How to Prepare your Garden for a Shed

So you've brought your new shed, you're now waiting for it to be delivered and you've considered where you would like to build it in your garden. Below you will find examples of what to do and what not to do, when preparing your garden. 

 

Have you prepared the ground ready to install your new shed onto? 

 

When installing a timber shed you must ensure that you have an even and level surface onto which you can build it. This can be made using either concrete, garden slabs or even timber decking. Failing to prepare a level surface could lead to your shed warping, which can result in damaged timber or even broken windows. If you're using one of our shed bases you will still need to clear the area for rubble. It's also a good idea to lay a weed proof membrane, to prevent growth and eventual damage to your shed.

 

Also ensure you allow a minimum of 18 inches working space around the perimeter of the base so our installers have access to all areas of the shed.

 

 

But I've paid for a shed installation service, do I still need to prepare my garden?

 

Yes. 

 

Our installation teams will not clear your garden or lay a concrete surface for you. You will need to make sure that you have prepared the area in time for your delivery and installation.

 

 

Examples of Well Prepared Bases - Level Ground, Flat Concrete or Paving Slabs, Wooden Decking Area.

 

Concrete Hard-standing - When using concrete as a surface to support your new shed, you must ensure that it is level, flat and that it is dry in time for your shed delivery and installation. Here are the basic steps:

 

• Using pegs and string, mark out the base area (allow 5 cm extra)
• Dig a 15 cm deep, level hole - Insert a wooden framework to contain the concrete
• Add a 7 cm deep level layer of stone or hardcore
• Add the concrete cement mix – spread evenly and level off - Allow to fully set

 

 

Garden Slab Base - A good alternative to using concrete is to use garden paving slabs. But once again these need to be laid so as to create a level surface: 

 

• Dig out topsoil to about 7 cm deep
• Add 4 cm layer of cement
• Start in one corner and start to lay the slabs (use a spirit level)
• Allow the cement to dry before building your shed

 

 

Timber Decking Base - This is a great way to quickly create a hard-standing for your new shed. You must ensure that it is level and should lay a weed proof membrane between the bare-ground and the base.  If building a log-cabin or summer house you can easily use this method to create a beautiful veranda area.


Examples of Poorly Prepared Gardens - Uneven Surfaces, Rubble and Garden Detritus, Unlevel Concrete or Slabs.

 

How not to lay garden slabs - Simply laying slabs loosely on top of gravel on in the corners does not create a stable base for your new shed. Please be aware that if you have paid for installation, our installers will not fix the situation for you.

By using an unstable base, your shed will warp which could result in damage or even broken windows.

Rubble is not suitable hard-standing - You will need to clear any rubble, piles of leaves or other garden detritus from the area where you would like to build your shed. This is true, even if you have bought a timber shed base kit. 

Please note – if you have paid for shed installation, the installation team will not clear your garden for you and may not wait around for you to do so. Always prepare your garden in good time for your delivery.

Lawn, gravel or dirt are not suitable bases - It is not recommended that you build your new shed directly onto the lawn, bare ground or on gravel. Not only can this result in subsidence and warping, but can also lead to damage from damp.

 

 

Existing Bases

 

If you have an existing base and think it’s suitable for your new shed to be sited on then it’s imperative you check the level of it, and that your base doesn’t run out of level by any more than 15mm from edge to edge. Any more than this and the shed will twist causing gaps to appear in the shed and the roof and also cause the doors and windows to misalign.

 

To check the levelness of your base, place a straight edge piece of timber across the length of the base and place a spirit level on top of the timber near the middle. The bubble should sit comfortably within the 2 centre lines on the spirit level, (see diagram 1, overleaf).  Repeat the process across the width of the base.

 

If the base is unlevel, it is critical that you rectify the problem before our installers arrive. We recommend contacting a suitably qualified tradesperson such as a landscape gardener or builder to carry out any base work required.