Garden shed Base advice needed

garyh3

Ok all,

Just bought a garden shed 8x10 (delivered in about 2 weeks) however the ground is boggy'ish even in the summer and there is a slight incline from the back wall. Speaking to the guy building the shed, he says that he can put an extra bearer on the back to lift it up. He said it would be better to build a base with just pressure treated wood and fill with compacted hardcore/stones.

Has anyone done this before. I dont want to concerete.

What size wood would I need to build the base and would a ton of stones fill the base (size is going to be 12x12 as I want 2 foot extra at the front and both sides.

any help appreciated
Garyh3

FYI shed cost is 1085 euros. Yes there are cheaper but this is good quality T&G with a metal roof and inside is lined. Built to order.

beldin

Usually they put concrete blocks underneath to form a base. I have also seen one shed with railway sleepers which was a good idea and looks well.
I am not sure about the need to fill the base with stones , nothing will grow underneath the shed anyway although it might keep rats out.

garyh3

Hi

Concrete gets messy/mossy and with rain water it tends to just puddle. The reason for the gravel is for drainage as it is going on a wetish bit of ground and I can level quit easily with stones

garyh3

karltimber

Resting the whole shed on stones might make it unstable.
And any contact with earth/soil/stones that could get wet may not be a good idea.

You could put down 12 blocks (4 rows of 3) and fill in between with gravel.
The supplier could give you a few extra lenghts of T&G to secure the stones in place.

check pm.

K

Sonnenblumen

Common practice ie Quick n Easy Instal method is to use 4 " Solid Blocks (minimum 6) on Soil, and shed is supported on 2" x 2" boards and wedges over blocks.

A more satisfactory method and one which we use all the time is to preapre an area of compacted hardcore. Excavate soil to depth 4" - 6" (100-150mm) and back fill with regular Hardcore + compact.

Although weeds would not normally grow under sheds you can (especially if there is run -off nearby ie sloping ground) get a build up of moisture which will permeate through 4" blocksa and supporting timbers which may resulting in rot setting in.

A hardcore base will prevent any build up of surface moisture at shed base. For a finishing touch blind Hardcore with compacted Hardcore dust and top dress (max 1 " (25mm) with Decorative stone/pebble).

Real nice finish.

Benster

I got an 8x10 shed a couple of years ago and put it on a platform of 18" flagstones bedded into a gravel base on top of grass. Putting down the gravel and flags was a hard day's work, but it looks fine and wasn't too expensive. Had no problems since, apart from some of the flags drifting, so I'd advise knocking pegs or something in around them on the outside to make sure they can't move.


B.

garyh3

Hi all, Thanks for the advice,

Sonnenblumen That is what I am doing I have used 2x4 pressure treated wood and built a 14x12 box with angle supports and pegs. I am just awaiting the 2 ton of hardcore to fill the space (today)(30euro per ton). I have buried a 2.5 Armoured cable from the shed foundations to the house. Ordered a Shed consumer unit from eBay and a 20 MCB (16 MCB may have been better) for the house consumer unit.

I have allowered 2ft all the way around the shed so that I can Paint and store additional stuff at the back of the shed. I am also cosidering using some coloured stones for the 2ft around just to make is look a bit better. Will take pics and let you know how it looks.

Garyh3

gabbo is coming

Blocks + timber planks over blocks worked for me. I have washing machine + dryer in there, and no movement - even though washing machine nearly takes off sometimes!

jmlfc

gary
have you a picture on how your shed turned out?

Linto

garyh3 wrote: »

Hi all, Thanks for the advice,

Sonnenblumen That is what I am doing I have used 2x4 pressure treated wood and built a 14x12 box with angle supports and pegs. I am just awaiting the 2 ton of hardcore to fill the space (today)(30euro per ton). I have buried a 2.5 Armoured cable from the shed foundations to the house. Ordered a Shed consumer unit from eBay and a 20 MCB (16 MCB may have been better) for the house consumer unit.

I have allowered 2ft all the way around the shed so that I can Paint and store additional stuff at the back of the shed. I am also cosidering using some coloured stones for the 2ft around just to make is look a bit better. Will take pics and let you know how it looks.

Garyh3

Yes, please send pics

red sean

jmlfc wrote: »

gary
have you a picture on how your shed turned out?

He has'nt posted in 14 months, so you might be waiting!