Sofia Martinez
Plastic sheds are easy to install and maintain. They are a relatively new option for forming a shed base. The base is typically made from a series of interlocking plastic grids that are easy to assemble. Before installing a plastic shed, you must determine the size of the base you need and ensure the ground is clear, firm, and level. Then, lay down a layer of landscape fabric or geotextile to suppress weed growth. Cut the grids to size and connect them together to create a base for your shed. Finally, build your shed on top of the base by clipping and screwing the panels together.
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the ground
Preparing the ground for a plastic shed is a straightforward process. Firstly, choose an area that is suitable for your shed base. While you can lay it on grass, ensure the ground beneath is strong enough to support the weight of the base and the shed. Check that the ground is firm, level, and clear of any debris. If necessary, fill in any low points or level off high spots.
Once you are satisfied with the ground's condition, lay down a layer of landscape fabric or geotextile. This will help suppress weed growth, which can damage your shed by allowing moisture to penetrate the structure from below.
Now, you are ready to assemble the plastic grids that will form the shed base. These grids are typically made from durable, recycled plastic and are designed to interlock together for easy installation. Cut the grids to the required size using a handsaw if necessary. The grids should be large enough to accommodate your shed comfortably.
Finally, fill in the gaps between the plastic grids with pea gravel. This will add stability to the base and further enhance drainage, ensuring that your shed remains dry and well-ventilated.
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Assemble the base
To assemble the base of your plastic shed, you will need a plastic shed base kit. This should include a grid system and permeable membrane. Before you start, check that you have all the necessary components.
Then, choose an area that is suitable for your shed base. While you can lay it on grass, ensure the ground beneath is strong and levelled enough to carry the weight of both the base and the shed. You can fill in low points or level off high spots. Once this is done, lay down a layer of landscape fabric or geotextile to suppress weed growth, which can damage your shed by allowing intrusive moisture to seep in from below.
Now, you can start connecting the grids together to create a base large enough for your shed. The grids are interlocking and can be cut to size with a handsaw if necessary. Filling the empty spaces in the grids with pea gravel makes the base more solid and ensures it can easily bear the weight of the shed. The gravel also helps to keep the area dry, improving drainage.
Once the base is assembled, you can start building your shed on top of it.
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Build the shed
Building a plastic shed is a relatively straightforward process, but it does require some preparation and careful assembly. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you build your plastic shed:
First, you need to choose a suitable location for your shed. Make sure the ground is firm, level, and strong enough to support the weight of the shed and its base. Clear any debris and fill in any low points or level off high spots. It is recommended to lay down landscape fabric or geotextile to suppress weed growth and protect your shed from moisture damage.
Once the ground is prepared, you can start assembling the shed base. If you've chosen a plastic grid base, connect the interlocking grids together to create a stable foundation for your shed. The grids can be easily cut to size with a handsaw if needed. Fill the grids with pea gravel to add stability and improve drainage, especially if your shed is larger.
Now, you can begin assembling the shed itself. Start by laying the floor panels, clipping or screwing them together. If the panels are plastic, avoid leaving them out in the sun as they may expand and become difficult to fit. Mild weather is best for assembly. Next, erect the side panels around the edge of the floor, slipping them into place. You may need to insert small pieces of wood underneath for support.
Add any window openings or cutouts as needed. Then, fit the handles, hinges, and latches for the doors. Secure the gables at each end, add any roof bracing, and then install the roof. To prevent condensation, ensure all panels, screws, and washers are correctly fitted, and seal the base rails with silicone if necessary.
Finally, stand back and admire your handiwork! Your plastic shed is now ready to use and should provide durable and low-maintenance storage for years to come.
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Fit the panels
When fitting the panels of a plastic shed, it is important to consider the weather. If plastic panels are left out in the sun, they may expand and become difficult to fit. Conversely, cold weather can also be detrimental to the installation process. Therefore, it is ideal to pick a day with mild weather and no wind. Before beginning, ensure that all the required pieces are present by cross-checking with the instruction manual. Sorting screws by size into separate containers can also aid in a smooth process.
The floor should be laid first, with panels clipped and/or screwed together. Inserting a small piece of wood underneath the panels can be helpful. Next, erect the side panels around the edge of the floor, slipping or popping them into place. The panels should be simple to fit together. If your shed includes a window, this can be included in an appropriate wall panel, or you may need to cut a space for it.
Once the panels are in place, add the doors, handles, hinges, and latches. Then, fix the gables at each end, add any roof bracing, and place the roof. If your shed includes a skylight, this can be added at this stage. To prevent condensation, check that all panels, screws, and washers are correctly fitted, leaving no opportunity for water to enter the shed. You can also seal the base rails with silicone.
Finally, build your shed upon the base. This process is much easier and faster with a plastic shed base than with more permanent structures, such as concrete. In the UK, it is not necessary to secure your shed to the base due to the relative lack of extreme weather.
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Prevent condensation
To prevent condensation in a plastic shed, it is important to ensure that the shed is properly installed and maintained. Here are some detailed steps to help you prevent condensation:
Firstly, ensure that the ground beneath your shed is firm and level. Any uneven areas should be filled in or levelled off. Then, lay a layer of landscape fabric or geotextile to suppress weed growth. Weeds can damage your shed by allowing intrusive moisture to enter from below.
When assembling the shed, check that all panels, screws, and washers are fitted correctly to prevent water from entering. Avoid assembling the shed in hot weather as the plastic panels may expand and become difficult to fit. Mild weather is ideal, but if it's too cold, the plastic may be adversely affected.
You can also use silicone to seal the base rails of your shed, providing an additional barrier against moisture. If your shed has ventilation holes, ensure they are not blocked, as proper air circulation is crucial to preventing condensation.
To further improve air circulation and combat condensation, consider using a window fan to let in fresh air and vent out hot air. Calcium chloride is another useful tool, as it draws humidity and moisture from the air. Place containers filled with calcium chloride inside your shed, following the package instructions for the correct number of containers required.
Additionally, consider the placement of your shed. Locating it against or close to an existing house wall can provide a heat benefit, preventing cold air from circulating on all sides and reducing the likelihood of condensation.
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Frequently asked questions
Choose an area that is suitable for your shed base. While you can lay it on grass, ensure the ground beneath is strong enough to carry the weight of the base and shed. Clear the ground of any debris, ensuring it is level and firm. You can do this by filling in low points and levelling off high spots. Then, lay down a layer of landscape fabric or geotextile to suppress weed growth.
If plastic panels are left out in the sun, they may expand and become difficult to fit, so it is best to assemble your shed in mild weather. When unpacking the box, ensure you have all the pieces by cross-checking with the instruction manual. It is also a good idea to sort the screws into containers for easy access.
First, lay the floor by clipping and/or screwing the panels together. Then, erect the side panels by slipping them into place around the edge of the floor. You can insert a small piece of wood underneath the panels for support. After the panels are in place, add the doors, handles, hinges, and latches. Then, fix the gables at each end, add the roof bracing, and finish with the roof.
Plastic shed bases are made with interconnecting grids that are easy to assemble. You can cut the grids to size with a handsaw and connect them together with clips and grooves. Fill the empty spaces in the grids with pea gravel to make the base more solid and ensure it can carry the weight of the shed.
