Alexei Volkov
Installing a base for a plastic shed is a relatively easy DIY project that offers a long-lasting solution for a sturdy, well-drained foundation. It is important to prepare the ground and choose the right location, ensuring the ground is strong enough to carry the weight of the shed. The process involves assembling plastic grid panels, which are lightweight and easy to connect, and filling them with gravel for added stability. This guide will take you through the steps to install a base for a plastic shed, from preparing the ground to the final touches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy, lightweight, and can be completed in less than a day with basic tools |
| Materials | Plastic shed base kit, grid system, gravel, shed base anchors, geo-textile membrane, membrane U-pins, spirit level, rake, tape measure, pegs, string, sand, weed membrane, angular gravel or crushed aggregate, compost or soil sand and seed blend |
| Preparation | Choose a level area with good water drainage, measure and outline the base, remove existing turf and soil, lay down membrane and secure with pins, lay a bedding layer |
| Installation | Connect grids to create a base, fill panels with gravel, assemble shed on top according to manufacturer's instructions |
| Durability | Resistant to rot and weather damage, improved ventilation, better drainage than concrete |
| Maintenance | Fill gaps between the shed and base with compost or soil sand and seed blend to blend in with the garden |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the location
Firstly, decide where you want to place your shed in your garden or allotment. It's important to choose a level area that has good water drainage. Avoid boggy or uneven areas, as the ground beneath the base needs to be strong enough to support the weight of both the base and the shed. Use a set square, spirit level, or standard level to ensure the ground is flat. If the area is slightly uneven, you can use sand, gravel, or soil to level it out.
Next, measure out the base area using a tape measure, string, and pegs. Outline this area in the turf or grass, and then remove the existing turf, grass, and soil within the outlined space. Dig down to a depth of around 70mm to allow the base to sit flush with the surrounding area. Ensure there is enough space around the chosen location for easy access and maintenance. It's also crucial to check for any underground utilities in this area to avoid damaging them during installation.
Once you've prepared the ground, you can move on to the next steps of installing your plastic shed base.
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Preparing the ground
Next, clear the area of any vegetation, rocks, or debris. Remove the existing turf and soil within the outlined area to a depth of around 70mm. Dispose of the waste responsibly. Level the exposed soil as much as possible using a rake or a long, straight piece of timber and a spirit level. If you plan to use sand to create a level surface, roll out a weed membrane over the entire area to provide a stable foundation and prevent the grids from migrating through the sand layers.
Finally, lay down a sheet of membrane and secure it to the ground using metal pins. This will prevent weeds from growing through the base while allowing water to drain away naturally. On top of the membrane, lay a bedding layer of angular gravel or crushed aggregate of approximately 5mm-20mm in size and 30mm deep. Compact this layer well.
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Laying the weed membrane
Firstly, choose a level area in your garden for the shed, ensuring easy access and maintenance. Clear the area of any vegetation, rocks, or debris to ensure the base will sit flat and secure. If the ground is uneven, use a rake or a long, straight piece of timber to level it with sand or gravel.
Next, roll out the weed membrane over the entire area where the shed base will be laid. Make sure to cover the entire space where the shed will sit. The weed membrane will help prevent weeds from growing and provide a stable foundation. Trim the weed membrane around the edges to ensure a neat finish.
Secure the membrane to the ground using metal pins or membrane U-pins. This will ensure that the membrane stays in place and provide additional stability.
Once the membrane is secured, you can continue with assembling the plastic grid base panels on top of it. These panels should slide and lock together easily, forming a solid and uniform base for your shed.
Finally, double-check that the membrane is trimmed neatly around the perimeter. You may also want to consider installing grid ramps or lawn edging to protect the edges and ensure a seamless blend with your lawn or pathway.
By following these steps for laying the weed membrane, you'll create a stable and weed-free foundation for your plastic shed.
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Assembling the plastic grid base panels
First, prepare the ground by clearing any vegetation, rocks, or debris. If the ground is uneven, level it with sand or gravel. Use a rake or a long, straight piece of timber and a spirit level to get the surface as flat as possible.
Next, lay out the plastic grid panels on top of the membrane. These panels are designed to slide and lock together quickly and easily. Ensure that all the panels are securely connected and form a solid, uniform base.
For added stability, you can fill the plastic grid panels with gravel. Simply pour the gravel into the grid and level it out, ensuring the stone sits no higher than the top of the grids.
Once the base is level and secure, double-check all the connections between the panels and the stability of the entire structure. Walk over the grid to ensure there are no wobbly or loose sections.
With the plastic grid base in place, you can now install your shed. Follow the shed manufacturer's instructions for assembly. The grid base provides a stable and well-drained foundation that will keep your shed durable and in good condition for years to come.
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Final touches and installation
Once the base is level and secure, double-check all the connections between the panels and the stability of the entire structure. Walk over the grid to ensure there are no wobbly or loose sections. If you've used a weed membrane, trim any excess around the perimeter. You may also want to install grid ramps to protect the edges and make wheelbarrow access easier. Or, to blend it seamlessly with your pathway or lawn, add some lawn edging.
With the plastic grid base in place, you’re now ready to install your shed. Follow the shed manufacturer's instructions for assembly. The grid base provides a stable, well-drained foundation that should keep your shed in good condition for years to come. Plastic grid shed bases are resistant to rot and weather damage. They are also lightweight and easy to connect, making the installation process simple.
If you are using a shed kit, unpack and check the contents to make sure you have all the pieces listed in the manufacturer's instructions. Panels are typically stamped with identification on their interior side that shows you where they go. Connect two floor panels according to the instructions to form the back portion of the floor. Connect two panels to form the middle portion of the floor, then connect to the back portion by tilting at a 45-degree angle. Repeat this for the front two panels. Anchor the floor to the foundation using screws per manufacturer's instructions.
Identify which panels make up the first wall. Starting at the front of the shed, install the first panel at the front edge of one side. Anchor the first panel to the floor using the included plastic screws. Secure the gables to the wall with plastic screws. Stabilize the structure by installing additional support beams, a horizontal support for the front gable, and right and left roof supports. If the pieces are too snug to slide together easily, spray with a little soapy water to lubricate them. Each of the roof panels will slide into the tracks on the roof supports and snap into position. Repeat with each roof panel to complete the roof assembly. Snap the three hinges into place and secure with screws. Align the handles on each door and connect them with screws. Attach the doors to the shed frame with two screws at each hinge. Attach the door latches to the interior edges at the top and bottom of each door. Test the doors to ensure they easily open and latch closed.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic shed bases are lightweight, easy to install, durable, and resistant to rot and weather damage. They are also more affordable than concrete bases and provide better drainage.
You will need a plastic shed base kit, which should include a grid system and a permeable weed membrane. You may also need gravel, sand, a rake, pegs, string, a tape measure, a set square, and a spirit level.
Choose a level area in your garden with good drainage, ensuring there is enough space around the shed for easy access and maintenance. Avoid underground utilities. Clear the area of vegetation, rocks, and debris, then use a rake or a long, straight piece of timber to level the ground.
Roll out the weed membrane and trim any excess. Assemble the plastic grid base panels by sliding and locking them together to form a solid, uniform base. Fill the grids with gravel to create a stable foundation. Double-check all connections and walk over the grid to ensure stability.
