Building a Base for Your Garden Building
A solid, level base is one of the most important steps when installing your garden building. Without it, your structure can shift or twist over time, leading to problems like misaligned doors, water leaks, or general wear and tear.
A properly built base ensures your building lasts longer, stays stable, and keeps its warranty valid.
Choosing the Right Spot
Before building your base, take a moment to plan the best location:
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Leave space around it – Don’t position your base too close to fences or walls; the roof may overhang slightly.
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Avoid overhanging trees – Cut back any branches that could grow and rub against the roof.
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Think about access – You’ll want enough space around your building for maintenance, treatment, or painting.
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Consider light and view – For summer houses or cabins, pick a spot that catches natural light or a nice outlook.
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Plan for utilities – If you’re adding electricity or water, choose a position close to your mains supply.
How to Build Your Base
You can hire a local builder or handyman, or build it yourself with the right preparation. Always make your base slightly larger than your building — around 30–40mm extra on each side.
1. Concrete Base (Best for larger buildings)
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Clear the area of grass and roots.
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Mark out the size using pegs and string.
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Dig down around 150mm (6”).
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Add a compacted layer of hardcore (around 75mm), then top with 75mm of concrete.
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Level it off using a float or straight edge and let it dry slowly under a cover (don’t let it dry too fast).
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Once set, it’s ready to build on.
2. Paving Slab Base (Ideal for small to medium buildings)
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Clear and mark the area.
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Dig down around 65mm (2.5”).
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Lay a dry mix of 1 part cement to 8 parts sand.
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Place your paving slabs evenly, tapping them level with a rubber mallet.
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Check each slab with a spirit level.
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Brush off any excess sand and cement — your base is ready.
3. Timber or Concrete Bearers (Quick and effective option)
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Clear and level the area.
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Add a shallow layer of gravel or compacted soil.
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Lay treated timber or concrete bearers evenly, around 400–600mm apart.
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Check they’re completely level and adjust if needed.
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These bearers lift your building slightly off the ground to allow airflow and prevent damp.
Helpful Tip
Each building size may need a different number of bearers. As a general guide:
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6x4ft – at least 4 bearers
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7x5ft – at least 4 bearers
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8x6ft – at least 5 bearers
In Summary
A level, solid base is key to the long-term quality and stability of your garden building. Taking the time to prepare it properly will make installation easier and help protect your investment for years to come.
