Top Tips for Erecting a Shed

Perhaps the most important part of putting up a shed is creating a sturdy and level base for it. You can not just put it on the ground and expect it not to rot or bow - it is a building and needs firm foundations like any other building. The best sort of base is a concrete base.

It is, of course, crucial that you create a base that is the correct size for your shed. One that is too small is obviously no good, but neither is one that is too big because rainwater will bounce up off the concrete and soak the sheds timbers. To get it right, take the exact measurements of the shed floor and subtract 2cm from the width and length to give you the size of your base. The concrete should be around 7.5cm thick, unless it is on very soft soil, in which case it should be around 10cm thick. Roughly half of it should be above ground level.

To prepare the ground for the base clear away any plants and debris, remove enough topsoil to allow the concrete to sit at the correct depth and compact the soil with a rammer (a long handled metal or wooden tool used for compacting). If the soil is especially soft, you will need a 5cm layer of compacted hardcore underneath the concrete.

When you have created the base, treat all the timbers of the shed with two or more coats of wood preservative or stain, following the manufacturers instructions. Ensure that you coat the floor and joists really well and do not forget to do the internal timbers. As an extra precaution against damp, you will need a damp-proof membrane, which should be trapped between the base and the walls of the shed at a later stage.

When erecting the shed, get someone to help you and do not attempt the job if it is windy. Above all, follow the manufacturers instructions carefully and your shed should last for years to come.