A shed base is necessary for sheds to maintain a dry interior, prevent rotting, and keep the shed anchored down during high winds. For this, the shed needs a dry, level foundation. This can be a patio, laying a concrete foundation or paving slaps. We advise that a 100-150mm size increase is provided, bigger than your shed and that you try to lower the edges for easy rain runoff.
Take a look at our video for a visual guide to building a wooden shed base:
Choosing a shed base
Planning the shed base
- When your shed is delivered, check that all parts are there including nails, screws, hinges and any other ironmongery.
- Your shed will need to sit on a hard, level base, otherwise the frame will distort and the door and windows won’t open properly.
There are multiple ways of creating a shed base; firstly let us explore a concrete base.
Materials for a concrete base
- Spade – Digging around 150mm into the ground making sure it is level.
- Wooden shuttering – To keep the concrete in a fixed state for setting.
- Hardcore – 100mm filled of hardcore then concrete mixture poured on top.
- Concrete – Enough to create a base that is 100-150mm larger then proposed shed size.
- Once you have followed these steps allow time for the concrete to set, using a twig to ensure that is set before further action. A concrete base is the ideal base for all types of sheds
Secondly, let us explore a garden slab base. A slab base is an easier alternative solution to a concrete base. However, these slabs still need to be placed on a
stable, flat surface.
Materials for a slab base
- Spade – Digging around 150mm deep into the surface layer.
- Concrete – Filling around 100mm deep and allowing it to set.
- Shed slabs – Start from one corner and place slabs tightly.
- Dropping the slabs starting from one corner will allow for a tight placement pattern, which is sufficient for a shed to stand on.
Another form of base is a timber-decking base. Decking is a quick and cheap choice of base perfect for log cabins and sheds. It also allows you to make a lovely verandah base if you make a larger base then shed. Again, the soil layer has to be flat for the decking to maintain a flat build.
Materials for a timber-decking base
- Spade – Dig a flat surface for a decking to be made.
- Timber planks – To create the decking, treat them to make them last longer.
- Weed Proof Membrane – Lay this underneath the decking to stop weeds growing.
Examples of shed bases that are not efficient
- Grass – Timber sheds will rot on grass bases and you will find that the shed will eventually fall apart and may cause damage or injury to you and your items.
- Garden slabs – Simply placing slabs on top of dirt or grass is not efficient, as it will not produce a flat and stable surface for the shed to sit on, creating an uneven distribution of weight on the shed.