Building a shed / gym - general questions

mushtafa · 5 Jan 2022 at 19:46

I'm wanting to build a gym/shed in the garden but have so many questions!

If I throw some here, I'd love to hear some input from builders/people in the trade/people who have done this before.

Starting with the base;
1. 100mm/4" concrete good enough?
2. Should the base be to exact external measurements, or should the base be larger?

Construction;
3. Timber or block? I ruled brick out as everything I've read has said it's expensive!
4. If block - Aerated or concrete? Concrete would be stronger - but would the base need to be thicker to deal with the weight?

I'd be more comfortable working with timber - but the blocks would outlast it. Timber has also gone up in price a lot over the last year or two, so may not be much in it price wise.
EDIT> A quick look suggests bricks would be around £2.5k, and blocks £900, so timber might be the way to go.

Roof;
I can't do a pitched roof as on the boundary. Rather than going completely flat, I'm thinking 2.5m at the back and 2.3m at the front. This should allow some rain run-off but keeping a sensible height.
5. Does this approach sound OK?
6. Spend the extra for rubber over felt?

Thanks for any input!

Mr.Cookie · 5 Jan 2022 at 20:39

I did a 150mm concrete base, I believe there are quite a few builds in the gym section on forum.

mushtafa · 5 Jan 2022 at 20:43

Looks good! What size is that space? I've not seen the gym section, will have a look!

Mr.Cookie · 5 Jan 2022 at 20:51

5m by 5m

Buffman · 5 Jan 2022 at 21:07

I recall reading somewhere that if the structure is being permitted development, if it's over 15 square metres (3*5) then it needs to be built from a non combustible material. So its worth checking that out!

mushtafa · 5 Jan 2022 at 21:22

Buffman said:
I recall reading somewhere that if the structure is being permitted development, if it's over 15 square metres (3*5) then it needs to be built from a non combustible material. So its worth checking that out!

My plan makes it around 13m2 external, so interior space will be smaller

roccles · 6 Jan 2022 at 11:12

If you are on Facebook I would recommended checking out this page lots of people building similar to you with similar questions

Oakwood Garden Rooms self build group

The guy that started it also has a YouTube Channel which could come in handy

YouTube Channel

I am wanted to build something similar myself but am going to wait a while until the prices drop a bit as in no rush.

Look forward to seeing your progress

mushtafa · 8 Jan 2022 at 12:57

Thanks, I'll take a look

Syla5 · 9 Jan 2022 at 13:11

In terms of things you should strongly consider equipment wise as must haves to really round out your home gym i would say as follows:

Rack
Freeweights
barbell
Adjustable dumbbells - well worth the out lay in cost for the space saving they give, a few good options, mainly powerblocks or the nubobell adjustable dumbbells
Adjustable cable pulley setup - either wall mounted or stand alone if you have the space but get one thats fully adjustable not just high / lo - the amount of movements you can cover with this kind of thing is what makes a huge difference.
Adjustable bench

That should just about cover everything you need.