The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Fri Jun 22, 2012 1:02 am**

Hello

This is the first time I have used this site so I apologise if I have not completed topic title and description correctly.

I am replacing my 8x6 garden shed which had been sited on 2 railway sleepers for 30+ years.

I have found a lot of conflicting advice on the options for a suitable base so need your expert opinion please.

I have had the ground dug out and levelled and a 3x2 paving base has been laid and pointed. The new hut I have ordered is 8x6 T&G pretreated wood. (I will need to cehck if that means it is pressure treated.) The supplier assured me that the wooden bearers on the underside of the floor boards were pretreated and could be placed directly onto the paving slabs. I take delivery of the new hut very soon and I am now concerned as to whether I should go with the suppliers advice or not. I am wondering whether I should site additional bearers to the ones on the underside of the floor on top of the paving to lift the hut up to allow air circulation or even use my 2 railway sleepers on top of the paving. I had also planned to have a row of paving right around the hut too although because of bad weather in the last 2 days this has not yet been done. Also do I need to use a DPM before the shed is placed on the paving base if so what would you recommend.

I would be very annoyed if within a few years the shed was to rot because I had not chosen the right base configuration.

I look forward to your comments. Thank you in advance.

Posted: **Fri Jun 22, 2012 8:31 am**

what you have described shaz is perfect
the only thing i would add is to make sure the base is slightly higher than the surrounding ground so that the shed never sits in water
also try and use guttering rather than just let rain discharge off the roof
LLL

Posted: **Fri Jun 22, 2012 12:46 pm**

Hi LLL

Thank you for your response.

Can I clarify please. Do you think to site the shed directly onto the 3x2 paved area is ok? Or do you suggest putting down bearers or sleepers on top of base and then the shed is a better option?

I'm a woman and all the conflicting opinions have my brain in a stew! Thank you again.

Posted: **Fri Jun 22, 2012 5:23 pm**

If the bearers are indeed pressure treated then they will be ok on the flags, however you could put some extra bearers under these for peace of mind and this will arguably give your purchase a longer lifespan, for little outlay.

Posted: **Sun Jun 24, 2012 1:14 am**

Thank you Ganger for your advice. Would it also be necessary to have some kind of damp course protection between additional bearers and bearers attached to shed floor? Shaz

Posted: **Sun Jun 24, 2012 7:40 am**

its not necessary but again it would help increase the lifespan of the shed

Posted: **Sun Jun 24, 2012 12:13 pm**

I think you will find the bearers will outlast the rest of the shed to be honest, the t&g in most cases isn't treated and is only 12mm thick if it's Shiplap.

You could put a plastic shim or spacer between the bearers, quite how much this would effect the longevity of the timber is debateable, but if your set on doing this, make sure this "spacer" doesn't hold water or you will be defeating the object.

Posted: **Sun Jun 24, 2012 8:40 pm**

Thank you guys for your advice.

The paving slabs are all in place now. Think I might bring delivery of the shed forward as I am ready for it now.

Maybe I'm expecting too much of a shed costing Â£450. Probably it wont last like the one I've had taken down. It had 3 owners in it's lifetime and always sat on railway sleepers.

Will let you know how things work out. I really appreciate all of your comments.

Thank you.

Posted: **Mon Jul 02, 2012 9:02 am**

Thank you guys for your advice.

My shed is in situ. I went with the simplest method and had the shed erected directly onto the paving slabs. The attached floor bearers are pressure treated.

I have stained the interior floor and applied an opaque film to the window to allow natural light and give privacy/security.

Manufacturer advised 2 coats of preserve whilst the shed is still new when the weather allows. I'm jetting off to the sun and will apply Ronseal Shed and Fence Preserver when I return when hopefully the weather has improved. I only wish I could treat the underside of the flooring. I'm disappointed not to have had a chance to do this before the shed was built. I wonder if any of you have any ideas how this could be achieved now the shed is in place??? I did wonder if a radiator roller on a pole would do it?

Anyway guys thank you all again. I'm happy my garden tools and mountain bikes are secure in my new shed before I holiday.

Shaz

The Brew Cabin

Shed base - Shed base