Once you have the site prepared, its time to stake out the footprint of the foundation. Start off with a small wooden stake and drive it just outside of where one of the corners will be. Then measure the distance of one of the sides and drive the second stake just outside the second corner. Now take a piece of string and tie it to the two stakes so the line is tight. Make the next side perpendicular to the first by using a large carpenter’s square or lay down a piece of plywood to use as a guide. Continue in this fashion for the remaining sides. To double check that its square, measure from one corner diagonally to the next. Then do the same for the other two corners. If it is square, the two measurements will be the same. If not, adjust accordingly. Once the foundation is staked out, you can lay down the patio stones according to the plans of your wooden shed. Be sure to use a level to position the stones correctly.



If your plan calls for a concrete slab foundation, here are the steps for pouring.

1. You will need to know how much concrete mix to use for your foundation. To find out how much you will need, measure the dimensions of your slab and use this handy concrete calculator.

2. Next, using the lines you have already staked out in the preparation step, build the forms by staking pieces of 2×4 lumber along the OUTSIDE of the string lines. Always be sure to nail the stakes on the outside of the lumber. The forms should also be checked to make sure they are level.

3. Now, dig at least a 4 inch deep by 6 inch wide trench around the inside perimeter of the forms. This will help to strengthen the concrete around the edges.

4. Lightly water down the foundation with a hose and you are ready to pour. Pour enough concrete to fill up about half the height of the form. Then place rows of rebar on top of the concrete for reinforcement.

5. Continue by filling in the rest of the mix on top of the reinforcement bars. Tap around the outside of the form to help release any trapped air bubbles and smooth out the top by running a 2×4 from one side to the opposite side in a back and forth sawing motion using the form to level the concrete.

6. Finish by using a trowel to smooth out the concrete.

7. Carefully remove the forms on the following day.

Congratulations! You should now have the foundation finished for your new wooden shed.

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