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How much bigger should a shed base be than the shed?

We advise that a 100-150mm size increase is provided, bigger than your shed and that you try to lower the edges for easy rain runoff.

shedstore.co.uk - How To Build a Shed Base | Shedstore Blog

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A shed base is necessary for sheds to maintain a dry interior, prevent rotting, and keep the shed anchored down during high winds. For this, the shed needs a dry, level foundation. This can be a patio, laying a concrete foundation or paving slaps. We advise that a 100-150mm size increase is provided, bigger than your shed and that you try to lower the edges for easy rain runoff. Take a look at our video for a visual guide to building a wooden shed base:

Choosing a shed base

Planning the shed base

When your shed is delivered, check that all parts are there including nails, screws, hinges and any other ironmongery. Your shed will need to sit on a hard, level base, otherwise the frame will distort and the door and windows won’t open properly. There are multiple ways of creating a shed base; firstly let us explore a concrete base.

Materials for a concrete base

Spade – Digging around 150mm into the ground making sure it is level. Wooden shuttering – To keep the concrete in a fixed state for setting.

Hardcore – 100mm filled of hardcore then concrete mixture poured on top.

Concrete – Enough to create a base that is 100-150mm larger then proposed shed size. Once you have followed these steps allow time for the concrete to set, using a twig to ensure that is set before further action. A concrete base is the ideal base for all types of sheds Secondly, let us explore a garden slab base. A slab base is an easier alternative solution to a concrete base. However, these slabs still need to be placed on a

stable, flat surface.

Materials for a slab base

Spade – Digging around 150mm deep into the surface layer.

Concrete – Filling around 100mm deep and allowing it to set.

Shed slabs – Start from one corner and place slabs tightly.

Dropping the slabs starting from one corner will allow for a tight placement pattern, which is sufficient for a shed to stand on. Another form of base is a timber-decking base. Decking is a quick and cheap choice of base perfect for log cabins and sheds. It also allows you to make a lovely verandah base if you make a larger base then shed. Again, the soil layer has to be flat for the decking to maintain a flat build.

Materials for a timber-decking base

Spade – Dig a flat surface for a decking to be made.

Timber planks – To create the decking, treat them to make them last longer. Weed Proof Membrane – Lay this underneath the decking to stop weeds growing.

Examples of shed bases that are not efficient

Grass – Timber sheds will rot on grass bases and you will find that the shed will eventually fall apart and may cause damage or injury to you and your items. Garden slabs – Simply placing slabs on top of dirt or grass is not efficient, as it will not produce a flat and stable surface for the shed to sit on, creating an uneven distribution of weight on the shed.

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