DIY Shed Base Preparation Guide
A suitable base is essential for keeping your shed or garden building level, stable and properly supported. Whether you're building it yourself or using our professional installation service, the base and installation area must be properly prepared before construction can begin.
Preparing a Shed Base Yourself
Before installing a shed or garden building, you should ensure that you have a firm, flat and level surface of the correct size. Depending on your building, suitable foundations may include a purpose-built wooden or plastic shed base, concrete base, paving slabs or suitable decking.
An uneven or unsuitable base can cause the building to sit incorrectly and may lead to problems such as misaligned doors and windows or damage to the building over time. If you're using a wooden or plastic shed base, the ground beneath it will still need to be properly prepared and levelled. A suitable weed-control membrane may also be used where appropriate.
Preparing for Professional Installation
If you have selected our home installation service, the installation area and base must be ready before the installation team arrives. Unless otherwise stated, the installation team will not clear or level your garden or construct a concrete base as part of the building installation.
Before your installation, please check the following:
- Is the base fully prepared before the installation team arrives?
- Is the base suitable for your chosen garden building?
- Is the base completely flat and level?
- Is there suitable access to the installation area without having to pass through a house, garage or other building?
- Is there at least 60cm (2ft) of clear space around the outside of the building for the installation team?
- Are there any access restrictions or other issues that the installation team needs to know about before arriving?
If you would prefer us to prepare the base for you, we also offer a professional base preparation installation service for selected garden buildings.
Do Garden Buildings Come With a Floor?
Whether a floor is included depends on the type and model of garden building. Many wooden sheds include a floor as standard, while some metal sheds, greenhouses and other buildings may be supplied without one or offer a floor as an optional extra. Please check the individual product specifications to confirm what is included.
Types of Shed and Garden Building Bases
Choosing the correct base helps support your garden building, keeps it level and can help protect timber floor bearers from prolonged contact with the ground. The most suitable type of base will depend on the size, weight and construction of your chosen building.
Wooden Shed Base
About Wooden Shed Bases
A wooden shed base can provide a convenient foundation for many smaller timber garden buildings. These bases are available in a range of sizes and designs, so it is important to choose one that is compatible with your particular building. The ground beneath the base must still be suitably prepared and level.
Suitable For
- Garden sheds
- Small summer houses
- Playhouses
Plastic Shed Base
About Plastic Shed Bases
Plastic shed bases provide a lightweight alternative to a traditional concrete base. They typically consist of interlocking grids installed over properly prepared, level ground and a suitable membrane. Their permeable construction can also help water drain away beneath the building.
Suitable For
- Garden sheds
- Summer houses
- Greenhouses
- Log cabins
- Playhouses
Concrete Base
About Concrete Bases
A properly constructed concrete base provides a solid and durable foundation for many sheds and larger garden buildings. The base should be flat, level and the correct dimensions for the building. It should also be constructed sufficiently in advance to allow the concrete to fully cure before the garden building is installed.
Suitable For
- Garden sheds
- Summer houses
- Greenhouses
- Log cabins
- Insulated garden rooms
- Playhouses
Garden Building Foundation Preparation
Whatever type of foundation you choose, it is important that the finished surface is firm, flat, level and suitable for the size and weight of your garden building. The exact requirements vary between products, so always check the specifications and installation instructions for your chosen building before preparing the base.
If you're unsure which option is suitable, explore our shed bases, take a look at our professional base preparation service, or contact us for further advice.