Base For A Shed

[Booldawg]

I'm going to put an 8'x6' shed on part of my lawn.

Whats the easiest and simplest base to build? I've done it before and laid a whole patio of paving slabs on sand. A bit elaborate and expensive.

I was thinking something along the lines of the smallest paving slabs I can find and laying 4 x 2 across them.

Would I need to put sand under the slabs or can I just lay them on the (pretty level) lawn?

[Clanad]

A little more work, but I went with just the sand at about 6 inches deep. One wouldn't have to go that deep except here (in the western US) we have an issue with the ground "heaving" because of heavy freezing in the winter causing the black earth to freeze and expand (repeatedly) and the deeper sand base eliminates that problem. We also dig a shallow trench at the very edge of the perimeter so the sand will be somewhat deeper at the edges...

[Toureman]

I just leveled the grass then used six what I call council slabs with four treated timbers underneath the shed to keep it dry.

They are still OK after 11 years.

[DinloDan]

I assume you will want to go for the cheapest method. You should use the timber bearers method. We used this method for our shed about 2 years ago. We even used the wood from our old decking so didn't need to buy anything.

[Booldawg]

ok thanks all.

Another factor for me to consider is its a very new lawn (less than 2 months) I turned the soil over and laid grass seed in April. This means the ground wont be very compact.

[jake-the-peg]

When I put up a shed that size I went the whole hog and dug out the area, added hardcore hired a cement mixer and made a concrete base.

Not the cheapest and quickest but I'm glad I did, shed's still fine 10 years later without any sign of damp or rot

[sara3]

.. and that would explain why mine is falling apart!

[whiskeryron]

Hammer in fence post holders as below
Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation
saw fence posts to just clear holders, wooden battens crosswise then the shed floor ( make sure it's level) then erect shed on top. Result plenty of airspace under shed. Used this method years ago & shed still solid.

WR.

[The Builder]

Ron's idea is a good one Boolders. I've done that a few times with decking. 8 should do it. One in each corner, and one along each side, with three joists for the shed to sit on.

Jake's right really... hardcore and a couple of inches of concrete. No need for slabs. No sinkage then (which might happen with Ron's idea, - it depends on your ground.

[Booldawg]

Thanks all. Defintely some good ideas for when funds are available!