A Simple Guide On How To Lay A Concrete Shed Base
The first essential step before starting your shed build is to create a firm and level base. Without a solid foundation, you might face challenges with the alignment of your concrete shed base, as edges, frames, and screw holes may not fit properly.
At 365 Concrete, we specialize in providing high-quality concrete solutions to ensure your shed base is both strong and durable. Concrete is often preferred over timber or plastic due to its superior strength and resilience. However, concrete cannot be poured directly onto soft ground, so you’ll need to prepare a compacted sub-base of hardcore first.
While there are various options for shed bases, concrete is often preferred over timber or plastic due to its superior strength and durability. However, concrete cannot be poured directly onto soft ground, so you’ll need to prepare a compacted sub-base of hardcore first.
Additional Considerations Before You Begin
- Planning Permission: Most sheds are considered temporary structures and usually don’t require planning permission. Nonetheless, it’s wise to consult with your local planning department, as there may be specific regulations or restrictions if your property is in a conservation area or has other local rules.
- Location: Choose the location for your shed carefully. If it’s too close to your house or a fence, it will be difficult to paint or treat it properly.
- Electricity: If you plan to run electricity in your shed, consult a certified electrician beforehand to ensure a safe and compliant electrical installation.
Constructing the Formwork for a Concrete Shed Base
To support the wet concrete while it cures, you’ll need to build a timber frame known as formwork on your prepared sub-base.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Hammer, saw, and nails
- Builder’s line or string and wooden pegs (50 x 50mm timber)
- 25mm thick timber planks (as wide as the depth of the concrete)
- Long spirit level and builder’s square to ensure a square and level surface
Building Your Concrete Shed Base Formwork
- Lay out the frame using a builder’s line and wooden pegs. Hammer a peg into each corner and connect them with taut string to outline the base.
- Use a builder’s square to check that all corners are exactly 90 degrees.
- Cut the timber planks to the required length and position them along the frame’s edges.
- Ensure they are straight using a spirit level, then nail them to the wooden pegs.
- Add extra pegs at 1-meter intervals along the outer edge of the timber frame for additional support.
Step 2: Prepping to Pour the Concrete
Concrete begins to set within a few hours, so you’ll need to pour and level it quickly. You can walk on the concrete after three days, but keep the formwork in place for five days. If you need faster curing, consult with 365 Concrete about additives to speed up the process.
What You’ll Need:
- Safety gear: goggles, gloves, rubber boots, long sleeves, and trousers
- Concrete
- Wheelbarrows or a boom or ground line pump for concrete transport
- A length of timber longer than the width of your shed base
- Rake, trowel, shovel for spreading the concrete
- Polythene sheet and crowbar
Step 3: Pouring and Leveling the Concrete:
Estimate the amount of concrete needed by multiplying the length and width of the base by the depth. Alternatively, use the concrete calculator from 365 Concrete.
- Begin pouring the concrete into the farthest corner of the formwork. Use a rake or shovel to spread it evenly, allowing it to overflow slightly.
- Compact the concrete using a tamping board. With two people, move the board up and down to level the surface, then slide it back and forth to remove excess concrete.
- Smooth the edges with an edging trowel to minimize chipping.
- Cover the surface with a polythene sheet while curing to protect it. Allow the concrete to cure and harden fully before removing the formwork and proceeding with your shed construction.
At 365 Concrete, we specialize in providing high-quality concrete for all types of DIY projects, including shed concrete foundations. Whether you need concrete for a shed base, concrete slab, or screed installation, we are your reliable concrete provider. Contact us today for more information and assistance.