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Foundations
This section is intended as a general overview of foundations. For more detailed information (ie. installation instructions, photos, positioning layouts) please visit construction details.
Use a solid foundation and situate your building wherever you like.
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 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 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
Most Summerwood structures share the same foundation requirements; however, gazebos offer different foundation layout options. Visit our gazebo foundations page for specific details and photos.
The floors on our smaller buildings are generally positioned on patio stones; however, cinder blocks, or super spikes may 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 cabins and garages) 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 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. Note that positioning layouts for all of these options may be found in our construction details section.
Patio Stones
Level 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 kit. The standard recommended patio stone is 12" x 24" and 1.5" thick.
Cinder Blocks
Level 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.
Super Spikes
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Concrete Footings
Level of Difficulty: more challenging
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 Pad
Level of Difficulty: elaborate
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!