How To Choose The Best Shed Base

All garden sheds need to be built on a flat, level and solid base to enhance the durability of the building. If the base is not flat and level, you may encounter issues such as the shed or cabin becoming misaligned, which can cause doors to malfunction or the roof to warp, possibly resulting in water leaks. Additionally, an unsuitable base could void any warranty on the product. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritise this step. Our Base and Installation Information is here to help and walk you through the available options and correct construction methods.

Concrete or Flag Stones For a Shed Base

The ideal shed base would be smooth flag stones or a concrete base with a solid sub-base. For example, 75mm of compacted hardcore and then 75mm of concrete. It’s also important to consider the below:

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timber bearers
Timber Bearers

Do I Need Bearers?

A question we always get asked! If you are building your slabbed or concrete base as directed in the above section, you don’t need bearers of any type, as your building will overhang your base, preventing water ingress. If your building is going to be placed on a slabbed or concrete area larger than the building, then bearers are advised to promote air circulation and prevent water ingress. Adding bearers will drastically improve the longevity of your building.

Our plastic eco-bearers feature a 25-year guarantee and ensure that there is no timber in direct contact with the ground.

Our tanalised timber bearers are an effective and affordable choice that ensures your building is elevated from the ground.

plastic bearers
Plastic Bearers
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Existing Flag Stone Base

Over time flag stone bases can sink or twist, this is more common if they are in close proximity to trees or tree roots, or if they were laid on an insufficient sub base. We recommend that if there is an old shed currently sat on the intended base it is a good idea to remove/clear the old shed as early as possible to give you time to check what is underneath it, and check the levels.

If you are extending an existing base it is really important to ensure that both sections are level and that the joint between the new and old flag stones is smooth. You can check out a shed base created by one of customers here in our “A Day In The Life Video” from Viking Garden Buildings.

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Hard and Soft Ground Frame Bases

At Viking, we proudly offer a robust frame base solution crafted from galvanised steel, complete with an impressive 10-year guarantee. This versatile system is designed to adapt to various ground conditions, allowing you to position your shed exactly where you want it— without the hassle and expense of landscaping work that can often lead to delays.

Our soft ground frame base is perfect for placing your shed on grass, soil, or gravel, eliminating the need for a solid foundation like concrete or paving stones.

If you’re dealing with uneven hard surfaces such as concrete, tarmac, or flagstones, our hard ground option is ideal. Additionally, if your project requires a blend of concrete and grass, we can offer a mixed ground frame base tailored to your specific needs.

Each base features a sturdy 4 x 2 timber frame construction that is securely attached onto each leg bracket. Once our expert installation team levels and secures your building, the floor can be placed directly on top of the base. This innovative system provides up to 8 inches of adjustment for soft ground legs and 6 inches for hard ground legs, accommodating buildings of up to 16 feet by 10 feet.

For more information or to determine if our frame base system is the right fit for your project, feel free to reach out to us at info@vikinggardenbuildings.com or call us at 01785 252277. We’re here to help you create the perfect space!

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Choosing the correct Shed Base is nearly as important as choosing the correct shed for your garden. We always welcome customers to contact us for advice on bases where needed. This will ensure that your new shed is placed on a base that provides the correct support and ensures longevity. Don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team by clicking here if you have any questions, or visit our Shed Buyers Guide for handy information about choosing the correct shed for your needs by clicking here.