Installing a sturdy foundation not only helps protect the contents of the shed but also protects your investment in the structure. This article discusses a few reasons why you need a solid foundation for your garden shed and tips for building a strong base.
Reasons to Build a Foundation for Your Garden Shed
- Long-Lasting Durability
A strong foundation can withstand a lot of pressure and damage without being worn down. A garden shed provides a secure place for storing gardening and landscaping tools. With heavy equipment or machinery rolling around, you want to ensure your shed base can handle all the weight without crumbling or sinking to the ground. A garden shed with a solid foundation can last for many years while keeping its contents safe and dry.
- Easy Maintenance
The toughness of concrete reduces the need for constant sealing. Mopping the floor now and then is a great way to keep the concrete floor clean. You can also use a water blaster to get rid of deeply rooted grime. The frequency of cleaning and maintaining your floor will depend on the level of traffic going through your shed. A shed without a solid base can make it difficult to keep your space clean and organized.
- Versatility
A solid base is not just a great foundation for your shed but can also help you get creative with your space. It makes it easier to add tiles and partition the area into different sections based on the type of tools and equipment you intend to store. Just because you will be using concrete or pavers for your shed base does not mean it cannot be attractive. You can choose to stain the floor or add some type of colored dye to improve its appearance and design.
Choosing the Best Foundation for Your Garden Shed
Some of the best foundations to use for a shed include gravel, pavers, and concrete. Gravel is less costly and offers an easy solution for a shed base. It provides a stable surface that is ideal for storing heavy equipment. However, it can make the equipment dirty and tends to get cold or wet easily. Using pavers is a great way to get a strong base at a good price. Before installing pavers, you need to level the ground with gravel and sand, followed by a weatherproof sheathing.
However, pavers are not ideal for larger garden sheds and may sink over time. Concrete can be used to create a sturdy, level surface to work on for your garden shed. It is very durable and can last for many years without a lot of maintenance. The only downside to using concrete is that it can be costly and requires expert skill and experience.
How to Build a Strong Base for Your Garden Shed
Choose a spot that is level and does not collect water. You can check with your building inspector to ensure that the selected site meets code requirements. Mark the area you will be placing your shed using pegs and string. Make sure you leave enough spaces from the hedge and fences for easy access to all sides. Dig out a depth of about 2.5 inches to accommodate the base and level it with a rake. Mix eight parts of building sand with one-part cement for a dry mix. Spread the cement evenly approximately 4 centimeters in depth. Afterward, lay the paving slabs from one corner as you work outward. Double-check the base level to ensure the slabs are firmly attached for a solid foundation. Brush off any excess mixture to create a smooth, solid, and level base.
Major structural issues can occur if your garden shed does not have a solid and level base. Creating a strong and stable foundation for your garden shed ensures a structurally sound build that can withstand years of use in extreme weather conditions. Building a foundation may seem like a lot of work at first, but is often worth it in the future when your investment starts to pay off.
