Can I use 4x2 for shed base?

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How to lay a concrete shed base

Due to current circumstances, an increasing number of people have turned to DIY projects in order to get through isolation. One popular project is the construction of a new garden shed. We’ve compiled the steps you need to follow in order to create the perfect concrete shed base.

1. Mark out your area

Once you know where you want your shed to be located and its dimensions, you will need to build the wooden frame. This will contain your sub base, and concrete and the timber you use should be no less than 4x2. A sub base is an important feature that ensures your concrete shed base won't sink. Our guide to preparing a concrete sub base details the best way to build a concrete sub base. Ensure that the top of your frame is completely level and measuring the distance between each corner diagonally (top left to bottom right / top right to bottom left) should produce the same result – this means you have a true square or rectangle. You can fix your frame in place using wooden pegs driven into the ground around the outside edge.

2. Start digging

In order to lay your subbase, you will need to excavate the area within the frame to a depth of between 15-20cm. Half of this will be used for the subbase, and half for the concrete layer on top. The top of your timber frame should be level with the earth surrounding it, not sitting on top or below. Whilst not technically required, a subbase layer will provide your concrete shed base with a highly durable surface on which to sit, that won’t collapse under the weight of your shed whilst also providing excellent drainage qualities. Once you add the subbase material, it will need to be compacted. There are many different tools you can use to do this; hand tamping tools are not too expensive and can be found at most DIY stores. You should compact the subbase until it cannot be compacted further, creating a flat surface.

4. Lay the concrete

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Now it’s time to lay the concrete. To calculate the amount of concrete you’ll need, follow this calculation: width x length x depth = volume of concrete required. You can attempt to mix this by hand using a mixer or save yourself some time and effort by ordering a batch of ready mix concrete from a local manufacturer. The LGW Group supply homes and businesses across Bristol and the surrounding area with tailored batches of ready mix concrete of even small quantities. Once you have your concrete mix ready, fill in the area, using a spade to ensure a good distribution. You can use a long beam of wood in a sawing motion across the surface of the frame in order to ensure that concrete is completely level.

5. Cure the concrete

Once your concrete shed base is laid, you’ll need to make sure it doesn’t dry out too quickly in order to ensure optimum strength and reduce the risk of cracks forming. If it is a hot day, use the mist effect on your hose in order to keep the surface of the concrete moist, and cover the entire base with a plastic sheet to prevent evaporation. Now, you will need to wait at least two days before walking on the surface of your shed base, and ideally four days before starting the construction of the shed itself. Finally, you can remove the wooden frame.

Laying a Concrete Base: What do you need to be mindful of?

If you’re thinking of laying a concrete shed base yourself, here are some of the factors that you need to be mindful of.

Length, width and thickness

When building your shed base, it’s critical to know your dimensions before the building process begins. The size of your shed base needs to meet a number of criteria to ensure it provides the correct support for your shed. The thickness of your base will determine many things, such as how much concrete mix you will need for your base, as well as affecting how much support the shed receives. In most cases, 3” is ideal for garden sheds or other DIY projects – should you have a more substantial project, 4” may be required with a layer of hard-core, about 2”.

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Ground preparation

Ground preparation is an essential process in order to make sure the shed stands the tests of time, as a sloppy foundation will cause a far quicker degradation of your shed. To make sure you get every aspect of this right, work in clear steps with predetermined goals to make sure nothing gets missed. This involves careful measurement and marking, digging out the base area and laying down the sub-base.

Concrete mix

Ensuring that you have the correct ratio in your concrete mix is essential in making sure that the base for your shed is of appropriate strength, stability and durability, as getting this wrong could lead to your shed quickly experiencing problems. One-part cement and 5 parts ballast are recommended for a reliable shed base, however you can add strengthening fibres if necessary.

Damp-proofing

To make sure that your shed does not go on to experience issues with damp, mould, degradation and structural issues, damp proofing the installation is essential. Use a damp proofing membrane when building the shed base, as this will hugely reduce the ability for damp to penetrate the shed. We also recommend using a sealant to provide an extra level of water resistance.

Level out

A tricky and fiddly process, levelling out ensures that your shed’s structural integrity is as good as it can be. An uneven surface will project stresses on to joints and panels and cause a quicker rate of degradation. The LGW Group are leading providers of ready mix concrete and concrete pumping services in the South West. If you require our assistance with a DIY project this year, don’t hesitate to contact our team.

lgwgroup.co.uk - How To Lay A Concrete Shed Base | LGW Group