Types of Shed Foundations and Bases for Bikes
So you’ve done your research and found the best bike shed for your situation, but have you considered the foundation you’ll be placing your bike shed on?
Reading this short post will help you understand the basics of shed foundations, as well as providing a few tips that you can use when choosing your own shed base.
A good quality bike shed base will prolong the life of your shed and prevent it from deteriorating. This will help keep your bikes safe and sound, giving you the peace of mind you need to leave your bikes unattended!
Which Shed Foundations Are Suitable?
Choosing a proper foundation for your bike shed is essential to stop it from falling apart. This is especially true with wooden bike sheds as they can easily become saturated with water, which can quickly lead to rot.
Below we’ve listed some suitable types of shed foundations, some are cheaper and easier to install, whilst others will last longer and be more visually appealing.
Timber Shed Foundation
Whilst timber battens aren’t superb foundations, they’ll elevate your shed off the ground. This will help to keep your shed dry and (if you opt for a wooden shed) free from rot.
Timber battens are easily the cheapest option when it comes to shed foundations unless you have a pre-existing foundation. We cover some suitable pre-existing foundations a bit later.
Make sure your battens will remain level to prevent your shed from warping over time.
Wooden Timber Shed Base Pressure Treated
Pressure-treated wood is highly resistant to rot and will make a reliable foundation for your shed.
A shed base such as our pressure treated shed base kit will save you time, but will also withstand the elements, helping to retain the structural integrity of your shed for a long time.
Building your own wooden base is a doable option for those with the tools & skills.
Otherwise, a wooden frame is great as it can easily be removed if the bike shed is no longer required.
Paving Slabs
Paving slabs are less industrial looking than a wooden frame or timber batten. They can also provide a nice area to relax on a warm summer’s day.
You might already have paving in your garden, in which case it should make a great shed foundation.
Before you erect your shed, make sure to check that the paving remains level, as over time it can become uneven as the ground moves.
Whilst loose paving slabs can work temporarily, they’re likely to become uneven over time. This means you’ll be better off fitting them permanently.
If you don’t know how to do this yourself, a local builder will normally be able to assist for a reasonable price.
Plastic Shed Base
Plastic shed bases are a similar concept to wooden frames and provide a drainable surface for you to plant your shed on.
When it comes to how to build a plastic shed base, plastic shed bases are made using several small, gridded squares which are placed next to each other to create a larger foundation.
Once installed, you’ll need to fill the plastic grids with gravel. The gravel adds strength to the plastic frame, whilst allowing water to drain away quickly.
Building a Concrete Foundation for a Shed
Concrete shed foundations are easily one of your best options. Once installed, a concrete foundation will remain level for a long period of time if installed correctly.
If you don’t have the tools, a local builder or handyman should be able to do this for a very affordable price.
Instructions for how to install a concrete shed base can be found in the video below.
Patio/Driveway
Many houses have existing bricked and paved surfaces. As long as they’re flat and not prone to becoming waterlogged, these will serve as a good foundation for your bike shed.
Driveways or areas paved with bricks, concrete, tarmac or paving slabs will work well. Whilst others such as stone covered gardens would benefit from a wooden frame being installed before you erect your shed.
Whilst you could technically mount your shed directly onto gravel or stones, a wooden base will provide increased stability. This is essential if you plan on storing several heavy bikes or garden equipment inside
Conclusion – What is the Best Shed Base for a Bike Shed?
As long as it’s level and supportive, any form of shed base will be better than none at all!
Whilst you could save money and erect your wooden bike shed on your garden lawn without any foundations, you’d regret it in the coming months as it slowly deteriorated before your eyes.
Without level, drainable foundations, wooden sheds will rot, metal sheds will rust and plastic sheds will warp.
If you’re going to invest money in a good quality bike shed, make sure to budget for a shed base.
Finally, it’s important that you learn how to properly secure your bikes in place, this will prevent thieves from pinching your investment!