Erecting a Garden Shed

Mac22 · April 2020

Hi,

First post here any help greatly appreciated.

I am installing a fairly basic 6x4' garden shed. I really don't want to go with concrete base, but I see a lot of conflicting information about what can/should be done. A bit more info:

- Nothing heavier that lawnmower being stored
- current ground is old top soil for first 6-8 inches, then clay soil below that

What I was considering:
- Dig down maybe 4 inches and frame and fill with hardcore/stones and compact
- Add membrane and construct plastic modular shed base
- Shed on top

Questions:
- Do able?
- Does the clay soil change any requirements? (Its very heavy soil)
- Can I cheap out and use old stones from my driveway instead of hardcore? or will the whole thing burst into flames?

Any help greatly appreciated.

~Mac

K67 · April 2020

Our past sheds have been erected on paving slabs laid onto level ground or
3 lengths of 3 x 2 timber or similar supported on bricks so it keeps clear of wet. Don't remember ever doing a concrete base.

GemmaJF · April 2020

We are on heavy clay soil.

I would go for the concrete base to be honest. My potting shed is on a concrete base, it's lovely.

We have a 'utility' shed (read a place to dump everything) as well. I skimped on the base and the floor is so uneven 10 years on, I get sea sick walking across it.

The trouble with our clay is it moves, a lot, between wet and dry seasons.

So doable, yes, in the long term, you might have wished you went for concrete.

GemmaJF · April 2020

Just remembered our 'old' shed as well. Unfortunately it burned down a few years back. That didn't have a concrete base, it ended up slowly sinking into the ground at one end. Still have mixed feelings if it burning down was a good or bad thing

Erecting a Garden Shed

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