DIY Builds
Photo by Asad Photo Maldives Pexels Logo Photo: Asad Photo Maldives

How deep should a sub-base be for a shed?

Below slab level, you'll lay a 100mm sub-base and a damp-proof membrane. Therefore, you need to dig a level-bottomed pit 100mm deep. Be sure to remove all grass and other vegetation, stones and debris, then compact the earth.

Does hydrogen peroxide foam on mold?
Does hydrogen peroxide foam on mold?

Hydrogen peroxide is widely known as an extremely safe and effective disinfectant that can be used all over your home. Chances are if you've ever...

Read More »
What kills mold in yard?
What kills mold in yard?

Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a gallon of water. Spray affected areas every three days until the mold or fungus is gone. These last two...

Read More »
These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

Every garden needs a shed. It’s the perfect safe, dry storage solution for your gardening equipment, furniture, outdoor toys, BBQs and more. A great shed is also a handsome natural timber addition to your outdoor space, blending beautifully with your lawn, trees, shrubs, flowers and fencing. So, it’s worth taking the trouble to build a shed that’s attractive and sturdy as well as useful — and that has to start with the foundations. Without a firm and level base, your new outbuilding may start its life looking fresh, but it’ll be unusable before long. Alternative types of shed base include timber (aka a portabase), plastic, and paving stones. However, in this article, we’re going to focus on the most reliable option: preparing and pouring a solid concrete slab. You can hire all the tools and equipment you’ll need to lay a concrete base for your shed from the HSS range, so we thought we’d complete the service by providing instructions as well. Here’s our eight-step guide to laying a concrete slab worthy of your new shed-shaped pride and joy.

Step 1: Measure up and mark out

Once you’ve decided on the location, start by marking out the area for the slab. Make it wider and longer than the shed will be, and allow extra space for the formwork — that’s the technical term for the wooden frame that will go around the edge of the area to keep the concrete in place. Drive a wooden peg into the ground at each corner and run a taut length of string between them. Make sure the corners are square by measuring both diagonals. If they’re not precisely the same, you need to adjust.

Step 2: Dig out the base area

Below slab level, you’ll lay a 100mm sub-base and a damp-proof membrane. Therefore, you need to dig a level-bottomed pit 100mm deep. Be sure to remove all grass and other vegetation, stones and debris, then compact the earth. A micro excavator will make light work of the digging.

Step 3: Lay the sub-base

You can’t lay a concrete base directly onto soft ground, so a hardcore sub-base is essential. MOT Type 1 hardcore is the ideal material to choose. It’s the recommended sub-base for laying tarmac on roads and is readily available in jumbo packs from DIY stores and trade suppliers. Once your gravel sub-base is in place, thoroughly compact it using an HSS light vibrating wacker plate. Spread a layer of sand on top to prevent the sub-base stones from puncturing the damp-proof membrane.

Should I roll or brush paint my front door?
Should I roll or brush paint my front door?

“Painting a front door is best done with a brush. This is because most front doors have wood and/or glass panels and a roller would not be able to...

Read More »
What are the 3 types of gardening?
What are the 3 types of gardening?

The most common vegetable garden structures are in-ground gardens, container gardens, and raised bed gardens. In-ground gardening consists of...

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

What can I feed my rat if I ran out of rat food?

What to Give Your Rat as a Treat Seeds. Sweets. Bread. Cooked pasta. Cooked rice. Cereal. Grains. Mealworms.

Rats are great pets for those who want a furry friend but may not have enough space for a dog or cat. Domestic rats in particular can be friendly, calm, and can bond emotionally with their owners. Domesticated rats come in several varieties, including Dumbo Rats, Manx Rats, and Dwarf Rats. They also have different coat types and different tail styles. However, while there are many types of domesticated rat, they tend to all have one thing in common. That's what they like to eat and what's safe for them to eat. What to Feed Your Pet Rat on a Regular Basis Rats are omnivores, meaning they are healthiest when they eat a combination of fruits, veggies, and meats. So, the best rat diet consists of mostly fresh fruits and vegetables, plus a small portion of rat pellets or rat cube food daily. Make sure the rat pellets have at least 16% protein content and 4-5% fat content for a balanced rat diet. A rat's favorite fruits and vegetables include: Apples

Bananas

Pears

Citrus fruits

Cabbage

Broccoli

Parsely

Berries

Peas

Carrots

Endives

Melons

Stone fruits There are also some foods you can feed your rat, but only when they are cooked. In their raw form, they may be harmful. These foods are: Beans

Corn

Red Cabbage

Sweet Potato

Meat & Eggs

What is the standard 2 car garage size?
What is the standard 2 car garage size?

The average sized 2 car garage's square footage usually ranges from 400 (20×20), 576(24×24), and 720 (24×30) square feet.

Read More »
What is the biggest extension without planning permission?
What is the biggest extension without planning permission?

The recent relaxation of permitted developments means that homeowners are now able to add extensions without needing planning permissions. You can...

Read More »
What kind of firewood burns the longest?
What kind of firewood burns the longest?

Hickory Burns The Longest Hickory is the densest of our hardwood list, burns hotter than oak and maple, and burns the longest on this list. You can...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
What is the lowest slope for metal roof?
What is the lowest slope for metal roof?

The minimum slope for a metal roof with exposed fasteners and seams without sealant is 3:12, which means 3” of drop for every 12” of horizontal...

Read More »