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The Foundation of Perfect Spaces

What is the first step of a successful home project? Being prepared. Most Suncast sheds require a concrete or wood foundation for proper assembly and this quick reference has important information you’ll need to know to start off on the right foot.

Before you get started…

1.    Site preparation is required for Suncast sheds. Placing the shed on a well constructed, square, flat and level foundation is required. Without a well constructed, square, flat and level foundation, settling will eventually occur, causing distortion and damage to the shed. Suncast is not responsible for replacing parts damaged or property lost due to incorrect assembly. Warranty requires a properly constructed foundation as described in the assembly instructions.

2.    Complete the site preparation and foundation construction before unpacking parts and beginning assembly.

3.    Contact your local utility locating service to locate buried utility lines prior to any digging and avoid disrupting or damaging any buried utility lines as well as preventing potential personal injury.

4.    Check local building codes and required permits.

5.    Many Homeowners Associations have rules regarding outdoor storage sheds. If you belong to a Homeowner’s Association, check with your association’s guidelines and requirements before beginning the project. Suncast offers sheds in a range of sizes and styles so it’s easy to find one that fits your community’s specifications.

6.    After evaluating the above information, determine if a concrete or wood foundation is most appropriate for your application.

Anchoring Suncast shed floor panels to a foundation

Suncast shed floor panels include flattened areas where anchors or lag screws are to be secured. These flat areas must be drilled through prior to securing the floor panels to the foundation.

Concrete Foundations

Requirements for concrete slab foundations can vary greatly depending on location. It is recommended to contact your local authorities for building requirement and inspection details for your specific location. Local authorities can also offer guidance on best practices and options for construction of your foundation.

If constructing a concrete foundation yourself, carefully follow all local building codes and requirements as well as mix and dry times as instructed by the concrete manufacturer’s instructions. At minimum, Suncast recommends a 4” slab with reinforcement bar.

Secure the shed to the concrete slab using 3/8” masonry anchors with 1” flat washers. Do not exceed 3/8” anchors. Masonry anchors and washers are available at most local hardware retailers. Quantities required will vary depending on the Suncast shed model to be assembled. Refer to the Suncast shed assembly instructions for anchor quantities.

Note: Refer to the instruction manual for recommendations and overall dimensions of the concrete foundation specific to your Suncast shed model.

Wood Platform

Requirements for wood construction platforms can vary greatly depending on location. It is recommended to contact your local authorities for building requirement and inspection details for your specific location. Local authorities can also offer guidance on best practices and options for construction of your platform.

If constructing a wood platform yourself, carefully follow all local building codes and requirements as well as Suncast framing sizes and layout as reflected in the shed assembly instructions. Use only exterior grade construction materials.

Secure the shed to the wood platform using 1/4" - 3/8” x 3” long lag screws with 1” flat washers. Do not exceed 3/8” lag screws. Lag screws and washers are available at most local hardware retailers. Quantities required will vary depending on the Suncast shed model to be assembled. Refer to the Suncast shed assembly instructions for lag screw quantities.