Installing a new building base

Before starting any work in constructing a new base for your Victorian Garden Building, it is important to consider a few factors in preparing the site:

Position

– ideally the building should be positioned where you are most likely to enjoy and often this is also a very visible position as many users also enjoy the building as a focal point.

Many users prefer to position the Building in the sun but if you are fortunate to have a large garden with a sunny aspect, you may also wish to position the Building in dappled shade which will offer a relaxing retreat away from the hot sun.

Try to select a spot with a good level.

If the building is to be positioned on a sloping site, additional site works will be necessary to ensure there is no soil in direct contact with the sides of the garden building and there is good surface water drainage around the building’s perimeter.

Ground Excavations

– it is essential that the ground is excavated a minimum of 150 mm (6″), soft ground will require deeper digging to find firm ground.

Any tree or plant root should be removed from the area.

We often excavate 200 mm and more.

Excavations should be level and it is very useful to line the edges with suitable edging boards, these will help to contain the setting concrete.

Before adding concrete, line the base of the excavated with a DPM (damp proof membrane) this will ensure that the concrete base will remain dry and a very good precaution for damp sites.

Concrete

– a strong mix is recommended, typically 3 parts sand, 2 parts gravel and 1 part cement.

Ensure that the sand, gravel and cement are thoroughly mixed before pouring into the excavated area.

Once poured the concrete should be tampered well in position, and a timber lath will be useful to provide a general level surface.

The concrete should be allowed to set and cure for at least 7 days before installing your new garden building.