DIY Shed Base Preparation Guide
So, you've purchased a garden building from us and you are wondering how to prepare your shed base. If you decide to build your shed yourself or if you have opted for our installation team to build it then you still need to ensure that a proper base is prepared before your new shed arrives.
DIY Approach
When installing a wooden garden shed you must ensure that you have an even and level surface onto which you can build it. This can be created using either a premade wooden shed base, a plastic shed base, solid 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/damp proof membranes, to prevent growth and eventual damage to your shed.
Installation Option
Our installation team 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. Please see below the questions that you will need to confirm with our customer service team if you have chosen our installation option.
- Has the base been prepared prior to the install team arriving?
- What type of base have you got? (concrete, slabs, portabase or eco base)
- Is this base level and flat? (Have you used a spirit level?)
- Is there adequate access to the installation site without going through the house, garage or other property?
- Is there sufficient space for the install team to get around the outside of the building – 60cm (2ft)
- Is there anything our installation team need to be made aware of before they arrive?
Floors
All our garden buildings come with a floor as standard. The only exception to this are metal sheds and greenhouses which can be erected without a floor.
Bases
All wooden sheds must be placed on a suitable base, this raises the floor bearers off the ground, prolonging their life and ensures that the building remains in the best condition.
Wooden Portabase
Suitable For
- Garden sheds
- Small summer houses
- Playhouses
About the Wooden Portabase
The wooden portabase is a time and cost saving base perfect for garden sheds. The portabase is constructed from timber and comes in a range of sizes to suit different garden buildings. The base features spikes on each corner; these spikes can be sunk into the ground offering a stable base for a garden building. You will need to ensure the ground you install your portabase onto is level otherwise your building could end up getting damaged.
Plastic Pro Base
Suitable For
- Garden sheds
- Summer houses
- Greenhouses
- Log Cabins
- Playhouses
About the Plastic Pro Base
The plastic pro base is a lightweight and eco-friendly alternative to a concrete base. It is simply to install, simply level the ground and lay down the weed proof membrane and connect the grids together. The pro base comes as a kit featuring individual tiles, which fit together to make a base. The kit also features a permeable membrane, which allows water to drain away while preventing weeds from growing through.
Concrete Base
Suitable For
- Garden sheds
- Summer houses
- Greenhouses
- Log Cabins
- Insulated Garden Rooms
- Playhouses
About a Concrete Base
A concrete base is the most common type of base for garden buildings and are relatively easy to build, but most people will hire a reputable builder to install the base. A concrete base must be installed in advance of receiving you garden building, this ensures the base has properly set before the building is installed. If the base has not properly set a build up of condensation can form within your new garden building.
Paving Slab Base
Suitable For
- Garden sheds
- Summer houses
- Greenhouses
- Log Cabins
- Insulated Garden Rooms
- Playhouses
About a Paving Slab Base
A paving slab base is easy to build and if installed properly it will provide a level and durable base. The ground underneath the paving slabs must be level to ensure a solid level base.
Foundation Preparation
All garden building must be installed on a solid and level foundation; the key to this is preparing the ground so it is level. It is highly recommended to construct a base for the garden building, however, some building don't require a base, in such cases patio or decking will suffice.