WHAT TYPE OF SHED BASE DO I NEED?

A common mistake during shed building projects is neglecting the base. The shed base is possibly the most important part of the project, and the type of base you choose will have a significant impact on the quality of your shed.

There are various materials you can use for your shed base, and this month’s article will help you determine which one is right for you.

Why do I need a base for my shed?

If you’re lucky enough to have a completely flat garden, you may consider skipping the shed base altogether. Surely a flat surface is all you need, right?

Wrong. Shed bases do more than just provide a flat surface. They elevate your shed off the ground, protecting it from insects, water and other damaging elements.

Plus, your ground won’t stay flat forever. Nature has a way of changing over time, and while your shed might be stable now, it could topple over in a few years. Shed bases provide stability to your shed for years to come — though some materials fare better than others.

Timber

Many people opt for timber, as it is one of the lightest materials and is easy to set up.

The problem with timber, however, is that it is susceptible to rot. While it may be quick to set up, the extra maintenance required to keep timber in good condition will take up a lot of your time.

Timber can be moved to other areas of the garden or deconstructed if needed, making it a good choice if you’re in rented accommodation. However, if you do choose timber, make sure you are committed to maintaining it regularly.

Gravel

Not every shed is made of wood, and if you are planning to build a plastic or metal shed, gravel could be an option. It’s quick and easy to install and provides a permeable foundation for sheds of all materials.

Gravel could be an option if you are building a small or medium shed, but shouldn’t be considered beyond that. It isn’t the most stable material out there and can even shift overtime, making your shed less stable.

In addition, a gravel base must be used in conjunction with another base, such as a wooden or concrete frame — it isn’t just a matter of adding a bucket load of gravel. We recommend pairing with concrete to maximise stability.

Concrete

Concrete is the premier choice for a shed base. It is by far the strongest option and will provide unprecedented stability to sheds of all types and sizes. We always recommend choosing concrete for your shed for that added bit of safety — would you take a chance on your shed toppling over or collapsing?

A common criticism of concrete is that it is expensive and time consuming to lay. But this doesn’t paint the full picture. Concrete can take between 24-36 hours to lay and another 7 days to completely cure, but it will also add years onto the lifespan of your shed. Not to mention all the time you’ll save not having to maintain it.

And while it can be more costly than other options, concrete shed bases can be extremely cost-effective if you use a concrete delivery company that mixes on site. On-site mixing allows you to get the precise amount of concrete you need for your building project. No longer will you need to overspend by purchasing concrete in bulk.

>Read more in our How To Build A Concrete Shed Base article!

EasyMix Concrete are a leading supplier of concrete for customers in Hertfordshire, North London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northants. We pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service and speed of delivery. We offer next day delivery on our concrete and can mix it on site so you always get the perfect amount — no more, no less.

If you need concrete for your building project, give the EasyMix Concrete team a call.