Idiotic question, I know...but how exactly do you level ground?

[tylermckee]

If i were you i would just use a 6' level, pick an elevation you want and jusst make everything level from that elevation. rake out any high spots and fill in the dips. If you have to bring in more material to raise it i would choose gravel over sand. Get the pad close and you can check and adjust as you get the foundation started.

 

[lisamayc]

Janet - I feel your pain -

I'm in the same situation, single, lady with limited construction skills. Also - lously labor

But it is all working out -

Still a ways to go to finish -

 

[JanetSmithery]

Beautiful coop and run! I'm getting quite jealous.

 

[lisamayc]

If I could do it - you can do it!

 

[jjparke]

Quote:
Agreed. Start in one corner and level up or down as you work your way around. I would recommend digging out the "dirt" at least 3 inches though and backfilling with another aggregate that will compact better. Crushed stone is a good candidate or I personally would use 3/4" road mix. Good luck.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
TGIS

(Thank Goodness Its Summer!)

 

[drumstick diva]

lisamayc boy your dogs really can put a coop together. I would hire them in a minute.

 

[sreihart]

Quote:
Janet, I'm also a single female and I can tell you that you CAN do this so don't despair. I had no idea how to frame a wall, so I went to my trusty friend, the internet, and searched until I found something that really helped me. Go to youtube.com and see if there is a video on how to level ground for a foundation or try another phrase until you find what you want. Sometimes a picture, or video, is worth a thousand words. Good luck and post progress pictures!

I just found this one that will help you get started: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOvj3hT51So

Sharon

 

[JanetSmithery]

Just a quick update: I did it! And it wasn't very hard at all! Everyone's comments were really helpful, and the video sreihart linked completely solidified the concept for me.

I even did 9/10ths of the coop foundation today, too. 'Course, it wasn't until the third trip to HD that the friendly lumber guy told me I shouldn't have used brackets and braces to join my pressure treated 4x4s together, but I should have drilled into the corners and sunk some sort of bolt in there.

Sigh. At least the foundation is level and square. I think.

 

[ray2310]

I usually use a transit. But this is a two person job.