How to lay a shed base

Watch our step-by-step video showing how to build a shed base, with expert advice and top tips to help you complete the job with confidence.
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[@rhythmace1]

Really useful video, thanks. But your suggested B&Q playlist that pops up at the end obscures the shopping list!

[@jurijuzar6798]

absolutely, last thing that blocks the view spoilt the whole brilliant video

[@mcenglishbros.drivewaytarm8367]

Yeh that’s a pain in the arsenal to be frank.

[@anest-uk]

Try cinema mode.

[@nutrocker62]

I was about to start mixing concrete to put in a base, this will save me a lot of toil, thanks

[@bandq]

So glad you found our video helpful 😊

[@allentorovski1163]

This is a great video. I just purchased my resin 4ft x 6ft shed and will be using this video for the foundation. Thanks!

[@bandq]

Exciting times 🙌 Once completed, if you have any pictures, feel free to share them with us over on our Instagram page by tagging us @bandq_uk 📸 We'd love to see them!

[@johnnypham3410]

That was amazing. And this is what I really need and save money. Thank you gentlemen.

[@bandq]

Thank you! We're glad we can help people save money 🥰

[@tysonsdream1]

Great video nice to see a video without loads fo power tools thanks very much

[@bandq]

You're welcome 😁👍

[@JB-lr1tf]

I did this today thanks for the tips mine was a smaller shed 6x4 so I used 6.1 ratio for sand and cement on the base turned out really good.

[@bandq]

Great work! If you're on Instagram - be sure to tag us! We'd love to see your project 🙌 #bandqit

[@dsgg5714]

I did 3 to 1 ratio mix and I made a point fundaments on the corners to assembly long anchors (12 cm) on the corners of the shed. I just dug 4 x 50 cm deep and 15 cm diameter holes to put a pvc sewage pipes, where I poured concrete. I had to do it, because of the strong winds on the winter.

[@neil5010]

How deep does the sand/cement mix need to be?

[@GeordieAmz]

Just a simple quantity guide would go a long way for first timers watching this. 9 parts sharp sand....roughly how many bags of your recommended product would that amount to? Not keen on the idea of trial and error and going back and forth to the store. Any guidance would be appreciated.....

[@iamuglypeople]

I mean it is about as simple as you can get, it’s a 9 to 1 mix. 9 parts wouldn’t equal any set amount of bags as it would depend on how much of an area you need to cover. 9 equal measures of sand, to 1 measure of cement. Doesn’t matter if you’re measuring with teaspoons, cups, or buckets. Doesn’t have to be perfect, just roughly 9/1.

[@rosecairns8380]

Yes but what is the accurate amount you used for the 6x 4?

[@lljl5310]

If I'm measuring with teaspoons, how many bags of sand do I need? Asking for my fellow commentators ​@iamuglypeople

[@damelzat5309]

Paving stones 10mm to dust aggregate Sharp sand and cement Builders square String Stakes and plank Shovel,spade,fork Rake Lump hammer Soft brush Stiff brush Builders Trowel Spirit level Tape measure Gloves Wheel barrow Buckets

[@Jaji813]

Thank you!!!!!

[@robsmith8715]

You forgot 'Elbow Grease' most important. 😁

[@thehal991]

Kettle Tea bags Milk Sugar Spoon

[@HouseFairyDIY]

This makes it look so easy. I think I will copy this method.

[@bandq]

We're glad this video helped! Let us know how you get on 😄🛠

[@omolekeolumide9059]

Thank you for the video, I couldn’t find the 10mm dust to aggregate which you used in my local B&Q. Is there any substitute that can serve the same purpose. Thank you

[@bandq]

Hi there, they're referring to the bulk bag of Tarmac Grano dust - bit.ly/39s4Cfy. You will be able to check availability by entering your post code onto our website. Hope this helps 😊

[@komalgill2303]

Do you have to add cement or could you getaway with just using Sharpe sand on top of a gravel base? (reason I ask is allotment won't allow cement/permanent foundations). Thanks.

[@bandq]

Hi there, the important part of this mix and the method is having a level surface and compacting the dry mix under the slabs rather than the grip of a concrete. It's not recommended to use this method if you are putting something exceptionally heavy on top, but a normal shed would be fine. I hope this helps!

[@komalgill2303]

Amazing! Thank you so much. I'm eyeing up one of your sheds, so with your video and your advice I'm on my way. Great little video. Glad to find it. Thanks again.

[@bandq]

You're welcome! All the best with your project 🧡

[@gingercat3440]

You make it look so easy

[@mohammedassad786]

Is this ideal for larger shed like a 12x10?

[@Sj11863]

Can you do this video with an uneven lawn

[@snorlaxpokepacks2188]

Im goijg to do thus myself. Just curious do i set my strings level or to the ground then dig down 100mm ?

[@bandq]

Hi! The string is just for marking out the area, it doesn't need to be touching the ground. You measure the depth from the surface of the ground. I hope that helps 😊

[@thebrummieyorky]

We call them slabs here in Birmingham.

[@81grifter]

B&Q don't sell 10mm to dust hardcore, so far as I can see! What should I be buying? I can't find the recommended product on the website...

[@bandq]

Hi there, they're referring to the bulk bag of Tarmac Grano dust - bit.ly/39s4Cfy. You will be able to check availability by entering your post code onto our website. Hope this helps 😊

[@jameslott8940]

Great video, would be helpful if you could add the necessary amounts of aggregate,sand and cement. Thanks

[@jameslott8940]

Hi thanks I was hoping to build the same size shed as mentioned in the video. 6x4 thanks

[@brendanm4179]

Yea even with these instructions I'll need someone to do this for me!

[@bandq]

We believe in you! 😊💪

[@Streetzlegend]

Great video, is it necessary to have concrete poured on the edges or perhaps using pavers edge restraint, to keep the sand under the pavers from over time escaping out the edges?

[@lewispewsey6843]

Nope the shed I've got 8 x 6 has been up 5 years I took the grass up leveled the ground off tarpaulin yes a tarpaulin slabs down all level

[@danwolf4760]

@@lewispewsey6843 did you use a sharp sand and cement mix at all?

[@chavrossavros]

Is this going to be suitable for a heavy metal 8x4 shed which weighs approx 125kg?

[@bandq]

Hi there, we can confirm this will be suitable for a heavy metal 8x4 shed weighing approximately 125kg 😊

[@dragonb1ade]

Is there a smaller bag option of the Grano dust? I may not need that huge a bag for my project

[@bandq]

Hi there. You can take a look at alternative sizes on our website. 😊 Thanks!

[@Dan-qk3mt]

9/1 ratio sand and cement? Bit strong ain’t it?

[@curiousjoe395]

Does that cement set over time? I thought they were going to sprinkle it with water at the end.

[@bandq]

Hi! The important part of this mix and the method is having a level surface and compacting the dry mix under the slabs rather than the grip of a concrete. I would not use this method if you are putting something exceptionally heavy on top but a normal shed would be fine. The proportions are 9 parts sharp sand to 1 part cement, so the grip of the cement is not the main part. Over time the mix will harden but if you put water specifically on it you would turn it more in to a mortar mix which is not what you want for this. I hope this helps!

[@boxingcoachdz6846]

I've seen builders mix cement and sand and spread it all over the flat bed of sharp sand, put the slabs down, then wet the slabs for a few minutes. What do you reckon? Is it a good idea?

[@bandq]

It's best to have the compact aggregate as your sub base. However, sharp sand is a coarse sand used in screeding, block and slab laying applications and also for concrete mixing. Mixing it with cement and water makes a bricklaying mortar. The recommended water-cement ratio varies from 0.4 to 0.6 parts water to 1 part cement. The water requirement depends on any admixture added to mortar to improve its workability. It is always advisable to follow the instructions on the bag as different brands can vary. I hope this helps! 😃

[@Doemaareennaam]

Thank you for the great video! Should we water the base afterwards so the concrete hardens? Another question. I am placing my shed (a big one of 6m x 4m) on a location that already has large pavers on it and around 20cm of sand. Could I mix in the cement with the sand and put the pavers back? I originally planned to poor a concrete base but that was way over budget and DIY seemed too difficult for such a large slab. I am now searching for alternatives using the concrete pavers I already have. Any advice would be very welcome.

[@bandq]

Hi 👋 If the slabs cover the whole area and are flat and the ground below is stable then you should be able to assemble the building directly on top. However, if it is a Log Cabin which will be considerably heavier, then the base really does need to be a concrete base. We hope this helps 😊

[@stevephillips7264]

Great video mt nice and simple .I'll be starting tomorrow using this method. So thankyou

[@Michael-xk9ft]

Thank you very helpful 👍

[@utubewill]

Can I have the link to the aggregate for this job? I can’t find one specifically labelled ‘10mm to dust’ - or any similar that can be recommended? Cheers

[@TheLHGames]

He means 10mm to dust over it.

[@leeosborne6071]

Good video, but in a Rural New build you will almost certainly encounter clay not soil, what would you recommend for this ? same depths or is it wise to remove more clay ?

[@bandq]

Hi Lee 😊 Due to clay moving and shrinking due to moisture levels, we would advise the following: Dig out and lay 100mm of Hard core “Wacker” Plate the hardcore Apply a “dusting” of builders sand to fill the gaps Then: If slabs these can be laid directly on top If concrete, then we would recommend a 1000g membrane by lid before concrete is poured. We hope this helps 😄

[@alexl6514]

Hi @B&Q, how much aggregate needed for the base size in the video?

[@bandq]

Hi Alex, for a 6ft by 4ft shed at 50mm deep you will require about 10bags or 1 bulk bag of aggregates. This will get you the sub base. Then you would need to do the 9 parts sharp sand to 1 part Ballast part which you won’t need as much of but enough to cover the base for the slabs. We also have an article on other methods to lay a shed base. I hope this helps! bit.ly/3gMXqPp

[@nickhaigh8322]

Do you need a vibrating plate to compact the sub base?

[@bandq]

Hi Nick, you don't require a vibrating plate for this. You can simply use a plank of wood and a mallet/hammer. See 2:01 in the video for this. I hope this helps! 😊

[@nickhaigh8322]

@@bandq brilliant thanks!

[@bandq]

You're welcome 😊

[@thepintman6166]

Hi what was the quantity of bags of gravel,Sand and Cement used

[@bandq]

The amount that you'll need of each will depend on the size of your shed. For the dry mix you would use 9 parts sharp sand to 1 part cement. For information on the depth required for each, please see 1:05 in the video. I hope that helps! 😊

[@lildeanc]

Would this work for a metal shed? That has no base

[@bandq]

Hi Dean, yes that should be fine 😊

[@lildeanc]

@@bandq thank you

[@samuelwu4835]

nice video! very very helpful!

[@bandq]

Thank you! 😁👍

[@rabrooke]

I was trying to source some items listed and they don’t show up with the names listed. Can you please tell me if they are names something else for these to things. 10mm to dust aggregate Sharp sand & cement

[@bandq]

Hi there, they're referring to the bulk bag of Tarmac Grano dust - bit.ly/39s4Cfy. Sharp sand & cement are separate materials that you would mix together. You will be able to check availability by entering your post code onto our website. Hope this helps 😊

[@rabrooke]

Thank you. It helps a lot.

[@davidsmith9826]

Where can I find this 10ml to dust in B&Q? There anything else they sell I can use? Found 10ml gravel bulk bag is that any good

[@bandq]

Hi, David! Here's the link to the product: bit.ly/39s4Cfy Hope this helps! 😊⚒

[@JonJon-rj6xo]

is this base ok for a greenhouse that needs fixing

[@bandq]

Hi Jon, this will be a suitable base for a greenhouse 😊

[@noisyshaun]

This is a daft question but what does the cement do in this situation where there is no water added to it and the sand? Unless I missed that. Genuine question from a noob.

[@glencooper43]

The moisture in the soil, air and of course the rain does all that.

[@AJ-ds5gf]

I'd like to know too.

[@MattDavis_BeechingsGhosts]

Can't see the shopping list for an advert blocking the view, could you pin these to the description please?

[@bandq]

Hi, Matt! The video has now been amended and you can see the full list now by skipping to 3:30. We hope this helps 😊

[@LendL1966ps]

Thanks guys

[@wapartist]

Clean and smooth base. Well done

[@annettejackson4771]

what size are the pavers you using

[@bandq]

Hi Annette, as the video is quite old, we don't have these specific details to provide. However, we can confirm it looks similar to our products - 5015111135850 & 5015111135867. I hope this helps! 😊

[@ashwilko114]

Where do you get 10mm to dust aggregate from??

[@bandq]

Hi Ashley, please see the following link. I hope this helps 😊 bit.ly/3PjqIkG

[@ag-hz7tt]

Excellent, thank you

[@bandq]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Ironbuket]

Drainage and runoff? Why make it level with the grass? No membrane? Bodge job?

[@Gangie81]

Great video thank you! Will be using it to extend our shed base. Just wondering, do I need to add any water at the end? Some comments below suggest that the sand and cement harden because of moisture in the air/floor? Other comments seem to suggest you should i.e. add water at the end (using a hose?). Or what happens then if it rains before shed is put on? Sorry just a noob here :)

[@bandq]

Hi! The important part of this mix and the method is having a level surface and compacting the dry mix under the slabs rather than the grip of a concrete. I would not use this method if you are putting something exceptionally heavy on top but a normal shed would be fine. The proportions are 9 parts sharp sand to 1 part cement, so the grip of the cement is not the main part. Over time the mix will harden but if you put water specifically on it you would turn it more in to a mortar mix which is not what you want for this. I hope this helps! 😊

[@Gangie81]

Thank you very much, that helps. We are planning to make the base a little bit bigger (2 ft bigger for width and length) than the shed...would this potentially be an issue if it rains heavily as there would be more water getting on the edges of the base so it would be more of a mortar mix for part of the base? I appreciate your help, sorry just trying to avoid any issues. Thanks

[@bandq]

This should be fine! Good luck with your project 😊

[@iankipling5904]

Don't you have to wet the joint to get them to set?

[@bandq]

Hi, there! Are you referring to the slabs setting into the concrete mix? 😊

[@dh8176]

Can this scale up for an 8x6 or even a 10x8 shed? Or does the cost of materials used here make it uneconomical compared to a concrete base for those sizes? If this is still cheaper, how many Kg of Aggregate, Sand and Cement would be required?

[@bandq]

Hi Daniel, you will be able to scale this up accordingly to suit your project. The value of equipment will be determined on what brand, size, etc. you buy. In regards to how much will be required for your project, these details can be found on the Product information per item. The same ratio will apply. I hope this helps 😊

[@markschofield4766]

Where do u get the 10mm to dust? Can’t see it on the website

[@bandq]

The product code for this is 5030349002736 on our website. Hope this helps! 😊

[@angelamilliken4930]

how does the cement harden without water?

[@bandq]

the important part of this mix and the method is having a level surface and compacting the dry mix under the slabs rather than the grip of a concrete. I would not use this method if you are putting something exceptionally heavy on top but a normal shed would be fine. The proportions are 9 parts sharp sand to 1 part cement, so the grip of the cement is not the main part. Over time the mix will harden but if your put water specifically on it you would turn it more in to a mortar mix which is not what you want for this. I hope this helps! 😊

[@raxgee8302]

Do you need a compacter?

[@tawktruthtv1060]

How much it cost to install a base like that?

[@WeaverJohnny]

Hi, is it OK to put 4mm-8mm aggregate? And how thick it should be in cm? Would it be good 8cm-10cm? Thanks?

[@bandq]

Good morning😊! We'd recommend using 20mm gravel/stone for a shed base and not 4-8mm. For the thickness, it would need to be a minimum of 75mm (7.5cm) so 8cm to 10cm would be fine. Hope this helps!

[@floksy789]

@@bandqGood afternoon.🙂 OK thanks. I already made around 8cm layer of gravel but it is 4-8mm. Overlayed with cca 3cm of cement+sand mix. Hope it will be stable over the time. Shed is tiny 3m2.

[@TheChef1984]

Did anyone ever get to the bottom of what “10mm to dust aggregate” is? Also referred to elsewhere in the video as “hardcore”? Where you can buy it? Is 10mm pea gravel the same thing?

[@bandq]

Hi 😊 The video is referring to the following product; Tarmac Grano dust, Bulk Bag. This can be views on the following link: bit.ly/39s4Cfy. We hope this helps 🙌

[@TheChef1984]

@@bandq thank you! Yes that’s helpful!

[@bandq]

Woo 🎉 Glad we could help out!

[@dannyjf9064]

Where do find aggregate 10mm to dust? 0:50

[@bandq]

Hi there, they're referring to the bulk bag of Tarmac Grano dust - bit.ly/39s4Cfy. You will be able to check availability by entering your post code onto our website. Hope this helps 😊

[@NandoClarissian]

Can I have the link to the aggregate for this job? I can’t find one specifically labelled ‘10mm to dust’. Thank you!

[@martiangod]

Did you find it ? Ive looked everywhere

[@utubewill]

Did you ever find this by any chance? I'm having the same problem

[@kylezmich767]

Does anyone know if this method would be suitable for a 18x6 shed?

[@bandq]

Hi, Kyle 😊 This methdod is fine to lay for a 18x6 shed. Alternaivley, we would suggest a concrete base. We hope this helps 🛠

[@aaronarzo]

What agreggate is used here? Anything you can advise from b&q?

[@Jagokingkong]

10mm to dust! He said in the video.

[@utubewill]

did you ever find out by any chance? I'm trying to find out too

[@rodeo9598]

what are the merterials i need for this

[@bandq]

Hi, there! You can purchase the wooden base, either with the relevant shed or separately on our website, DIY.com. The wooden shed base is a wooden frame that is assembled and then laid directly onto pre-pared flat and level ground. The shed can then be assembled on top of the shed base, starting with the floor first. Hope this helps! 😊

[@tadikasa6973]

Do you use 400×400 mm slabs?

[@BazColne]

Good vid.

[@rodeo9598]

is it really that easy ?

[@bandq]

Easy as ABC 🙌

[@brainorwell3450]

Does the cement and sand needing water. Video shows that you didn't put water.

[@bandq]

Hi, there! Yes, the Cement and Sand requires water to complete the mix. The recommendation of how much water will be given on the side of the packaging and changes depending on the products being used but it should be about 75/80% cement mixture to 15-20% water. Hope this helps!

[@SuccessShared]

Ok, but how much sharp sand and how much cement please? My shed is 6x8'

[@SuccessShared]

@@bandq Many thanks

[@wingmainful]

Does sharp sand have an advantage over building sand?

[@OriginalJonksy]

When you string line for the finished slabs. What if you ground is not level?

[@jan6316]

How long did it take to lay the base?

[@jan6316]

@@bandq Hi, thanks for your reply. :) My shed is 6ft x 4ft and I'd like to know how long it takes as I need to get some handyman/builder to do the base and assemble a shed . Thanks, Jan

[@steve_oo]

The annoying thing is B&Q don’t sell the 10mm to dust aggregate 😂

[@bandq]

Hi Steven, they're referring to the bulk bag of Tarmac Grano dust - product code 5030349002736. Hope this helps 😊

[@grahamjohntait807]

I would lay a concrete base

[@kennethmcdonald9736]

Its so damn typical of life B&Q dont actually sell it

[@bandq]

Hi, Kenneth! Which items from the video are you looking for? 😊

[@kennethmcdonald9736]

@@bandq dust to 10mm aggregate . someone said not sold by B+Q

[@o.g.bwoodwork]

👍

[@xxDynamorexx]

Thought I was listening to Avicii at the beginning...

[@RagingPolo]

would this method also work for a 10x8' shed?

[@bandq]

Hi there, yes it will. Just adjust your measurements and ratios to suit 😊