Concrete Base for Shed

foreversummer

Hi

Hubby and I are about to lay a concete base for a fairly large wooden shed - size 10 x 8.

Advice from our local builders merchant was to use ballast and cement 5 parts to 1 about 4" deep. However, someone else mentioned that we should put hardcore in the bottom first.

We are wondering if this is necessary or will it be OK without. The soil here is quite stoney and sandy and feels pretty firm.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Foreversummer

JennyW_2

we did this year - our shed is 10x12 I think! Anyway I do remember that before the cement went down, we had loads of rocks/bricks/stones put in (I assume this is the hardcore)? Not sure how important to the base it is?

sloughflint

foreversummer wrote: »

Hi



A However, someone else mentioned that we should put hardcore in the bottom first.



Foreversummer

Agreed......

looby-loo_2

We have just had the base for a workshop in the garden, 22' x 12' and the blooming thing cost nearly as much as the shed! Yes, it included hardcore and a membrain thing then concrete on top.
I just hope it's worth it and it gets used for the intended purpose - I have one shed full of junk already!

bomberman2

Dont forget steel mesh.......

B

looby-loo_2

Oh yes, steel mesh too and £112 for fresh air - I kid you not! When buying concrete if it's not a full load you pay for the empty part of the mixer too and waiting time whilst they barrow it (I do understand why but over £500 was still a shock for a rectangle of horrid concrete)

foreversummer

Thank you for the replies.

What I don't understand is, there seems to be two options for a shed base, paving slabs set on a sand and dry cement mix, or a concrete base.

Would we be better going down the paving slab route? Seems like a lot less bother. Although the shed is 10 x 8 it will not have heavy use, just somewhere to store tools, lawn mower, bikes etc, so we won't be going in it every day.

Foreversummer

scbk

Personally I'd just use slabs, that what I did for my 16x8 workshop last year. Dug out the ground, put down about 3/4 ton of sand, then carefully laid the slabs on top. Use a level to make sure it's.....level!

Not had 1 problem and know I won't, also means the whole thing can be lifted up using just hand tools if need be in the future. Oh, and use proper 2" thick slabs from a builders merchant

Avoriaz

You don’t really need a concrete base. It is far cheaper and easier to use wooden beams.

I have a big shed at the end of the garden. It is supported by wooden beams on paving slabs. It has survived like that for 14 years so far with no problems. One year a fox dug a hole and raised her cubs underneath it.

Just make sure that the wooden beams are pressure treated for rot and that you use enough of them.

floyd

Ous is also on slabs on a bed of dry mix, had no problems at all and as scbk mentioned, should you change your mind it is much easier to remove than a hulking great slab of concrete

edthedead

Mines on concrete blocks - works fine!