Installing a Shed Base doesn't have to be complicated, in fact it could be something you can do yourself to save some money.
There are a few different options for a shed base along with a couple of pitfalls to avoid
I am going give you all of the information you need so that you can go out and make an informed decision
THINGS TO AVOID
I want to put this first in case you don't have the time to read to the end of the article, if you only take one thing away let it be this little section.
DO NOT MAKE A BASE OUT OF SLABS ON SOIL
Over time, rain (which we get plenty of in this country) will erode some of the soil making the slabs subside in an uneven fashion.
Have you ever been on a patio where the slabs have sunken at different angles all over the place?
That is usually because they were just put on top of soil, imagine that happening underneath your shed - the load of the shed would not be spread evenly along the base and the shed would break.
DO NOT PUT THE SHED STRAIGHT ON SOIL
This probably goes without saying but don't just put the shed on soil.
Not only will you have the same subsidence problem as above but also the wet soil will rot the wood at the bottom of the shed
AVOID PUTTING BIG SHEDS ON STANDARD DECKS
If you are getting a big shed, or you plan on putting some pretty heavy stuff inside avoid putting it on a standard deck
Standard decking is not built to carry a heavy weight over a small area.
A deck can house a heavy shed but it needs to have been built to do so, with thicker joists, spaced more closely together and with additional supports.
If you want some free advice on putting a shed on a deck pop us over an email, our advice is free.
THE BASE SHOULD BE LEVEL
A shed base should be level, that way the weight of the shed is spread evenly across the base and it stops the shed from becoming lopsided over time.
That being said if you are extending your base beyond the shed (so there is a path around the shed for example) then where the shed ends it is a good idea to have a slight fall on the base to allow for water to roll away from the shed preventing the wood from rotting.
ROAD STONE BASE THE BUDGET FRIENDLY OPTION
The most budget friendly option for a shed base is to make it out of compacted Road Stone,
Road Stone otherwise known as Hardcore or MOT consists of stones and stone dust, when subjected to water and pressure it forms a very hard base and is what we put under a patio to stop the slabs from subsiding.
This option requires few tools and little skill, meaning you could do it yourself to save some money.
If you are thinking of extending the base beyond the shed this is the least attractive option.
STEP ONE
Build a frame out of wood where you want the shed to be located.
To get the frame level, and ensure robustness, screw wooden posts to the inside of the frame and cement these posts 18 inches in the ground.
How many posts you need will depend on your base size but as a rough guide have a post in each corner and then every 3ft.
Having the posts on the inside means they won't be seen
For the frame we recommend using a minimum of 2"x4" pressure treated or tanalised timber and for the posts we would use 4" square fence posts.
STEP TWO
Fill the frame with Road Stone, the depth should be at least 4" and you want to come level with the top of your frame
STEP THREE
Use a compactor plate, sometimes known as a wacker plate to compact the stone
You can hire a compactor plate from many places, probably even the same place you order your road stone from, meaning you only have to pay one load of delivery costs.
Lift the compactor on to the stone before you start and ensure the speed isn't on maximum.
You shouldn't be scared of a compactor plate but when it goes, it goes, and if you are quite small or don't have a strong grip it might be best getting a hefty friend or family member to help you with this.
important note don't run the compactor over the wooden frame, otherwise it will push your frame down and ruin the level
STEP FOUR
Once compacted the stone is likely no longer level with the top of the frame.
Continue to add stone and compact as many times as is needed to get a stone surface level with the top of your level frame.
STEP FIVE
Once the compacted stone is level with the top of the frame drench the whole thing with water - we are talking Glastonbury wet
The water will turn the stone dust in to a slurry and make it set super hard.
Your shed base is done.
CONCRETE BASE
THE MOST COMMON OPTION
The most common option is to make the base out of cement
This is more expensive than the previous option and requires a bit more work, but potentially is still something you could do yourself
STEP ONE
Just like the previous example make a frame out of wood that is at least 4 inches deep
This time however attach posts to the outside of the frame, so that when the cement is dry we can take the wooden frame away if we wish. Also just bury the posts in soil, not in cement.
The top of the wooden frame should be level all the way around
STEP TWO
Fill the frame with Concrete
We would use a mixture of ballast, water and cement. We would use ballast over sand because it sets harder.
A mix of 5:1 will be sufficient, you can use a cement mixer if you have one or a wheelbarrow and spade if you don't.
important note ensure that everything is fully mixed, any areas where you can still see the orange red colour of ballast will create weakness in the base.
STEP THREE
Once the concrete is level with the top of the frame use a long bit of straight wood that is long enough to rest on both sides of your frame
Drag the wood slowly down the frame with a short up and down chopping motion to both compact the concrete and remove any concrete that is higher than the top of the frame
STEP FOUR
Give the concrete a good few days to dry all the way through
Then you can remove the wooden frame and your shed base is done.
SLAB BASE
THE MOST ATTRACTIVE METHOD
The most attractive, but most expensive method is to create a base topped with patio slabs.
If you are wanting your base to extend beyond the shed then this is the best method.
STEP ONE
Make a sub base by either of the previous methods mentioned above
STEP TWO
Lay the slabs of your choice on a full bed of cement.
We are a bit different to other landscapers and like to use a mixture of sand and ballast in our cement, so our mix would be something like 2 parts ballast to 2 parts sand to 1 part cement and water.
If the weather is adverse or your slabs are tricky you could add some SBR to the mix. SBR is a bit like cement glue but be wary that it drastically reduces the working time of the cement so don't mix a big load up or you will end up throwing some of it away.
Your base is done.
GOOD LUCK
Whichever base style you choose, you can't go far wrong.
If you do need any advice, our advice is cost free and hassle free just send us an email or go to the Contact Us page.
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