looking for tips on leveling land

[Dan_w]

We are having a shed put in, just a prefab 24x12. I had 14 cu/yards of fill brought in and going to have another load brought in.

I am looking for technics people use to check wether ground is lvl. I am trying to make a lvl pad 26x14. I have been using a 10 foot long 1x6 on its side with a level placed on it. I am not happy with the accuracy or the results. I know there has to be all kinds of great ways to check if ground is lvl.

Thanks for any info people can give.

 

[beenthere]

What accuracy are you trying to achieve?

What accuracy are you getting that you are not happy with?

What 'tool' are you using to 'level' or distribute the fill?

I would be most concerned about the compaction of the fill, and let the 'concrete' forms be the final leveler.

I use a hand-held sight tube with a level in it for longer distances. I find it works great for setting grade and slopes.

 

[Dan_w]

I am using BX2230 with FEL. I am using Select fill. It is sandy stuff that compacts nicely. I am going to add a 4 inch gravel bed to place the shed on. There will be no slab. They add it to SQ/foot of house for tax perposes. I want it to be flat enough that things don't roll to one side in the shed.

 

[GregJ]

A cheap solution is some clear hose filled with water. You can use the water level to mark grade stakes. This way you can put up several markers that are level around your slab. I did this years ago and finally bought a cheap dumpy level. It's a little easier to use. However, lately I've seen some pretty cheap laser levels that look like they would work well.

Greg

 

[HomeBrew2]

In addition to the other good replies you've gotten, a string level has worked well for me in the past. You can set a few stakes aroung your pad, maybe 3 or 4 on the long sides, then establish the finished elevation you want then "string" across to check your filling/leveling progress. I assume, because you are not pouring a slab, that the shed will be on wood skids. You only need to get your pad "close" to level then use wood (pressure treated or redwood) shims every few feet under the skids to accurately level the shed itself.

 

[beenthere]

I would think your 1x6 board (straight 2x4 might be better) and a 24" or longer level would work well enough for the fill, and the gravel (what length level do you use?). But if you are looking for any excuse to buy a laser level, then go for it.

I'd pound a few stakes in and level those, and then fill to the stakes. Certainly good enough to get level within a half inch or less in 24'.

 

[Dan_w]

Thanks for all the great reply's. I am using a 24" level. I was not even using stakes... that makes great sense!

I wanted to place the shed directly on the gravel because I will be putting my BX2230 in it. The shed is on four 4x4 skids. I don't want the weight of the tractor to mess up the shed floor. The floor joists will be 12 inch on center instead of the usual 16. Think I will have any issues with tractor weight doing damage? I want to do it right the first time.

I have never seen anyone shim a shed. I know in this area the shed companies pile up bricks in about 8 places under the shed to level it. This would not give the support I want for the BX2230.

 

[HomeBrew2]

Just to make sure we all have the whole picture now cuz I'm not clear on some stuff:
12' x 24' shed
3/4" plywood floor (?)
2" x 4" x 12' floor joists @ 12" o.c. (?)
4" x 4" x 24' skids @ 4' o.c., shimmed/blocked @ 4' o.c. (?)

 

[Dan_w]

12' x 24' shed (correct)
3/4" plywood floor (correct and I may add a second layer of 3/4" plywood after delivery, is this needed?)
2" x 4" x 12' floor joists @ 12" o.c. (correct)
4" x 4" x 24' skids @ 4' o.c., shimmed/blocked @ 4' o.c. (I don't think the skids are one piece of wood. I think they use 2 4"x4"12' end to end)

 

[HomeBrew2]

Ok, good. Realize that you really ought to check a carpentry table for joist loading to satisfy yourself as to what calcs out. I don't have mine handy. I'm not sure 2x4's should span 4' but I'm pretty sure they will in practice. You may get some flexing but not a failure. Flexing doesn't bother me especially considering it's just a shed. I think the single layer floor sounds ok. Baby will probably wind up sitting on top of the skids at the center of the shed anyway and if you didn't like the way the load feels you could just lay another sheet down where it's parked/driven. As we seem to agree, the biggest thing would be to make sure the skids are blocked well.
One other thing comes to mind. I've never seen gravel used. The shed's I've seen are always directly on the dirt pad. It may be a good idea but if not needed you might save some money skipping it.
Cheers!