Laying a shed base - cost of materials?

BennyC · 1 Sep 2011 at 14:38

Next summer I will probably be putting a shed in the garden either 6x8 or 8x10. It's basically going to be a garden & tools store (Lawn mower, strimmer, wheelbarrow, ladders and a few boxes)

My preffered method of constructing a base would be to dig a trench, lay hardcore, soft sand & cemet mix (dry) and then top of with flag/paving stones. This is a method google has brought up.

If I were to dig the trench about 6" deep how much should I expect materials to set me back? Does £200-300 as a rough estimate sound reasonable? too low/high?

Thanks,

BennyC

Delvis · 1 Sep 2011 at 14:46

Depends, if you can get some ballast or something for free or a small fee, like old brick work etc smashed up it'll save on costs somewhat

anything I don't mind · 1 Sep 2011 at 15:41

Use concrete.

Bury some black sheeting and then lay a concrete base, you won't even need paving slabs. But if you want to put some at the front for a step or something. Only problem with a concrete slab is that the edges will/could chip off.

WillyNelson · 1 Sep 2011 at 16:35

Don't bother with concrete, it's a PITA and takes time.

Dig the base out to 5-10cm, edge with treated timber, line with weedproof membrane and then fill with 10mm gravel. Lay treated timber bearers on this and then lay the shed base on top of that. Total cost about £35-£50 depending on how much gravel you use.

It's much easier to get level than slabs or concrete and can be done in a day. I've use this method for two sheds and a playhouse (twice).

Hagar · 1 Sep 2011 at 16:58

WillyNelson said:
Don't bother with concrete, it's a PITA and takes time.

Dig the base out to 5-10cm, edge with treated timber, line with weedproof membrane and then fill with 10mm gravel. Lay treated timber bearers on this and then lay the shed base on top of that. Total cost about £35-£50 depending on how much gravel you use.

It's much easier to get level than slabs or concrete and can be done in a day. I've use this method for two sheds and a playhouse (twice).

+1

I used Mot type 1 fill 75mm thick compacted with a hired plate compactor, made a timber frame with treated 75 x 50mm timbers, levelled and laid on the compacted fill and then (optionally) filled with more type 1 and a topping of gravel

Siliconslave · 1 Sep 2011 at 17:41

I used a Hawklok base for my latest shed and its been going strong with no signs of problems for the last 4 years - essentially its a load of plastic crates that you lay onto levelled ground that doesn't have to be overly compacted.

Saves hours of faffing and only cost ~£150 for a 6x8 shed

Lopéz · 1 Sep 2011 at 17:59

WillyNelson said:
Don't bother with concrete, it's a PITA and takes time.

Dig the base out to 5-10cm, edge with treated timber, line with weedproof membrane and then fill with 10mm gravel. Lay treated timber bearers on this and then lay the shed base on top of that. Total cost about £35-£50 depending on how much gravel you use.

It's much easier to get level than slabs or concrete and can be done in a day. I've use this method for two sheds and a playhouse (twice).

I did a more basic version of this for my 6x12 shed a few years ago - dug the base out around 5cm, spread with limestone chippings (could have got gravel cheaper but I liked the look of the lime) over a weed membrane and then laid tanalised timber bearers on which I stood the shed.

Did the job fine.