A stable and robust shed base is a crucial part of a new garden shed. Let us help you find shed base installers near you and get your building off to a great start.
How to find shed base installers near you
A well-constructed and level foundation is key to the stability and longevity of your shed.
Finding the best shed base installers near you is easier than you think with Checkatrade. Only trades who pass our quality checks and meet our high standards are on Checkatrade.
Short on time? No problem. Request a quote and let our members contact you.
Your questions answered about shed base installers near you
Every shed or garden building needs a firm, level base. A properly constructed base provides a stable and level platform for the build. It also supports the weight of your shed and allows good circulation underneath.
Thus, a well-constructed base will ensure structural integrity and prevent issues like water damage, rot, and uneven movement over time.
What is the best base for a shed?
There are several different materials you can use to construct your shed base.
Choosing the best one for your shed depends on different factors including the weight of your shed, location and available budget.
Building your shed directly onto the ground or grass is not advisable. The weight of the building would make it sink and moisture may make it damp and cause rot.
The key is to provide a dry and level foundation for the shed and a robust base for a sound construction – it’s essential to consider issues such as whether screw holes will line up effectively.
Concrete and paving slabs
- Provide good foundations for a larger shed and those used for workshops
- Concrete bases are durable and stable and provide a solid even surface to support heavy sheds
- Paving slabs can be more easily adjusted and replaced but might be less suitable for heavier sheds
- It’s recommended that you include a 2″ (5cm) lip around the perimeter of your garden shed base
Wooden bases
- Timber frame bases are a versatile and cost-effective option
- Provide natural drainage for the shed and are relatively easy to build
- Wooden bases offer good support for smaller and lightweight sheds – not as sturdy as concrete or paving slabs for larger structures
- Requires proper treatment and maintenance to prevent rot and decay over time
Plastic gridded base
- A newer innovation which can be used to replace traditional shed base materials
- Many eco-friendly grid options are available
- Relatively simple to install and lock into position
- Provide load-spreading support and a robust design
- Well-suited for smaller sheds and lightweight structures
Although it is possible to undertake this kind of task yourself, it is necessary to weigh up if you feel you have the skills and time to do the work.
In some cases, it is more convenient to call in tradespeople for peace of mind and a guaranteed professional job.
Can you put a shed on paving slabs?
If your shed has floor bearers (pieces of wood attached to the bottom of the shed) you can place your shed directly on concrete blocks or paving slabs.
The bearers will help protect the shed from moisture damage and allow air to circulate.
For a confident DIY-er paving slabs provide a good option for a shed base – they are durable and long-lasting, but laying them can be time-consuming.
Slabs are also less suitable for heavier sheds and do require maintenance to avoid shifting or sinking.
We recommend getting in touch with shed foundation installers near you who can offer their advice on every aspect of your shed base including materials and construction.
Do I need DPM under a shed base?
A damp-proof membrane (DPM) is critical for a concrete shed base. It minimises the risk of condensation issues and helps stop the concrete from cracking when it dries.
Lay heavy-duty plastic sheets over the entire sub-base (most likely sand) and turn up the edges so it sits like a tray. This will prevent rising damp once the concrete has set.
What is the cheapest way to build a shed base?
Patio slabs (or concrete blocks) are relatively inexpensive for a shed base and can be laid by a competent DIYer.
Another budget-friendly and quick option is pressure-treated timber bearers. These will need to be placed on level flat ground or you can use timber to build a frame.
If building a shed base seems like a daunting task, contact local shed base installation companies near you who can do a professional job.
How much does it cost to build a shed base?
How do I find quality shed base installers near me?
For the reasons we’ve outlined, the importance of a shed base cannot be underestimated.
To find the best shed foundation installers near you, follow these handy tips.
1. Use a professional directory/website
A great place to start your search is on Checkatrade.
We check and approve all our members, which makes it quicker and easier for you to hire high-quality tradespeople.
- You’ll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass our quality checks on Checkatrade. On average our trades score 9 out of 10 on everything from workmanship and reliability to tidiness
- Find and book your shed base installer with us and we’ll guarantee their work up to £1,000. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility and T&Cs apply.
2. Read online reviews
Reading a few online reviews is a great way to get further peace of mind before you hire.
Here at Checkatrade, we check and verify every review our members receive, giving you authentic testimonials you can rely on.
3. Ask for recommendations
Have friends or family enlisted the services of shed base installation companies in the past? Ask around locally to see if anyone can recommend shed base installers near you.
Don’t forget to look those recommendations up on Checkatrade!
Ready to get your shed base built? Enter your postcode in the search box below to find expert shed base installers in your area.