A garden shed is a great way to keep things tidy and keep your dirty tools out of the way in their own space. Before building a good shed, you first need a good base. Your shed is otherwise at risk of collapse, either due to the elements or an uneven build, or both. A strong foundation ensures your shed will stay straight and sturdy, built to last.
When building foundations for sheds, as with building house foundations, you don’t want to cut corners and jeopardise build quality. The upset will not be worth the time or resources saved on improper preparation and application.
Do I need a base
Only if you have a very small shed will you not need a base. Small sheds can be placed on pre-existing patios or hardstanding’s. Otherwise, if your shed is more than about 6’ x 6’, without a base it will not be structurally sound, and during construction, there could be all sorts of alignment issues.
Building foundations is not easy.
Groundworks even on smaller scales still required a lot of heavy lifting and tiring hands-on work. It also requires time, precise measuring, and proper know-how with materials, tools and techniques. Only if you are confident should you take on these types of groundworks personally.
Survey Your Build Requirements
Bear in mind the conditions of the build location, whether there are any problems with moisture or sloping. Sloping will require more landscaping in order to build a flat space. For areas that see a lot of moisture, drainage is all the more important. It is also a good idea to double-check whether planning permission will be needed for your shed. For most sheds, it shouldn’t be an issue, but a range of factors can determine the need for planning permission – so it’s best to be sure.
Prepare Sufficiently
Once you’re sure where you’re building, and that it is good to do so, make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment. Then you can measure and outline the space for your foundation construction, the same size or a little larger than your shed. Dig that area 15-20 centimetres deep. Half for your subbase, the other half for the concrete. The sub-base of compacted MOT type 1 hardcore ensures a strong, even base for your concrete and drainage away from your shed.
During The Build
Make sure everything is measured and compacted well. Any mistakes could lead to a vulnerable or uneven base – the exact opposite of the base’s purpose. Compact the hardcore, measure the cement components accurately, mix and pour on. Alternatively, get ready mixed cement. Flatten and smooth well, using a spade and a long beam or another levelling tool.
Ideally, you will leave the base for two days before walking or building on it. During hot, sunny weather, protect the cement with a covering so it doesn’t dry too quickly and crack.
If you need help with your build in Glasgow or central Scotland, Forth Valley Concrete specialise in supplying and laying concrete bases for sheds and garages.