foundations

Because this is literally the foundation on which your Summerwood structure rests, it is very important that you do it properly. It will ensure that your building provides many years of enjoyment. A good shed foundation also helps to ensure a level floor. If your floor is not level to begin with, your measurements will not match, creating problems later when you are assembling the walls and roof.

There are many foundation options available to you, some simple; others more complex - the use of your building, be it a shed, cabin, or garage will largely determine the foundation option you choose. Whatever option you decide on, we're a phone call away if you have any questions.

Size of Structure

garage foundation information Summerwood ID Number 266802

The floors on our smaller buildings are generally positioned on patio stones; however, cinder blocks may also be used in cases where the ground slopes or is generally uneven. Other factors that will impact your choice of foundation are: intended use, drainage, municipal bylaws, and even design specifications (i.e. a raised structure with stairs). If you are not able to achieve a level foundation, you may want to hire a professional contractor to help you.

For larger buildings (like a garage or one of our cabin kits), a concrete pad or footings may be required to ensure adequate support. If you plan to mount your Summerwood structure on a concrete slab, a floor is not necessarily required.

Foundation Choices

Here are the various foundation options available to you. For your convenience, they are listed in order of complexity, from simple to more complex.

Patio StonesLevel of Difficulty: Simple


Patio stones are the simplest method for supporting a wooden floor. They are readily available at your local building supplier and are usually reasonably priced. Please note that patio stones are not included in your building kit. The standard recommended patio stone is 12" x 24" and 1.5" thick. These are ideal when building a gazebo kit. Note that other sizes of patio stones may be substituted and these are general guidelines only.

Cinder BlocksLevel of Difficulty: Simple

Cinder blocks are another easy way to level your Summerwood structure. They can be purchased from your local building supplier and may be used to level a structure on a moderately steep slope. Set the cinder blocks on top of patio stones to prevent sinking. To hide the cinder blocks, you can attach a skirt, which may also help to keep critters out from the underside of your structure. Skirting is sold separately by Summerwood or can be sourced locally.

Preparing Ground With A Gravel Base

Patio Stones & Cinder BlocksLevel of Difficulty: Moderate

It is highly recommended that should you elect to use patio stones or cinder blocks as the foundation of your structure that you prepare the ground for proper drainage as this will prevent your building from sinking or shifting over time. This means removing roughly 4-6” of grass, dirt, or sediment in the area underneath your structure and filling that space with pea stone, river rock, gravel, pebbles, or some equivalent. Typically the larger the stones are the better the drainage will be – gravel with loose sediment is not recommended as this can prevent the water’s ability from passing through the stones. The size of the prepared space only needs to be the size of the building that you’ll be installing, however can be larger if you’d like. Preparing your site is important for preventing shifting and/or sinking of your structure over time

Note: Preparing ground is most important when using patio stones or cinder blocks, but may also be done if using an alternative foundation. If you’re unsure about what type of ground preparation or foundation to use please Contact Us.

Concrete FootingsLevel of Difficulty: More Challenging

Concrete footings are used in situations where a very solid shed foundation is required or a structure is to be raised off the ground. In cases where a building permit is required footings may also be the preferred choice. Check your jurisdiction's building codes for rules and regulations.

The footings are interspersed in the ground below the frost line and concrete is poured until level. The tubes are then cut and your structure is affixed to the tubes.

Concrete footings are an elaborate but effective foundation option. Although overkill for most garden shed applications, footings are generally the foundation of choice for larger structures like cabins and cottages. We recommend hiring an experienced contractor who is also aware of local regulations and will ensure that your structure complies with regional building codes.

Concrete PadLevel of Difficulty: Elaborate

Concrete pads are generally used when constructing garages or pool houses/cabanas when you are installing pool equipment such as a gas pool heater that should not sit directly on a wood floor. This shed foundation option provides a concrete base onto which your walls can be mounted, and as such a wood floor is not required. In these situations, we will provide you with a gasket seal and pressure treated bottom plate to protect your materials from moisture buildup. This is standard treatment on all of our garage styles.

Concrete pads are an elaborate foundation option and we recommend that you enlist the services of an experienced contractor who is aware of local regulations and will ensure that your structure complies with regional building codes.

Ground Exclusion

Is your neighborhood infested by wildlife? You may want to prevent these critters from digging under your structure.

You won't have to worry about this if you're going with a concrete pad foundation. Wire mesh screens will stop these animals in their tracks when planted 3-4 inches down and out as much as 20 inches. You may be able to find it at a local hardware store. If not, try to ask a local animal control center for a nearby source. Be sure to get wire mesh sized to the appropriate animals you are trying to exclude!

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