Q&A for How to Level Ground

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How should I level the ground before building a shed?

Benjamin Hansen
Licensed Landscape Contractor
Benjamin Hansen is a Landscape Contractor and the Owner of Artscape Gardens, a boutique landscaping company in Los Angeles, California. With over 12 years of experience, Benjamin specializes in transforming properties into aesthetic, functional, and drought-tolerant oases. Benjamin uses color scheme, dimension, and water conscious spaces to inspire the design and installation of soft scape, hardscape, patios, pathways, irrigation, drainage, fencing, concrete, lighting, and electrical work. Artscape Gardens covers all areas of the C-27 landscape contractor classification.

Benjamin Hansen

Licensed Landscape Contractor

Expert Answer

We tend to always go with the rule of thumb that for any slab on grade, meaning any concrete that we pour for a shed to be built around, we want to make sure that there's drainage without any problems. Even though the shed is covered, we would still recommend doing a quarter-inch of a drop per foot when we grade for a shed. Now there are different variances of that—you could do even less. But a good rule of thumb would be a quarter-inch per linear foot of a drop so water will be able to move away.

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Question

Can I use a string level for a distance of 40 feet?

Community Answer

Yes, 40 or 400 feet. You want to stake off intervals of 10 feet to keep leveling consistent. Be mindful of the 1" per 4' rule away from the house for drainage purposes.

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Question

Can you explain the 1" per 4' rule more clearly?

Community Answer

If you start with your back to your home's outside wall, when you walk 4 feet into your yard, you should end on ground that is 1 inch lower than the ground at your outside wall. It's to make sure water is encouraged to flow away from your house and foundations, preventing flooding or water damage to your foundation/building.

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Question

Do I need to remove all the grass before leveling a lawn?

Community Answer

The instructions state that it depends on the size of the area. Smaller areas, no. Larger areas, yes.

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Question

How can I level a room in my house?

Community Answer

If the room is not level, there are probably foundational issues. In such a situation, it would probably be best to call in a contractor.

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Question

How do I keep my side yard from flooding when it rains hard?

Community Answer

Build a drainage system. Add sand, which quickly absorbs water. It really depends on your area and layout of the land.

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Question

How do I calculate my building load?

Community Answer

Calculate the mass of the complete building, including foundations. For residential buildings, add 1.5 kN/m2 of floor areas. Divide this mass by the area of the foundation. This will give you the transmitted load per m2 on the in situ ground.

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Question

I have just acquired an area of land adjacent to my property. Do I need permission to level it?

Community Answer

If you are the owner, you don't need permission unless local laws require approval or a permit.

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Question

I am wondering if I can build my garden shed lower than ground level and build steps down to the shed. Will it flood? The ground is well drained sandy soil.

Community Answer

I think it depends on where you live and if you have an issue with water gathering in that area.

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Question

What's the best way to pull up sod from a large area?

Community Answer

Hire a turf cutter from your local hire company. This will cut and roll the sod. If you plan to re-use or sell it, then this is definitely the way to go. Alternatively, use a spade and chop the area into little squares. Then, slide the shovel under each section and lift up.

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Question

What time of the year is the best for leveling a garden?

Community Answer

The best time to level a garden is in the middle to late spring when the ground is slightly drier. This allows you to level with ease. You will need to lay the turf about one week after leveling just to let the soil settle and absorb some water before the grass is laid on top.

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