How Do I Lay a Shed Base on My Lawn?

So now you have a lovely shed that you can store all your outdoor gear in, but after a while, you see the shed start to shift; because every shed needs a base. So how do you lay a shed base on your lawn?

Concrete is the most popular material that people use as a shed base. You measure and mark out the base’s size and dig out the area. Next, lay the sub-base, use wood posts to frame the base, and add your DPM (damp proof membrane). Lastly, you pour the concrete, level it, and leave it to cure. 

All sheds need a base to ensure that even if the ground around the shed shifts a bit over time due to the weather, it stays stable and won’t degrade too quickly.

I made the mistake of putting my shed directly on the ground; the floor rotted away a few years later.

When I got my new shed, I was determined to lay a proper base for my shed. Here is how you can easily lay your shed base.

How Do I Lay A Shed Base On My Lawn?

You have two options when you have a shed that needs a base: hire a contractor to lay a base or lay the base yourself.

If you choose to lay the shed base on your own, this how-to guide will help you get the best possible outcome. 

The Supplies You Will Need

Before you begin, you should compile a list of supplies you will need to get you going.

Laying a shed base is not difficult, but it does require quite a bit of labor. You can’t just place a garden shed on your grass without first applying a protective layer and a solid base.

To lay your shed base, you will need these supplies:

Laying The Shed Base

You can start when you have all the supplies you need to lay your base. Keep in mind that you need the right weather conditions because you can’t lay the base in rainy weather.

It would create a mess and a safety hazard. So wait until you have a sunny day with no rain expected. 

Here is how you can lay a base for your garden shed in your yard using this step-by-step guide.

Remember, this is a guide, and should you be uncertain of anything, you can ask a qualified contractor who specializes in building garden sheds for expert advice.

Step 1: Measure The Area And Mark It Out

Firstly, you should choose the spot where you want to put your shed. Then you need to mark out the area. Using the wooden pegs and string, mark out an area at least 12-inches wider than the shed on all sides. There are two reasons for this:

Drive a wooden peg into the ground where each corner will be. Use the level to ensure the corners and string are level and the line is not skewed. You need to adjust the line if it is skewed.  

Step 2: Digging Out The Base Area 

Next, you need to dig out the base’s area. Dig 4-5-inches down (100mm) and remove all the grass and soil in that area.

You must compact the ground after removing all the substrate material because you will lay the sub-base and DPM over the area.

Step 3: Laying The Sub-Base 

You have to add a sub-base because you can’t lay a concrete paver on grass or soft ground. The sub-base looks like a bunch of rocks, sometimes mixed with rough sand and gravel. Most experts recommend using the ‘MOT Type 1 Hardcore’ as sub-base material. 

You can find this sub-base material at most hardware or home improvement stores in jumbo bags. After laying the sub-base, you have to spread it out, so it’s level. Compact the sub-base as much as you can.

Then add a layer of sand to cover the sub-base. The sand layer doesn’t have to be thick, only thick enough to keep the sub-base from poking holes in the plastic DPM sheeting.

Step 4: Framing The Base

Now you need to frame the base. Use square wooden planks that have been cut to size to frame the base.

Next, hammer down posts around the planks at one-meter intervals to keep them from bowing under the weight of the concrete. Nail the sides together and ensure all sides and corners are level. 

Step 5: Laying Down Your DPM

You have to lay down the DPM (damp-proof membrane) when the framing is done. Cover the entire base area with the plastic sheeting, so it looks like a tray. If the edges overlap on the framework, tape them off. The DMP has two purposes;

Step 6: Pour The Concrete

Now you have to pour the concrete. You can hire a concrete mixer and pre-mixed concrete that only needs water to activate and is ready to pour. 

If you don’t know the amount of concrete you should order, you can multiply the length of the base by the width and by the depth of the base to get the correct amount of concrete you will need. You can also double-check with the concrete supplier about the right amount.

This is the step where the PPE (personal protective equipment) comes into play the most. Concrete is a caustic substance, so you need long plastic-sleeved gloves, rubber boots, and goggles to keep the cement from clinging to your skin. 

Step 7: Level The Concrete

When you are done pouring the concrete, you need to level it to give your shed a smooth base. You can use a rake to ensure no air pockets are left in the concrete and smooth it using a plain wooden plank. 

Pouring, spreading, and smoothing cement is a two-person job, so you will need help, or the cement might dry before you are done. After you have smoothed the concrete, lay a raised plastic tarp or polyethylene sheet over the concrete to help it set slowly without cracking. 

Step 8: Allow The Concrete To Cure 

You have to leave the concrete base to dry for 48 hours. Then you can remove the wooden framework, but remember the base needs to stand and settle for 28 days before it can take the weight of your shed.

In Conclusion

Building a base for your prefab or custom built shed is not difficult. As long as you have a coworker or friend to help you and you follow the easy guide in the section above.

You will have a strong and durable base for your shed in no time if you stick to the script. Plus, always follow any building codes of conduct if they apply to your state or territory.

Lastly, remember to put on your PPE, and if you are unsure of something, contact an expert for advice.