Shed base

[bricksmasher]

Hi all,

I'm wanting to get a shed base for a front garden shed, I'm thinking size of the shed would be around 6ft by 5ft.

Questions are:
1. What size shed base would you recommend (I think the base needs to be bigger than the shed?)

2. What would you recommend for the base, it would be for long term use.(Currently grass where I want the shed)

3. Any recommendations in sheds would be welcome too, I was thinking plastics over would but open to suggestions

Thanks!

 

[Deluks]

1) It doesn't have to be bigger than the shed if it's built properly.

The main disadvantage is that water might pool and run under the shed.

The advantage is that it might give you an outdoor hardstanding area to store a barbecue or bike (with covers)

2) The obvious choices would be:

A) A poured concrete slab.
B)Paving slabs, laid with a sub base.
C) Piers, with a sub frame, and the shed sitting on this.

What's the soil like, does it drain well?

3) Plastic more weatherproof than timber, but they don't look as nice, are more expensive and you may struggle to find replacement parts if they get damaged.

Timber will last for years, if you keep it off off the ground by a few inches, treat it every few years (why not take it out for a nice meal?) and keep an eye on the roof covering so you can deal with leaks before they cause too much damage.

Building your own shed is very satisfying, it may not save money but you'll end up with a better shed.

Oh, and whatever shed size you go for, you'll wish you had bought the next size up!

 

[bricksmasher]

Thanks appreciate the detailed reply, very helpful!

 

[mrrusty]

dig out 75mm.. of grass, wack down some aggregate, buy some concrete lintels of the correct length, lay level at 90 degrees to floor bearers, sit the shed on top. job jobbied.

 

[^woody^]

Paving slabs (the "Council" type) on 50mm sand