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Guide: How to prepare your garden for a shed

So you've bought your new shed, you're now waiting for it to be delivered and you've considered where you would like to build it in your garden. Below you will find example of what to do and what not to do, when preparing your garden.

 

Have you prepared the ground ready to install your new shed onto?

 

When installing a timber shed you must ensure that you have a even and level surface onto which you can build it. This can be made using either concrete, garden slabs or even timber decking. Failing to prepare a level surface will lead to your shed warping, which can result in damaged timber or even broken windows. If you're using one of our shed bases you will still need to clear the area for rubble. It's also a good idea to lay a weed proof membranes, to prevent growth and eventual damage to your shed.

 

But I've paid for a shed installation service, do I still need to prepare my garden?

 

Yes.

 
Our installation teams will not clear your garden or lay a concrete surface for you. You will need to make sure that you have prepared the area in time for your delivery and installation.
Good ground preperationGood ground preperation

Examples of how to prepare your garden for a new shed:

Good Concrete BaseGood Concrete Base
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Concrete Hard-standing - When using concrete as a surface to support your new shed, you must ensure that it is level, flat and that it is dry in time for your shed delivery and installation. Here are the basic steps:

 

  • Using pegs and string, mark out the base area (allow 5 cm extra)

  • Dig a 15 cm deep, level hole - Insert a wooden framework to contain the concrete

  • Add a 7 cm deep level layer of stone or hardcore

  • Add the concrete cement mix – spread evenly and level off - Allow to fully set

Good concrete slabs 1Good concrete slabs 1
Good concrete slabs 2Good concrete slabs 2

Garden Slab Base- A good alternative to using concrete is to use garden paving slabs. But once again these need to laid so as to create a level serface:

 

  • Dig out topsoil to about 7 cm deep

  • Add 4 cm layer of cement

  • Start in one corner and start to lay the slabs (use a spirit level)

  • Allow the cement to dry before building your shed

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Good decking 2Good decking 2

Using a timber decking base- This is a great way to quickly create a hard-standing for your new shed. You must ensure that it is level and should lay a weed proof membrane between the bare-ground and the base.

 

If building a log-cabin or summer house you can easily use this method to create a beautiful verandah area.

Bad ground preperationBad ground preperation

Examples of how NOT to prepare your garden for your new shed:

Bad slabs 1Bad slabs 1
Bad slabs 2Bad slabs 2

 

How not to lay garden slabs - Simply laying slabs loosely on top of gravel on in the corners does not create a stable base for your new shed. Please be aware that if you have paid for installation, our installers will not fix the situation for you.

 

By using an unstable base, your shed will warp which could result in damage or even broken windows.

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Bad rubble 1Bad rubble 1

 

Rubble is not suitable hard-standing - You will need to clear any rubble, piles of leaves or other garden detritus from the area where you would like to build your shed. This is true, even if you have bought a timber shed base kit. 

 

Please note – if you have paid for shed insulation, the installation team will not clear your garden for you and may not wait around for you to do so. Always prepare your garden in good time for your delivery.

GrassGrass
GravelGravel

 

Lawn, gravel or dirt are not suitable bases - It is not recommended that you build your new shed directly onto a lawn, bare ground or gravel. Not only can this result in subsidence and warping, but can also lead to damage from damp.