What to stand shed on?

hotcookie101

I want to buy one of these to keep our bikes in, so we don't have to carry them up garden steps to the main shed (also will make shed less cluttered)
We have a back yard, with a concrete area, then retaining walls for the sloping garden-these are about 1.15m tall, rendered brick
The concrete in the corner we want to place the shed can be quite damp-as it doesn't get much sun, so takes a while for any rainfall to dry off.
My question is-what is the best way to ensure the shed doesn't rot-should we stand it on bricks? Not use a floor, and stand on bricks? Just have it straight on the ground?
We would also like to have some sort of ground anchor/heavy duty loop in there to secure the bikes too-can we just screw one into the back centre joist, or should we cut a hole in the shed so as to go through into the wall (would prefer not to do this if possible)

Thanks everyone

ormus

stand it on bricks or (better) paving slabs.
if you really need an anchor post, i would make a hole in the floor and insert one into the ground. well fixed.
an anchor into the shed wall is next to useless.

27col

Get some concrete blocks and just bed them on sand to level them. Then stand the shed on these.The blocks will both raise the shed from the ground and if levelled properly will provide a good solid base to rest the shed on. Use the floor, as it provides a large degree of bracing for the shed. If you are looking for security then a chain that is fixed to a comparatively flimsy shed is not going to provide much deterrence to a serious cycle thief. I would suggest concreting a metal post into the ground either behind the shed, or coming up through the floor and lock the bikes to this. You will have to work out something suitable yourself. The post can be secured by a bag of quick setting bag mix in the same way that you would concrete in a fence post. Give the shed a couple of coats of fence preservative and it should last for a few years.

diable

mother in law?

hotcookie101

Thanks
will raise it from ground and cut a hole in the floor for an anchor. cementing post into solid concrete not really an option with our diy skills! I think would be ok with just shed and padlock but OH is panicking about his new bike (even tho leaves current one out back, unlocked, in the rain :mad:

alibags

There really isnt any diy to it, you can buy anchors from a bike shop or motorbike shop, dig a hole before you put the shed in place, buy some ready mixed post concrete from wickes or B& Q and pour it in around the post, when you have done this pour some water on it. Its all on the bag of concrete.I would place it near an edge or corner so you can cut a piece of the floor out easily, and still keep the bracing as 27col rightly advises. Mark out your are with string for the edges of the shed to guide you. Also make sure the bricks are engineering or at least class B or the damp will rise through them.

hotcookie101

No the problem is digging a hole in solid concrete!! Its very thick and we dont have an sds drill-just a regular 14v cordless hammer drill-which I was hoping would be able to drill a hole for screws, but I am not totally convinced!
Where is best place to get a small number of engineering bricks?

andrew-b

Got a similar sort of problem myself at the moment. We've got a concreted area (with paving slabs embedded) that is out of level and i want to put a 9'x6' wooden shed on top.
Currently favoured idea is bricks and mortar strategically placed to support the shed base (around perimeter but with gaps in between for ventilation and beneath floor joists).

I did come across a product called EcoBase that looks good (at a price mind) but i don't think it's suitable to go direct on concrete as there wouldn't be any drainage plus i'd need to try and level it up with gravel, or sharp sand or something (not sure how i'd contain the gravel/sand though).

Could use treated timber bearers but again i've got the problem of levelling it up and being in direct contact with the concrete in time they'll need replacement. However for your bike store which is relatively small and light replacement would be simpler.

As for digging a hole in concrete..well it is possible with a trusty club hammer and bolster...i did this yesterday for a line pole hole spike using postcrete from wickes.
The postcrete is good stuff..fill hole half with water, pour in postcrete with whatever your burying in place - for posts etc use a level to make sure upright, trowel over (for fence posts slope the surface away from the post) and pour some more water on top. In less than half hour it was set.

With regards to security of the bikes, you could buy this ...can't vouch for it but saw it whilst browsing the other day and looks a good solution.

For a small number of engineering bricks...wickes certainly sell them by the brick (and probably other diy sheds or local builder's merchant).

Primrose

Can't advise on the base apart from thinking that concrete, paving slabs or bricks would be pretty essential, but if your bikes are valuable please invest in a really decent shed security system. Thefts from sheds are becoming far more prevalent all around the country and if passing potential thieves can see your shed from the road and can see you storing your bikes in them, you will be highly vulnerable for future targetting. Also consider a shed alarm which can be heard inside your house.

jojones55

buy a tannalised shed (pressure treated so it won't rot), this costs only a bit extra.
then lay concrete fence posts under it, no need for a foundation if the ground is fairly firm.
easy!

ps. this might or might not last, i've seen sheds that have been off the ground after 20+ years doing this, or it could sink quick which could harm the shed walls.

safest way would be to spread 2 inches or semi wet concrete mix then cheapest flags you can get then the shed, flags should be an inch off the soil level.

ukbill69

Just lay on paving slabs, only small so that will do.