The quality of the floor or base for your shed is important – a poorly designed and/or constructed base makes the shed hard to use. It can also can result in water leaking in and, potentially, damage in windy conditions. After all, effective fastening to a stable base is an essential element in any building project.

Here are some suggestions for making a strong, weatherproof base for your shed.

1) CONCRETE SLAB

A rebated concrete slab is an excellent base – highly stable and long-lasting. The rebated edge allows the bottom of the shed wall to sit below the floor level. This prevents water from leaking in. It is important to make the slab and rebate edge the correct dimensions to ensure a good fit – check https://gardenstar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/base-dimensions_gardenstar.pdf for help with this for Gardenstar sheds and aviaries. The same concept is applicable to any brand of shed – just make sure you have the dimensions correct.

2) TIMBER FLOOR

A timber floor is sometimes a more practical solution than a concrete slab, especially on sloping ground; (very common in Tasmania!). The actual floor can be made to the same dimensions as shown for concrete slabs. The rebated edge can be formed by making the timber frame the same size as the overall dimension of a slab and stepping the flooring sheet or boards back from the outside edge to form the rebate. Typically you would use 200 x 50mm joists at 450mm centres for floor frame. 

The floor frame is attached to treated timber or steel RHS posts which have been firmly embedded in the ground at 1500mm centres, either with concrete or rammed clay. 

3) GARDENSTAR BASE KIT

Gardenstar Base Kits are also available and are a cost-effective way to make a good floor. These consist of galvanised steel sections which are assembled on site to provide a framework on which flooring (e.g. particle board, or preferably Formply) can be laid. A solid, well-drained and level site is essential for the Base Kits.

Please note that the Gardenstar Base Kits are designed specifically for use with Gardenstar products only.