It's my first post as I just joined but I've been lurking for a bit absorbing information. Started prepping the ground here in East-Central Texas a week or so ago. Area is approximately 18' x 30' or so.
View attachment 83499
The intended area was about 3 inches high on the right of the picture, using the left as my "standard" as it was the lowest spot. I am using an optical level on a tripod for getting things leveled out. After measuring elevations throughout, I used a tiller to cut into the soil at an approximate depth. I then used a "snow plow" on the garden tractor to move the majority of the soil out of the area. From there it was the "hand tractor" to get a final grade. Unfortunately, I had the kids helping and ended up measuring the left side about an inch too high to begin with, throwing off the overall grade.
Started today shaving off an inch to minimize backfill on the top left side. Not fun with a shovel.
Regardless, after getting things down an inch, and re-leveled I'm simply going Intex Tarp - 3/4" Foam Board - Tarp - Liner. I'm also putting down 16"x16"x4" concrete blocks for the legs, and leveling them 3/4" above the grade to match with the additional foam board. If someone has any experience on the foam board settinging and a recommendation on what height the blocks need to be at, please advise.
Updates to come. My hands hurt...
View attachment 83499The intended area was about 3 inches high on the right of the picture, using the left as my "standard" as it was the lowest spot. I am using an optical level on a tripod for getting things leveled out. After measuring elevations throughout, I used a tiller to cut into the soil at an approximate depth. I then used a "snow plow" on the garden tractor to move the majority of the soil out of the area. From there it was the "hand tractor" to get a final grade. Unfortunately, I had the kids helping and ended up measuring the left side about an inch too high to begin with, throwing off the overall grade.
Started today shaving off an inch to minimize backfill on the top left side. Not fun with a shovel.
Regardless, after getting things down an inch, and re-leveled I'm simply going Intex Tarp - 3/4" Foam Board - Tarp - Liner. I'm also putting down 16"x16"x4" concrete blocks for the legs, and leveling them 3/4" above the grade to match with the additional foam board. If someone has any experience on the foam board settinging and a recommendation on what height the blocks need to be at, please advise.
Updates to come. My hands hurt...
