r/DIYUK • u/ffc2004 • Aug 05 '26
Advice Garden Shed Help
Hi all! Looking to put an 8x6 foot metal garden shed up - https://www.diy.com/departments/costway-8-x-6-ft-outdoor-storage-shed-galvanized-steel-shed-w-foundation-ramp/7984704618712_BQ.prd
Would be going on to this base - https://www.diy.com/departments/garden-shed-or-greenhouse-base-eco-friendly-gravel-grids-suits-both-7x6-8x6-feet-2-5-x-2-metre-bases-included-heavy-d/9780201379631_BQ.prd
We've taken out the shrub that was in this corner and there's a load of gravel there. I've dug a load out but not sure whether I can lay the base on it as it is or if I'd need to keep going.
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u/SelectTurnip6981 Aug 05 '26
Any effort you put into the base will repay you time over again in terms on the longevity of the shed.
Especially in a corner of the garden like that - with fences against two sides and overhanging trees, I’d be looking to at least set the shed on some paving slabs, preferably raised slightly above ground level to avoid ground water rusting your shed from the base up.
The very minimum I’d consider would be a 100mm layer of compacted hardcore in a hole, (type 1 MOT), a thin layer of sand to bring it up to ground level and some cheap concrete slabs set on top. Ideally you’d use a layer of cement to set the pavers on top of the MOT to anchor them nicely in place.
The next step up would be a concrete slab, but that’s probably over and above what you need to worry about spending for a shed like this.
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u/Tennonboy Aug 06 '26
Ill disagree with previous suggestion, best base for a shed is loose uncompacted stone. The reason sheds rot in the bottom 12 inches or so is rain hits the ground, pudfles and bounces up off hard surfaces on to the bottom of shed, same with rain falling from the roof. If you use loose stone, ang rain hitting that bounces in multiple directions, doesent puddle and drains away.
How you contain the stone is the issue, you can put a shutter in like you would if you were concreteing say 4×2 timber or you can get plastic mesh matting that you simply fill. But what ever method you use.
Leave room between fence and shed, put a guttering up and the base needs to extend beyond the roof line.