How Russell Built Shedscape Faster, Stronger, and Smarter With TuffBlocks
Learn how Russell from Shedscape uses TuffBlock deck footing blocks to level sheds faster, reduce heavy lifting, and streamline his entire foundation process — even on sloping yards.
Building the Dream
For Russell, founder of Shedscape in Greenville, South Carolina, what began as a small idea three years ago has grown into a fast-rising construction business known for craftsmanship and innovation.
“I decided that I wanted to start my own construction company and decided on offering sheds to start. It seemed like a simple product to offer while developing the systems and processes needed to grow into a larger construction company. Now that we’ve completed our third year in business, we are ready for the next step!”
So far, Shedscape has focused primarily on custom storage sheds, but 2026 marks a major expansion.
“Coming into the new year, we are excited to introduce new product lines - our Prestige Studio Rooms (fully insulated and conditioned detached rooms), detached garages, outdoor living structures such as sun rooms, screened enclosures, pergolas and pavilions, and a new partnership with Nanostead to build custom tiny homes.”
Discovering TuffBlock
Like many builders, Russell discovered TuffBlock while shopping for materials at Lowe’s.
“I don’t exactly remember. I think I noticed them when buying materials from Lowe’s.”
When he first started, he used concrete blocks as footers - the traditional way to build a shed base. But South Carolina’s rolling terrain quickly made that method difficult.
“The areas that we work in often have sloping yards, and trying to stack up concrete blocks and get multiple footings level with each other proved to be very difficult and time consuming. I was trying to find a better and more time-saving way of leveling and building the floor framing of my sheds. TuffBlocks just made the process a lot easier.
And after that first install?“
"I loved them from the beginning! I was so tired of hauling heavy concrete blocks and messing around with trying to get multiple footers level with each other. Using TuffBlocks and 4×4 posts really made the process a lot easier and helped to save energy on building the actual structure of our sheds.”
Why TuffBlock Was a Game Changer
For Shedscape, the switch from concrete footings to TuffBlock deck footing blocks has transformed both efficiency and presentation.
“It’s been a no-brainer. Yeah, their sticker price is more expensive than concrete blocks, but the time savings alone more than makes up for that. The faster we can produce our sheds, the more we can produce each month, which just makes the business more profitable.”
But there’s more to it than speed.
“Another highly competitive advantage that using TuffBlocks gives me as a shed builder over any of my competition is that now I advertise that we build our sheds on a floating deck. We can get the floor framing perfectly level with a system that’s not only strong but also looks a lot more attractive than concrete blocks.”
By using deck foundation blocks instead of stacked concrete, Russell’s builds look cleaner and more professional - a visual edge customers instantly notice.
“No longer does a customer have to pay to have a leveled gravel pad installed, or worry about unsightly concrete blocks. Our shed foundations look built-in-place, because they are.”
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Starting from scratch wasn’t easy. Russell is candid about the challenges new tradespeople face.
“Starting a business from scratch is very challenging and can be very emotional and stressful. My focus was on fulfilling my promises to my customers and ensuring that they were happy with their purchase.”
His advice for other builders:
“Promote your work. Display what you do online, on your website, and on social media. Try to collect customer reviews and testimonials. It doesn’t matter what I say about what we do - it matters what our customers say. Focus on streamlining your processes and taking care of those who work for you. Starting a business isn’t easy, but it can be rewarding if you do it right.”
What He Loves About the Work
“Seeing the smile on our customers’ faces after we complete a project for them.”
Without a display lot, Russell relies on his team’s craftsmanship to sell the Shedscape difference.
“All customers can go off of is our online presence and reviews. But I can’t tell you how many times customers have told us that after shopping around and seeing what the competition offers, they’re so happy they chose us. The sheds we build look so much better than anything else they’ve seen.”
The secret? Experience and pride.
“We have talented and seasoned carpenters on staff who take pride in their work. They’re not factory workers. We’re not building a product that’s being hauled along the freeway with 70-mile-an-hour winds and being jostled about on trucks. We build a quality product in place, and our finished work speaks for itself.”
Life Outside the Job
When the tools are down, Russell spends time outdoors with his family.
“When not at work, I like to spend time with my wife and daughter. We love the outdoors. We’ll take any excuse to go on a day trip, visit local farms, go hiking or exploring. We love where we live and there’s always something to do.”
He’s also mastered the Southern art of barbecue.
“My wife bought me a BBQ smoker a year ago, and I love putting that to use. We’ll invite friends over and treat them to smoked brisket or ribs. And there’s no better place than the South for learning how to BBQ.”
Pro Tip from Russell at Shedscape
“Using TuffBlocks and 4×4 posts makes leveling easier, saves time, and keeps energy focused on the structure - not the struggle.”
See Their Work
Website: shedscape.com
Or you can find them on our Contractor Directory
Final Takeaway for Other Builders
If you’re still using concrete deck piers, cement deck post bases, or precast concrete deck footings, consider upgrading to a lighter, faster solution.
“TuffBlocks made leveling and building our shed foundations easier, faster, and cleaner. It’s one of the best decisions we’ve made for our business.”
Want to Be Featured Next?
Join the BuildTuff Contractor Directory - share your story, inspire other builders, and get your business featured in our next Meet the Builder spotlight.
Click here to join or find out more.
Ready to Build Smarter?
No concrete. Minimal digging. Just smart, tough foundations. Built for DIYers, trusted by pros.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Based on 400+ reviews
Free Shipping | Built to ICC Standards | 1000+ decks built with TuffBlocks