Do I Need a Base for My Shed?

This is one of the most common questions people ask relating to a Garden Shed. It may seem like unnecessary hard work and expense but it is vital to ensure you position your shed on a secure base. If you put your shed directly on the ground it won’t be as safe or stable and it won’t last as long as it would if placed on a base.

The Benefits Of a Shed Base

Imagine for example you position your new shed directly on a grassed area. Damp from the ground will seep into a wooden shed and rot it far faster than it would do if it was positioned on a shed base.

You may not think this would be a problem if you had a plastic or metal shed but you’d still suffer from not positioning it on a level, solid surface. Bad weather can make the ground sodden and lead to a insecure and even unsafe shed – not the ideal feature to have in your garden. Also all floorless metal and plastic sheds require a solid, level base so that they can be anchored to it.

Shed Base Options

There are a number of shed base options you can choose from. We offer a variety of shed base kits or alternatively you can attempt to create one yourself, or employ a workman to construct one by using slabs or concrete.

Although our wooden sheds have a floor, it is still recommended they are built on a suitable, solid and level base in your garden. This can be a concrete base, patio or a specialist shed base – whichever you prefer.

Concrete

Concrete bases are probably best prepared by a professional, but they do offer a solid, level and permanent base for your shed. Make sure your concrete base is completely flat and level for best results.

Patio

Your wooden shed can be placed on an existing patio, or you can lay a new one especially for it. Unless you are quite handy in the garden, laying a new patio is probably best done by a professional, but as long as it's level, it will do.

Portabase

The Portabase is a hassle-free alternative to building a concrete or slab base. It's made from timber and is easy to assemble by just one or two people, but best of all it does not leave a permanent feature in your garden. The Portabase features spikes on each corner, allowing it to be hammered into the ground for a sturdy base. Top tip: Lay plastic beneath your Portabase and fill with pea gravel to aid drainage and stop anything growing through and into your shed.

Ecobase

Specifically designed to provide a firm, durable and well-drained platform for garden buildings, the Ecobase is the ultimate base for your new shed. Quick and easy to install, the grids are lightweight and reuseable, and can be cut to size easily using a handsaw. If you choose the first option you need only decide which of the above type of garden shed base is suitable for you. Buying a shed base kit is an easy, quick option that gives you a stable, secure foundation for your shed without any hassle.

Building A Shed Base

The second option involves making your own base. The easiest way to do this is with Paving Slabs. Measure out the area your shed will need (allow overhang on all sides) and mark it out with string. Once this is done, you can level it off. The next step is to create a dry mix consisting of eight parts of building sand to one part of cement. Lay it down to a 4cm thickness and level it (a long spirit level is ideal for this). Finally you can lay your paving slabs on top and level those off as well. Make sure the slabs are slightly proud of the ground next to them.

Alternatively you can always choose to lay a Cement Base. This requires more work but it is preferable if you have plans to erect a large shed or garden building. You’ll need to dig out the ground where the base is required and add some hardcore before creating a timber frame to slot into the space. You can then pour in and level the cement. This can most easily be done with a straight length of wood that is slightly longer than the size of the hole. Simply move it from side to side from one end of the hole to the other. Finally cover it with polythene so it doesn’t dry out too quickly (or get soaked if it rains).

All these methods are suitable but buying a shed base kit or choosing our installation service is undoubtedly the easiest and stress free method of all.