Shed Base Installation Made Easy

1. Shed Base Installation Made Easy When preparing to build your garden shed, the first and most important step is to create a really solid base. A good base is important for the strength, durability, and stability of the shed, to help stop the build-up of water at the base, to stop your shed from shifting on uneven ground, and prevent settling that can occur down the line. Thankfully, building a Shed Base doesn’t have to be complicated. With some preparation, consideration, and the right materials, you can create a simple, strong, and level base in a few steps. Step 1: Choose The Right Location The first step is choosing a site for your shed. It is best to select an area that is level and has adequate drainage. Do not build your shed in a low-lying area where water is expected or collected (over time, moisture from the ground can cause structural damage to the shed). When considering where to site your shed, think about sun exposure, the proximity to trees and any boundaries such as a fence, and accessibility when transporting items in and out. Step 2: Measure And Mark Out Once you have selected your shed site, the next step is to measure the size of your shed and mark out the area with pegs and string. Allow at least 2" (5cm) around the shed perimeter for ease of installation and maintenance access. Always cross check your measurements! Go back too: Step 3: Clear And Level The Ground Clear all of the grass, roots, and debris in the outlined area. Make sure the ground is even using a spirit level. If the actually ground is unlevel, you will have to cut some of the high spots down, and then build the low areas up using a combination of soil and compacted hardcore.

2. Step 4 Select Depending On Your Choice There are a variety of shed base types that are extremely popular. Concrete Slab: Provides excellent support and longevity so it is perfect for heavy sheds. Concrete slabs require formwork and time to dry. Paving Slabs: These are an easier and quicker form of a concrete Shed Bases and are suitable for most garden sheds. Plastic Grids: Light weight, environmentally friendly and extremely easy to lay. The grids are filled with grave to make them stable. Timber Frame: Perfect for sloped areas and smaller sheds. Must be treated timber so it does not rot. Select the best type of shed base depending on the size of your shed, soil type and budget. Step 5: Lay The Base When laying paving slabs, keep your chosen spacing and spread a layer of sharp sand or sand/cement mix over the ground that you have worked hard to level. Firmly compact the sand before laying your paving slabs. Use a spirit level to check for level as you lay each slab. When laying a concrete base, stiffen some timber to form a cage/base and then pour a concrete slab with your mix. Level off, leave to cure for 24–

3. 48 hours. For plastic bases, lay a weed membrane beneath the plastic base and then assemble the interlocking panels and fill with gravel. Step 6: Final Checks Once your base is installed, check for level and stability one last time. Ensure that water will drain away from the shed rather than pooling around the base. If possible, ensure you can incorporating a slight slope away from the shed for optimal run off. Conclusion There is not need to feel daunted in your shed base install. It is a case of planning and knowing what materials you can work with to use. If you are relatively new to DIY, it is possible to create a strong, durable shed base. By spending a bit of time getting your base right, you can ensure your shed will last for a long time and keep your tools, equipment, and other items stored in the shed safe from the elements.