How best correct a shed base corner higher than rest?

[lozcozard]

I levelled a patch of earth for a 9’ x 8’ shed I’m building myself. It’s using ecobase plastic grid system.

I thought it seemed all level with the spirit level. Finished the stud walls today and clearly the top front beam is not level with the back one. I think it’s the front left corner too high.

I’m trying to find out my options.

I didn’t get concrete as I’ve had no local builder return my query. I don’t want to do it myself I’m sure that won’t be level, hence ecobase grids.

I could dismantle the walls and try to level the earth again. But I thought I did first time so there’s no guarantee I’ll do it the second time. Don’t want to reassemble shed to find out. Also don’t know if it’s a small area or if it’s a large area, whole thing could be a slope for all I know. Spirit levels are not accurate over long distance.

I wondered about using spacers/shims on the lower end, but what do I use for this? It’s various heights as it slopes up to the high point. I don’t want a slab in one corner and that’s it.

So I then wondered about these plastic adjustable feet you can get. They seem like a good idea I can put them on the ecobase. But they’re plastic, bit concerned they’ll break under the weight.

just wondered what are the best options. I’m trying to reduce costs too.

thanks

 

[foxhole]

Plastic grid is designed for lightweight timber structure what did you infill with? is the ground wet?

 

[lozcozard]

Chippings. Manufacturer says it can be used on drives for cars and such. They’d even have more force per square inch with 4 wheels where as I have 7 timber 2x3 bearings that the 18mm osb sits on to spread the load. I think it will be ok I’ve used them before. Just need the base flat!

It’s not soaking, just normal wet in all this rain.

 

[big-all]

so you have a honeycombe infilled with pebbles on grass or earth or what??
do you have a picture off the high corner and how much is it out ??

 

[lozcozard]

Yes honeycomb with chippings on earth. Don’t have pic at the moment. When I slip a 3x2 under the back left corner it’s almost level, that corner a bit too high then. So I think it’s about 1.5” difference I reckon. But the top beams are visibly quite out.

 

[big-all]

have you double checked all panels are square plumb parallel ect ??
are you talking timber bearers at perhaps 600mm centres ??
my thoughts remove stones from grid in effected area
soak the area iff needed
spread the load a bit and jump on the floor/hammer frame over a progressively bigger area to act like a pastry cutter and see what happens ??

 

[lozcozard]

If risers can take a large shed I’d be tempted to remove the ecobase grid, if risers can sit on earth.

 

[lozcozard]

have you double checked all panels are square plumb parallel ect ??
are you talking timber bearers at perhaps 600mm centres ??
my thoughts remove stones from grid in effected area
soak the area iff needed
spread the load a bit and jump on the floor/hammer frame over a progressively bigger area to act like a pastry cutter and see what happens ??

yes I have cross battened them temporarily they’re all vertical, although can’t be exactly vertical due to the slope.

bearers are less than 600mm I think just under 400mm or so.

I might take out a load more earth then, try again. Think I’ll get a digital level to be more accurate.

 

[big-all]

if its difficult to reach then maybe a garden fork to break it up a bit
then hook out
timber should not touch the ground it should be at least 6mm preferably 12+mm clear off the ground

 

[foxhole]

It’s not designed to be laid on earth, need gravel or similar base compacted before laying grid or it’s going to float around the ground.

 

[lozcozard]

It’s not designed to be laid on earth, need gravel or similar base compacted before laying grid or it’s going to float around the ground.

Just to be clear, this is what I have which is meant for sheds amongst other things, and images and videos of these do have them installed on earth
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07K2GKRTR/

 

[scbk]

yes I have cross battened them temporarily they’re all vertical, although can’t be exactly vertical due to the slope.

bearers are less than 600mm I think just under 400mm or so.

I might take out a load more earth then, try again. Think I’ll get a digital level to be more accurate.

You don't need a laser level or anything like that. A good spirit level and a straight length of wood is all you need.
Check your level is level, I've seen brand new ones that are not true.


If the shed had a good floor, you could just sit it on a number of concrete blocks, which are quite easy to level off one at a time, and allow plenty of air underneath, but since you already have the plastic grid, better use that.

You might struggle to level off the earth, be easier to put an inch or 2 of sharp sand and rake that level, then lay the grid on top. You would probably need a dumpy bag's worth.

 

[Alec_t]

Think I’ll get a digital level to be more accurate.

Or you could go low tech and make/buy a water level. Those are accurate over large distances.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

A decent, accurate level is more than capable of being used to level a 9x8' base. Check the level reads exactly the same level, by swapping the ends over on a flat surface. Us at least a 9' long straight bit of wood, as a straight edge to put your level on and put the level in the middle.

Rather than the plastic grid, use bricks or blocks, all set level, at suitable points under the base timbers - at a maximum of 3 to 4' apart throughout. Don't disturb the soil where you need the bricks height adjusted, rather better to scrape soil away so it remains compacted. Aim to have the hut raised above the soil, so there is air flow under it to prevent rot. Wood in contact with the soil or wet ll the time will quickly rot.