Setting up a shed is all about understanding where it’s going to be located and how stable it will be in that specific spot.
It’s easy to make mistakes when it comes to setting up a shed and you will want to ensure it lasts for years without getting compromised.
With this in mind, you will want to figure out what it takes to start building a shed into a hillside.
When building a shed into a hillside, it’s best to use a post and beam setup for the platform. The shed will sit on this foundation with a retaining wall to protect against soil damage. It’s also recommended to set up a gravel base to solidify the shed.
You will need to be careful when installing a shed on a slope. The angle of the slope is often going to dictate how things will play out.
This article is going to show you what is needed to start building a shed into a hillside.
Table of Contents
How To Start Building a Shed Into A Hillside
1. Use Post and Beam To Create A Platform
As you are looking at building a shed on a slope, you will need a robust platform.
It is the platform that is going to dictate how safe the shed is. If it is in the wrong spot or it is unstable, this is going to have a tremendous impact on your shed’s durability.
Remember that the shed is going to have weight in it too when used. This means it needs to be set on a strong and stable platform or it will collapse.
The best solution with a shed on a hill is to look at using a post and beam setup.
This is a separate structure that is designed to hold the shed on. It will make sure the angle of the shed doesn’t change when it is built into the hill.
You will want to be diligent with the measurements and make sure the angle is good. When doing this, the shed should remain straight and that is where the post plus beam setup will matter.
2. Build A Retaining Wall For The Shed
Building a shed on a steep slope is all about the soil.
In other situations, you are not going to worry about the slope and it is not going to bother you too much but it does become a concern when it is steep.
You have to understand the role gravity is going to play in everything around the shed.
The soil is going to move and it is going to fall toward the shed. This is not good for the shed, which means you will want to have a retaining wall set up for it.
3. Use A Gravel Base
If you are thinking about stabilizing the post and beam setup, you will want to think about having a gravel base underneath it.
This is going to depend on how steep the hill is and how you are going to be setting it up.
For the most part, a gravel base for the shed is the way to go.
It will help regulate how the shed settles in and how long it lasts once you start using it. Do not overlook this when you are attempting to understand what your options are.
A good gravel base is going to make life easier and will ensure the shed does not budge.
4. Consider The Slope
This is the most important detail to think about when installing a shed on a hill.
Building a shed on posts is a good idea and that is when you have taken the time to consider the slope. A hill is going to have a specific angle that is unique to it.
You will want to measure this and then begin working on the post and beam platform.
This is not the same as installing a shed on a flat surface. It is going to require more work on your part during the measurement phase.
Take your time working on this and then begin using the materials available to you.
Final Thoughts
This guide will go a long way as you begin building a shed into a hillside.
When building a shed into a hillside, it’s best to start with a post and beam platform. This will help stabilize the shed and ensure it does not collapse. Next, install a retaining wall behind the shed to ensure it does not deal with soil-related damage.
This is the best way to get full value from your shed when it is built on a slope.
The angle of the slope should not get in the way of what you are doing or how long the shed lasts. Use the right materials and you will see great results.
