A Storage Shed and a Log Cabin may look similar to the untrained eye, but they do differ. One main difference is how they’re built, see our Log Cabin Base Requirements blog for more details. However, before constructing your Storage Shed, much like a Log Cabin, you need to consider what you’re building it on. This blog will go over several shed base ideas to help give your shed the best chance of longevity.
First, let’s talk a bit about bases. A base is a crucial factor ensuring your garden buildings last much longer. Without a suitable base, the bottom of your Garden Shed or Log Cabin is left exposed to the elements. Here are a few key things you need to know:
The Perimeter of the base needs to be solid as it is where most of the weight will be sat.
Likewise, considering the weight of the Shed, the Materials of the base must be suitably sturdy.
The base needs to be 100% Level. Sheds and Log Cabins have very little room for tolerance.
Ideally, the Size of the base should be a little over the footprint of the shed.
Next, if you’re looking for some ideas on the kind of shed you once, let’s look at what Tuin has to offer.
Our Sheds and Storage range is more unique than most. With a plethora of items in varying shapes and sizes, you are sure to find a garden shed that will keep your UK garden looking pristine. From sturdy Double Door Sheds to our authentic Shepherds Huts, we really have it all!
Depending on the garden shed you end up building, your optimal base choice may differ. In that case, let’s finally look at some base ideas to suit your needs.
Concrete is definitely one of the best base choices for any garden building. The average base will be about 80-100mm deep and just a bit larger than the footprint of the shed. For heavier buildings, you can reinforce the base with steel, however most sheds are fine with just good old concrete.
Not the easiest base to put together, but the results are more than worth it. A Timber Frame base is a more environmentally friendly solution to go alongside your timber shed. We have a whole blog dedicated to Timber Frame Base in Log Cabins that’s definitely worth a read.
Maybe you still have some queries. So before you get started, let’s look at some Frequently Asked Questions about shed bases.
Building a shed base on a budget requires some creativity. For the cheapest option, your best bet is Gravel which provides overall decent drainage and stability.
The best base for a shed is Concrete. It provides a solid foundation for your shed and, for larger sheds and cabins, a level surface for your Foundation Beams. Concrete requires a good amount of preparation, but the results are worth it.
Using Pressure Treated Timber as a border, you can excavate, level out and flatten your desired area on grass to build your shed upon. Avoid low-lying areas where water tends to collect.
If you don’t want to use concrete, Gravel is a good option. Another great alternative is using Recycled Material for your base, such as Old Pallets or scrap pieces of Timber.
We hope this has been insightful and got your DIY mindset flowing ready for building. For more guides including installations, check out our YouTube Channel.
Looking for more Shed related content? Check out our blog on Garden Shed Insulation.