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The need for a base for a garden room depends on various factors. This guide will cover them in detail so you can determine if it is necessary. Join us as we go through some of the FAQs and provide answers to help you make informed choices.
Do Garden Rooms Need a Base?
Yes, most definitely. Garden buildings, such as sheds, need a base — but this depends on the following factors:
- The size and weight of the structure
- The compactness of the soil where it will be placed
- Whether the unit comes with a built-in foundation kit
Small, lightweight models may not require extensive structural support. This particularly applies to 6×6 or 8×8 units. Placing them on compacted, flat, and level soil with proper drainage can suffice. However, heavier ones, such as metal garden rooms, may benefit from having a dedicated base.
Remember that the items, furniture and people inside the building will contribute to its weight. So if you plan to fill your room with weights and equipment to make it into a garden gym, you will probably need a firm and sturdy base.
Foundation kits are metal or plastic grids that serve as a base or floor frame. While these kits provide a stable surface, the installation may demand solid ground. This varies based on the size of the outdoor building and its specific location.
What Is a Base and Why Is It Important?
The base is what separates the garden room from the bare, damp ground. It holds the building, carries its weight, and ensures it functions well. It’s important because it prevents the structure from shifting, sinking, or getting damaged by moisture. This is especially important for wooden garden rooms such as log cabins.
If the base is uneven, you may encounter problems such as misaligned walls or doors that don’t shut properly. So don’t be tempted to skimp on this basic requirement. Bases are also essential for backyard features, like garden ponds. A garden pond base prevents water leakage, supports weight, and maintains structure.
Overall, a base guarantees proper assembly and longevity for anything built on top of it.
What Garden Room Weight Requires a Base?
It’s always a good idea for a garden room weighing over 500 pounds to be placed on a base. However, this requirement isn’t only about the weight of the structure itself; you also need to account for additional loads. This can include the garden furniture, equipment, and/or occupants inside.
The right type of base should distribute the weight evenly and provide stability.
What Are the Different Types of Garden Room Bases?
The type of base needed depends on where you plan to build and the ground conditions, including:
Concrete
A concrete base mostly consists of crushed stone material. It acts as a layer between the subgrade (existing soil) and the concrete slab. This base provides support and reduces the cracking of the slab. The stability it gives also ensures the garden room’s weight is evenly distributed. Moreover, it enables it to withstand external forces like wind and soil movement.
Check out our guide, ‘How to Build a Concrete Log Cabin Base,’ for more information.
Paving slab
A paving slab base is constructed using materials such as concrete, stone, or clay. When used as a garden office base, these slabs are laid on a level surface to create a stable platform. It’s as strong as a concrete base but is more affordable and easier to install.
Timber bearer
A timber bearer, as the name suggests, is made from wooden bearers and is the most lightweight base option. This type is best if you live in a rented accommodation where permanent fixtures like concrete may not be allowed.
You can customise it to fit the size, weight, and shape of your garden room. Plus, it’s much easier to move to a different point in the garden if desired, and you can take it with you when you move out.
Alternatively, opt for this Ecobase Fastfit Foundation Base. It’s almost similar to timber bearer, but it’s crafted from recycled plastic. The ecobase is designed to be filled with gravel for a French drain effect. It features self-fastening connectors for easy assembly.
Does a Garden Room with a Built-in Foundation Still Need a Base?
Generally, it’s recommended for any garden room that comes with a foundation kit also to have a base. This can provide additional stability and longevity for the structure. Yet again, this can depend on the factors mentioned above. Here are some sample scenarios to give you ideas:
- A base is still needed if the ground where the garden room will be placed is uneven or sloped. In such a case, the built-in foundation alone may not provide sufficient stability. A concrete slab or paving slab base would be necessary to level the ground. Read our guide to ‘How to Build a Shed Base on a Slope’ to learn more.
- A base may not be necessary if the ground is already flat, stable, and well-compacted. The foundation kit will distribute the weight of the garden room and provide a solid footing.
We hope these answers answer your questions! Keep these considerations in mind, and better yet, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Up next on your reading list: Do Metal Sheds Need a Base?
