Preparing for a timber shed base

[lombardj]

Hi gurus.

I've been tasked with setting up a shed in the backyard. This is the shed we intend to install. (https://www.bunnings.com.au/lifetime-2-1-x-2-1-x-2-27m-polyethylene-garden-shed_p3318106?store=6140&...) 

Have decided on setting up on a timber frame rather than concrete. While the instruction manual shows how to setup the base frame, it doesn't go into detail on how to prepare the surface where the frame will be setup on. I'm after advice on how the best way to prepare the surface. I've seen a few videos where they suggest using around 4inches of gravel that sits within another wooden frame. So I guess I'll have a wooden frame with gravel in it and on top of that, the actual wooden frame for this shed? Ideas, thoughts please? 

Cheers

J

[Jason]

Hi @lombardj,

Let me tag a few helpful members for you to kick off the discussion about how best to prepare the surface for your timber base: @Adam_W, @tom_builds, @Brad.

@EricL will also be happy to assist when he is back on the site tomorrow.

Thanks,

Jason

[lombardj]

Thanks Jason

[Adam_W]

Hi @lombardj rather than describing something that can instead be watched & paused... have a look at this video I made for installing a shadehouse as it sounds like you are thinking of a very similar sort of base.

[EricL]

Hello @lombardj

Thank you for sharing your question about a timber shed base. 

It's great that you've received fantastic advice from @Adam_W. His video recommendation of making a shed base is spot on. I suggest using the H4 Microshades Sleeper 200 x 50mm - 3.0m. It is termite-resistant and suitable for use in vegetable beds and Children’s play areas. The screws he used are the Buildex 16-8 x 75mm Climacoat Type 17 Timber Construction Screws - 20 Pack to join the sleepers together.  There are several versions of the Sleeper Pegs, I suggest visiting your local store to determine which one you will need.

Please consider carefully where you will direct the Reln Stretch Ag-Pipe 100mm x 8m Slotted and Socked outlet. One roll of the Pillar Products 0.915 x 10m WaterLOCK Premium Mulch Mat will be enough to cover your timber shed base area. I'm sure our members would be keen to see your progress while building this timber shed base. Any updates you can provide would be much appreciated.

Here is a handy link for ideas and inspiration: Top 10 most popular garage and shed projects

If you need more advice or information, please let us know.

Eric

[DaRobba]

Hi all

can I ask whether you placed timber on top of the gravel to create the base to place the lifetime shed on? I am planning on using this design.

Whereabouts will the lifetime shed be anchored? Just on the  sleepers that form the frame or somewhere else?

this is the shed:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/lifetime-4-42-x-2-13m-side-entry-garden-shed_p0796187?store=7222&gclsrc=...

thank you

[JacobZ]

Hi @DaRobba,

Thank you for your question.

If you are creating a base with timber sleepers, then the shed would be anchored to the sleepers that form the frame of the floor, and those sleepers should be anchored to the earth using something like sleeper stakes or sleeper posts that are concreted in place.

This will ensure the shed is held in place and anchored well.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob