A shed base adventure

[Elpenor]

Ok, so I would like to lay a shed base that is approximately 8x4 foot. The shed is quite a heavy metal one, and it requires the base to be at least 50mm thick.

I’m minded to use slabs over concrete for a few reasons - it seems simpler and less messy than mixing up concrete. Also because I want to have some more cosmetic paving in front of the shed. This means I need to use British standard 50mm thickness slabs - the 600x600m ones weigh 43kg each but I’ve seen lighter 450x450mm ones at a builders merchants which wil be more manageable.

Having watched a lot of YouTube videos this afternoon it seems I need to dig out approx 150mm of soil, add 75mm of MOT type 1 as a sub-base, 25mm of slab layer (again simplicity is key) and then the slabs themselves.

Am I missing anything? Would I need to put a membrane underneath the sub-base?

I have a few questions. How long is this likely to take? I will plan to do the digging out beforehand to save time (and my back) on the day

How do I estimate quantities needed? Materials need to be wheelbarrowed 5m from the pavement or about 30m from in front of my garage so I don’t want to have more than I need, though I realise I probably can’t get away without a bulk bag of MOT type 1. But I reckon I can easily give away the leftovers via Facebook marketplace.

I have access to 10% off at Wickes or B&Q via a mates trade account which should help with cost.

 

[souljacker]

Can't help on the fitting side but, if you go for slabs rather than concrete, check your local freecycle or ebay. There are always slabs on there so will save you a wedge (as long as you have the ability to collect them obv).

 

[TopCat]

Ensure you compact the sub base down properly and yes, use a membrane. I would even go so far as to glyphosate as a first step any plants in the area that will be used, wait three weeks then commence.

 

[WouldBe]

I realise I probably can’t get away without a bulk bag of MOT type 1.

A bulk bag will be about the right amount. Not sure you need to use MOT type 1 for a shed though.

 

[farmerbarleymow]

Paging our resident expert two sheds

 

[two sheds]

Yes you definitely need a base for that

 

[Elpenor]

A bulk bag will be about the right amount. Not sure you need to use MOT type 1 for a shed though.

Hmm that’s what the YouTube videos have said. And it must be true if it’s on the internet

 

[WouldBe]

Hmm that’s what the YouTube videos have said. And it must be true if it’s on the internet

It said on Wickes website that it was required for use under tarmac for roads or heavy duty paths. Doubt a shed requires that.

 

[TopCat]

Any old hardcore will do as the base, concrete on top, slabs on that.

 

[friedaweed]

I'm just about to do the same but it's 8x12 shed/greenhouse combi with a 4 foot pario plus there's water and electrics getting piped in.

This is how I'm going about it.

8x16 trenched footings with 4 inches concrete .
2 courses of brick.
3 inches of crusher run hardcore
1 inch polystyrene insulation
Membrane
4 inches of concrete tamped and trowelled


I already have most of the stuff on site plus I've got a full sized mixer because our gaff is basically like a building site at the moment. It'll still take some graft. I have considered having self barrow ready-mixed delivered for the final pour. I'm going to tile the patio bit and may tile the greenhouse floor if I can find some cheap tiles and funds allow.

There's also those plastic crate things worth looking at but if you're going concrete and slabs get a full list of materials you need and get a few quotes from a couple of builders merchants. Boys of bodens and Beesley and Fields will give you a trade price delivered if you phone up their sales dept

 

[TopCat]

I'm just about to do the same but it's 8x12 shed/greenhouse combi with a 4 foot pario plus there's water and electrics getting piped in.

This is how I'm going about it.

8x16 trenched footings with 4 inches concrete .
2 courses of brick.
3 inches of crusher run hardcore
1 inch polystyrene insulation
Membrane
4 inches of concrete tamped and trowelled


I already have most of the stuff on site plus I've got a full sized mixer because our gaff is basically like a building site at the moment. It'll still take some graft. I have considered having self barrow ready-mixed delivered for the final pour. I'm going to tile the patio bit and may tile the greenhouse floor if I can find some cheap tiles and funds allow.

There's also those plastic crate things worth looking at but if you're going concrete and slabs get a full list of materials you need and get a few quotes from a couple of builders merchants. Boys of bodens and Beesley and Fields will give you a trade price delivered if you phone up their sales dept

Respect.

 

[Elpenor]

Wow friedaweed you are really going for it. I would freely admit I lack the nous for that. I don’t have a massive garden though, so my little project is about right for my needs.

I still have a few tools etc to acquire, but I’m getting round to it gradually. Am hopeful a mate who’s out of work will give me a hand for some cash and TBC (teas, biscuits, chocolate).

So far I’ve ordered the membrane, and just had a ramp delivered which I will need to get barrows up the kerb, and into the back gate.


My mate has leant me a tamper, as I only have a small space I intend to use this rather a wacker plate. I’m also considering using the excess soil to make a rockery (my dads suggestion, which also solves the problem of where the grass slopes. The shedbase itself is going at the back, using the right angle of the existing concrete wall as a guide.

 

[Elpenor]

Well I’ve finally got round to it. Doing the digging in stages. My back and general fitness isn’t up to much so 30 mins at a time is the plan. Did a chunk over Easter and then some this morning. So far have dug about 75% of the turf. Will need to remove a bit more to get down to 200mm all over and membrane it.

Soil is being reappropriated to raise up the bottom of my lawn which slopes. Shrubs and rockery will be going into there at some point, probably once the digging is done as I assume this is a good time to plant stuff.

A few pictures

Hole:



Mound


I won some money in the work lottery yesterday part of which I am considering spending on the shed itself. Though maybe I’ll call in the pros to do the base once I’ve done with the digging. In a way I’d rather do it myself to learn a skill, in another way I know they’d do it quicker and better than I will.

That said I’m glad to be doing the digging myself as I find taking my time means I work out what I want as it goes along.

 

[iona]

Shrubs and rockery will be going into there at some point, probably once the digging is done as I assume this is a good time to plant stuff.

I'd either get shrubs planted as soon as possible or wait till autumn. Ideal time would be between October/November to March, whenever the ground isn't frozen or waterlogged. They'll need a shitload of watering to survive the summer if you put them in much later than now.

 

[Elpenor]

I'd either get shrubs planted as soon as possible or wait till autumn. Ideal time would be between October/November to March, whenever the ground isn't frozen or waterlogged. They'll need a shitload of watering to survive the summer if you put them in much later than now.

Thanks, I reckon I should be able to plant next weekend if I spend some time each evening this week on shifting all the soil.

 

[Elpenor]

Halfway through this project I (wisely) opted for the professionals and realised that the area I was planning for a shed got the most sun and would make a better seating area, also good for plants.

Anyway having paid for a landscaper I got this Keter thingy as it was a much cheaper shed option, and have built it in rather more than the 25 minutes it claims it will take

The patio by the house isn’t flat but by reusing some slats from an old fence I’ve managed to get the spirit level bubble between the markers, going vertical, horizontal and diagonal. A minor miracle. A decent mornings work