Garden shed base?

[Deleted User]

Have decided to invest in a garden shed and have found a local supplier which will deliver and assemble a good quality shed, only thing is I must have a sound and level base ready for them. As a not very experienced DIY'er I was wondering if anyone had used the prefabricated wooden bases that are on offer these days. It looks like an easier option than laying either a concrete or paving slab base, but do not know if it is a good option. Any advice would be appreciated. :beer:

irishwexford

Hi
We had a shed erected on our allotment at the weekend but used slabs we had going spare. If you know anyone who has any to spare these would be ideal but can't help with your suggestion for a base. Someone on here may have a solution.

[Deleted User]

Hello, thank you IW. Was hoping not to have to do a slab base as have never done anything like that and do not want to risk making a complete dogs .... of it!

TEDDYRUKSPIN

I had mine done a few years back but paid the company to lay some slabs for me. Cost around £20. The guy came around and told me that you could have saved money as all you need is a flat layer and some gravel pebbles.

My friend has his on them square decking boards. Up to now they have been found. I believe the rule of thumb is not to have the shed in contact with wet soil. Otherwise it will rot quicker.

[Deleted User]

Thanks Teddy, sadly the place I can get my shed from does not lay the base, hence my request for advice/information.

sar050680

I have mine on a concrete base mate, I know you dont want to do this but it is the best way imo, do you have a friend who can help you lay a base? Its not that hard to do, good luck.

twinklefish

I really need a shed. I have a section at the back of my garden that is gravelled.....can I put a shed on that or should I try to raise it up off the gravel? I'm also not sure it's completely level. If I wanted to put down some slabs for a shed to sit on, do I just plonk them down and work into the gravel till they are level or is it more complicated than that?

I'm thinking 8' x 6' and the prices I have are £495 for Apex and £530 for Pent. A lot more than you can buy from DIY chains etc but, I've been inside the display sheds and they seem much more substantial. They've been recommended by someone who bought a shed and a dog run and are very happy with them. Price also includes delivery and erection on to a level base. Too pricey?

avfcforever

£495 and £530 seem like quite a lot.. we laid some paving slabs under our shed, it was a bit tricky getting it level, but was worth the effort. Try www.pavingexpert.co.uk I think the site is, if not try searching online for it, very good website which we ended up using to go on an lay our new patio!!

Try freecycle for spare slabs if you do decide to go down that route, although you need to be sharp as we put about 80 slabs (60 of one type and 20 of another) and had about 30 responses in a few hours, all just from the midlands area, free if they collect so can't complain!

tim_n

I bought a 6x4 shed from Focus for £110 (or my future brother in law actually laid out the cash)

I cleared the ground by moving old pots out the way.

I jumped up and down on it to make it firm.

Only had three slabs, but I dropped one so I ended up with five. One on each corner and a bit in the middle.

I jumped up and down on the slabs which weren't level to make them level.

I built the shed on top.

Our allotment is very very windy but the shed has never moved. The window fell out, but that's more to do with the actual assembly.

[Deleted User]

tim_n wrote: »

I bought a 6x4 shed from Focus for £110 (or my future brother in law actually laid out the cash)

I cleared the ground by moving old pots out the way.

I jumped up and down on it to make it firm.

Only had three slabs, but I dropped one so I ended up with five. One on each corner and a bit in the middle.

I jumped up and down on the slabs which weren't level to make them level.

I built the shed on top.

Our allotment is very very windy but the shed has never moved. The window fell out, but that's more to do with the actual assembly.

LOL.
You are an inspiration to all of us who worry about our skills in diy, and I am now not going to get stressed about the whole scheme and will follow your lead.:T

shadowdragon

i had a shed fitted last year, when i ordered i asked about the base, they said good compacted soil would be ok (it came with a wooden floor. They laid battons across the soil (which i levelled out and compacted with my doc martin boots) they fitted the shed and then used wooden wedges to level it up more, they also left a few wedges for me if it started to sink. its been in 12 months and theres no problems upto now.