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You’re likely planning to add a shed to your property soon, but you might be unsure how to build its base. There are some factors you need to consider and a couple of steps to take. This guide will walk you through the process, so let’s get into it!
What Are the Factors to Consider?
There are four factors you shouldn’t overlook, and these are:
- the location
- the shed’s purpose
- sunlight direction
- adequate drainage
You can’t simply place the base and the structure anywhere in your garden. The location must be favourable to your shed’s purpose and receive the right amount of sunlight. A level and well-drained area is also essential.
You should consider what you’ll use your outdoor shed for. If you’ll use it to store garden tools, it’s wise to situate the unit near your growing space, such as a greenhouse. Regardless, there should be ample space around it for easy access and maintenance.
The ideal spot is where the direction of sunlight hits the most. It maximises natural light and minimises potential dampness inside the shed. Good drainage is crucial to prevent water from pooling around or under the structure, to add.
How to Prepare the Ground for a Shed Base?
Proper ground preparation before building a shed base ensures a stable outcome. Follow the general steps below to get started:
Step 1: Area clearance
Begin by clearing the area where you plan to build the shed base. Remove any existing vegetation, such as grass or weeds, to achieve a clean and level surface. If left, they could hinder proper drainage or result in unevenness.
Step 2: Measurement and marking
Measure the dimensions of your garden shed to match it with the base. Use stakes and string to mark the corners and outline of the base. Double-check these measurements for accuracy and avoid any discrepancies during construction.
Step 3: Ground levelling
Start levelling the ground within the marked area using a shovel, rake, or a levelling tool. Remove any high spots and fill in sunken or lower areas to create a flat surface. This will help minimise the risk of structural issues later on.
Step 4: Weed membrane (optional)
If persistent weeds are a concern, lay a weed membrane over the levelled ground. This barrier will help reduce the likelihood of weed intrusion. In return, it can protect the base against potential damage over time.
Step 5: Soil compaction
Compact the soil using a tamper or a plate compactor to enhance the shed base’s stability. This technique helps settle the ground and prevents the base from sinking or shifting.
Step 6: Assess drainage
Assess the drainage condition in your chosen area to avoid water accumulation. If needed, create a slight slope away from the base to direct water away. Enough drainage will protect the base and shed from water damage.
Step 7: Check levelness
Use a spirit level to check the levelness of the prepared ground. Make sure all the sides are even and make any necessary adjustments. This will guarantee the shed’s stability and proper functioning.
Round-up
Preparing the shed floor base is straightforward. With the right tools and guidance, anyone can accomplish this task. But, having an extra pair of hands proves invaluable during the actual base and shed assembly.
If you have any further questions, contact us and don’t hesitate to give us a call at 01909 768840. Next on your reading list: How to Build a Shed Base
