If you’re planning on putting a shed in your backyard, questions like Should a Shed Base Be Bigger Than Shed are bound to come up. After all, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to building a shed, and making sure the base is the right size is just one part of the equation.
One of the first things you need to do is figure out what size base you’ll need. You’ll want your shed base to be at least a few inches wider and longer than the actual shed itself. This will protect the shed and help with water drainage.
Obviously, the larger the shed, the larger the base will need to be. There are other considerations you need to consider too. Keep reading to see what determines the best base size for your shed and what is the best base for your shed.
Should a Shed Base Be Bigger Than The Shed
When it comes to building a shed, one question that often arises is whether the shed base should be bigger than the shed itself.
There are a couple of schools of thought on this matter.
- Some people believe that it is best to have a base that is slightly larger than the shed so that there is room for movement and expansion.
- Others believe that the base should be exactly the same size as the shed.
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer – it simply depends on your personal preference and the requirements of your particular project.
If you are unsure of which route to take, it is always best to err on the side of caution and go with a base that is slightly larger than the shed.
There is nothing wrong with making the base the same size as the shed – at the same time, there is nothing wrong with providing an extra few inches.
If it was a gravel base, providing an extra few inches might be practical and aesthetically pleasing.
However, if it was a wooden lumber base, then an extra few inches may become a hindrance.
If you’re undecided on this issue, consider consulting with a professional before making a final decision.
How Much Bigger Should a Shed Base Be Than The Shed
The size of a gravel shed base should be slightly larger than the size of the shed to help protect the shed. However other shed bases, such as wooden timber or concrete slabs can be the same size as your shed, or slightly bigger if you wish.
Having a gravel base slightly bigger than the shed itself will help to prevent any water or moisture from seeping into the shed and damaging your belongings and the structure.
If you’re not sure how much bigger to make the shed base, a good rule of thumb is to add an extra foot to the length and width of the shed.
This will give you plenty of room to work with, without making the shed too big for its location.
Keep in mind that you can always make the shed base smaller if needed, but it’s much more difficult to make it larger once it’s been built.
Using a raised base, such as wooden timber or concrete slabs should be adequate enough just being raised off the ground, and therefore the base doesn’t need to be any bigger than the shed itself.
Why Does a Shed Base Need to Be Bigger Than the Shed
When you’re planning to build a shed, one of the first things you need to do is figure out how big to make the base.
But why does the base need to be bigger than the shed itself? There are actually a few good reasons for this.
It helps to provide stability. A larger base provides more surface area for the shed to rest on, making it less likely to tip over in heavy winds.
Also, It helps to prevent moisture damage. By keeping the shed off the ground, you can help to prevent water from seeping in and damaging the floor or walls.
If it’s a gravel base, then extending the base will allow any excess moisture or bad weather to drain away through the gravel.
Which Shed Base is Best for Your Shed
When it comes to choosing a shed base, there are a few things to consider. One of the most important factors is the type of ground you’ll be placing your shed on.
If you have level, firm ground, then you have a few different options for your shed base.
- A concrete slab is a good choice if you’re looking for a permanent solution.
- If you want something that’s easy to install and remove, then paving slabs or gravel are good choices.
- Raising your shed on pressure-treated lumber is always an affordable and reliable option.
I personally think having a gravel base is best and it’s what I would recommend – It is also great for drainage.
If your ground is uneven or has a lot of tree roots, then you’ll need to create a raised platform for your shed.
This can be done by using concrete blocks or timber sleepers. The blocks or sleepers should be slightly larger than the shed base so that they extend beyond it by around 150mm (6″) all the way around.
This will ensure that rainwater can drain away from the shed base, and avoid any waterlogging issues.
If you’re using concrete blocks, then you’ll need to lay them on a bed of sand and cement. The blocks should be level with each other and spaced evenly apart.
If you’re using timber sleepers, then you’ll need to fix them in place with coach screws. Again, the sleepers should be level with each other and spaced evenly apart.
Once you’ve decided on the type of ground you’re working with, you can then choose the best shed base for your needs.
Conclusion
Should a shed base be bigger than shed? A shed base should be bigger than the shed to ensure stability and prevent the shed from sinking into the ground over time.
Here are things to note about the base when constructing a shed.
- The size of a shed base also depends on the weight of the shed, with a larger base needed for heavier sheds.
- There are many types of materials that can be used for a shed base, such as concrete, paving slabs, or timber.
- When constructing a shed base, it is important to make sure that it is level and square.
- It is also important to consider whether the floor of the shed will need insulation against moisture and wind chill.
