How to prepare a base for your bike shed
You have chosen your ideal bike shed that will fit all your bikes in perfectly, with the extra storage you need added on, now the next question you need to ask yourself is how to build a base for the shed to sit on?
This article will act as a guide for determining which type of base construction would be best for your garden, the space you have and your budget.
How to choose which type of material to use
When you are deciding where to place your bike shed in your garden, you should choose a level, stable, and solid surface which won’t subside or become boggy in wet weather. This will protect your bikes from the elements and ensure your shed is firmly in place. It will also help ensure a smoother installation process.
A solid level base is required to ensure your shed works as intended, and prevent misalignment over time. Our sheds can happily live on four types of base: a level concrete slab, an area already paved, an eco-base or a decked base.
- Concrete slab: the best base for any of our bike sheds and especially suitable for our Vertical units. The slab should be the same dimensions (W x D) as the shed footprint. It should be 100mm thick and level.
- Existing paved area: fine for any of our units. Most front garden locations are already paved with a slight slope for drainage, and we mainly install Classic Sheds in front gardens on existing paving without issues. If the paving is partial (e.g., alongside an area of soil), then it should be extended with more paving or concrete to include the whole footprint of the shed.
- Eco-base: this is a grid/honeycomb layer designed to be filled up with shingle. Classic and Slot-in Sheds can be installed on eco-bases. We recommend that the eco-base be laid on sharp sand over a well compacted and level sub-base 100mm thick. The eco-base should be firmed up and level before filling with shingle and ideally would be finished around 25mm above ground level.
- Decked base. A decked base is a good solution for sloping sites. The frame should be set level and the joists running side to side. This is because the joists on our sheds run from front to back, so the result is better structural support. If you require any advice, please contact us.
We do not recommend the following as a base: gravel, soil, grass, ‘astro’, old or uneven decking/paving, or any mix of these. If your site is currently any of these we recommend it be replaced with a solid base from the options above.
All our sheds include a sturdy timber floor, which sits on rubber pads. These pads can be adjusted (between 1-3cm) so that the floor panel is firm before installing the walls.
When you are selecting a bike shed, making sure you have ample space for the base is also important, so you should always make sure you have a bit more space than you may think you need.
Should my bike shed base be bigger than the shed?
Your base should be no larger than the shed footprint on all sides. If you are installing your shed on a concrete base, the concrete must be around 100mm thick.
Shop bike sheds and more from Brighton Bike Sheds
With a variety of sheds available, you can find the perfect shed for your requirements at Brighton Bike Sheds. Our range includes vertical sheds, slot-in sheds, corten steel bike sheds, and more. Some of these sheds can also store up to 6 bikes, making them ideal for you and your family’s needs.
Take a look at our bike sheds today, or contact our friendly team for more information.