Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: stuart30 on 22 January 2009, 18:58:50

Title: Slabs or gravel....?
Post by: stuart30 on 22 January 2009, 18:58:50
Something a bit different.... ;D

The wife has forced me too buy a shed,its 7ft x 5ft and will be located in front garden.

Im aware its going too need a base however im wondering do i really have too put down a slab base or would gravel do the same job.

Thinking is mark out slightly larger area than the shed"s size cut and lift the turf and lay a couple of inch"s of gravel...have a fairly large amount of gravel from back garden that's going too be skipped so ideally (and due too me being a lazy work shy loafer) id like too use the gravel (plus kills two birds with one stone).

Any idea"s on whats best... :y
Title: Re: Slabs or gravel....?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 22 January 2009, 19:12:13
Not an ideal base for a shed.....now mixing the gravel with sand and cement.....that would work!
Title: Re: Slabs or gravel....?
Post by: stuart30 on 22 January 2009, 19:16:33
Quote
Not an ideal base for a shed.....now mixing the gravel with sand and cement.....that would work!


Sounds like a plan.... :)

Any idea on the depth needed.?
Title: Re: Slabs or gravel....?
Post by: markey mark on 22 January 2009, 19:20:26
at least 3 inches  :y
Title: Re: Slabs or gravel....?
Post by: vauxfan2k on 22 January 2009, 19:20:43
I mounted my 8x10 shed on a layer of pallets, (nailed together and covered in ply before building shed on top)

I made sure the ground was level, and made anchor points to keep the shed tied down.

so far survived 3 x 100mph+ storms and has no damp or rott. oh and if I move house I can take it with me  :y
Title: Re: Slabs or gravel....?
Post by: STMO123 on 22 January 2009, 19:23:53
Whether you use slabs or gravel make sure you put at least 4 wooden bearers down for the shed to sit on. Otherwise it will get wet and rot in no time. 4x3 is ideal but 3x2 will do.
Title: Re: Slabs or gravel....?
Post by: willyboy on 22 January 2009, 19:25:28
Quote
Not an ideal base for a shed.....now mixing the gravel with sand and cement.....that would work!


That sounds a great idea buy enough sand  dig up the lawn & then you could do a complete garage base size mix throw away the mower/the trimmer etc more space in the hut !! ;D ;D
Title: Re: Slabs or gravel....?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 22 January 2009, 19:28:40
Quote
Quote
Not an ideal base for a shed.....now mixing the gravel with sand and cement.....that would work!


That sounds a great idea buy enough sand  dig up the lawn & then you could do a complete garage base size mix throw away the mower/the trimmer etc more space in the hut !! ;D ;D

I personally favour astro turf.....the wife can bloody get out there and hoover it then!
Title: Re: Slabs or gravel....?
Post by: Martin_1962 on 22 January 2009, 19:33:14
DOuble height row of bricks and fill the inside full of hardcore from the garden and top off with cement
Title: Re: Slabs or gravel....?
Post by: albitz on 22 January 2009, 19:35:38
I am currently seeking a 17x8 shed. the 8x8 is so full of tools and spares etc I can hardly get in.
Title: Re: Slabs or gravel....?
Post by: stuart30 on 22 January 2009, 19:45:35
Christ i never even wanted the damn thing....started too break out in a cold sweat at the thought. :o

Title: Re: Slabs or gravel....?
Post by: chrisl_1960 on 22 January 2009, 19:50:21
you've got the gravel, just buy sand and cement, a few hours of back breaking mixing and hey presto, if you want cheap wood, plenty at the Kent seaside  :y :y

or you could have a meet outside your house, invite the lads in for a beer or two and have a shovel party  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Slabs or gravel....?
Post by: The Red Baron on 22 January 2009, 19:59:21
you cant beat a good concrete base to be honest.  :y
Title: Re: Slabs or gravel....?
Post by: stuart30 on 22 January 2009, 20:07:51
Quote
you've got the gravel, just buy sand and cement, a few hours of back breaking mixing and hey presto, if you want cheap wood, plenty at the Kent seaside  :y :y

or you could have a meet outside your house, invite the lads in for a beer or two and have a shovel party  ;D ;D

Hmmm could fit a dozen Omega"s on the front lawn quite comfortably....plus they could all ""help themselves too my unwanted tatt"". ;D


Looks like the concrete base looks most likely.... :y

3mm shouldnt be too much hard work. ;D
Title: Re: Slabs or gravel....?
Post by: Vamps on 22 January 2009, 20:49:45
Quote
Quote
Quote
Not an ideal base for a shed.....now mixing the gravel with sand and cement.....that would work!


That sounds a great idea buy enough sand  dig up the lawn & then you could do a complete garage base size mix throw away the mower/the trimmer etc more space in the hut !! ;D ;D

I personally favour astro turf.....the wife can bloody get out there and hoover it then!

We are seriously considering this ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Slabs or gravel....?
Post by: Tony H on 22 January 2009, 21:36:35
Another alternative to concrete is flags which you can Quite often pick up for nothing just the job of collecting them, keep your eyes open in the local papers. Which ever you choose as STMO beat me to it Use timber bearers. A good tip is to treat the bearers with wood preservative then nail damp proof membrane along the edge of the bearer and allow it to slightly overlap the timber using galvanized nails this prevents moisture creeping through the timber into the shed base. nail the membrane to the uppermost side of the bearers the face that would be in contact with the shed floor.
If you don't want to get that involved gravel would do but not ideal but you should incorporate the bearers as described, but make sure the bearers are level and well bedded in.
Title: Re: Slabs or gravel....?
Post by: stuart30 on 22 January 2009, 21:54:20
Certainly some sound ideas...will have a think over the weekend. :y