Blockwork Shed

[camel307]

Hi All,

I am planning on building a shed using blocks - rough dimensions of 3m * 2.5m I plan to make solid foundations at about 300mm deep and build up on these.

I have been trying to ascertain what is the best block to use. I have become confused with the difference between a concrete block and thermalite block>?

I was planning on building the whole lots (first course to top) using thermalite blocks and then cladding the whole lot with featheredge board (more for aesthetics than anything else).

However, I have read in places that thermalite blocks need to be fully waterproofed so I fear if the cladding leaks the block will be destroyed eventually.

So, am I better to use concrete blocks? If so which ones? Does anyone think I could get away with painting the blocks rather than cladding with wood or would this look ugly?

Many thanks

 

[stuart45]

You could use concrete blocks and paint them, it should look OK for a shed.
Thermalite are much lighter to use though.

 

[pred]

Thermalite Turbo are suitable for underground and external walls but are a bit wasted for a shed base, I would go for a 10newton concrete block.

 

[virgilns]

Built my old workshop out of thermalite blocks (celcon) on a slab base...9" perimeter and 4" slab on well compacted hardcore. Laid the first blok and then the damp course then the rest.

Theramalite are easy to lug about as light, easy to cut (use an old handsaw)...easy to put power into...use an old wood chisel to cut out the boxes...warm and reasonably soundproof. Used 8" and was quick and easy to lay...

 

[camel307]

Built my old workshop out of thermalite blocks (celcon) on a slab base...9" perimeter and 4" slab on well compacted hardcore. Laid the first blok and then the damp course then the rest.

Theramalite are easy to lug about as light, easy to cut (use an old handsaw)...easy to put power into...use an old wood chisel to cut out the boxes...warm and reasonably soundproof. Used 8" and was quick and easy to lay...

How did you finish the blocks externally. If not, have you had issues with waterproofing?

Thanks

 

[geraldthehamster]

I was planning on building the whole lots (first course to top) using thermalite blocks and then cladding the whole lot with featheredge board (more for aesthetics than anything else).

If you're planning on cladding it with featheredge, wouldn't it be quicker to build it in timber frame studwork? Just a thought.

Cheers
Richard

 

[camel307]

I was planning on building the whole lots (first course to top) using thermalite blocks and then cladding the whole lot with featheredge board (more for aesthetics than anything else).

If you're planning on cladding it with featheredge, wouldn't it be quicker to build it in timber frame studwork? Just a thought.

Cheers
Richard

I have considered this.....the block idea is preferred due to strength, longevity and warmth.

Thanks

 

[geraldthehamster]

I have considered this.....the block idea is preferred due to strength, longevity and warmth.

Thanks

Are you planning on insulating it, and if so, how?

Cheers
Richard

 

[camel307]

I thought that using blocks would remove the need for any insulation? My costings show that the job will cost circa £1k. My reservations for using wood are that it will inevitably rot and not offer the same strength/warmth as a block shed. I would like the shed to be moderately cold resistant but it does not have to be overly warm. If i am spending circa £1k on a shed i want it to last.

Thanks

 

[geraldthehamster]

I thought that using blocks would remove the need for any insulation? My costings show that the job will cost circa £1k. My reservations for using wood are that it will inevitably rot and not offer the same strength/warmth as a block shed. I would like the shed to be moderately cold resistant but it does not have to be overly warm. If i am spending circa £1k on a shed i want it to last.

Thanks

I don't have any figures to back this up, but I wouldn't have thought an uninsulated blockwork shed would be appreciably warmer than an uninsulated wooden shed. Wood is quite a good insulator. If you use treated timber and take the appropriate steps to avoid condensation and damp, it won't rot.

I only ask about insulation because it's easy to fit rigid insulation into a timber frame.

Blockwork will make it more sound proof.

Then again I have experience in building studwork and next to none in laying blocks, which is another reason for my choice.

Cheers
Richard

 

[camel307]

Thanks for your advice.

Wood was something i considered but kind of wrote off but I will reconsider now. it just seems that it will be expensive to make a good, sturdy shed and it will need continual treating.

I really need to reach a conclusion as I have been considering the best materials for nearly 3 weeks. its driving me MAD lol

Thanks

 

[geraldthehamster]

Thanks for your advice.

Wood was something i considered but kind of wrote off but I will reconsider now. it just seems that it will be expensive to make a good, sturdy shed and it will need continual treating.

I really need to reach a conclusion as I have been considering the best materials for nearly 3 weeks. its driving me MAD lol

Thanks

I think the cladding will need treating from time to time - but you were planning on using cladding in any case. That was the only thing that made me think of timber frame.

Cheers
Richard

 

[virgilns]

Built my old workshop out of thermalite blocks (celcon) on a slab base...9" perimeter and 4" slab on well compacted hardcore. Laid the first blok and then the damp course then the rest.

Theramalite are easy to lug about as light, easy to cut (use an old handsaw)...easy to put power into...use an old wood chisel to cut out the boxes...warm and reasonably soundproof. Used 8" and was quick and easy to lay...

How did you finish the blocks externally. If not, have you had issues with waterproofing?

Thanks

rendered the outside and combination of plaster, render and dot and dabed the inside. roof was insulated 8"+ thick fibreglass and bouble glazed doors and windows...warm as toast with a 2kw heater in the winter in al lbut the coldest days and cool in the summer...

no additional insulation as the thermal blocks provide plenty

 

[virgilns]

my 10' by 20' workshop with two layer torch on felt roof and electrics cost me about 3k all in 10 years ago...just materials. recon you'll be lucky to do it for a grand...

 

[camel307]

Thanks Virgilns,

I have considered rendering but have no experience or even watched someone doing this.

Is it something a complete novice would be able to do or is it best not attempted by the novice? Unfortunately, cash is a bit tight and so I do not want to pay someone to render for me.