 4" of soil and installing ground level stone.
Concrete Blocks
If your structure is 10x12 or under you can set it on concrete blocks, blocking should not extend more than 6" out of the ground. In order to avoid a large step into the shed, we recommend you use 2" or 4" concrete blocks or dig the blocking into the ground near ground level. These may sink over time and your shed will then be unlevel.
Sonotubes/Concrete Forms
8"-18" wide concrete piers. These need to be set below frost level, just above ground level and level to one another. Ask your town for any recommended spacing. At minimum we suggest the 4 corners and one in the center. (See foundation rails on our spec sheets for placement and speak to our sales staff to make sure the tube placement will work for the delivery process.) Gravel is recommended between tubes.
Concrete Pads
Your structure may be set on a concrete pad. When installing your concrete pad, keep your pad as close to ground level as possible.
Proper Care
Given proper care your structure will exceed its lifespan. Moisture is the enemy. Airflow is the solution. Do not set anything against the exterior of your structure for extended periods of time. Do not plant flowers, shrubs, or trees directly next to your structure.