![]() 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. Hopefully you measured twice so that all you need to do is cut your supports to the right height and maybe drill some new holes for the bolts.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. If you do place the wood support in the concrete, then at least make sure the concrete comes above ground level and slopes away from the wood on all sides.įinally, reinstall your stairs. Make sure the bracket is above ground (my neighbor buried his and has all kinds of moisture issues). I like the idea of metal brackets in the cement that keep the wood out of contact with the ground, rather than embedding the post in the cement itself, but only if you have a vertical load and no shear or twisting forces (e.g. Fill the bottom with gravel and pour your cement. Before removing the stairs, make sure to mark the location for the center of your cement pours using stakes about 4' away in two directions (one to the side, and one straight out to the yard, so that with a couple tape measures you can locate the exact spot).įor the hole, make it deep enough to get below the frost line in your location. Depending on how it's attached (I've only done interior stairs where ground movement wouldn't be an issue) you may be able to detach it from the deck, remove any bolts holding it to the supports, and take it out in one piece. Next, I'm going to suggest ignoring the premise of the question and you remove the stairs to fix this. ![]() )įirst things first, Tester is right, don't pay the contractor until you get the permit, and force them to fix their mistakes at their own cost (regardless of whether you paid them or not). ( Note: I see your comment that this is no longer an issue, but since the question is still opened and unanswered, I'll put something down here to get it off of our list and possibly help someone else with a similar issue. ![]()
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