How to Lay a Concrete Base for a Shed Part Three

[@simonbacsich5285]

Like the relaxed manner and simple approach - gets a sweet finish with just a 4X2, without all the fancy tools

[@cutaia]

I've just watched 4 different shed slab how-tos, and in each one, the video ended with the frame remaining around the slab. And even though I was certain the frame needed to be removed afterward, I started to question if I was actually correct. lol So, thanks for putting forth the effort of explaining even the small details like that. It goes a long way towards giving folks confidence in their projects.

[@Chaoslava]

Hi Paul, I have 75mm boards, so 3 inches... I'm doing a 25mm sub base of smashed up paving stones & bricks, and then 50mm of cement with fibres in and a rebar mesh for reinforcement.. it's only for a shed base - would you recommend this? Cheers.

[@kingy1204]

Hi Paul. Great videos, do you mind mr asking how much it all cost including materials. I was thinking about Quickjack Pro for my base to sit on as I thought a concrete base is out of my DIY league but your videos have gained my confidence. Thanks mate

[@OnlineHousehusband]

It's not too expensive, a bulk bag of ballast is around £45 - £50 plus a few bags of cement. It would only be around £70-£80 with your framework unless you can collect your ballast in a trailer which is much cheaper. I tend to buy all my aggregates loose in a trailer, far cheaper and easier to shovel out a trailer than a bulk bag. Depends where you are in he country for costs. Thanks for checking out the video....go for it, good luck!

[@treaclebeard]

Paul, for a shed base of the size you did, how many bags of cement and ballast were needed? I just need a rule of thumb to go by for different base sizes, cheers

[@OnlineHousehusband]

To work out accurately try The Paving Expert Calculator.

[@Frxstynah]

In my area they don't sell ballast. I have to mix my own with 2 parts sand 3 parts crushed 3/4" stone/gravel. And i like to use a bit more cement for good measure.

[@OnlineHousehusband]

That is another way of creating it correct. That's all it is in reality.

[@Mark_B544]

Please explain how you made sure this was square as I cant find anything.

[@OnlineHousehusband]

Measure the diagonals, corner to corner. To ensure the base is square these should be the same dimension.

[@Mark_B544]

Thank you bud

[@Shere_13]

Do you do any private work? For example if I wanted a concrete base done on my garden would you consider doing it?

[@OnlineHousehusband]

Thank you very much for checking out my video but I am a keen DIYer and this is not my full time occupation.

[@triciazabst5817]

Good job dude

[@paulchrisp7129]

i’m no expert, but.... should have put some water in the mixer before any dry material, used too much water in the mix, should have had some reinforcing mesh in a slab that big, the way you screeded brought a whole lot of “cream” to the surface, & then you hosed more water onto it before the mix had started to go off. With that much water, & no reo, the concrete will be powdery & crumbley, & prone to cracking.

[@OnlineHousehusband]

Hi Paul, Sure the mixer could have water in advance, either way works perfectly fine if i'm honest. Reinforcing with mesh can be done but what you need to bear in mind is its a shed base not a house extension. Lots of sheds are laid on slabs which is perfectly adequate. Also in regards to prone to cracking the base has been down for at least 3 years and its solid as a rock. Thanks for checking the video out that. :-)

[@tonyl1984]

How about adding some Feb mix into the mix to avoid any potential cracking Paul?

[@callihanhopwood6255]

I bought instruction from woodprix and I build it very very cheap.