Shed base

sol2017

I know this has been discussed many times and yet I'm hoping for some advice.

I'm getting a new 8x6 shed and need to prepare a new base. The garden is sloping slightly - over 6 feet there's around 6 inch drop. What base would be best in this case? I'm not keen on having a concrete base built so hoping for other solutions. Most likely I'll get someone in to do it. Shall I just leave that decision to them, providing the costs are acceptable?

UncleZen

My garden is similar. I cut into the slope and laid  slabs as a base, Its been working successfully for over 20 years (shed = 9x10)

FreeBear

Slabs with small brick piers would be the best solution if you didn't want a proper concrete base. The effort involved may cost more than a solid base though.

sol2017

So you think solid concrete base could be cheaper? I'll have to get some quotes to compare (even though I still don't want a concrete base).

While researching the subject, I found this: https://www.bakerstimber.co.uk/complete-package/base-work/. I like the approach (on a smaller scale of course) but I could not find the metal posts/brackets/anchors like that anywhere online. Do you think they are custom made? I imagine building on fence posts would be possible but not as long lasting. Is this good or bad idea?

jennifernil

You could make a  timber frame for the floor to sit on, like one for a deck, even build a small deck, unless you can place supporting beams directly under the shed floor support timbers.   Then support the frame at intervals on breeze blocks built up on suitably  sized concrete foundations

gamston

that Bakerstimber looks like a lot of work, with the frame on metal posts that would last a fair time, but wood posts would rot in no-time
on my sheds I've used concrete base with brick/block piers to lift wooden shed away from the ground allowing rain/water run off the wood and drop to the ground

the beneifit of concrete base is that it won't move, slabs  may move if the ground below it disappears (moles etc)
does your shed have a floor ? if so it needs supporting (if outer joists on brick/block piers

sol2017

Yes, my shed does have a floor, thanks, will make sure that it's supported.

edgex

As you'll be digging up the top layer/turf anyway, can't you level it off somewhat by digging down further at the high end & putting that material at the lower end.

Ganga

All  I would say is what ever base you choose do it correctly so that it lasts ,last thing you need is a shed full of tools etc and having to move it to  " do the base AGAIN " 

Murmansk

I had a similar situation with some decking that I installed and I made some concrete supports by making a square frame or shuttering out of Contiboard and pouring concrete in BUT in addition I hammered one of those metal spikes used to support fence posts into the ground where the concrete was to go - that gave it a nice firm anchor/foundation once the concrete had set.

It was still doing fine 20 years later when I sold the house.