Site Prep – Before Your Product Arrives

Before you order and receive your Outdoor Living product, download the specific Detailed Assembly Manual found on our website and thoroughly review it. Become familiar with the project and determine if you can complete the project yourself or will require a professional contractor. Please note that certain counties and municipalities require building permits prior to installation. We recommend to all consumers that they check with their local county/municipality for these specifics prior to purchasing any of our products since this is your sole responsibility.

Prior to the product arriving, clear the construction area. Remove all debris; roots, grass, rocks, etc. Make sure the ground slopes away from the site at least 10 feet in all directions.
If necessary, build up the soil in the center of the site and slope away for the high point to provide drainage. Fill in any low spots within the perimeter of the site. A slope of 1/8 inch per foot is enough to prevent water accumulation.
We recommend excavating the site 4 inches deep and laying gravel or crushed rock where drainage may be a concern.

What type of foundation should I use?

Patio Stone Foundation:

If the ground is stable and has sufficient drainage, you can set patio stones directly on firm compacted soil. If not, lay on gravel or crushed rock.
Most of our Sheds and Playhouses include Floors with Runners that will sit directly on Patio Stones.

4×4 Pressure Treated Beam Foundation:

You can build directly on pressure-treated beams or railroad ties laid on a properly prepared construction site. Run beams perpendicular to floor joists.
Use a 2×4 straight piece of lumber on edge and a carpenter’s level to position correctly. To prevent the beams from shifting, secure them with ½ inch rebar inserted through holes drilled in the beams and driven 3 to 4 feet into the ground. Leave each side or end of the foundation open to promote drainage and air circulation beneath the floor.

Concrete -Slab Foundation:

Typically, a slab 3-4 inches thick laid over a sub-base of 4 inches of gravel or crushed rock is sufficient but may vary depending on your geographic location. Using either mix your own concrete or having it delivered by truck, ready to pour, depends on how much time and effort you have to dedicate to the project.
In any event, make sure you excavate the slab area to a depth 6 inches. This would put the finished slab surface approximately 2 inches above ground (remember you will be using 4 inches of gravel as your sub-base).
A slab for our 8’x12’ SpaceMaker or 10’ gazebo to a depth of 4 inches will require approximately 1 cubic yard of premixed concrete.

For more detailed information on how to pour your concrete-slab foundation or any other questions regarding specifications, foundations and permits, please visit our website at www.outdoorlivingtoday.com or call our Customer Support Line at 1-888-658-1658 to speak with a Product Representative.

* Please note that all measurements in our Detailed Assembly Manuals may be subject to change without notice. Please confirm exact foundation size with Outdoor Living Today.