---
title: My yard is on a slope. How will this effect my greenhouse foundation?
description: Sloped yards require more planning and may take more time to build. There are times when the perfect location is not possible, and a little work is required to create a viable site for your greenhouse
---
[Skip to content](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/my-yard-is-on-a-slope.-how-will-this-effect-my-greenhouse-foundation#main-content)
English
Show submenu for translations
- [Greenhouses](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouses/)
- [Buying Tips](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouse-buying-tips/)
- [Instant Pricing](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/design-your-own/)
- [Supply Shop](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/shop/)
Open main navigation
Close main navigation
- [Greenhouses](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouses/)
- [Buying Tips](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/greenhouse-buying-tips/)
- [Instant Pricing](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/design-your-own/)
- [Supply Shop](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/shop/)
- English
Show submenu for translations
- BCGreenhouses.com
BCGreenhouses.com
Nice to see you! How can we help today?
- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.
1. [Help Center](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge?hsLang=en)
2. [Greenhouse Foundation Tips](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/greenhouse-foundation-tips?hsLang=en)
# My yard is on a slope. How will this effect my greenhouse foundation?
Sloped yards require more planning and may take more time to build. There are times when the perfect location is not possible, and a little work is required to create a viable site for your greenhouse.
### First, determine what the slope is:
1. Place a stake at the highest point of the slope. Insert stakes every 8 feet until you get to the lowest point.
2. Attach a line to the bottom of the first stake at ground level. Connect it to the next stake until it is level. Keep going until you have connected the last stake and it is all level.
3. Measure the length of the line. Measure the distance from the ground to the string on the lowest stake.
4. Divide the rise by the run. A 1-foot rise divided by a 50-foot run is .02. Move the decimal two places to the right to convert the answer to a percentage. The slope in this example is 2%
### The next step is to begin excavating to create a reasonable flat site for the greenhouse
- Minimum required distance below Masonry (brick, stone, stucco) to finished grade is 4"
- Minimum clearance below siding to grade is 6"
- Minimum clearance below all cladding (masonry, siding, etc.) to concrete and other hard surfaces is 2"
### If the slope is considerable, you might have to build a retaining wall to support the soil
Creating a stable and level site will simplify the greenhouse installation process greatly. It will also help to ensure the longevity and the strength of the greenhouse when harsh weather conditions take place.
- [Getting Started](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/getting-started?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Greenhouse Design](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/getting-started?hsLang=en#greenhouse-design)
- [First Steps to Buying a Greenhouse](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/getting-started?hsLang=en#first-steps-to-buying-a-greenhouse)
- [Parts of a Greenhouse](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/getting-started?hsLang=en#parts-of-a-greenhouse)
- [Ordering Your Greenhouse](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/ordering-your-greenhouse?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/ordering-your-greenhouse?hsLang=en#frequently-asked-questions)
- [Permit Information](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/ordering-your-greenhouse?hsLang=en#permit-information)
- [Engineering Your Greenhouse](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/ordering-your-greenhouse?hsLang=en#engineering-your-greenhouse)
- [Shipping And Delivery Information](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/shipping-and-delivery-information?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Shipping Details](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/shipping-and-delivery-information?hsLang=en#shipping-details)
- [Delivery Details](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/shipping-and-delivery-information?hsLang=en#delivery-details)
- [Installation Information](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/installation-information?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Installation Manual](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/installation-information?hsLang=en#installation-manual)
- [Installation Tips](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/installation-information?hsLang=en#installation-tips)
- [Technical Support](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/technical-support?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Getting Help](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/technical-support?hsLang=en#getting-help)
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/technical-support?hsLang=en#frequently-asked-questions)
- [Tips to Install and Maintain Your Greenhouse](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/technical-support?hsLang=en#tips-to-install-and-maintain-your-greenhouse)
- [Greenhouse Foundation Tips](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/greenhouse-foundation-tips?hsLang=en)
- [Greenhouse Growing Tips](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/greenhouse-growing-tips?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Winter Gardening](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/greenhouse-growing-tips?hsLang=en#winter-gardening)
- [Growing Tips](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/greenhouse-growing-tips?hsLang=en#growing-tips)
- [BC Greenhouse Online Accessories Shop](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/bc-greenhouse-online-accessories-shop?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [FAQs](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/bc-greenhouse-online-accessories-shop?hsLang=en#faqs)
- [Online Store Returns](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/bc-greenhouse-online-accessories-shop?hsLang=en#online-store-returns)
- [Online Store Shipping Options](https://help.bcgreenhouses.com/knowledge/bc-greenhouse-online-accessories-shop?hsLang=en#online-store-shipping-options)
[](https://www.bcgreenhouses.com/)
BC Greenhouse Builders is a family owned and operated greenhouse manufacturing business founded in 1951. The business continues to grow offering an impressive variety of hobby and commercial greenhouses as well as spectacular estate greenhouses. The one constant in over 70 years in business is our commitment to customer service and a premium quality product.
Copyright © 2026, BC Greenhouse Builders Ltd.