What Makes a Good Shed Base?

Every shed needs a good, solid base, but you may be wondering what type of foundation is best? You can create wooden bases, lay gravel, or you can simply do what most people end up doing, which is pouring a concrete base.

Why You Need a Base for Your Shed

Every shed should have a solid foundation. This is so it can be built properly, keeping everything level and straight. The sturdiness of the shed will depend greatly on its foundation and you need a flat surface to create a building that will stand up to all conditions.

If you’re building a timber shed, you will need to ensure the wood is off the ground, so the wood won’t get damp and rot. This ensures the shed lasts for a much longer period of time.

How to Build a Good Shed Base

With some concrete and the right materials, you can create a good shed base that will withstand a large amount of force. However, it does need to be built correctly. You can’t just pour concrete onto the ground and expect it to all work out.

The area will need to have at least 7.5 cm of gravel or crushed rock as its foundation, with sand on top. The base must be as level as possible and you can then use wood to set up a mould around the perimeter. If you need the concrete base to be flush with the ground, plan to dig down 15 cm, filling half with gravel and half with concrete. You should plan the base to be slightly larger than the building if you are flush with the soil.

If the shed is larger, you may wish to use a steel mesh inside to add more stability to the concrete. Pour the concrete around this and while it is completely hidden, you’ll know that the extra strength is there. The base should also be scored lightly to prevent cracking. The simplest way to fill in the base is to order ready mix concrete. The truck will bring the concrete to you and pour directly into the mould. This eliminates the difficulties of mixing multiple batches of concrete and trying to make them look the same.

It takes several days for the concrete to cure, however, at the end of those days, you’ll have just what you need to build on. If you’re planning to build a shed, Forth Valley Concrete can provide the concrete you need. Let us help make the building process easier and faster.