Choosing the right base for your garden shed

It doesn’t matter what you’re building, all structures – permanent and temporary - need a flat, level and strong surface in order to survive, and a garden shed is no different. Although it might not seem important, dedicating a little extra time and care now, ensuring you choose a suitable shed base, will protect against deterioration and consequently prolong the life of your shed.

Placement 

Before deciding on a base for your shed or garden building, you need to consider where you’re going to put it. The size and shape of your shed will dictate this, although our recommendation would be to avoid trees, rockeries, flowerbeds and shrubs etc. and aim for the flattest land possible – trust us, it’ll save some time and effort when preparing the ground.

What are my shed base choices?

To be honest, the world’s youroyster when it comes to choosing a shed base, because there are quite a few options out there. However, not all bases are suitable for every shed or garden, so there are a few things you might want to consider before you jump in and make a purchase.

If you live in a rented home for example, then you’ll need to ask permission before creating any kind of permanent structure – this includes the base and the shed. Many landlords could have issues with a permanent shed base as, in future, you could take the shed and leave them with a large concrete slab to cover up.

You should also consider the costs involved, do you really want to invest a lot of money into something permanent that’s technically not yours? If the answer’s no, then you’ll be glad to hear that non-permanent bases are available and they’re usually much cheaper too.

The next thing to consider is the weather, if your shed base will have to deal with lots of water and/ or snow and ice, then this could impact the base you choose. So, onto the bases…

Concrete paving slabs

Paving slabs are relatively inexpensive and are a good choice of base if you’re looking to install it yourself. Remember though, they are pretty heavy so sometimes it can be easier to ask a professional to come and lay them for you.

Before installing a base of paving slabs, it’s imperative that the ground is completely level. In fact, that’s something that’s a must for all of our bases so if you’re unsure, take a look at this handy guide for some advice.

Once you’ve levelled the ground you can start laying your slabs. Two huge mistakes a lot of people make is only laying a slab for each corner of the shed and not setting the slabs properly. It’s essential to ensure the entire of the bottom of your shed has a sturdy base, not just the corners. It’s also important to set the slabs properly to avoid any movement, we’d recommend a cement and sand mixture. 

Timber

This is a base type that’s popular with a lot of people, mainly because it looks authentic. However, quite often it’s just not practical, especially in the UK. Although attractive, wooden shed bases don’t tend to get on too well with the wet British weather.

Prone to damp and rot, it means that a wooden shed base will need to be regularly maintained and replaced far more often than any other. Should damp or rot affect the base, then this can also cause long lasting damage to your shed too. Unless you live in a particularly dry climate, you need to be willing to take on the extra work associated with a timber shed base so really think about it carefully.

Plastic

A lot of people never even consider a plastic shed base. In fact, the majority don’t even know they exist. However, once you’ve tried it, you’ll never turn back. Plastic shed bases are cost effective, environmentally friendly and require pretty much no maintenance – sounds good right.

Environmentally friendly–plastic shed bases are made from 100% recycled plastic, so not only are they good for your pocket, they’re good for the environment too

Cost effective – not only is this type of shed base inexpensive to buy and easy to put together, but also extremely low-maintenance, which practically eliminates any ongoing cost. With a plastic shed base, there’s no need to worry about weatherproofing and varnishing etc. because it’s just not necessary

Temporary – should you decide to move house or alter the position of your shed, moving a plastic shed base is quick and easy

Easy to install – this type of shed base is exceptionally strong but despite that, each panel is remarkably light and can be fixed in place in just a few seconds

Concrete slab

This is perhaps the most permanent type of base available but it’s not one you can lay yourself. Concrete slab bases are exceptionally strong and for this reason are popular for larger sheds and structures.

First of all you’ll need to create a timber frame that can be used to hold the concrete in place as it sets. Depending on the professional services you choose, they may be able to do this for you so although costlier, there’s much less worry. However it’s important to remember that once you’ve installed a concrete slab base, you can’t move your shed without a huge lump of concrete being left exposed in your garden.

So that’s it, they’re your shed base options. Hopefully we’ve made deciding on the most appropriate much easier for you.