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Planning on replacing our shed for a summerhouse later this year. Currently there is a concrete base which seems in reasonable condition; It's level, though the surrounding grass is not, so on 2 sides the grass is about 12cm higher than the concrete which I guess has contributed to the current shed floor rotting away. Only just moved here so don't know the history.
Id like to raise the summerhouse to be at least level with the surrounding grass. Anyone have any experience with this? My thoughts are to use a pre made wooden base to sit on the concrete. if so, should it be exactly the same size as the new summerhouse or larger? One place recommended a wooden base on plastic legs so any water running off the grass wont rot the base. Seems a good idea, but never seen them before.
I put mine on a base of plastic pallets...
The plastic feet would be ideal, rain is likely to pool and rot any wood sat straight on the concrete. This sort of thing comes in various sizes so you can get exactly the height you want and deal with any imperfections too. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Composite-Pedestal-Adjustable-Supports-Levelling/dp/B092THGYJV
We've just had a concrete base laid for one. Slightly worried now as the recent rain showed that it pools slightly in the middle, which would be in the 44mm gap underneath the floorboards, with little/no ventilation. The eves and sheltered location should mostly protect it, but annoyingly the most exposed corner is to the South West.
The other option is to just swap the pressure treated bearers for composite ones. Solves any rot issue, but not damp.
For your existing base, could you not just dig out the ground around it so it's just below the level of the concrete and fill the 'trench' with gravel?
I made a 150mm wide and deep concrete ‘ring beam’ for mine, a 10ft wide Tuin log cabin. It sits on a recycled plastic bearers. We’re pretty exposed and 60mph+ winds not unusual so it has some fairly hefty bolts into to concrete to stop it blowy away - you’re average B&Q shed would get trashed here.
Recycled plastic beams would be ideal for that. They never rot. Quite expensive but easy to diy with and zero finishing and maintenance. Its also good to use this material as it is recycled from the low end waste plastic that can't be used for much else.
eg: https://www.filcris.co.uk/category/planks-posts-and-sheets
I've used these for the summerhouse and garden shed - very easy to work with. I've still got wooden runners/beams between the base and wood floor though for added height and to do our best to prevent rot.
https://www.ecodeck.biz/plastic-shed-bases/
Looks quite good that does.
I’ve used these for the summerhouse and garden shed – very easy to work with. I’ve still got wooden runners/beams between the base and wood floor though for added height and to do our best to prevent rot.
> https://www.ecodeck.biz/plastic-shed-bases/
That looks like an easy option. This might sound silly, but would a 4 x 3 m summerhouse need a 4 x 3 m base? or larger?