![]() ![]() Often this design is combined with #9 concrete pier style, though running the posts into the ground is common as well. Before poring the concrete, attach solid spacers to insure proper post alignment all through the concrete curing process.įor high or severe sloped grades, a pier and beam foundation is often the only viable choice. Before digging the footers, check for proper distancing between all posts and that they are square. This is a solid approach for moderate or high sloped areas.Įxact post placement and architectural positioning is critical if you go this route. If the playhouse or play-set uses 4x4s as it's main skeletal supports (like the Red Summit plan), longer 4x4s can be purchased and anchored into the ground instead. This provides the advantage of the cinder block's larger leveling capacity, while also maintaining the skid's extensive and versatile support area, making post-construction orientation easier. ![]() The cinder block to skid approach is a combination of the previous two foundational methods, utilizing cinder blocks to prop up the skids instead of DGC. Concrete deck blocks, which have slots for 2x joists and 4x4 centers are very popular for this exact type of application. Most backyard structures on moderate slopes use this methodology. Using concrete or cinder blocks to make up the foundation has the benefit of minimizing excavation time, DGC separation, high stability and greater leveling flexibility. Applicable for shallow to moderate slopesįor small hills and low to moderately slopped grades, leveling the joists directly with cinder blocks is recommended. ![]() While this does further longevity by keeping the joists directly off of the ground, and potentially affords less regrading compared to DGC, it is still broadly limited in how steep the grade can be. Similar to the cinder block skids and pier & beam support systems below, the wood skid foundation has the structure's joists rest on long stretches of 4x4s, 4圆s, 6圆s or 8x8s, which themselves are directly resting on the terrain. Typically concrete should be avoided in high traffic play areas like a swing-set. However, as with the above methods, this alternative is best suited for flat or low grade yards. Concrete slabs provide the maximum amount of stability and longevity and do an excellent job of controlling mud. This option is usually only applied if there's an existing patio. The drawbacks to sand and gravel are nearly the same as DGC. The granular nature of these materials provide the benefit of exceptional hydraulic conductivity, easier leveling, softer surfaces for play and superior mud control. The main drawbacks to DGC are it's impracticality with slopped yards, lesser longevity, additional required anchorage for high wind locations and susceptibility to settlement.įor flat or shallow slopped yards, play sand and gravel beds provide another good option. Very moderate regrading may still be needed to keep the play structure level and plumb. For yards where the grade is mostly flat, frost upheaval isn't a concern and longevity is secondary, simply building the structure right on top of the ground is viable. ![]() ❶ Direct Grade Contact (DGC)īy far the easiest, cheapest and most common option. For the sub-infrastructures that are not attached to the ground, shed anchors can be used in high wind areas. Play accessories such as ladders, climbing walls, slides and swing-sets will need to be adjusted from the plan specifications if significant grade changes occur. Typically the steeper the drop-off, the greater realization these aspects will have. Some of these methods partly cross over each other in application, and range in cost, build time, stability, longevity and practicality. After you've already made all of the other project considerations, what exactly are the options for building a shed or playhouse platform when your property has a hill or the ground has a steady slope, and how does one go about correcting for these uneven surfaces? 8 Foundation Options for Backyard Projectsįor small residential outdoor projects, there are generally eight approaches you can employ for setting up your shed, playhouse or play-set support system. Unfortunately, that is quite often not the case. When it comes to backyard construction, it would be ideal if the grade was all perfectly flat and level, making foundational dilemmas a non-issue. ![]()
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