How To Prepare Your Shed Base
As with any structure it is important to provide a firm, level and square base for your new garden building. Without a suitable base your building will be unstable and deteriorate rapidly. Base preparation need not be elaborate and alternative materials can be used in some cases. Whatever method you choose, it is important that the end result is above all; firm, level and square.
Slab Base
Providing the proposed site is not subject to regular flooding, your new building can be set directly on to a concrete pad or slabbed area as shown. If laying slabs, firm up the sub-surface and bed slabs into sand, gravel or sand and cement dry mix.
1. Set out rough size of shed layout, and if possible leave space around shed to allow easy construction and maintainance.
2. Set the foundation for each slab by compacting some dirt and hardcore (small pebbles/rocks).
3. Add at least 1 inch of sand and cement (mix 1 cement to 4 sand) and roughly level.
4. Make sure all slabs are level with each other (note: we have used 18 inch slabs).
5. The number of slabs required will depend on the size of your shed. Ideally we should lay the slabs closer together (see tips below).
6. Here are our fitters laying the shed flooring and we have superimposed where the runners lay.
Running the width/short side of the shed:
To catch all the runners you should lay slabs next to each other with no gap.
Running the length/long side of the shed:
You can space the slabs 50-100cm apart (from center to center).
It is not a major issue if you can't support all the runners with the slabs as we do add plenty to our sheds. But if you find the flooring bounces or bows slightly due to unsupported runners, you can add 3x2" (planed) timber to run along the length between your slabs and support the flooring/runners.
Bearers might also help to strengthen your base support. They are 4"x4" tanalised wooden posts which run in an opposite direction to the floor joists making a crisscross formation and should rest on the slabs you have layed along the shed width, but can even be layed directly on the ground. They also allow good air circulation while keeping the shed base away from the damp. We can provide tanalised bearers as an optional extra.
Hire a company to lay a base for you
A solid foundation is essential for the longevity and stability of your Beast shed. The base must be level, and structurally sound to avoid misalignment, door issues, or structural strain.
We partner with Back to Bases, experts in precision groundwork, to ensure every project starts on the right footing — literally.
Concrete Base vs. Ground Screws – What’s Best for your Beast Shed?
Concrete Base
✔ Ideal for permanent structures
✔ Strong, durable, and long-lasting
✔ Perfect for heavier buildings or sloped ground
✔ Can be custom-sized and finished neatly
Ground Screw Systems
✔ Fast installation with minimal disruption
✔ Eco-friendly (no need for digging or curing time)
✔ Great for soft ground, tree roots, or restricted access
✔ Can be relocated or adjusted if needed
Not sure which is right for you? We can refer to Back to Bases (Click here to visit their website ) who will be happy to advise.
Decorative finishes – paving options
Looking to enhance your outdoor space around your shed? Back to Bases also offer high-quality paving and hard landscaping to provide:
✔ A clean and aesthetically pleasing look
✔ Easy access pathways, no need to tread in soil
✔ Extended patio areas for seating or storage
✔ Whether you want rustic charm or a sleek modern finish, back to bases will help you choose the right paving to match your style.
