How to Build a Concrete Shed Base

You’ve never built a shed base before but you’re a pretty handy DIY’er – so the next step is to learn and put what you’ve read into action. This month, Essex Mix is here to help you build a concrete foundation that’ll provide you with a stable base for your shed so that it will last for years to come. So let’s get started – from appointing the location of your shed base to levelling, marking, framing and pouring concrete – we’re here to tell you step-by-step how to build a concrete shed base. 

Location of your shed base

Figure out where the base for your shed will be laid – you will want it to be easily accessible and for it to complement its surroundings – so have a think first. Will you be storing bikes, tools, garden furniture? These questions will help you to think about getting items in and out of the shed, so you will want to ensure that everyday use will be straightforward. 

If possible, leave a metre gap between your shed and garden fences or walls. Why? Leaving this gap will allow air to circulate around your shed’s base and the shed itself once it has been erected. This speeds up the building process and also keeps damp and rot at bay. 

Level your site and prepare for the shed base

It goes without saying that you’ll need flat land when laying a concrete shed base. So avoid laying it on uneven ground as this can cause issues when it comes to erecting your shed and it’ll no doubt affect its structural integrity – causing doors and windows to not function as intended.  

Mark out the area for the shed base

Know what sized shed you’re going to put up? Measure out the area in question before framing your shed base. Always mark out this area slightly larger than the shed itself (approx 30-40mm around all sides) and do so with pegs and string. Once you’ve marked out the area for the shed base, excavate all foliage that’s within the area and remove at least 150mm of the topsoil. This is so you’ll have enough space for 75mm of hardcore and 75mm of concrete. Now that your shed base area has been defined, it’s time to remove the string and pegs. Rake the earth and pat it down to ensure it’s compact before the next step of adding 75mm of hardcore.

Framing your shed base

To make sure that the concrete you pour keeps its shape whilst it sets, it’s important to frame it, you can do this by placing timber blocks around the perimeter of the excavated area. Use a spirit level to check it is flat and pop some pegs around the frame to keep it sturdy and in place. 

Pouring your concrete shed base

Now you’re ready to pour the concrete – if you’ve purchased readymixed concrete or you intend on making the concrete yourself – it’s important to ensure the concrete is poured with caution. Gently pour the concrete on, layer by layer, ensuring it reaches all corners of the marked area, spread and compact the concrete with a concrete compacting tool. If you see any air bubbles, tap the corners of the timber with a hammer to remove and continue to pour the concrete bit by bit until you reach the top of the timber frame.

Now that you’ve poured all the concrete, level off with a length of timber. Starting from one end and working to the other, gently glide across the concrete to remove excess, leaving the top flush with the frame you’ve created. 

Leave this for a good 72 hours before lifting the frame away from the concrete base – if it looks like it’s going to rain, cover with a plastic sheet for protection. If it’s overly hot outside, spray your concrete base with water and cover with a damp cotton sheet to stop it from drying rapidly.  

Looking for quality concrete services? Simply contact Essex Mix today. We offer mini mix concrete, readymix concrete, volumetric concrete, on-site mixed concrete and concrete pump hire too. Serving throughout the Essex region including Basildon, Chelmsford, Romford and the surrounding areas.