Do You Need a Foundation for a Shed?

A commonly asked question we are asked is what kind of base/foundation a shed would need. It is an important question as the wrong type of base will cause problems during the assembly of the shed, and potential problems in the future.

It is important to note that for those sheds that do not include a floor the base you have laid will also be the floor you’ll be using when inside your shed.

Can you Put Sheds on Concrete?

The ideal base/foundation for a shed is concrete. Concrete is an incredibly strong material, which will withstand the weight of even the largest sheds/garages on the market.

You should always look to anchor your garden buildings where possible, some in fact require anchoring for the manufacturer’s warranty to be valid. Anchoring into concrete means your building will not move, nor will the anchor bolts cause breakages or cracks in your concrete.

You must however ensure that your concrete base is perfectly flat. Should it not be the assembly of your shed will be off and will cause problems aligning parts.

Can You Put Sheds on Gravel?

Gravel does not make a suitable base for sheds in almost every circumstance. The reason for this is gravel is not a solid foundation and would likely move during periods of bad weather or even during the assembly of the shed itself.

Anchoring your shed will also become a problem, as you’d need to drill through the gravel, potentially leaving gaps between the bolts and the foundation of your shed.

Closely packed gravel could be a potential option; however, we strongly advise against this, and should only be used if you have no other alternative. Again, this would need to be perfectly flat and level before you commence assembly.

Can you Put Sheds on Tarmac?

Tarmac is often considered a perfect base for sheds, however this is not the case.

Any anchor bolts that are drilled into tarmac will create cracks, resulting in damages to your tarmac and subsequently effecting the integrity of the anchoring, potentially causing the shed to move during periods of adverse weather.

What Else Could I Use as a Shed Base?

Whilst concrete, gravel and tarmac are the most discussed bases for sheds, there are other options our customers mention:

• Grass: Grass/lawns tend not to be completely flat. Soil is also not a solid material for anchoring, and will not be a secure way to ensure your shed does not move. Some sheds, such as our Shire range, can be purchased with a pressure treated timber base, of which is suitable for grass. This is because the timber base includes large supporting metal work that sink deep into the ground for stability, whilst the pressure treatment helps to keep the base safe from rot.
• Timber Decking: Decking does not provide a valid base for sheds, as overtime you would need to treat the decking, and would not have access to the boards underneath the shed. Overtime these boards would rot and break, causing the structure on top to fail.
• Patios: Patio slabs on the other hand, when laid perfectly flat, creating a perfect base. With care, then can be ideal anchor points, just be carefully when drilling to prevent cracks appearing in your patio slabs.

Easy Base Ideas: What’s Available?

Growing in popularity is plastic, membrane bases, such as the Eco Bases.

These can be filled with aggregate and make a great base for smaller sheds. We would recommend for larger buildings a more substantial base. Some plastic sheds are not recommended for use with these type of bases, so ensure you check this before you purchase as this could affect your warranty.