A garden shed is an excellent addition to any garden. It provides storage for garden tools, furniture, outdoor toys, BBQs and anything else you may want to keep safe and dry.
But before you can put one in your garden, you need a concrete base for it to stand on. Building a concrete base gives your shed a firm and level foundation to ensure it doesn’t sink into your grass – plus, it looks great for years to come.
Whether you hire someone to do this for you or take on the project yourself, you’ll need a substantial amount of concrete. You can hand mix this concrete in a mixer, but an easier option is to use ready mixed concrete that is then pumped into the foundations of your shed base.
If you plan on building a concrete base for a shed, here’s a handy step-by-step guide to help you get started and keep your project on track.
1. Measure and mark up
It goes without saying that your concrete shed base will need to be bigger than your shed. Decide where you want to put your shed, then measure the area for your concrete base; remember to leave extra space for a wooden frame. Once you are happy with the size, mark up your base with ground pegs and string, ensuring that your base is even and straight.
2. Dig out the base area
Dig out the area you have marked up. You need to dig it to a depth of at least 150mm. The base itself should be a minimum of 75mm thick, and the sub-base should be a similar depth. Clear the area of any plants, grass, or stones before compacting the ground with a roller or tamper.
3. Lay a sub-base
The sub-base is a layer between the ground and your concrete shed base. Preparing the ground for your base is an important step. Fill your base with MOT Type 1 hardcore to a depth of around 75mm, but this will depend on how deep you dug the base. Once filled, it is important to compact it with a wacker plate and then cover it with a layer of grit sand to ensure the hardcore doesn’t pierce the damp-proof membrane.
4. Put framing around the base
You now need to put wooden framing around the base to keep the wet concrete in place. This will be removed once your concrete has hardened, but it’s important to ensure your base’s framing is level and in the correct position.
5. Put a damp-proof membrane down
As mentioned earlier, you will need to put a damp-proof membrane on top of your hardcore and sand sub-base before you pour your concrete in. This helps prevent condensation issues and helps stop the concrete from cracking when it dries.
6. Pour your concrete
You are now ready for your concrete to be poured. As you pour it in, use a shovel or a rake to spread it evenly across the base. Once all the concrete is in and at the desired level, you’ll need to tamp it down to remove any air bubbles and ensure a level finish.
Are you looking for a concrete supplier?
If you are building a concrete base for a shed in your garden and need ready mixed concrete pumped in, please get in touch. No matter your requirements, we’d love to hear from you. Our knowledgeable and friendly team is always ready to help and answer any questions you have.
Not sure how much concrete you need? Don’t worry. We have an easy-to-use calculator that can help you work out exactly how many cubic metres you need. It’s simple, quick, and will save you from guessing. Contact us today on 01327 206 650 or fill out our contact form.
